Morning Practice Update 7/30
From River Falls, Wisconsin
It was a perfect morning for football and the Chiefs had a good practice session in full pads.
One roster note: the Chiefs had an open spot and with their shortage of defensive ends, they are bringing back Jonal Saint-Dic, a rookie free agent out of Michigan State. He was released at the end of the team’s off-season program. Also, safety Ron Girault who was released when Glenn Dorsey signed has hooked on with the New York Jets.
The offense took a step backwards during the workout, which is pretty normal, especially given the fact that QB Brodie Croyle and RB Larry Johnson did not practice. The coaching staff decided to give both of them a rest. That’s especially important for Croyle, since the Chiefs have just three quarterbacks in camp.
Things also got a bit chippy, as the boys are tired of hitting each other. DT Tank Tyler and G Tre Stallings went at it in the 9-on-7 drill. Later in the team work there was a good battle involving LB Pat Thomas, RT Damion McIntosh and Dorsey.
Gunther Cunningham was upset with his linebackers. He gave Thomas, who is running with the first team at middle linebacker, an earful. He pulled rookie LB LeRue Rumph off the field at another spot. Once the action got flowing, Thomas made some plays, He stopped RB Jackie Battle for a 2-yard loss and then shut down a screen intended for RB Jamaal Charles. LB Donnie Edwards and CB Brandon Flowers had interceptions. S Jarrad Page dropped an INT.
Offensively, Tyler Thigpen got the majority of snaps with the first group and he was inconsistent. He hit a screen pass to Charles that would have went for big yardage against anybody with the running back’s speed. He also ran several times on boot leg plays, pulling the ball down and taking off.
One other defensive note: when the Chiefs went to their “backer” 3-4 defense, the linebackers were Edwards, Thomas, Derrick Johnson and Demorrio Williams.
They’ll have another practice this afternoon.
Bob, If you’re reading… please explain how it’s possible that the Chiefs cut Tre Stallings last year but this year he’s in the hunt to be a starter at RG or at least a legitimate backup? And hows Herb Taylor doing? And is Will Svitek practicing, and what are his prospects?
Who would you say is the final list of Linebackers to make the team?
Also, in your opinion is Sippio the real deal and wasn’t given a legitimate chance last year?
I love hearing about Gun chewing some ass. Even when he left us after his “Head” coaching gig, he was still a favorite. Get ‘em Gun.
Love the site Robert. Great stuff
Had a moment here so I thought I’d get back to some of your comments.
Ned: Stallings has improved and he’s also better suited for the style of offense that Gailey has brought than he was for the Vermeil-Saunders-Solari system. Right now right guard is the biggest question mark on a questionable offensive line. Last year Stallings didn’t have a chance. This year, if Adrian Jones falters, Stallings will get a chance. Whether he’s up to it or not is another matter.
Herb Taylor is doing OK, working at backup LT. Not sure he’s ready for full-time service, but he could jump in and help in a pinch.
Svitek’s days are numbered. He’s running at RT with the third offensive line. Not a good sign in this time of turnover.
Gregg: Just a guess here at this point without any pre-season action, but from what I’ve seen and what Mike Priefer has assigned on the special teams, I think the linebackers will be:
Edwards/Johnson/Thomas/Williams/Kuale/Rumph and either Dacus or Harris. I think right now Harris is on the bubble.
Sippio is what he is: a guy who catches everything thrown in his direction, but he doesn’t have much speed. He’ll always be the last receiver on the roster. Given what the Chiefs have in camp, he has a chance to stick.
Thanks for visiting the site.
BG
Thanks for this site, it IS my first stop. Also, thanks for the follow-up on some good questions, this is really enjoyable.
GO CHIEFS!!!
Looks like the bubble burst on Nate Harris and Ken Shackelford. KFFL.com is reporting both were let go.
Bob, do you think that they will bring in another QB for a camp arm?
How are all the rookies are doing?
How many do you think will make the roster?
Thanks for the update on Sippio. I’ve been a fan of his since he was signed last year and was hoping he’d get a chance to be a #3 or #4 this year. If he has as good of hands as everyone says as long as he can run good routes he should be servicable, shouldn’t he? I hope he get’s more of a chance this year. Also, haven’t heard much about Will Franklin lately? Is he still burning it up?
Another thanks for this site is in order - the best source for what is going on.
At some point it would be great if you could break down the Gailey offense. It is a power running game, but what exactly does that mean? Should we expect the revival of the play-action passing game that worked so well back in the glory days of the early and mid 90s?
I love the coverage we get on this site! Bob, nice job on answering the comments.
I was hearing that Byron Leftwich was trying out for the Titans….I was wondering why the Chiefs don’t bring him in to compete for a roster spot?
Croyle is our starter…and Thigpen is promising. But Leftwich is only about 27 or 28 and if Croyle and Thigpen end up being terrible, I would think Leftwich would be a nice young option to look at near the end of the season…
I just don’t want to start the QB carousel. If Croyle and Thigpen don’t work…it makes sense to have another young option…And Huard is not that. Leftwich seems to fit the mold perfectly and he looks content backing up Vince Young and Kerry Collins…I would think he would jump to backup Croyle and Thigpen…much better odds for him
What do you think Bob?
I’ve seen you mention Jamaal Charles consistently over the pass few days. Do you think he will be a big play threatfor the Chiefs this season?
Bob, Why is it that Tank Tyler has been unable to unseat Ron Edwards for the other DT slot next to Dorsey. I was hoping that Mcbride and Boone at DE, Hali on the other side, and Tank/Dorsey at the DT position..
Also was wondering, since Harris is on the bubble due to mediocre play and attitude, what about Mcintosh, we can take the cap hit, and he hasnt exactly lit up the Rt position, or been too happy about it. Why not make a move on Bentley at RG and let the rest battle for RT, or move up Harrison…
It’s great news that Napoleon Harris is on the bubble and may be cut. He was dreadful last year, and was a poor signing, IMO. Better to eat your losses and go with young players that may develop, but at least have good attitudes, rather than Harris.
When are the players officially weighed? I noticed Croyle is still showing 206. What say you?