Kansas City Chiefs Wrap Up Day One of Mandatory Mini-Camp

by Joel Thorman on Jun 5, 2009 6:59 PM CDT in 2009 Offseason Comment 17 comments

The big news today is of course that Brian Waters and Mike Vrabel attended today's mini-camp. Neither player had been at any of the voluntary practices over the last six weeks. Despite the whirlwind of media reports following the morning practice, there was still an afternoon practice.

Most of this is from Bob Gretz.

Field goal unit: Connor Barth vs. Ryan Succop

Barth was 5/6 in attempts from 28-36 yards while Succop was 7/7. Even though it's only June, it appears Succop has the lead in this battle. He was a draft pick so you have to think he's got a leg up on Barth already.

Defensive line: Tyson Jackson/Tank Tyler/Alex Magee

Dorsey is still rehabbing an injury (not serious) so we've yet to see how the "first team" defense will line up. Will it be Magee or Dorsey? I gotta think it's going to be Dorsey depending on how he transitions to the end.

Right now there's a first rounder and two third rounders lining up on the defensive line. If Dorsey gets the nod at the end position opposite Jackson, that would make it two first rounders and a third rounder. Not a bad investment of talent there.

Tamba Hali in coverage

Given the right situation I think Hali can be successful rushing the passer as an outside linebacker. He's never played the position before so it'll take some time but I think he can do it. Unfortunately, there's more to playing without your hand on the ground than just rushing the passer.

This nugget from Bob Gretz might not bode well for Hali's chances in coverage:

Hali was covering TE Tony Curtis and got a good push on him within five yards, but then lost him at the end of the route.

Saying to myself: It's only June, it's only June, it's only....

Non-contact?

FB Mike Cox ran over both Dacus and S Jarrad Page as they were trying to cover him.

Worst kept secret in the NFL.

Derrick Johnson looks good

According to Gretz, Derrick Johnson intercepted a pass intended for Larry Johnson while in under coverage. He later got his hands on a pass while dropping back in coverage. This is a good sign for him. I never doubted his athletic ability, because he's got a lot of that, but he never quite seemed to explode the way we always thought he would.

Let's hope the Zach Thomas tutorial he's receiving does well for him.

***

What did we do before Bob Gretz launched his website? He's a great resource.

Practice continues tomorrow morning and we'll be at it all day. Chris is traveling (again?) this weekend so you'll be stuck with me (again?). Check back in the morning for more.

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Hali in coverage

Hali was covering TE Tony Curtis and got a good push on him within five yards, but then lost him at the end of the route.

Actually, I’m encouraged that they’re starting with contact at the line versus the TE. Ya gotta expect this to be a weak spot – big LB vs TE toward the end of the route. Sure it’s somethin’ you want a Hali to work on, but if your defense hinges on a 3-4 OLB covering a TE for very long, you’re in trouble.

Between the lines, this says that either it was double TEs, TE on the left side of the formation, or Hali at LOLB. Which was it?

by hmills110 on Jun 5, 2009 7:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

True

Good points. Though he’s gonna drop back at some point and I don’t expect him to be great. Good point though.

by Joel Thorman on Jun 5, 2009 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

All sounds good.

I just wonder how Magee looked? I’m sure Jackson did fine but i wonder about Magee. Also, i really hope we find Halis biggest strengths and utilize them well…or else we are in trouble.
I’m glad DJ is getting his hands onto the football more. Hopefully he will be one of the big impacts on our D next year. And was Cassel throwing those INT’s? If so, then i hope DJ is just doing great in coverage and Cassel wasn’t throwing bad passes…

by Wrestler189s on Jun 5, 2009 7:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Not sure who was throwing the INTs

I think Cassel isn’t getting a lot more time than Thigpen.

by Joel Thorman on Jun 5, 2009 9:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Goff had his way with Jackson.

Jackson had his way with the #2 guy. Haven’t heard a word about Magee, other than that he’s lining up in Dorsey’s spot.

Wasn’t the thing with Dorsey a high ankle sprain? Seems I heard Haley say that he’d be playing if it were regular season, but they’re not taking any chances when they don’t have to. Still not encouraging that your #5 pick is nicked, with 3 months to go, and a lot of new stuff to learn.

by hmills110 on Jun 6, 2009 6:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seems like Dorsey said it was something with his shin. Or was I having another flashback?

by Zodeman on Jun 6, 2009 7:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

But Albert sat out most of pre-season last year and played well as a rookie. So Dorsey may still be able to contribute like we all hope he can.

by Chiefs4Life on Jun 6, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

It’s only June. I keep forgetting that :)

by Joel Thorman on Jun 6, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ankle sprain?

For some reason I thought they characterized it as a “leg” injury.

As far as Dorsey playing, it is a bit concerning but he’s still got training camp to go. The Chiefs have a lot of practices up to the 18th of June then have six weeks off until training camp on July 31st. Would be nice to get him some action before that break, but then again why push it in June?

by Joel Thorman on Jun 6, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gretz

IHe may have been Carl’s boy but I liked him on the sidelines, Gammons is hor-ri-ble.

by FrankPitts on Jun 5, 2009 9:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

His blog is awesome

As Chiefs bloggers, we’re lucky to have him if you ask me.

by Joel Thorman on Jun 5, 2009 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

His sideline coverage is solid

Seriously, what would we do without it? But some of his pieces are soo damn cheesey. I swear if I have to read another bottom of the birdcage while searching for info I’m gonna go retarted

by KansasCityShuffle on Jun 6, 2009 12:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Got to agree prime

His site and AP(not necessarily in that order) are the only two that should be required reading.

by 63gump on Jun 6, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Evry year I say this id D. Johnson's year.

This guy has as much talent as any LB in the league. He just has to get it together. Here is hoping the 3-4, Varabel, and Z. Thomas help him hit his potential.

by saskwatch on Jun 5, 2009 10:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Question

How many linebackers will we carry now that we’re switching to the 3-4? The Gretz coverage highlights the fact we currently have 14 linebackers signed. I’m assuming this number will be reduced to around 8 to make the 53 man roster limit? DJ, Hali, Vrabel, Thomas, Beisel, and DeMorrio are six which I think are set with 2 roster spots being open for competition among 8 players. I for some reason have trouble believing McBride is going to be better at playing LB than say Corey Mays. Because we’re so crowded at linebacker, so thin on the line, and his history playing there, I wish McBride would be one who instead of losing weight is gaining it to play DE in the 3-4. I want to see a return on our 2nd round investment and judging by the names on paper it doest appear there’s room for that at LB.

by KansasCityShuffle on Jun 6, 2009 12:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I dunno. I kinda like the idea of a bigger guy in the LB rotation.

That’s part of what’s so appealing about McBride making the switch. Greg Lloyd. Jason Gildon. I think in the early going this season, especially, the Chiefs are shooting for a front 5 that dominates in the trenches. In making the transition to the new look, I can easily see Hali opposite McBride, like last season, only with 3 widebodies on the line between ’em.

I’m a lot less excited about DJ getting his hands on passes in coverage than I will be when I start hearing how hard it is for the QBs to get off a decent pass, because of all the pressure.

Sounds like Goff took Jackson to school, Friday. I’ll be watching that matchup with interest.

Still haven’t heard a thing about anybody seeing a 4-3 alignment, Dagda.

by hmills110 on Jun 6, 2009 5:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs