Chiefs camp: Rookies making an impression
By Chris Clark
Oct 18, 2014; Gainesville, FL, USA; Missouri Tigers offensive lineman Mitch Morse (65) blocks against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
A couple of quick thoughts from Kansas City Chiefs training camp from Saturday and Sunday that I found interesting. The first-team offensive line switched on Saturday to Eric Fisher, Ben Grubbs, Mitch Morse, Zach Fulton and Jeff Allen and then didn’t change back on Sunday.
It’s possible the Chiefs are just seeing what they have there but it is also possible that this could be the line starting on Saturday night. Monday was a better gauge as to whether or not the change is just something that the Chiefs are looking at or if it could be a sign of things to come in the future. Turns out, the same line started again.
The Chiefs also switched it up at cornerback and Sean Smith is now running with the second team with Marcus Peters and Phillip Gaines starting and Jamell Fleming coming in when they shift to the nickel. Peters and Gaines will more than likely be the starters when the season starts as Smith will be serving his three-game suspension. Peters was beat twice on Sunday on deep routes. He needs to work on his recognition of the routes and also technique so that he can turn and run when needed.
The team looks ready to play someone other than their teammates. Multiple times on Sunday I saw players shoving each other and the situation escalated to a fight between Jeremy Maclin and Marcus Cooper. Cooper pulled Maclin down after he was beat. A few plays later, Albert Wilson was downfield blocking Steven Nelson and they started to push each other after the whistle.
Fleming and Charcandrick West also ended up exchanging words before Justin Houston stepped in and took West away from the situation. This is the part of camp where players are ready to start seeing someone else lined up across from them. None of what happened today will cause issues moving forward. The team is just ready to hit someone after getting a small taste of it during practice today for the first time.
Next: Offensive players making an impression