David Bell
It’s as Simple as This – Chiefs Photo
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As soon as the pads went on, the injury bug struck. On Saturday, after the session was moved indoors due to the impending storm, it was reported that CB Nazeeh Johnson tore up his ACL. Johnson will miss the 2023 season, which is bad news for the CB Group. He had been playing well and receiving praise from Dave Merritt and other coaches. The second-year progress will now have to wait for 2024, though I suppose he could make it back for Post Season games but I doubt that happens. The Chiefs are still solid at CB, but I was hoping that he could become an important contributor this year. Ah well, “If Wishes Were Horses…”
This may change the plan for the secondary. Watson and Williams will once again be counted on for aerial defense, along with Trent McDuffie and L’Jarius Sneed. I am pondering if this might cause a shift in Veach’s view about extending Sneed though I now believe that such an extension is not in the plan. Right now resolving the Chris Jones hold-out looms like the storm cloud did on Saturday as the Thunderstorms rolled into the St. Joe area. At this point, Brett Veach is handcuffed — there cupboard is bear of funds. Getting CJ’s extension finished becomes more important due to Johnson’s ACL. The Chief’s might need to bolster the CB group. But the monies are not available at present.
Reminder: In 2022, Najeeh Johnson took on more of a role for special teams as the season progressed. He was one of Dave Toub’s top “Gunners.” Losing Johnson hurts in more ways than one.
Two New Player Acquisitions
WR Izaiah Gathings (Middle Tennessee) and CB Anthony Witherstone (Merrimack) were announced as being signed to the 90-man Roster on Sunday. The first thought that crossed my mind was perhaps Witherstone’s addition was due to the Johnson Injury which seems likely though I doubt there is a plan to use him in any consideration for the 53-man roster. It’s more likely he is a camp body, but he does have some credentials. Izaiah Gathings is out of Middle Tenn St (HBCU).
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Gathings – MTSU Game Photo
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That school’s players find NFL Careers, and the Chiefs have a relationship with their coaching staff.
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Witherston – Merrimack Football Photo Credit
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Playing in Pads with Added Stressors
My read on the stress on players is that they have donned pads, playing in the heat and fatigue is a likely culprit for exposing players who are going full tilt to win a 53-Man Roster spot. Already the Chiefs had lost a receiver (Kadarius Toney), and though HC Andy Reid that Toney could make the opening game, I do not anticipate him being able to return until the initial few games are in the book. This only makes sense to ensure Toney is ready to rock. Rushing him back would be the wrong thing to do. Even so, Andy Reid commented on Sunday that Toney was making progress. Besides Toney and Nazeeh Johnson, the Chiefs UDFA LB apparently aggravated an old knee injury and he will require surgery as well.
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Kadarius Toney and Justyn Ross
Knowing the type of moves that Toney showed us in 2022, I am looking forward to seeing Both him and Ross on the field for the same play–running routes and stutter-stepping to get wide open for Patrick Mahomes. I have a vivid imagination, so, in mind’s eye, I see a 3-receiver set with the added man being either Skyy Moore or Rashee Rice. It certainly whets the appetite to see this unfold in 2023. Dan Harms provided a view of Rashee Rice in a comment to Charles Goldman which is apropos to the expectations of Rice.
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Latest News on the Kick-Off Return Game
Special Teams Coach Dave Toub has gone to great lengths to praise Deneric Prince, commenting on how well he has shown thus far as a Kick-Off return specialist. Prince has also demonstrated that he will be a dependable Pass-Catcher out of the backfield. Toub did mention other players, but it appears to me Prince will make the 53-man roster not only for his role as a running back but due to his special team prowess. I wouldn’t count out Isiah Pacheco being used.
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For Punt Return Duty
A couple of months ago, Laddie and I were discussing this aspect of special teams — Laddie was thinking new-comer Nikko Remigio, and neither of us could count out Ihmir Smith-Marsett. I was hyped about Brett Veach signing Richie James of the Giants at the time, and I still feel that way. As far as the news out of camp, James is a lock both as a receiver and in the special teams role, at least in my view. He has been strutting the stuff since his arrival. Toub indicated that James was the front-runner on Sunday. I also think Toub will use other players on occasion such as Justin Watson or Smith-Marsette presuming either or both makes the opening day roster. I will add this: I am liking Smith-Marsette the more I hear from camp, and I believe that Justin Watson has a special place in the heart of QB Patrick Mahomes.
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My WR Crew
There is a ton of talent in the WR Room. Who are the sure bets? MVS, Moore, Rice, James, and for me, Justyn Ross. Who fits for the final 2 or 3 slots? This is difficult to think about, but if the Chiefs go with seven Wideouts, then I think they will be Justin Watson, Cornell Powell, or perhaps Ihmir Smith-Marsette. I favor Powell, and that seems likely since he was a 2022 draft pick. Of course, I also anticipate Toney’s return to active status early in the season. I must add this note about Justin Watson — I think he is emerging as a team leader. Not long ago, I commented about his infectious smile. Here is a take from today:
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This Week the Camp Sessions will have Intensity and Import
We are beyond the dog days and only about 40 days away from the Season Opener. My scrutiny of the camp sessions grows incrementally, day to day. Now begins the fun time as the team unfolds its prowess with three Pre-Season games in the offing playing the Saints on the road on August 13th. That’s only a scant two weeks away.
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David Bell — ArrowheadOne
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