PREVIOUS UPDATES

Wednesday, August 9, 2006, Afternoon
K.C. Chiefs Training Camp Daily Updates

There were 235 fans in the stands and along the rail at this afternoon's practice. The clouds that loomed large throughout the morning and early afternoon dispersed about halfway through practice, resulting in some hot weather for the players and fans. At the beginning of practice it was 74 degrees, but with the 78 percent humidity it felt more like 80 degrees. There was a light wind from the SE at 3 mph.

Defense

The heat did not slow down players as they went back out on the field with only shoulder pads. The practice seemed to be run at a higher pace and intensity than the morning. Several players stood out. 

No defensive player stood out more than rookie safety Jarrad Page. Page flew all over the field and made numerous plays to raise his stock in the coaching staff’s eyes. Page’s biggest play of the day came on a quarterback Trent Green toss to the right flat where rookie out of UCLA was waiting to close on the interception. Head Coach Herm Edwards pointed out Page’s strong efforts throughout practice, trying to get other guys to perform better. Edwards has been known so far in camp to be hands-on, jumping in to teach players at every opportunity. Today, Edwards showed Page a better drop-back technique, and how to pivot to catch up with wide receivers in a more efficient manor. 

Defensive tackle Ryan Sims was back in the fold with the first defensive unit, alongside James Reed. Sims and fellow defensive tackle Ron Edwards have been alternating each practice with the first group. Reed has been the consistent member at the tackle position. "I have to go out there and play hard,” said a tired Reed in response to what he needs to do for the team. “I told Herm for bringing me in here, I promised not to let him down. I told him and Gun (defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham) that I would work my butt off.”

Most of the practice was spent running 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. The secondary mostly played in the nickel formation: there are three corners instead of the usual two. The defensive backs seemed quicker than usual and did not allow much past them.

Coach Herm Edwards said after the morning practice that veterans are going to get most of the playing time during practice, while the young players will be saved for the pre-season opener at Houston. Edwards said that the young safeties, Jarrad Page and Bernard Pollard, would see a lot of playing time to define where they fit on the team.

Offense

In the first team drill, quarterbacks Trent Green and Casey Printers did not portray their usual decision-making skills. Green took the first five snaps, only completing 1-5 passes. During the first play of the day, Green threw an interception and then followed with another substandard pass to wide receiver Samie Parker that almost got picked off. Green made his only completion to running back Dee Brown on a dump-off pass up the middle. Printers also threw an interception on his first play, but did complete his subsequent two passes to running back Quentin Griffin and wide receiver Nate Curry.

In 7-on-7s, quarterback Trent Green regained his composure and completed 7-10 passes, but he also threw another interception. Wide receiver Samie Parker made a terrific catch, splitting two defenders and showing off his vertical jumping ability. Green made a 50-yard pass to wide receiver Kyle Brown and a 40-yard pass to wide receiver Jeff Webb. Green also connected with fullback J.R. Niklos, wide receiver Dante Hall and running back Dee Brown. Coach Herm Edwards seemed to be impressed by some of the players when he said, "It is very evident that some guys are making plays, and some guys are not."

During the first segment of 11-on-11s, the offense once again worked on its running attack and various blocking schemes. Quarterback Trent Green handed off the ball eight times--three times to running back Dee Brown, twice to running back Larry Johnson, and twice to running back McKenzi Smith. Quarterback Casey Printers worked with running backs Quentin Griffin and Derrick Ross. On one play, after the whistle was blown, Brown continued accelerating down the field carrying the ball in competition with cornerback Ty Law, who was chasing after him all the way to the end zone.

Fans

Ron Koehler and Tom Webb drove up from Kansas City for training camp. Koehler, a season ticket holder since 1990, said he used to come every year. He also said, “I always liked Herm [Edwards] as a coach, my personal opinion is that his ties with Carl Peterson aren’t good. Peterson let our defense deteriorate and it’s inexcusable. I loved Herm when he was with the Jets though.” Koehler had a few more words to say about the players the Chiefs have recently signed and about new head coach, “People thought we’d made enough additions last year, but it didn’t seem to help us. Edwards had got to help with the defense, he’s a defensive minded coach. He better not let our offense go though.”

Byron James and grandson Maconel, 12, of River Falls, like coming to training camp, but don’t really track the Chiefs throughout the year, and then check the scores of the Chiefs’ games at the end of regular season to see how they did. Byron said that they do like the Chiefs though.“There’s an order: Packers, Vikings, Broncos then Chiefs.” He also said he really thinks Coach Herm Edwards is “a heck of an improvement. He’s out there doing something with them. He’s not one-dimensional like some coaches have been in the past.” Maconel enjoys watching the defensive linemen the best, mainly because the coach yells at them a lot.

Ed and Marie Sherman, from Olathe, Kan., are spending their second summer in River Falls for training camp. The Shermans love coming to River Falls each summer because, as Marie mentioned, “The people are so kind and friendly to all of us Chiefs fans!” The Shermans also enjoy the cooler weather and watching the team closely, so they can see new players and coaches such as cornerback Ty Law and Head Coach Herm Edwards. Being in River Falls not only makes the Shermans excited about the team, but excited for the upcoming NFL season.

Tom and Linda Westfell, from Hudson, Wis., are actually Green Bay Packer fans, but enjoy coming to camp for the NFL experience. The Westfells have been to camp three times now and say that they appreciate Chiefs fans for their obvious dedication to the team. Tom said that he likes new Head Coach Herm Edwards for his forwardness and ability to communicate with the team. The Westfells wish the Chiefs a good upcoming season and the fans a safe trip home.

Each time Larry Huessler, from Des Moines, Iowa, comes to River Falls for the Chiefs training camp, he finds that the experience gets better. Huessler, who is originally from Kansas City, has been coming to camp for over eight years. Huessler enjoys coming each summer because, as he said, “It is a laid back, friendly atmosphere where you can get close to the players and get autographs.” Huessler hopes that the team will continue to practice in River Falls instead of Kansas City because it draws a smaller crowd, making everything more accessible.

Larry Boykin and his son Taylor arrived in River Falls yesterday from Kansas City. This is their second year attending summer training camp and they've enjoyed every moment they've spent in River Falls. "The hospitality from people in the town has been great," said Larry. They said they received some of the best service they've ever had at American Pie Restaurant and Bar on Main Street in River Falls. They also had a great time going to Prescott, Wis., where they were able to get some great views of the St. Croix River at a newly remodeled scenic overlook. On the football side of things, the Boykin's like what they have seen thus far from the new look Chiefs. "They look very motivated and fired up this year with Herm Edwards as coach," said Larry. Their favorite players are cornerback Ty Law and running back Larry Johnson. Taylor thinks the Chiefs may need a little wide receiver help before the season starts. "Jerry Porter from the Oakland Raiders would be nice, and we'd be hurting our division rival too," said Taylor.

Eric Lillvis of River Falls was at this afternoon's practice. He has been coming to Chiefs camp for five years now and likes being able to see these great athletes perform so close to his home. This is his sixth time coming to practice, and although he was not originally a Chiefs fan, he has slowly become one after watching so many of their practices. His favorite players are tight end Tony Gonzalez and guard Will Shields. In years past, Lillvis loved coming to practice to watch mammoth offensive lineman Willie Roaf, but has been impressed so far with Roaf's replacement, tackle Kyle Turley. Lillvis believes Turley will be a solid player for the Chiefs. He also thinks rookie safeties Jarrad Page and Bernard Pollard look great in practice; both intercepted a pass this afternoon.

Extra...Extra

Twenty-six kids were on the Ramer Field Sports Complex grass today goofing around running football drills. They didn’t seem too into watching practice, so they thought they’d make a game of their own off to the side of the fields.

A teenage boy got his football stuck up in a tree today out at Ramer Field. He continuously threw his shoes in the air until the ball finally came tumbling down.

Tackle Chris Bober was interviewed following the afternoon practice today. Bober expressed his feelings about tackle Willie Roaf not being at camp and guard Brian Waters' injury. "I don't like to make predictions, so we have to go on without them." Bober also complimented the play of tackle Kevin Sampson and the other young guys that are stepping in. "They are all doing good and are on the right path." Bober says that all the young guys are extremely athletic and smart, but they need some game experience. "We have quality veteran backups and are all getting quality repetitions during camp," said Bober.

Having some laughs after practice were kicker Lawrence Tynes, punter Dustin Colquitt and snapper Kendall Gammon. They were shooting some videos with Chiefs media personnel on Ramer Field. The shoot was part of a series of videos that they call Scoreboard Features. The segment they were shooting today is called Kendall Gammon's I Had to Ask. The features will be aired on the scoreboard during Chiefs home games at Arrowhead Stadium.

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.