Training Camp Battles

With this Chiefs team being so young there are sure to be many a training camp battle to be had. Roster spots are at a premium and GM Scott "The Don" Pioli has brought in a lot of unsigned, free agent talent to push the guys at the bottom. Let’s take a look at some of the hottest training camp battles for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Andy "1976" Studebaker (LB)

via www.kcchiefs.com

Vs.

Tony "The Blood Sucker" Mankowski (LB)

 via farm3.static.flickr.com

This one is expected to go right down to the final snap of the preseason. While Studebaker has the obvious size advantage, Mankowski’s nickname isn’t "The Blood Sucker" for nothing. Signed of the Vikings practice squad, Mankowski has mainly stayed under the radar. He is know as a punishing LB who has, on more than one occasion, broken the still developing bones of the ball carriers he was playing against with his bruising, brutal hits. He started out at middle linebacker but was then moved to OLB to better get after the QB. The photo below is just after Mankowski’s very first snap at his new position and is also the shot that garnered him his infamous nickname. Mankowski was sent on an all out blitz and hit his opposing QB Bobby Macintyre so hard his helmet flew off and the impact of his face plant broke his nose. Mankowski, in the heat of the moment, rolled Macintyre over, jammed his index finger into the wound, rubbed his opponents blood all over his face and chest and then, while licking the tip of his finger, exclaimed, "Second down, Macintyre!"

 Mankowski is the odds on favorite to win the battle and end the Chiefs defenseive softness, however, coach Haley has expressed some concern on whether or not the team will be able to keep Mankowski under control. Stay tuned!

Damion "E-Z Pass" Mcintosh

via cache.daylife.com

Chiefs running back Larry Johnson begs McIntosh to make a block for him. Just once.

Vs.

A Pile of Dog Poop

via www.toddicus.com

 When most scouts were asked about this training camp battle most seemed to agree that Mcintosh was the safe bet, sighting his size, experience, limited mobility and presence of a functioning brain. Coach Haley, however, saw some things he liked out of the Pile of Dog Poop during the OTA sessions. Said Haley, "Well, you know, Damion was here last year and he’s played with these guys…so that’s an obvious advantage for him…but the Dog Poops been doin a good job for us. He’s picked up the plays pretty well and has doin everything we asked of him…he certainly hasn’t complained. Yeah, I’m not gonna say anyone has an edge this early but I like some of what the Poops done. Damion obviously has the size advantage but I think the Dog Poop uses his size to his advantage. Him bein so small he’s hard to see and he can kinda sneak up on a tackle or a LB and they can slip in him."

Brodie Croyle (3rd String QB)

via www.thecrockedpot.com

vs.

Bev

via www.collegegameballs.com

Bev (right) and her trainer the lovely Mrs. Carl Peterson

What was once thought to be a battle between Ingle Martin and Brodie Croyle for the last QB spot on this year’s roster has turned into a battle for the ages…literally. This happened when GM Scott Pioli suddenly released Martin and brought in Bev, who had recently declared herself a free agent when coaxed out of retirement by her good friend and trainer Mrs. Carl Peterson. Said Hailey, "Well…I don’t want to say too much at this stage. I think we’re good with Tyler and Matt but yeah, one of these two is going to be the 3rd string guy. I like Croyle’s arm strength, which is in his favor as Bev can only throw the ball about three yards but I don’t think there is as great a chance of injury with Bev under center. So yeah…injury is obviously a concern when talking about Croyle. Bev’s got a new hip so she’s good to go."

These are just three battles of what is sure to be a very competitive training camp. Stay tuned and I will try to keep us all updated as to who the coaches plan to have on the final roster.

Training Camp Update;

Just got a call from Jason Whitlock who told me he spoke to a Chiefs official who claimed that coach Haley is nearly decided on the last receiver spot between Jeff Webb and a Turtle. Said Whitlock’s source, "The coach really likes what the Turtle is doing. He thinks he may be as good a route runner as Bobby Engram." This is of course, coming from an unknown source so take it with a grain of salt.

via www.anthonygibson.com

Turtle, running through some drills