Chiefs Training Camp Coverage: Wednesday Practice Report
Ryan James was back at camp yesterday. Here is his report. -PA
Whew! It sure was great to be back at Chiefs camp tonight. One could not ask for better weather! The Chiefs were in full pads, KC Wolf was making his rounds, Scott Pioli and Clark Hunt were on the sidelines and we even got a light sprinkle of rain. FOOTBALL IS HERE BABY! This was my first night practice of the year at MWSU and it did not dissapont. There were more than 7,000 people who were in attendance tonight! Mitch Holthus announced the schedule as they switched from session to session and he also did play by play announcing for the 11-on-11 drill at the end of practice. This was the order of practice tonight:
- Walkthrough Offense and Defense split
- Individual positional drills
- Offensive line v. Defensive Line / Defensive Back v. Wide Receiver
- 7-on-7 drill / Outside Pass rush v. Offensive Line
- Punt
- 11-on-11
Observations
To start the night the first team starters at the WR positions were Bowe, Urban and Breaston. Baldwin was the next to come in followed by Tucker. Moeaki was the clear starter at TE all night. The RB’s did not have a clear starter. Charles, Jones and McCluster were all in the backfield during different sets with the first team starters. McClain was the FB starter in all situations with the first team starters. FB Mike Cox was the lone player not suited up tonight. He had his left ankle taped. The only two formations that McCluster was seen with starters were Shotgun and Pro set (Both passing formations.) One notable play was out of the Pro Set with McCluster and McClain in the backfield. This play turned out being a screen to McCluster that would have opened up nicely. I never saw McCluster in the slot tonight and when he was in, he was always going out for a pass (with the ones, he did run the ball with 2nd and 3rd stringers.) Charles and Jones split the rest of the reps with Charles getting the bulk of the touches. The Chiefs have a new WR in camp in Keary Colbert #84. During the punt session today, the Chiefs had four different return men fielding the punts. These were Dexter McCluster, Chandler Williams, Javier Arenas and Jerheme Urban (In that order).
Stand-out performers
Everyone was watching the new guy in camp, Keary Colbert. In case some were wondering he was drafted in the 2nd round by the Panthers and has spent the last few years in the UFL. I instantly noticed that he has great route running skills, however his ball skills were suspect. Eric Berry had a great night. During one on one drills he was covering Baldiwn. Cassel throught the ball behind Baldwin on a slant route and when he adjusted to make the catch it slipped out the back of his hands and Berry made a great adjustment to snag the interception. He also had a great play deflecting a pass intended for Breaston over the middle (this play can be seen in the video at the bottom of the page). Breaston had a great one-on-one drill today as he was able to catch numerous touchdowns. To end the session Jerheme Urban had a great comback route where he bodied up Carr in the end zone to get the TD. During these drills, with the exception of the Berry pick, Cassel looked noticeably accurate.
Wallace Gilberry and Allen Bailey put on a show durin the pass rush session. Both of their bull rushes are absolutely beast! I personally am enjoying what I am seeing out of Bailey every practice. Justin Houston has an extremely quick first step and his hands are exceptionally fast on his outside rush. Dustin Colquit once again was booming punts 50+ yards all night long and at one point Succup hit a 55 yard field goal. It should also be noted that Rookie Josue Paul, in my eyes, is starting to seperate himself from Chandler Williams.
What to look for during first game
My number one thing I want to see this year during the Bucs game are the rookies. Ricky Stanzi tonight was throwing off his back foot anytime he was pressured. I am interested to see how he progresses throughout the preseason. I am excited to see both Allen Bailey and Justin Houston on defense. I am ready to see what Josue Paul can bring to the table in a game setting because everything up to now has been one on one drills. Jerrel Powe should be able to show his raw strength this week. Brandon Siler is someone I am expecting to take over the ILB spot and would like to see what he can do this Friday. Finally I want to see the first team offense go out and execute on their few snaps that they are on the field. Set the tone early and set the tone hard!
Go Chiefs!!