Chiefs Training Camp: More Notes From Sunday's Practice

by whoadog on Aug 1, 2011 7:04 AM CDT

From the FanPosts. Introduce yourself next time, whoadog! -Joel

Joel gave a nice breakdown of the afternoon's practice. I happened to be sitting right in front of the media tent so I did not have a different view. There is an item or two I would add though.

-Micah Johnson is a very large linebacker.

-On the first play of the first 11 on 11, Baldwin caught a deep ball from Cassel even though Arenas was in his hip pocket. The pass was about 30 yards downfield and was perfectly thrown. Baldwin had to go up to get it, but had it been shorter, Arenas could have defended it. As it was, Javier did not have a chance.

-In the linemen drill Joel was talking about, TJ absolutely schooled Bobby Greenwood. Muir kept telling Greenwood not to turn his shoulders and to drive. I don't think he wasn't trying to do what he was told, I just don't think TJ let him.

Early in the drill, except for TJ, the o-line was winning. Dorsey and Albert were going at it and basically ended in a draw. Torribio and Powe were the NTs on Darryl Harris as center and with a number of different guards. Both got pushed early but progressed as the drill went on. Torribio split a double-team once and Powe put a rip move on Harris that left him face down on the ground.

-It was hot, very very hot. At the end of practice, the whole team did a false start drill. Last year it took them about 15 minutes to get through the same drill. This year there was movement only 3 or 4 times. Cassel was constantly reminding teammates to pay attention and Haley kept saying, "You've got to think when you are tired fellas!"

-My quote of the day (and I think it may be important) from Todd Haley during 11 on 11 as the offense was hurrying to the line of scrimmage: "Young guys pay attention! You've got to know what's going on. We are going to be an up tempo offense." He also had an "attaboy" for Bannon on that particular play.

No huddle anyone?

-New players do not have an Arrowhead on their helmets but returning players do. Apparently the new guys will have to earn the decals just as last year's team did.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.

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Comments

thanksDog

good insight! hope you’re enjoying camp man

by jack_sparrow on Aug 1, 2011 12:35 AM CDT reply actions

Thanks, whoadog.

Took me halfway through to the article to realize “TJ” stands for Tyson Jackson. I kept trying to figure out what Thomas Jones had to do with it.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Aug 1, 2011 1:07 AM CDT reply actions

Tyson Jackson is...

(sarcasm)…a BUST we should just stright up cut him. No point in even trying to get production out of him and I don’t thinke we could even get a 7th round pick for him in trade. (/sarcasm)

by DivineGrace on Aug 1, 2011 2:13 AM CDT up reply actions

how do you even remember all this stuff?

You pain a picture so well its incredible. Keep it coming, makes me feel like I am there.

Joels stuff is good too, but yours has more opinion injected which is nice to read from time to time.

by Lucasjr5 on Aug 1, 2011 3:48 AM CDT reply actions

I take notes....

and I don’t drink anymore. One thing I forgot to pass along, though. During position drills, McCluster was once again with the backs. But, when the offense ran plays he was all over the place. He was at running back, he was in the slot, he was out wide, just everywhere.

by whoadog on Aug 1, 2011 4:14 AM CDT up reply actions

And that's what we want to see!

Hand him the ball against the nickel and motion him to the slot against the base. Motioning him to or from (or to AND from) the slot is likely to be a trademark of the KC offense.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Aug 1, 2011 4:35 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Love this!

McCluster the chiefs man of mystery… You don’t know where he’s coming from, you just know he’s coming…

by Chief_Elmo on Aug 1, 2011 7:10 AM CDT up reply actions

I just don't see opposing defenses able to stand still when he motions.

And how they move will tell Cassel (and all the players paying attention) a lot about what the D is thinking.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Aug 1, 2011 7:13 AM CDT up reply actions

TWO-A-DAYS

by ChiefJamesthe2nd on Aug 1, 2011 4:07 AM CDT reply actions

By the way,

it was the d-lines turn to sign autographs and Jerrel Powe was on the other side of the tent sort of by himself. There were a few fans around him and I waited until almost no one was around to get an autograph. I spoke briefly to him. He is very personable and smiled very easily. He said all the right things and spoke with a good deal of humility. He seems very much like a Pioli kind of player.

One last thing, my early prediction for a bubble player that will make the roster: Jerheme Urban, he is wr number 4.

by whoadog on Aug 1, 2011 4:26 AM CDT reply actions

Just plain folks, is what it sounds like.

I get the same kind of vibe from Jackson.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Aug 1, 2011 4:39 AM CDT up reply actions

Do you think he is out playing Verran Tucker?

In my mind we are going to the season with five receviers.

1.Bowe
2.Baldwin
3.Breaston
4. Tucker
5. Copper

and then you have the fringe guys, it would be nice to see Urban be the six man, but I want to ask you, "Who else is in the running. Chandler Williams? Are they playing well,

Does that Josue Paul guy look like a baller or does he look lost out there. He seemed very talented against scrubs on film, does he stand out at all?

Who is dropping the most passes?

Does Succop look like he is getting more air on the ball now that he could be 100% healthy? (Some people thought he had a lingering injury last season.)

meh...
@w_a_watts

by Chief-blinders-on on Aug 1, 2011 4:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Wouldn't be surprised to see 'em carry 6.

Th’ow Urban on top of that pile. Sounds like Lawrence might be an emergency 2-way player (or show up on waivers).

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Aug 1, 2011 7:12 AM CDT up reply actions

Lawrence

If he can cut the mustard as a CB. I see him as a long shot really, but the versatility would be nice.

by Chief_Elmo on Aug 1, 2011 7:13 AM CDT up reply actions

They must like Lawrence

because they seem to be giving him every possible opportunity to make the roster.

Predictions:
KC will be a Superbowl favorite in 2012

by jmcgoblue on Aug 1, 2011 8:25 AM CDT up reply actions

Great speed. Been pulling his weight on ST.

Maybe they get some of that speed out of him on D. His forte seemed to be turning broken plays into big plays. Last couple years, those broken plays finished with Cassel running or throwing it away. There’s an outside chance Lawrence breaks into the lineup with a little more time and aggression on the part of the QB.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Aug 1, 2011 9:07 AM CDT up reply actions

I'd like to know about WR Paul as well.

I know it’s early, but first impression kinda thing. Does he look like he’s coming in in shape? Does he show any skills?
Great write up, thanks for your time and info brother!

by Full Metal Jayhawk on Aug 1, 2011 7:15 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

They'll go with 6, including Urban

by Dagda on Aug 1, 2011 7:17 AM CDT up reply actions

Urban will

be there. Special teams player.

by Bigcherokeechief on Aug 1, 2011 7:42 AM CDT up reply actions

He's also a better receiver than Copper.

"[Jamaal Charles] probably fights crime in his spare time while inhaling carbon emissions, exhaling oxygen, and crapping oil. That’s how awesome he is. Not just good for the Chiefs, but America."
- MNchiefsfan

by MtHammer on Aug 1, 2011 8:45 AM CDT up reply actions

Not whether to describe it as Urban outplaying Tucker or Tucker underplaying himself.

Yesterday, Tucker dropped two passes and lined up in the wrong spot twice that I saw. I played defense so I tend to focus more on that side of the ball. It is impossible to see everything that happens.

Chandler Williams looks tiny, not much bigger than McCluster. That’s one of the reasons I picked Urban, he has very good size.

As for Paul, the new guys numbers’ are not yet in the camp guide (and probably won’t be) so I don’t know how he is doing or what he looks like. Guys like Powe and Mims are easy to spot so I could figure them out

Succop is kicking the ball smoothly and easily with good distance and ok accuracy. It seems the wind on MoWest’s practice fields is pretty darn tricky. He missed one yesterday from the middle of the field at 30 yards that was coming right at me. I was sitting just to the right of the center of the goal posts. About the goal line, this ball that had a lazy little hook and looked as if it was going to just squeeze inside the left upright took a right turn and went wide right. It looked like a 40 mph wind took it but the wind on the ground felt less than 5. It was odd.

by whoadog on Aug 1, 2011 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions

Thanks for the info

by bh13 on Aug 1, 2011 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions

I kind of meant to say these top 5 WR's

not necessarily that they would only have 5 on the team.

meh...
@w_a_watts

by Chief-blinders-on on Aug 1, 2011 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions

Urban can play special teams, too, IIRC…good overall player.

by hicalliber on Aug 1, 2011 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions

Thanks Whoa!

Love these — appreciate you taking the time to jot these things down…

by Chief_Elmo on Aug 1, 2011 7:12 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree

I think Urban will def be the 4th receiver. That gives us 4 legit receivers, can’t remember the last time I could say that.

by RamX21 on Aug 1, 2011 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions

FYI... Toribio with 1 r

by Dagda on Aug 1, 2011 7:15 AM CDT reply actions

Ah yes, thank you!

by whoadog on Aug 1, 2011 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions

Any word on how Baldwin is looking in camp?

Haven’t heard much on him.

by Dminkc on Aug 1, 2011 7:33 AM CDT reply actions

great

additional write up.

i was at the practice and missed most of what you guys catch!

by fongKC on Aug 1, 2011 7:40 AM CDT reply actions

Love this:

-New players do not have an Arrowhead on their helmets but returning players do. Apparently the new guys will have to earn the decals just as last year’s team did.

Chiefs, Hawkeyes, Cubs, & Lakers

by Herkey Hawkeye on Aug 1, 2011 8:47 AM CDT reply actions

Besides being large

have you seen Micah Johnson on the field much? If so, how does he look at LB? I hoped this guy would be able to get over his injury and start playing at a high level.

by Chiefs4Life on Aug 1, 2011 8:48 AM CDT reply actions

No, have not seen him do much. Pierre Walters on the other hand....

is getting a lot of work with Tamba not in the house. Walters has changed his body this off season just as Belcher did last year. He looks like a linebacker and not a defensive end. Earlier in the thread, hmmills mentioned KC keeping 6 wr. I don’t think so unless you count lawrence who is now listed as a CB. With McCluster on the roster there are already 6 who can play WR and Lawrence (if he makes the team) makes 7. I believe Haley will carry extra players at the line backer position this year. There are just so many good looking young guys in that group I think he will try to develop several of them.

by whoadog on Aug 1, 2011 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions

Nice to hear Pierre is playing well

There could be some good battles for LB spots this year. Obviously, Tamba, DJ, Belcher, and Studebaker will make the team. But backup spots are wide open. We have Walters, Sheffield, Greenwood, Siler, Micah Johnson, possibly Miller, and Houston (if he ever shows up) fighting for spots. Good times.

by Chiefs4Life on Aug 1, 2011 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm not sure how well Pierre is playing yet.

But, physically, he just looks different. And yes, Linebacker is where the toughest decisions will be made by the coaches this preseason. I agree, that’s a good problem to have.

by whoadog on Aug 1, 2011 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions

So you're saying "Carry 6, as long as you're counting McCluster in that number?"

I think McCluster is going to count against RB depth. But if you listen to me, the best you’re going to get is a final cut-down to about 137 players.

would of ≠ would've

by hmills110 on Aug 1, 2011 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Is it too early to get my "I heart Jon Baldwin" Shirt?

-On the first play of the first 11 on 11, Baldwin caught a deep ball from Cassel even though Arenas was in his hip pocket. The pass was about 30 yards downfield and was perfectly thrown. Baldwin had to go up to get it, but had it been shorter, Arenas could have defended it. As it was, Javier did not have a chance.

by Spiderwomn69 on Aug 1, 2011 8:49 AM CDT reply actions

Not at all.

Guy’s a physical freak. Hope he can keep his head on straight and learns well at the pro level. If he can, we’ll all be wearing “I <3 #Baldwinning” shirts.

The Chiefs and I have mutually agreed on this decision and although I look forward to continuing my career, I’ll always have a special place in my heart for Kansas City.

by TRSChief on Aug 1, 2011 9:09 AM CDT up reply actions

Baldwin is, as TRSChief says, a physical freak. He's a freaky freak.

But, he is still a rookie and needs some polish. A “for instance”-every time Bowe catches a pass, he practices this arm shuck. It looks as though he has made it a part of his pass catching motion. Baldwin does not have anything like that yet. His routes aren’t as sharp as they need to be and I have seen it happen once in a half-speed drill where he was out of position enough that at full speed the DB would have had a good shot at the ball. How do I know he was out of position? Cassel gave him direction where he was supposed to be when he came back to the huddle. All that being said, you might want to order that t-shirt before they sell out. He is going to make a difference this season.

by whoadog on Aug 1, 2011 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions

I am super excited about him

Looking forward to seeing him play and develop into an (hopefully) elite receiver

by Spiderwomn69 on Aug 1, 2011 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions

The thng that excites me about him right now is what can happen for Bowe.

Baldwin does look like he could develop into something very special. But what he brings immediately is fewer double coverages for Bowe. Throw Breaston into the mix and Bowe is going to get the most single coverage he has seen since his rookie year. That thought makes me quiver.

by whoadog on Aug 1, 2011 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions