The Morning Fix

Coach Todd Haley said during offseason practice — which seems like ages ago — that the Chiefs would begin their downtime with several important orders: Stay in shape. Avoid trouble. Remain focused.

The team had about six weeks to wonder how dozens of players would spend their time before camp began. Now it’s time to see how the many variables that an NFL team faces each year will affect this year’s Chiefs.

“When we get to training camp,” Haley said then, “that’ll be another step that we can take advantage of. We can stay the same, we can get worse or we can get better. What’s critical for everyone in this building is to continue to get better.”

Everybody says the same things this time of year: Players must stay healthy, be focused, become a team. But there are deeper and perhaps more important issues in play for the Chiefs as they enter a pivotal preseason, which begins July 29 as the team gathers in St. Joseph for camp.

With camp starting soon, here’s what the Chiefs must do-KCStar.com

With Demorrio Williams seemingly locking down one ILB spot in the Chiefs 3-4 defense, the other starting position would appear to be a straight battle between Johnson and Mays. Johnson has been an infuriating player to both fans and coaches throughout his Chiefs career. DJ is an exceptionally gifted athlete, and is a player who can make a game changing play on any snap. This was proven in the final game of the 2009 season when Johnson returned 2 interceptions for touchdowns against the Broncos at Mile High Stadium. He is however, susceptible to losing concentration and missing assignments which explains his lack of starts last year. Mays is the polar opposite of Johnson in many ways. He played the entire 2009 season registering 85 tackles, but without a single sack or interception. He is a consistent player, but with Romeo Crennel becoming the Chiefs defensive coordinator for 2010, a premium will be put on play making ability.

Predicted winner – Derrick Johnson

Training Camp Battles- AFC West-Thego.com

For this, Jones credited his approach: the weights lifted each weekday, even during the season. The sculptured muscles that serve as body armor and give Jones what his friend Nate Speight calls “the country strength of two bears and three jackals.” The hours spent in ice baths to ward off inflammation. The nights watching film through tired eyes. The days where that psychology degree from Virginia is used to analyze opponents. The chiropractors, osteopaths and masseuses who continue to fine-tune his body.

“You become part of the glue,” Jones said. “If you’re part of the glue of a team, that’s always going to be in that building, no matter how long you were there, or whether you end up leaving. They will remember how you worked. That means more than anything.”

Jones Never Stays Long, but He Always Leaves His Mark-The New York Times