The winners and losers from KC Chiefs training camp so far ...
Winners
The quarterbacks
Knock on wood but the overall competency of the Chiefs' QB position from top to bottom is as good as I've seen since I've been here
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) July 31, 2017
After suffering for so many years without our own quarterback, Chiefs fans were treated to solid quarterback back during the first week of camp. Alex Smith came out hot completing his first 13 passes at camp and hasn’t relinquished his role as the unquestioned starter on the team. He’s the guy, as expected.
Patrick Mahomes has looked good, too. He just threw his first interception in a competitive drill on Thursday. He set Chiefs Twitter on fire when he killed the two-minute drill. (Where were you the day Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to a score in his first two minute drill in training camp?) Also, Mahomes staying after practice to take more reps - even if somewhat meaningless - makes me sleep better at night.
“Patrick is just slinging it,” Terez Paylor said on the Star’s podcast. “He threw two passes today down the seam into double coverage. After the first time it almost got picked off and the second time it did get picked off. There is no conscious with this guy.”
As expected.
As for Tyler Bray, he’s got a huge arm. He’s competing to be the No. 2 quarterback. I’m not ready to call him a winner or a loser yet. The competition rolls on.
WR Tyreek Hill
Marcus Peters called Tyreek one of the best WRs in the NFL right now. These two plays offer a glimpse into why. He has the ability to stretch the field - we know that. However, if Tyreek can handle the mid-range game (that’s a basketball term) and make catches like the one below, he can bring his game to another level. He can replace Maclin if he can do that.
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WR Seantavius Jones
If there was a receiver who unexpectedly stood out, it’s Jones. There have been daily reports of him using his 6’3 frame to jump over the defender to make a grab. It’s one thing to do that when you’re not going to get lit up going over the middle. It’s another when real contact is out. That’s why I think preseason is so big for him.
MAN. Seantavius Jones is making a CASE.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) August 3, 2017
LB Derrick Johnson
ESPN’s Adam Teicher said this: “Even at 34 and coming off a torn Achilles, Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson looks like he's as good as ever.”
Losers
RB Charcandrick West
He’s been out the past few days with an ankle injury. He’s in a position battle for what could be just one running back spot. It could come down to him or CJ Spiller - unless they keep four backs (plus Anthony Sherman). He can’t help it but missing time is a killer right now. (Update: Of course he’s back on the field the day I post this)
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DT Chris Jones
Sucks for him. He’s missing camp after having knee surgery a few weeks ago. There’s no timetable yet. I’m not sure on whether he will miss games or not. No one has specifically ruled that out yet.
G Parker Ehinger
Another injured player. Can you sense a theme? Being hurt is bad (breaking!). He’s still coming back from his ACL tear and hasn’t practiced. A lot of us had him penciled in as the starter at left guard.
S Jordan Sterns
He was an undrafted free agent that ranked well in Pro Football Focus’s grading. Some thought he had a chance to make the team. But the Chiefs are just too crowded at safety. He was hurt and cut this week when the Chiefs signed Roy Miller.