Four Thoughts Chiefs Training Camp: August 9
By Ben Nielsen
Aug 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon Tate (19) makes a catch for a touchdown as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Ron Parker (38) defends during the first quarter at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The Kansas City Chiefs returned to practice today after a handful of days away to prepare for and return from their first preseason game of the season. A 41-39 win over the Bengals showed some of the positive things we’ve seen from camp so far but also highlighted some of the issues the Chiefs still have in the secondary and in overall roster depth.
Today seemed to be a day where the Chiefs attacked some of those issues as they prepare for their next preseason game a week from today. Here’s a few thoughts on today’s practice.
1. Ron Parker Is Still Starting
Ron Parker struggled mightily as the starting cornerback on Thursday night, getting burned for a big play while attempting to cover A.J. Green and committing two illegal hands to the face penalties. This coincided with a very good game from Sean Smith, which included an interception returned it for a touchdown. The general thought was Parker would be back on the second team starting today but this was not the case.
There are a few things to consider about Thursday night that may have played a part in Parker’s rough start. First, Daniel Sorensen was playing safety in place of Eric Berry, which could have caused a communication problem on the big play Green was able to create.
Also, the Chiefs do not game plan for these games. There is no film study or preparation for what is going to happen in these games, so this puts guys like Parker in a tough spot when they are covering elite guys like Green. Throw in the nerves Parker must have been feeling and it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise Parker struggle.
With that said, Parker has to show something next weekend if he wants to keep his starting status. Smith came in and was able to create a big play while also holding down the fort on the left side (though he notably wasn’t covering A.J. Green). Another big game from Smith and another poor effort from Parker and one would think Smith is in the starters spot for game three.