Camp Report: 2022 Chiefs With the Wind at Their Backs
By Laddie Morse
It’s hard to think of a Kansas Chiefs related issue that doesn’t have a much bigger upside, than downside, these days. With Training Camp gearing up this week, the rookie camp over the weekend is filled with positives oozing out the wazoo. Take rookie WR Skyy Moore for example. Sure, it was not a good sign that he had to stand on the sidelines during OTAs but now he’s not only on the field but he’s drawing some dang good comments in the process:
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Reid had more than that to say about Moore:
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“He looked smooth out here… strong. His leg looked like it held up pretty good. He’s got those big legs — different than a lot of receivers. He’s got like running back legs. But he was smooth. Good hands… catches it easy.”
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More than Moore has elevated their game so far this Training Camp weekend. Second year WR, Cornell Powell is a testament to that fact. Pete Sweeney said of Powell,
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“I thought WR Cornell Powell probably looked the best he’s looked in a long while, totaling four receptions during 7-on-7. Big camp for Powell, who needs to keep it up once the veterans arrive to make a case for what we project as only 2 winnable receiver spots.”
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Of course, where would we be without a Patrick Mahomes citing? No, not just seeing him but seeing him do those crazy-wondeful things he’s become noted for. Like… behind the back throws.
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Mahomes has fully embraced Kansas City as his Home and he likes to sum up the Chiefs offseason situation as he did in this Presser while donning an old Monarchs uniform:
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While it’s a beautiful thing to see our Chiefs having fun out there, the reality is, this may be the most competitive camp any of us has ever seen. Charles Goldman at Chiefs Wire has stated clearly how competitive this camp will be:
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“There are several position groups that are gearing up for a great fight during the course of the 2022 offseason program in Kansas City. Brett Veach has added some serious depth on both sides of the ball, especially at certain position groups that have seen major departures this offseason. Competition always makes for a better team and it has the potential to really shape a few key position groups for the Chiefs.”
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Players to Watch in Camp
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Malik Herring, DE
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Cornell Powell, WR
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“Second-year WR Cornell Powell had velcro-like hands, catching virtually everything during 7-on-7 drills, including two nifty leaping grabs.” –Herbie Teope
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Jody Fortson, TE
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Devon Key, DB
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Devon Key College (Western Kentucky) Stats (2021 UDFA):
- 48 games
- 328 total tackles
- 6 INT’s
- 18 PD
- 2 TD’s
- 1 FR
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Leo Chenal, LB
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Mark Vital, TE
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“The guy who stood out to me this morning was tight end Mark Vital, who went up and hauled in a 50/50 ball during 7-on-7. Strong day overall for him.” -Matt McMullen
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Isiah Pacheco, RB
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Pacheco came to camp in shape and ready to roll as shared by Jared Sapp at ArrowheadPride:
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“It felt great,” he said of his first practice. “I came back in shape, so I was ready to hit the road when we started. Training in south [New] Jersey — it’s really hot out there right now, and [it’s] 100. Just taking advantage of the heat and practicing in the back at home. Getting prepared for the camp. Something I took advantage of.”
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Darian Kinnard has highlighted how important it is to be in shape, and get in shape, in an Andy Reid run training camp:
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If you’ve ever been to Saint Joseph for one of Andy Reid’s training camps, then you know there is no down time. He moves quickly from one activity to another and is constantly chiding his players to “Go-fast!” Reid is organized and detailed and knows exactly what he’s doing next at all times. He also won’t hesitate to call a practice off if there’s any hint of lightning. On the other hand…
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Isiah Pacheco has said it best as the way to go about being a Training Camp participant:
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“Just get out there and bust my behind
so I can be on the field. [I’m] just being
myself — and whatever Coach wants me
to do, I’m going to do it.”
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Laddie Morse — ArrowheadOne
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