PREVIOUS UPDATES

Monday, August 7, 2006, Morning
K.C. Chiefs Training Camp Daily Updates

Defense

After a scrimmage on Friday against the Vikings, Family Fun Night practice on Saturday, and a day off Sunday; players got back to what they do best on Monday morning, play football.

The defense was much of the same except the rotation was mixed up a little more. Defensive tackles Lional Dalton and Ryan Sims played more with the second rotation while Ron Edwards and James Reed played with the starting lineup.  

The Chiefs have experienced injuries at the tackle position with Dalton and Sims and to make up for it, they recently signed eight-year NFL veteran Shane Burton. Burton was on the Carolina Panther roster the last two years but did not see the playing field. He should provide solid depth at the position along with leadership from a back-up role. For his career, Burton has tallied 18 sacks, 145 tackles, and three interceptions.  

Away from the line, the linebackers and secondary had the same look. Cornerback Lenny Walls, expected to be back this week, was still sidelined with an injury. Cornerbacks Ty Law and Patrick Surtain have gotten all the repetitions with the first team and Benny Sapp has been the nickel back. Upon the return of Walls, the cornerback position should not only be solid, but have capable back ups set in case of injuries to the front line.  

Linebacker Derrick Johnson continues to show why he was a top-10 draft choice a year ago and keeps playing like he has something to prove. Linebacker Boomer Grigsby has also shown why he has held onto his Chiefs roster spot.  

The defense looks to have filled most of their holes and should be in good shape going into Houston.

Offense

Though running back Michael Bennett was in full pads today, he did not practice. Head Coach Herm Edwards said in an interview following morning practice that Bennett would probably not start practicing until next week. Bennett might do some individual position drills, but Edwards wants to make sure that Bennett's hamstring is healed before he takes the field.

Many of the veteran players did not practice this morning, including: tight end Tony Gonzalez; guard Will Shields; left tackle Kyle Turley and quarterback Trent Green.

Since quarterback Trent Green was not practicing today, Damon Huard quarterbacked the first team.

In a 9-on-7 drill, the offensive linemen worked on blocking schemes, while the running backs experimented with different pass patterns. Running back Larry Johnson carried the ball the first four snaps, while running backs McKenzi Smith and Quentin Griffin each carried the ball twice.

Next, in a 7-on-7 drill, the offense concentrated on its passing game. Quarterback Damon Huard completed 7-8 passes, and quarterback Casey Printers went 4-5. Wide receiver Samie Parker continued to be impressive, making three receptions. Tight end Kris Wilson caught a sideline pass from Huard and wide receiver Nate Curry registered a reception up the middle from Printers.

The 11-on-11 drills were broken up into two periods today. Between the sessions, the offense worked on reverses with the wide receivers and sideline patterns with the tight ends.  

During the first set of 11-on-11s, the offense primarily worked on its running attacks. Quarterback Damon Huard took the first four snaps, handing off the ball to running back Larry Johnson twice and running back Dee Brown once. One pass, intended from tight end Jason Dunn, was too low. Quarterback Casey Printers handed off the ball to running backs Brown and McKenzi Smith. Quarterback Brodie Croyle was back in the mix today, delivering the ball to running back Quentin Griffin and running back Derrick Ross.  

In the second series of 11-on-11s, quarterback Damon Huard took 11 snaps. He finished the series 3-6 on pass attempts, connecting with fullback Ronnie Cruz, running back Larry Johnson and wide receiver Dante Hall. Tight end Kris Wilson bobbled two passes from Huard, letting both hit the ground. Johnson had four running opportunities with this lineup. When quarterback Casey Printers took the field, he completed 1-4 pass attempts. The one pass to tight end Adam Johnson was complete, but two other passes intended for wide receiver Kyle Brown were overthrown.

Coach Herm Edwards Post-Practice Interview

In an interview with Head Coach Herm Edwards following morning practice, he commented on the pace of practice. "It was a little sluggish early which I anticipated when you give them a night off. But I thought the last couple of periods the tempo picked up.

"We're starting to move some young guys into the first group and I think that's important. I think they've earned the opportunity to go with the first group. Obviously, if you watched practice they're playing different positions. For the most part, there are some young guys that have been here who have an opportunity to play a lot of football for us, and I think what you have to do is put them in position to go with the first group at times to see if they can handle it. That's kind of how we'll handle it in the pre-season, too.

"Young guys will play. Veteran guys will play a certain amount of plays this week. I've always done it that way. Certain guys you're going to protect, but at the end of the day we'll make sure that our veteran guys who are going to start for us will have enough time in the pre-season so there will be ready for the opener."

Defensive tackle Ryan Sims has been running with the second and third strings the past few days. Edwards explained his movement. "He's doing a good job of competing every day. He's realizing that he needs to be a consistent player for us. There are certain things we're asking these guys to do and if they don't do them obviously we're not getting to them and that's important to do.

"But for the most part, any coach is always looking for consistency from his players. I think Ryan is working on that, but he's not working with the first team as much as he was earlier in camp. But he hasn't quit working and that's probably the most important thing: don't quit working. There's no starting roster at this point. You have to understand that. That's what training camp is about: it's about competing."

When one of the media members asked why Sims isn't running with the first team, Edwards retorted. "For the defensive line -- probably at the end of the day when the season kicks off - there are going to be six guys that are running on the first team. You've got to understand that because we're going to rotate these guys. They're not going to play 60 plays. It's impossible for them given what we're asking them to do. We're asking our guys to run. Our defensive line is almost like linebackers. We're asking them to make plays if the ball is anywhere inside the numbers, they've got to go run and pursue and make the play. It's not like you take two steps if you're a defensive lineman and say, 'well you know what, I've done my job.'" That's not true in this defense and this being said, you're talking about 300 pound guys you want to sprint. They're not built to do that so there will be a rotation you'll see when the season starts including six guys and maybe seven."

Edwards assured that Sims play on the second string is not a demotion. "No there's no demotion. When you talk about starters - especially on our defense - you'll realize right away especially with the inside guys like the linemen and the interior guys that they are going to rotate. Now, on the program you've got to list 11 guys, but at the end of the day when you count the reps a lot of those guys will have an equal amount of reps. They're all going to play and that's why it's important for some of our starters to get in shape. We're getting them more reps in practice because in the pre-season games, as you know, they don't play a lot. And, if you don't play your starters a lot they're going to get out of shape."

The third quarterback spot is still in limbo. Regarding quarterback Casey Printers play Edwards said, "He's doing OK. He practices well and now what he has to do is apply what we're asking him to do in practice on the field. In Minnesota he got a little out of whack but he's a talented guy, got a strong arm, is a knowledgeable kid and wants to learn. It's good to have and as the pre-season goes it'll be fun to watch him cause he's going to make a lot of plays."

The other quarterback vying for the spot is rookie third-round draft pick Brodie Croyle. But Croyle has had a sore shoulder the past week and hasn't practiced much. Edwards said that he's not ready to throw full out yet. "We'll just manage him day to day."

Running back Michael Bennett still hasn't practiced, and Edwards said that he probably won't play this week still. "Probably next week he'll be in the fray. He'll probably do some individual stuff at most, but not a whole lot. A hamstring (strain) and we're going to baby it; we don't want the guy to come out and tear his hamstring and then it's a real problem."

Bennett is definitely the guy that the Chiefs were looking for in a back-up running back; having him will able the team to expand their playbook. Edwards said, "Yeah, because he's a speed guy who can break the big run. He's different than the guys that we have. We're going to have to put a package in him for when Larry needs a blow. That's understandable. But our main thing is to get our young players caught up right now with what we want to do. He's going to be a guy that's going to have to learn our offense. It's a big playbook."

Some of the key veteran players did not practice this morning. Some of the media questioned why Edwards would give them the morning off since the entire team had yesterday off. Edwards explained, "Because some of them are one-a-day. Some will come back this afternoon. We know who they are and we schedule it that way. We've talked about it. Turley had a (morning) off today but he'll come back this afternoon."

Wide receiver Craphonso Thorpe's injury has been out of commission for most of Summer Training Camp so far. Edwards said, "He's got a shoulder; he's got to get well. I don't know him because I haven't been here long. He's been a little bit nicked. But Maxy's come back and Hodge, too. That's good and we signed Shane Burton who was with me in New York at inside tackle. We were down on inside guys and he's got a chance."

Edwards also commented on guard Brian Waters' injury saying that he doesn't anticipate him playing this week or next.

One of the big enigmas at camp still is the status of tackle Willie Roaf. Edwards still has hope though. "I haven't talked to him. I know he's out of the country yet. I always say be patient. I was pretty patient with Ty Law and it all sort of worked out."

As far as rookies go, Edwards has been impressed by a select few. "I think the safeties have kind of shown they've got something to them. I think Jeff Webb has a lot of potential and some young linebackers who have done a good job. Our first pick will be a pretty good player. He's got a great motor. What we saw in college he shows he can do here, too. We'll see how the season goes.

"I think Dee Brown is having a good camp. I saw something I needed to see against Minnesota. I saw some toughness. He's a smart, dependable guy you can trust. I like him."

Edwards also answered questions about the number of interior lineman on the roster. "You've got to create competition and that's how your players get better. I believe that and I think that's how your players get better and your football team gets better, too. They've got to compete; they've got to work every day. No one's making this team on default. I told them that. They're not going to make the team on default.

"At that position we've got some guys nicked. We went into Minnesota with only eight defensive linemen. In the preseason you can't have eight defensive linemen and survive it. We need more guys there and we have some guys who are nicked and that puts all the burden on the guys that are working. You wear those guys out. Our tempo is not going to slow down. And when those new DB's showed up today you had another pair of fresh legs. That's more reps for them and less for the others."

Defensive tackle John Browning still wasn't at practice today. Edwards says that he will be out for at lest six weeks. Because of this injury, the Chiefs signed defensive tackle Shane Burton. Edwards described the role Burton will play: "Very, very tough guy, smart guy. Plays well with his hands. The year I was with him he had about six batted balls. It was kind of amazing. He does a great job of getting his hands up and knock balls down."

Fans

Don Fowler is a huge Chiefs fan and is at his second training camp. His wife Bette came along for the ride, from Kearney, Mo. The two arrived last night and since haven’t been able to stop thinking about how nice the weather is in Wisconsin. When asked about tackle Willie Roaf, Don replied, “I’m surprised he hasn’t retired before now.” He thinks tackle Kyle Turley is doing a fine job though. With all of the new players this year, Don wonders how well the team is going to play together: “Look at the winning teams like the Steelers and the Patriots; they plug another player into the lineup and keep on going. We can’t seem to do that.” Hopefully, everyone will do well under new coach Herm Edwards.

Chip Bothmann of St. Louis, Mo., is excited about the upcoming football season. The Chiefs season ticket holder said about Coach Herm Edwards, “He’s awesome. I’m looking forward to the way he runs practices and to the way he runs the team. I think it’s going to be a good year.” Being from St. Louis, Bothmann is also a Rams fan. He’s enjoyed watching previous Rams player tackle Kyle Turley’s career thus far, and thinks he should be solid for the Chiefs. Bothmann will be at camp until midweek, enjoying the cool Wisconsin weather.

Christie Ram of Souix Falls, S.D., and Ken Large of Olathe, Kan., are at camp scouting new players for the upcoming season. The couple met in a football chat-room nine years ago, and found that they had a mutual passion for the Chiefs. They are really happy about the new coach. Although they liked Dick Vermeil, they think Herm Edwards is “definitely a winning coach,” mainly because he was with the Chiefs a long time ago. They also think cornerback Ty Law is a great edition to the team, and will help the Chiefs to a Super Bowl. Every year Ram says, “This is the year!” Hopefully this year, she’s right.  

Jude Davila from Kansas City was present at this morning's practice. Davila, who owns his own lifestyle management company called Prime Time Assistants, is currently working with 14 Chiefs players during summer training camp. This is his second season with the Chiefs and enjoys helping the players out by running errands so they can concentrate on football and performing well this season. Some of the duties Davila's company does include cleaning, limo services, hotels and other errands.

Lisa and Todd Hammer, from Chillicothe, Ill., traveled to River Falls with their two sons Ryne, 10, and Brady, 6, for the Chiefs training camp. The Hammers were at Family Fun Night on Saturday and had a great time. Lisa mentioned that she liked the new autograph policy. Some of the autographs Ryne and Brady received included defensive tackle Ryan Sims, linebacker Kendrell Bell, and safety William Bartee. The Hammers are huge Chiefs fans and live only 30 miles away from linebacker Boomer Grigsby. Ryne and Brady have their favorite players picked out for the season, which include tight end Tony Gonzalez and running back Priest Holmes.

When visiting the concession stands during practice, you might find University of Wisconsin-River Falls senior Erin Fransen. Fransen, who is majoring in field biology, works for Conference Services, which does concession for all of the University's summer camps. This is Fransen's first year working the stand and says that she really enjoys it and finds it fun to talk to fans and see where they are from. Fransen said she has met fans from everywhere including Iowa, Texas, and of course, Kansas City. Fransen also mentioned that business is often steady, but that it was extremely busy on Family Fun Night.

Robert Dewaide and Steve Horacek, from Abbotsford, Wis., attended this morning’s practice primarily to see Chiefs star running back Larry Johnson. It is their first time attending the Chiefs Summer Training Camp and they were ecstatic about being able to see NFL players up so close. Dewaide is a defensive lineman, while Horacek is a defensive back for the Abbottsford High School football team. Dewaide enjoyed watching the lively and explosive defensive end Tamba Hali go through drills this morning, while Horacek had his eyes set on cornerback Ty Law.

Hall of Fame quarterback Len Dawson attended this morning's practice. Dawson does reporting for KNBC, an ABC affiliate out of Kansas City. He also has been doing the radio broadcasts for Chiefs games for the past 21 years. He arrived in River Falls on Saturday to watch the Family Fun Night practice, and plans on staying with the team in River Falls until they depart for Houston, Texas on Friday afternoon. He calls quarterback Trent Green "a great one" and has been impressed by what he has seen thus far in his limited time at the camp. Dawson refers to the players as "cattle," and doesn't really distinguish one from the other too much. He wasn't able to see many of the premier players on the team, as they sat out this morning's practice. "It is normal to see that in training camp, because it isn't really meant for the big name players, it is more meant for the guys fighting for a roster spot," said Dawson.

FedEx Ground sponsor Kelly Simpson was seen at camp this morning with a brand new football in hopes of having the former Chiefs great (Dawson) sign it.

Extra...Extra

Signing autographs today were the defensive linemen. Attracting the largest crowds were defensive end Tamba Hali and defensive tackles Ryan Sims and Lional Dalton.

NFL Network will be at the field for tomorrow's morning practice, as part of their road trip to cover 12 NFL training camps in 24 days. The show will feature Chiefs Head Coach Herm Edwards and an interview with General Manager Carl Peterson. It is hosted by Paul Burmeister along with analyst Brian Baldinger. They will condense the two-hour morning practice into a one-hour show that will air tomorrow night at 7 p.m. CT on the NFL Network. NFL Network offers a rare glimpse of on-the-field action and instruction, capturing sights and sounds of team drills and player and coach interviews.

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.