Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 8/3

Good morning! Two practices today. The first is indoors and only open to the media at 9:45am. Tonight's practice is free and open to the public. It takes place at Spratt Stadium and begins at 7:15pm (Arrowhead Time). While you're waiting, we have today's Kansas City Chiefs news from across the internet. Enjoy.

Despite his watershed season, Johnson refuses to shed the chip from his shoulder. Had Johnson hung onto a few of those potential interceptions, it might have been enough to cap his comeback season with a selection to the Pro Bowl. Now, that omission will serve as the chip on his shoulder in 2011.

"You want to do the best you can individually," Johnson said, "but our main goal is a team goal to get to the Super Bowl, to win the Super Bowl. You can’t judge yourself off the Pro Bowl, I know that, but that is one of my goals.

Chiefs' Derrick Johnson Seek to Build on Breakout Season from KC Star

Anon says: With so many roster spots open (20+), why haven’t the Chiefs brought in more UDFAs? Playing Lucas Patterson out of position and playing Shane Bannon at every rep at FB doesn’t make a lot of sense.

Bob says: Couldn’t agree more, but for some reasons they have not done this. As far as I know, the UDFAs are the only players they could have signed in the last week that would have immediately been available for practice. It can’t possibly be money, or at least I hope that’s the case, because pre-season pay for a couple weeks for a rookie is chump change.

Answer Bob - Wednesday Cup O'Chiefs from Bob Gretz

 St. Joe Channel Video: Chiefs Night Practice Set

Todd Haley and Romeo Crennel earned a laugh track Monday at Missouri Western.

While still waiting on veteran free agent signings and trying to evaluate the team without full-contact practices, the head coach and defensive coordinator have given some evaluations. The content in some cases has been honest, frank and pretty funny.

Monday's points of interest included Bobby Greenwood, Andy Studebaker and the Chiefs pass rush.

Coaches Decide to Entertain from News-Press Now

Today: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 7am. Partly sunny, with a high near 92. Heat index values as high as 98. North northeast wind between 8 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. East northeast wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Training Camp Weather Report from The National Weather Service

We’re 10 days away from the Chiefs first preseason game and I’m beginning to wonder what approach Haley will take with his lineup for 2011’s opening contest. Haley has chosen to ease the team into football activity thus far, taking small steps towards adding contact to practice sessions.

It appears the Chiefs are close to holding their first full-padded practice, but what about the 15-some veterans who’ve yet to step on the field?

Tuesday Off-Day Notebook from The Mothership

It was over 50 years ago and things were different in the world. In 1956, TCU running back Jim Swink was second in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, finishing just behind winner Howard Cassidy from Ohio State. Swink was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 1957 NFL Draft, taken in the second round by George Halas...

...Every year the Bears would call to see if Swink wanted to play football again. But the idea only made sense if he could play in Dallas. When Lamar Hunt started the American Football League in 1960, Swink signed with the Texans for that inaugural season...

...In 1965 Swink was drafted again. Not by a football team, but by Uncle Sam, as he joined the U.S. Army.

Chiefs Potpurri for a Day Off from Bob Gretz

He knows that fans, coaches and teammates are looking for him to take a bigger step in his third NFL season.

For Tyson Jackson, it’s about 2011 and beyond.

That’s why Jackson chose a different form of training this off-season. Jackson, the Chiefs 6-4, 294 pound defensive end, trained as an ultimate fighter throughout the NFL lockout. He’s not looking to enter the ring, but instead wanted to add mixed martial arts technique to his on-field repertoire.

Tyson Jackson Utilize MMA Training to Prepare for 2011 from The Mothership

Shanle drew interest from a handful of teams in free agency. But essentially it came down to the Saints and the Kansas City Chiefs. Or more accurately, Drew Brees vs. Matt Cassel.

"Drew was a huge factor in my decision," Shanle said Saturday. "I see us winning more championships here."

Drew Brees' Aura Proves Irresistible to Many Free Agents Considering New Orleans Saints from The Times-Picayune

Madu and running Armando Allen Jr., along with rookie sixth-round draft pick Allen Bradford, will not take part in team drills until next week, Logan said, as the first preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs approaches.

"When we get closer to the Kansas City game, we're going to start giving them more reps, obviously, because they have to get in the game," Logan said.

Rookies Pay Big Price in Camp from The Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Muir will be the fourth offensive coordinator Cassel has had in his three years in Kansas City and Zorn will be at least the third quarterbacks coach, counting Haley and Weis, who did not actually carry the title.

But Zorn is the first who actually played, let alone excelled, as an NFL quarterback.

"That means a lot, that a guy has actually played in the league. He’s experienced what you experience," Cassel said.

Even though he seems to change jobs with some frequency, there’s no doubting Zorn’s track record in bringing out the best in passers.

Zorn is Latest to Tutor Quarterbacks in KC from The Columbia Daily Tribune

"Probably the guy that had one of the biggest impacts on me being the player that I am was an opponent of mine, Albert Lewis," Sharpe said of the dominating defensive back who played for the Broncos' AFC West rival Chiefs and Raiders during a 16-year career.

"He forced me to be good," Sharpe said. "When he was in Kansas City, my whole thing was if I could beat Albert Lewis, I could beat anybody. I said if I win against him, I can play in this league; I belong in this league."

Sharpe Has His Late Grandmother to Thank from NBC Sports

The team leader of the Chiefs has clearly become quarterback Matt Cassel. It was Cassel who organized a voluntary, players-only "minicamp" during the lockout. He also invited first-round draft pick Jonathan Baldwin to stay at his home for a while and work out individually...

...But successful teams need more than one leader.

"Any time you have voids in the roster like we’ve had here between Brian and Mike, a sign of a good team is one that can have young guys developing — players developing to then step in and fill roles in the roster, leadership, team chemistry, all those types of things," Haley said. "So this will be a great test for us."

Departure of Team Leaders Create Void for Chiefs from News-Press Now