The Kansas City Chiefs started the day with high humidity at 73% with the temp coming in around the mid-80s. In most circumstances, when it reaches 100% humidity, it’s raining, so it was not only hot today, it was sweaty for those players on the field. The high today in St. Joe is going to be 99° degrees.
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At the Outset
Tyrann Mathieu was the first man on the field today. Before practice during walk-throughs of run sets Willie Gay was at the SAM, Ben Niemann was at the MIKE, and Nick Bolton at the WILL. Keep in mind, that’s with Anthony Hitchens out (see injury report below). When the offense was in passing mode, and the defense was in a heavy pass coverage set with 6 DBs, Ben Niemann was the only LB on the field. Willie Gay was standing and watching, presumably to learn that process. When the defense was using 5 DBs, both Niemann and Gay were the primary LBs (with Hitchens sitting for now).
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Linebackers Take No Back Seat
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Hot Corners on the Hot Seat
Both Deandre Baker and Mike Hughes were in on defensive sets which required a 5th DB. That was with the 1st teamers. Good news is, they looked consistently solid. From Wednesday, here’s Baker with close man coverage on Byron Pringle:
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It’s been said that both Mike Hughes and Deandre Baker have overtaken Rashad Fenton. With that happening as we speak, this group of CBs is becoming a much more stout group. Ward, Sneed, Baker and Hughes could be a formidable fab four!
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Cutting a Tight End, or Two, Loose
Nate Taylor of the Athletic called Chiefs rookie TE Noah Gray “the majestic white horse on a sandy beach.” Not sure what he meant by that, but suffice it to say, Gray is having one sunny day after another at Chiefs camp. It looks like we won’t have to wait long to see Noah Gray become a regular contributor in Andy Reid’s offense this year. Also, it could possibly happen that the Chiefs keep four tight ends like they did in 2016. Why, the presence of not only Noah Gray, but Jody Fortson:
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Deep and Wide Receivers
Looks like Antonio Callaway is having a very good camp. Could he edge his way onto the roster? Maybe it’s time for the Chiefs to move on from some lower hanging fruit. Just a reminder but, Callaway has 4.41 speed and we all know how Reid feels about speedy wideouts.
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There are other WRs getting attention in this camp:
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Defensive Ends
Ron Kopp Jr. noted that both Demone Harris and Mike Danna got time with the first team. Reid likes to sub those players in with the first squad to see what they can do when pressed into service.
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While there is no doubt that Frank Clark will man one of the two DE positions this season, Chris Jones addressed the idea that he’ll be playing a lot more defensive end and even said he’s lost a bunch of weight this offseason in preparation for that eventuality. Jones has also done more Yoga this offseason in preparation for the required “bend” needed to become a good DE. He’s also studied some of the games best DEs right now. So, no matter how much I’m not a fan of the idea, CJ will be moving to DE and sometimes more vs certain teams, as CJ indicated in his presser after Thursday’s practice.
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He’s Not Leaving Henne Doubts
Chad Henne is leaving no doubts about who will be the backup QB in 2021. He’s been smoking hot these first two days of Training camp and made all the throws required by a good backup to the supreme being of Patrick Mahomes:
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A cray cray twitter fan suggested that the Chiefs might have a QB controversy, but the only QB controversy in K.C. will be whether or not Patrick Mahomes will throw for 50 or more TDs in 2021.
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Friendly Reminder: PMII = GOAT
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Never Forgotten: A Hill is Still a Hill
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Less Noteworthy
- WR Cornell Powell had a dropped pass.
- OC Creed Humphrey had two bad snaps in a row resulting in a fumbled exchange between he and Patrick Mahomes. Apparently, “fumbled,” but not dropped.
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Pro Post Practice Interviews
These can be found on –> Chiefs Facebook
Byron Pringle
Pringle said everyone is bringing high energy to the practices, from the younger guys to the older vets. He said he knows the offense better now and that’s the biggest difference. Pringle said he’s a hard worker who might not play a lot but he’s someone they can count on, on and off the field.
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Clyde Edwards-Helaire
He said everything with the offensive line is “cordial” but everything is looking good up front. In the red zone — which the Chiefs are focusing on this year — CEH said knowing his keys is beneficial. Everything is quicker in the red zone. Having Patrick Mahomes, Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce really helps him and hiding behind his massive OL is easy.
L’Jarius Sneed
Sneed was asked about Mike Hughes and he said Hughes is a quick player and that he’s going to help “us” out a lot this season. LJ said playing Safety in his last year of college helped him a lot in the Chiefs defense. He said playing in the Super Bowl helped him mentally, what he can do, and what he can’t do. Sneed said having LIVE camp, as opposed to last year, has helped him a lot. He said he tries not to focus on last year but thinks teams will focus on him more now that they know him, but he’ll be ready and he says his spot is not guaranteed, so he’s still trying to “earn” his spot.
Chris Jones
CJ talked a lot about playing the defensive end position. He was asked, “What’s your favorite gap to go through?” To which he said, “I don’t really pay attention to all that stuff… my favorite gap is any gap I can get to the quarterback in, I’m excited about it.” He said getting to the QB is based on, a little bit of skill, a little bit of luck, and play calling and that when all of that comes together, you’re able to reach the benefit on it. CJ was asked about a specific play in practice where he got close to PMII, and he said, “Look, I feel good rushing off the edge,” and then laughed. He said, in year 6, he’s a “little old” while raising his eyebrows, but then said, “I feel so good rushing off the edge, and having the acquisition of Jarran Reed has freed me up tremendously.” CJ added, “I’m so appreciative of his dominance on the inside. Him and Frank Clark are like tit-for-tat, and work well off of each other, as well as Tershawn Wharton, he can get around and move.” Jones mentioned other DTs but it’s clear, he intends to, and has prepared to, play a lot more Defensive End this season.
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Injured, but Not Wounded
Players not on the field today were: James Winchester and Darwin Thompson, both still in the Covid-19 protocol. Kyle Long (Tibia) and Malik Herring (ACL) are out for an extended period, each. Also out are Armani Watts (foot) and Nick Keizer went to the locker room with back spasms. Anthony Hitchens had tweaked his hammy yesterday so he was still out, but nothing serious. Also, TE extraordinaire, Travis Kelce, was sent to the locker room early when his back and hips were found to be “tight.”
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About the Offensive Line
Louis Riddick had encouraging words about the Chiefs new OL:
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“They believe Trey Smith has unique ability. This unit, the OL, should become the strength of this team. They love Thuney (as they should), love Humphrey (as they should), have full belief in Orlando Brown and his adjustment to their system, and just need Remmers to be competent.”
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With no major injuries to report, the Chiefs training camp is progressing at a wonderful pace and the team is coming together as expected. Here’s Charles Goldman’s 53-man roster projection. However, I must say, it’s looking more and more likely that the Chiefs keep four TEs.
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What’s your take on the first two days of Chiefs Training Camp?
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Laddie Morse — ArrowheadOne
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