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Sunday, July 30, 2006, Morning
K.C. Chiefs Training Camp Daily Updates

Today’s practice began at a cool 79 degrees, but the humidity was extremely high at 83 percent. There was a fresh breeze coming from the ESE at 5 mph. The high humidity made for a very sticky and uncomfortable day but the cloud cover did give the 400 fans and the players a bit of relief from the scorching sun, which should be out in its entirety at this afternoon’s practice.

Press Conference With Coach Herm Edwards

Coach Herm Edwards addressed the media following today’s practice.“I thought it was a very, very intense practice.” Last night he told the players to get in the mindset, “You can’t waste practices, especially in pads.” The players responded to Edwards’ comments today by being very physical in the 9-on-7.

Guard Brian Waters is out with an ankle injury for a couple of days to a week, giving someone an opportunity to go in there and play. Edwards says that the difficult part is that, “We need to have some type of rhythm on offense, and it starts with the line.” Today he said that the offensive linemen got off the ball and pass protected well. Cornerback Lenny Walls and wide receiver Craphonso Thorpe both didn’t practice today. Edwards said that Walls has hamstring issues and Thorpe has a bruised shoulder. Neither of the injuries are long-term.

The bulk of the Edwards interview entailed discussion about cornerback Ty Law, cornerback Patrick Surtain and cornerback Benny Sapp. In regards to having the versatility of both Law and Surtain, Edwards said, “Well I think you’ve got guys that have been on both sides, and they can adapt. When you always play one side, your footwork is hard to change, so I like when guys can switch. That way you can match up your corners on certain receivers,” no matter what though, “Patrick and Ty will do what’s best for the team.” Sapp is doing a great job in the nickel package for the Chiefs thus far, according to Edwards.

When the media asked about the progress of linebacker Nick Reid, Edwards said, “In shorts he may not have the flashiness of some guys, but in pads he shows up a lot better. He’s a very instinctive football player. He’s not a guy to get lost when the pads are on.”

Offense

The intensity of practice was evident from the onset. Not only was there constant discourse on the field among all the players and coaches, but also the fans were highly engaged in the practice. During the first offensive drill, quarterback Damon Huard took all the snaps, but only handed off to the running backs. Running backs Larry Johnson, Quentin Griffin, Derrick Ross and McKenzi Smith all participated.

As practice proceeded to some 7-on-7 action, quarterback Trent Green worked with wide receivers Eddie Kennison, Sammie Parker and Dante Hall, running back Larry Johnson and tight end Tony Gonzalez. The offensive linemen included: tackle Kyle Turley, center Casey Wiegmann and center/tackle Chris Bober.

Huard worked with wide receivers Darrell Hill and Jeris McIntyre, tight ends Jason Dunn and Kris Wilson, running backs Dee Brown and McKenzi Smith, guard Peter Heyer and tackle Will Svitek.

In red zone 7-on-7’s, quarterback Trent Green was 6-10. Tight end Tony Gonzalez made one catch and dropped one in the end zone, while wide receiver Dante Hall grabbed 2-3 passes. Tight end Kris Wilson and wide receiver Sammie Parker both made diving catches that impressed the crowd, But Kennison fumbled the ball once and had the ball defelcted on a second attempt. Quarterback Damon Huard was 3-3 in this series, completing passes to running backs Dee Brown and Quentin Griffin, wide receiver Jeris McIntyre; but Brown fumbled the football after his catch.

In 11-on-11’s, quarterback Trent Green was 6-8 and threw one interception. He completed three passes to running back Larry Johnson, and one each to tight end Jason Dunn, wide receiver Eddie Kennison and running back McKenzi Smith. Quarterback Damon Huard was 1-4, completing his only pass to running back Quentin Griffin. Huard couldn't connect with wide receiver Darrell Hill on two attempts and wide receiver Jeris McIntyre dropped a pass. Quarterback Casey Printers completed a deep pass to wide receiver Nate Curry. Quarterback Brodie Croyle completed 1-2 passes - the completion went to running back Derrick Ross.

Defense

Today’s morning practice was the first morning that the players wore full pads; it was also the practice where cornerback Ty Law made his first appearance. 

Law suited up as a Kansas City Chief for the first time and looked good in his red No. 24 uniform. The secondary looked brilliant with the All-Pro Law starting opposite Pro Bowler Patrick Surtain.

Coach Herm Edwards said of Law’s first day, “He’s a little rusty but he’s only been here a day. The great part about him is that he’s in good shape. His footwork and stuff will come. We don’t want to wear him out on the first day.” 

Law will be penciled in as the starting right cornerback which will mean he will play out of position, away from the left side, where he has played all of his career.

“He was here first,” said Law of Surtain. “I’ll be starting off on the right side but I think we’re going to be matching up on receivers. Whatever receiver we have, that’s what side we’re going to.”

Lenny Walls, who was playing right cornerback during camp until Law’s arrival, sat out today’s practice with what Coach Edwards said was a hamstring injury. 

7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills highlighted most of practice, as players got physical and began looking like a solid NFL football team. 

Cornerback Benny Sapp highlighted most of practice as he played the role of nickelback.  Sapp made consistent stops, batted down passes, and even recovered a fumble.  The fumble came when middle linebacker Kawika Mitchell leveled running back Derrick Ross. 

Linebacker Keyaron Fox also made his presence felt by making big hits every time he got the chance. 

Safety Jarrad Page joined the action late and made a huge hit on tight end Tony Gonzalez to cause an incomplete pass. 

Linebacker Kendrell Bell intercepted a quarterback Trent Green pass and proceeded to take it the other way.  Unfortunately for Bell, he coughed the ball up and gave it back to the offense thanks to center Casey Wiegmann’s recovery. 

Players were flying around all over the field and were hungry to make plays. Safety Greg Wesley made quite a few on the day, none bigger than the hit he put on running back Larry Johnson. 

Running back Quentin Griffin showed his athleticism most of practice.  His skills did not help him though, when linebacker Boomer Grigsby blew up into the backfield and stopped Griffin in his tracks for a loss. 

After an intense practice, cornerback Ty Law met with media to talk about his first day as a Chief. “I’m glad to be here,” said the 12-year NFL veteran. “If you asked me if I want another week or two off, everybody would like another week or two.  As you get older in this game, everybody believes you don’t need four weeks of training camp.  It’s a grind and it’s tough, but that’s what training camp is about.”

Special Teams

One of the first things on the agenda at this morning’s practice was the kicking drills. Kicker Lawrence Tynes was a perfect 7-7 on field goals, hitting from distances of 24, 28, 31, 34, 38, 40 and 44-yards. Long snapper Adam Johnson and punter Dustin Colquitt performed perfectly in snapping and holding the ball for Tynes.

Fans

To fans’ dismay, practice ended almost 30 minutes earlier than the previously scheduled time this morning.

Joe Gresback, 13, of River Falls, has been coming to camp since he can remember. Every day he rides his bike to Ramer Field Sports Complex to take in all that he can while the Chiefs are here. Gresback helps volunteer also. Some of his duties include working in the Information Gazebo and acting as a security guard, making sure no one goes on the paths around the north side of the fields. He’s a little disappointed that Priest Holmes isn’t back this year for camp.

Ken Harries and son, Tyler, 15, have been coming to training camp for seven years. They make the 11-hour drive from Topeka, Kan., to escape the 115 degree weather. Ken is glad to finally see cornerback Ty Law at camp. “It’s great for the team, and great for the defense for Law to be here now,” said Ken with a grin on his face. The Harries love coming to River Falls to experience this; they love UW-RF and said that everyone in the town is very welcoming.

This is the third summer camp for Gina and Josh Cleveland and family. Their sons, Jackson, 5, Samuel, 3, and Zachary, 1, were having a good time chasing each other around in the grass. The Clevelands like coming to camp because it means that football season is starting, which they are very excited about. Being from River Falls, they love it when the Chiefs come here every year. Gina thinks the community loves it too, “It’s just a great experience for everyone.” When asked why he liked the Chiefs, Jackson piped up, “Because they’re good!” Josh added that he thinks this year they definitely will be.

Craig Gillison from Independence, Mo., and Cheryl Hotchkiss from Grandview, Mo., are enjoying their first time in River Falls for the training camp. While they thought they would escape the heat in Missouri, Gillison and Hotchkiss were surprised by the hot weather, but were glad to feel a nice breeze at today’s practice. Both are looking forward to seeing the Chiefs this season, and would like to see them enter the playoffs. Gillison also mentioned that he really likes new Head Coach Herm Edwards and described him as a good communicator.

Beth Bass and Lorie Downing from Carthage, Mo., are spending their third summer at camp. They enjoy coming to River Falls each summer because they like to watch rookies and get autographs. Both Bass and Downing are excited for the new season and will be closely watching players such as cornerback Ty Law, linebacker Boomer Grisgby, running back Larry Johnson, wide receiver Eddie Kennison, wide receiver Dante Hall and quarterback Trent Green.

In the stands for the morning practice today were longtime Chiefs fans Francis and Brenda Fasching from Olathe, Kan. This is the Fasching’s first time at the training camp. Although they thought that the weather would be much cooler than it is back home, the Faschings are excited to be in River Falls and are having a great time.

Terri and Nicole Arnone came from Oak Gove, Kan., to experience their third year at camp. Terri enjoys coming to River Falls each summer because she likes to see her husband and children enjoy the practice. Terri’s daughter, Nicole, has fun watching her favorite players like wide receiver Dante Hall and running back Larry Johnson.

This is the fifth summer spent at camp in River Falls for Bill and Patricia Kent from Independence, Mo. The Kents look forward to camp each summer because they enjoy watching their favorite players practice and getting a chance to preview what to expect for the upcoming season. The Kents also like the city and people of River Falls, which they describe as, “very accommodating to Chiefs fans.”

Ronald Davis of Wichita, Kan., and his two daughters have been at training camp since Friday, and have really been impressed with how hard the players are practicing. Ronald has made the trip from Wichita three years and has never seen the players put forth so much effort. He was happy to see cornerback Ty Law at practice today, but noted, “It’s great to see him out there, but he can’t be the only savior. Others are going to have to step up to get our defense back on track.” Davis would like to stay for the whole camp, but must leave tonight because his daughters need to get back home for work.

Tom McIntyre and Pete Ruby had a close eye on #24 as he graced the fields today. “That William Bartee really has made improvements this year,” said McIntyre. Later they were informed that #24 is actually cornerback Ty Law, who was given the number from Bartee after he signed with the Chiefs last week. This morning was Law’s first practice with the Chiefs and the roster sheets hadn’t been updated.

Diana Wescott was peacefully sitting in the shade reading the latest issue of Better Homes and Garden, while her husband, Gary, a die-hard Chiefs fan, watched the morning practice. Although not much of a football fan, Diana doesn’t mind coming with her husband to attend the Chiefs’ practices. Originally from Kansas City and now residing in Minnesota, the Wescotts hope to one day return to their hometown.

Extra...Extra

Defensive linemen Ryan Sims and Tamba Hali looked like machines in drills today. Their intensity was very evident as time after time they broke through the offensive line to get to the quarterback. Defensive line coach Tim Krumrie was very vocal during the drills, which really got the lineman fired up. It’s surprising that these coaches still have a voice when practice is over with the way they scream and shout out plays.

After practice today, like most other days, a group of players went to the west field to practice with the jugs. The group of wide receivers, Kyle Brown, Jeris McIntyre, Nate Curry, Chris Hannon, Jeff Webb, Dante Hall and Sammy Knight, looked like they weren’t too tired for the drills after a shorter practice this morning.

Signing autographs after practice this morning were tight ends and quarterbacks. Stealing most of the attention were quarterback Trent Green and tight end Tony Gonzalez.

The concession stands have a great selection of Chiefs’ hats and t-shirts, ranging from $14-25. They also carry flags, windsocks, stickers, checkbook covers and banners. It’s the perfect place for fans looking to get decked out in Chiefs’ gear.

Students and staff covering the Chiefs this year include in front row, left to right: Sara Dehn (Senior Day), Amie Eller (Kids' Days), John Hepokoski (sidelines), Holly Sigler (photographs), Jude Harder (fans, Punt, Pass & Kick). Back, left to right: Mark Kinders (Public Affairs Director), Kat Krtnick (sidelines), Deb Toftness (Office Manager), Brenda Bredahl (Public Affairs Editor), Jim Thies (Sports Information Director), Jens Gunelson (University Photographer).

Chiefs fans! Make sure you tune in to the 2006 Daily Updates page on a regular basis. We will be posting sidelines and fans information after each practice while the Chiefs are in camp.