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Thursday, Aug. 9, 2007: Training Camp News

The stands looked slim today as 93 fans braved the blistering 91 degree heat and direct sun at Ramer Field stadium today. Winds from the north north-west at 15 miles per hour, gusting to 23 miles per hour, helped fans stay cool and tolerate the sizzling air. The humidity was 36 percent, with a dew point of 58. The horn sounded at 3:29 p.m., symbolizing the start of practice.

Offense

It was a short and relaxed practice today on Ramer Field. The Chiefs warmed up with drills divided by position. Receivers and quarterbacks paired up on the 10-yard line; receivers took 5 to 10-yard passes off curls to the middle. Ball carriers ran from the end zone through the 5-yard line and caught passes down the middle from an assistant coach. The line used blocking pads and did some light one-on-one hitting routines.

Warmed up and ready to go, the offense continued on with a 11-on-11 drill. The drill was divided into two sessions with a 5-on-7 drill in between. The defense barely rushed, there was no tackling, receivers and ball carriers were reserved and defense played off the card and were laid back on coverage.  Players came on and off the field steadily. This was all in preparation for the Chiefs’ game versus Cleveland this Saturday. Quarterback Damon Huard led the first unit throughout practice and rookie quarterback Jeff Terrell took the majority of the snaps (21 during 11-on-11 and eight during 5-on-7). Huard got in 11 reps during 11-on-11 and three during the 5-on-7 drill. Quarterback Brodie Croyle led the second unit for 9 reps on 11-on-11 and three during the 5-on-7 drill; quarterback Casey Printers took six snaps during 11-on-11 and two during 5-on-7.

Hand-offs and short-range passes were repeatedly in the choice of plays throughout the practice session. With quarterback Jeff Terrell as the playmaker, tight end Mike Pinkard received a mid-range pass to the middle that he fought over with linebacker Rich Scanlon. Scanlon tried to hit the ball out of Pinkard’s grasp from behind, but Pinkard’s three inch height advantage allowed him to pull the pass in. Huard and wide receiver Chris Hannon picked up 23-yards on an exceptional pass to the middle of the field. Linebacker Napoleon Harris intercepted a pass that Terrell had tried to get to his receiver on the left side of the field. Harris pitched the ball to safety Chad Williams who took the ball on a short run up the right sideline. Terrell later had a good 45-yard pass to Hannon for a touchdown in the right front corner of the end zone. Wide receiver Ean Randolph showed that he knows how to hang on tight when he gripped a 13-yard pass that Croyle aimed at the left sideline; cornerback Tyron Brackenridge tired to slap the ball out of Randolph’s grip.

Defense

The defense practiced at the main field this afternoon under nice weather. The players were not in pads, meaning they were not going to be hitting each other. It was a laid-back practice, where they players were running at half-speed.

The team’s defense worked on lining up in the 3-4 defense, since their opponent this weekend, the Cleveland Browns, uses the 3-4. The 3-4 defense, in which three defensive linemen and four linebackers are used, instead of the typical four linemen and three linebackers most teams use, including the Chiefs. Teams that typically use this formation are teams that have more talented linebackers then defensive linemen. The offensive line needed a chance to look at this formation, so they do not get confused in the game against the Browns. The defensive also worked on setting up their nickel formation, making sure they were getting the right guys needed on the field.

This afternoon's practice was comparable to the type of practices the Chiefs have during the regular season, between games. The defense made sure that all of the younger guys on the 2nd and 3rd units got in a lot of reps in this practice. The focus of practice was to make sure the offense's timing was correct, giving them confidence. The other main focus was not to tire out the players, since they have been practicing hard for the last couple of weeks. The coaching staff kept the vocals to a quieter level than normal. One of the few times the coaches were vocal was when Defensive Line Coach Tim Krumrie said, “Learn it on the sidelines.” Krumrie was directing his younger players to make sure they pay attention to the first string guys, and learn by watching them perform.

The best play of the day by the defense was when linebacker Napoleon Harris intercepted quarterback Jeff Terrell's throw. Harris ran a few yards and handed the ball to cornerback Ty Law, who is speedier then Harris. Law took the ball the right side of the field as Harris blocked in front of him.

Special Teams

As in many previous practices, the special teams unit worked on the punt return. Wide receivers Ean Randolph and Samie Parker and cornerback Justin Phinisee received punts given out by punter Dustin Colquitt. Colquitt’s punts had good air time and averaged 45 yards in distance. There was no rushing during the drill and ball carriers did not take the ball down field. Kicker Justin Medlock made all four of his field goals. He kicked from the 20-yard line (right), the 20 (left), the 22 (right) and the 26 (left).

Fans

Ruth and Fred Goetz of Kansas City, Mo., came to River Falls today to support their beloved Chiefs. This is the Goetz’s second time coming to training camp and certainly not their last; they said they feel like they have supported the Chiefs since the beginning. “It’s a great feeling,” said Ruth. 

Spasmir Bodurski of River Falls has been watching the Chiefs practice for four years now. Bodurski, a member of the UWRF Falcon football team, looks forward to watching the Chiefs practice, especially to see cornerback Dimitri Patterson.   

Shelia Michaelson, 8, and her sister Marie, 5, were at practice this afternoon with their older brother Mitch, 12. The Michaelsons are from Independence, Mo., and are at their first summer of training camp. This was also the fourth practice that they have attended, and said they are having a great time watching their favorite players. The Michaelsons attended Family Fun Night last night, and received autographs from running back Priest Holmes and Head Coach Herm Edwards. Aside from watching their favorite team practice live, Shelia, Marie and Mitch enjoyed the fireworks display at the end of Family Fun Night, as well as the skydivers who landed on the field at the beginning of the evening.

Tom Ditske was with his son Cody, 7, for afternoon practice today. The Ditskes, who are from Des Moines, Iowa, attended Family Fun Night last night and said they had a blast. They were able to meet other Chiefs fans and enjoy an evening of great food and fun. Cody was thrilled to meet Chiefs mascot KC Wolf last night, and was excited to meet players including tight end Tony Gonzalez and linebacker Donnie Edwards. The Ditskes would also like to say, “Hi mom (Dina) and Scott, we wish you were here!”

Extra, Extra...

Wide receiver Eddie Kennison performed a special dance on the field today in an attempt to keep limber between drills. Kennison skipped in a circle and flailed his arms in the air to the delight of amused fans.

While signing autographs after practice, defensive end Jared Allen was mocked by a member of the Chiefs’ staff. The staff member humorously yelled, “Way to try to buy some fans, Jared!”

Safety Bernard Pollard took a moment while signing autographs to sign a football for one special little fan: a blonde toddler holding out a football from atop her father’s shoulders. Pollard’s face softened as he spied the girl, saying, “What’s up, baby girl?” and inking his signature for her.

Cornerback Ty Law’s son, Ty Jr., enjoyed taking some hits on the sled after practice. He seemed thrilled to be with his father and followed Law into the locker room after practice.

Wide receivers Ean Randolph and Samie Parker and cornerback Justin Phinisee received balls from a Juggs machine for a short amount of time after practice while receiving instruction from Special Teams Coach Mike Priefer.

In the first interview this afternoon, quarterback Damon Huard talked about how he is feeling thus far in camp. Huard said, “I feel really good about camp; we have come together as an offense pretty good, and as a team. I’m just plugging away everyday. We work hard, but we rest and our bodies feel pretty good.” Huard was asked about how he felt about the offensive line and specifically tackle Damion McIntosh with his recent injury. He responded by saying, “We are a real veteran group up front; now with McIntosh out, it gives [offense tackle] Will [Svitek] an opportunity to step in, and rise to the challenge.” Currently there is competition between Huard and quarterback Brodie Croyle, which will be looked at more in depth during the pre-season. Huard commented on the competition by saying, “We will see who can move the chains in preseason games, who doesn’t turn it over and who his [Head Coach Herm Edwards'] gut tells him to go with.”

In the next interview, the media spoke with quarterback Brodie Croyle. Croyle was asked if he was excited to get out on the field Saturday against the Browns. He said, “I’ve got the anxiousness, the excitement. I’m just ready to play someone besides the Chiefs. I expect to play closer to a quarter than a half.” When asked about his progress, he said, “I feel like I have gotten better every day; it seems like every day I learn something new. I still have a long way to go to get to eventually where I want to be.”

In the last post-practice interview, Head Coach Herm Edwards spoke at the podium about how practice went and this upcoming preseason game. “Today was more of a situation practice. We are trying to rest the guys; we have a tough haul after the game. Saturday we work late, Sunday they are off, and we leave River Falls on Wednesday. We have to travel twice, once to Cleveland, and then back to Kansas City.” Defensive tackle Alfonso Boone will not be playing against the Browns, but should play against Miami. Fullback Boomer Grigsby is a game-time decision for the Browns game, and if he does not play tight end Michael Allan will play in his spot.

2007 Staff

Students and staff covering the Chiefs this year include in front row, left to right: Dave Urbaniak (Defense), Amie Eller (Fans, Punt, Pass & Kick), Jim Thies (Sports Information Director), Jennifer Pengra (Fans, Kids Days), Shawna Carpentier (Offense). Back, left to right: Mark Kinders (Public Affairs Director), Brenda Bredahl (Public Affairs Editor), Jens Gunelson (Photographer), Lisa Stratton (Fans, Web Site Editor), Deb Toftness (Office Manager). Not pictured is Zach Nagle (Student Photographer).