Camp Practice Update 8/12 A.M.
From River Falls, Wisconsin
Todd Haley threw his team a bone on Wednesday morning when he cut back on the practice time, putting the Chiefs through their shortest session of camp so far: 1 hour, 35 minutes.
“I thought it was crisp, I thought we got a lot done,” said Haley of the practice that went down in full pads under sunny and hot weather conditions here at UW-River Falls. “Overall I thought it was a pretty good morning, pretty competitive and I think the offense picked it up a bit. They made some tough plays from a couple different positions. It was a good start to the day.”
There were big name visitors watching the practice. NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith was there with three other union officials, including former Chiefs safety and Raytown South product Jason Belser. Also in camp for the rest of the week and working with the tight ends is former Giants TE Mark Bavaro.
“He’s a guy I’ve gotten to know over the years and he’s one of my favorite football players of all time,” said Haley. “I’m excited about having him in here to work with the tight ends. He can bring a lot to them.”
More from the morning workout:
– Six players were on bike patrol in the No Man’s Land: S DaJuan Morgan, Gs Wade Smith and Tavares Washington, ILB Zach Thomas, TE Jake O’Connell and RB Kolby Smith.
– RT Damion McIntosh was on the field, but when the Chiefs No. 1 offense ran in the team work portion of practice Herb Taylor was with the first unit.
– On special teams the Chiefs worked on the on-side kick. The No. 1 team for that situation is Bernard Pollard, Brandon Carr, Brandon Flowers, Jarrad Page, Terrance Copper, Derrick Johnson, Andy Studebaker, Turk McBride, Jackie Battle and Mark Bradley.
– Chiefs offense picked things up in the blitz drill, as all four quarterbacks got throws and they went 11 of 15 for the session. Brodie Croyle was on fire, hitting four of his five throws. Matt Cassel was four of six, while the star was Tyler Thigpen at two of two, including one dart that he completed to WR Taurus Johnson that excited Haley. “Way to go Tyler, way to go,” Haley yelled.
– Flowers seemed to be everywhere on defense, but he dropped two interceptions.
Do you think we will keep 3 QB’s this year? So the battle for #2 is between Croyle & Thigpen I would think. I don’t care if Cassel went 0 for 6….he is still the starter.
Gretz, it’s pretty apparent that your in love with Thigpen. 2 for 2 in a passing session makes him a star? Your blog is the only place I have read that says Thigpen ever looked better than Cassel. I enjoy the updates, but don’t get your hopes up. It won’t come as much of a shock when he isn’t on the roster come opening day.
I think if Brodie is #2, you have to keep 3. He may only be good for 2 plays.
If Haley wants tough guys, he should just sign Bavaro while he is there. Could probably still whip half the team.
I think 2 or 3 on bike patrol should keep their bags packed and close at hand…see ‘ya.
rrh1382,
I havent read any other web site actually to contest your statement for cassel vs thiggy, with Cassel beating him in practices. Guess im all bob gretz!! anyway, bob has painted the picture that thiggy has been better overall in camp than the rest.
anyone with more info?????
I see Matt as our starter of course. We keep thiggy, he will be out #2. Brodie may stay, or may go. But you ATLEAST have to have 3-4 qbs on roster at all times, know matter who you have a qb, you cant and dont have just 2.
The shortened practice could be because NFLPA reps were in attendance. I wouldnt be suprised if players were complaining about the length and intensity of Haley’s training camp.
NFLPA reps were likely there looking for violations, and Haley decided it would be wise to cut back while under prying eyes.
gorillafan,
Many sites have pointed that Cassel is clear cut better than Thiggy. He’s been crisper on his throws, reads the coverage better, and actually doesn’t force balls. I like Thigpen, I really do, but this offense had to be changed just to accommodate his limited ability.
Many sites have pointed out that Croyle has been getting more snaps with the twos than Thigpen, but I haven’t seen much of it here.
gorillafan,
reports from everyone who has been to river falls is that Cassel is head and shoulders above the other qbs…and that Croyle has been outperforming Thigpen (except during the scrimmage).
That info can be found at fatchatter, arrowheadpride, WPI, and other sites. No suprise that he (Croyle) is listed higher than Thigpen on the kc depth chart as well.
Brandon Flowers is a gamer…..do I smell a pro bowel in the making?
haha, Patrick!
A Pro-Bowel is something that Rin Tin Tin is.
But yeah, Flowers looks really good so far!
August 12, 2009 – Patrick says:
Brandon Flowers is a gamer…..do I smell a pro bowel in the making?
Hopefully a pro-bowl. We saw enough bowel movements with last year’s team.
I think I was like most Chiefs fans when we traded for Cassell. I was excited that we brought in a talented player, but also a little sad that the new staff didn’t see the potential in Thigpen.
I seriously doubt Thigpen won’t be on the roster come Sept. Thigpen has proven he can make plays with a mediocre offense and make things happen. At the very least they’d be able to trade him to someone for a draft pick.
Good to hear the offense is coming to life. Especially coming from Haley.
We will keep 3 QB’s, no doubt about it.
I agree with B in SC a few bike riders will not make the Right 53
Flowers is indeed blooming & smelling better every day.(pun intended)
Flowers, but Carr as well, on the University website it said Carr made a few nice plays with Haley verbally praising his smart play.
a few days away guys! b4 we see the parcells and belichek clones bring us a talented ,smart, tough football team to kc as pioli said earlier this year. i definitely cannot wait to see this. my expectations are not very high coming into the season,but this may be a breath of fresh air to what we witness the last two years. there are a lot holes to be filled especially at the wr positions.my opinion is that bowe will start come week one but as the number 2 wr. but i have feeling that they will find that no nonsense ,very motivated kind of number 1 guy being a trade or waive wire. so far i like what i am hearing about haley’s approach bringing the discipline to this group. lord knows they need that going into this season compare to herm’s holiday camp of last year. i will wait and see after the season to find out if they are heading in the right direction . but i will still state my opinion during the season in which will be very interesting. i think tyler thigpen will still stay at the number 3 spot until he can read defensive formations while under center. hey guys don’t laugh but they could have him play some wide reciever at different formations including some wildcat. i like it! remember that nice touchdown grab he had last year.what do you guys think about him playing some reciever?i am not saying he is our number one guy at reciever that’s a stupid statement but have him come in on some downs.
Guys,
thanks for the info. I dont get alot of time during the day to “surf” the net. I like this site, like most of you do, so I usually just get all my info here and thats pretty much it. MAybe, kcchiefs.com to watch video reports and postgame press conferences ect.
thanks for the insight. hearing that makes me feel alittle better now that cassel is beating everyone in competiton, in there opinion though.
I enjoy your blog very much. Perhaps you have done this and I missed it, however I think it would be good to point out that the reason so many routes are being jumped resulting in interceptions, is that the dbs have become very fimilar with the routes as they have now seen them many times and also the risk/reward factor is much lower in camp than in a regular season game. Thanks!
I’m a little fairy.
Mwah! Love you too, Rinny!
:O ELEPHANTS!
When I grow up someday want to glimpse Rin’s wake.
Kenny says: I think I was like most Chiefs fans when we traded for Cassell. I was excited that we brought in a talented player, but also a little sad that the new staff didn’t see the potential in Thigpen.
I guess I’m not like most Chiefs fans then. I was excited that we brought in a talented player meaning we wouldn’t have to watch our 3rd string QB learn how to play football. I think the new staff did see Thigpen’s potential…hence the trade for a legitimate starting QB.
I’m pretty unclear on how the love affair with Thigpen developed. He was mildly entertaining to watch I guess…but it seems he’s got a decent chunk of this sites followers in his corner over Cassel.
I think we’ll go into the season with Tyler and Brodie as the backups. So will have 3QBs on the roster. I doubt if Brodie will be 2nd string QB as long as Tyler can continue to play well. Brodie just hasn’t proven his body is realiable enough to make him a starter or backup. So unless Tyler completely erode in the four preseason games he’ll be the backup QB to Cassell.
As for Cassell Thigpen comparison. Right now Cassell is the better QB coming from a more pro style offense. Until Tyler has more time to develop into an accurate QB out of a pro style offense he’ll continue to be the backup. He has all the skills to be a good QB in this league. He’s humble, hard worker, mobile, good arm, but he just needs more development. Another year getting reps in a pro style offense and this guy will be ready to be a consistent starter in the league.
As for Cassell I expect him to be very accurate and provide good overall leadership. His success will henge on the receivers ability to get open and catch the football. I think the running game will do well this year and I think the o-line will do a good job in pass and run protection. The receiving core will decide how good of a season Cassell has. He’s proven with talented receivers he can be successful.
I’m gone give a shot out to Tamba and Turk. I’ve been reading other sites reporting on those two guys and they have been getting nothing but praise from reporters on how well they’ve been making the transition to linebacker. Like I’ve said before this defense is going to shock some people on how good its going to be. I also read how Tyson phyically looks dominating on the defensive line with his power and quickness.
WATCH OUT this defense is going to be really good my fellow Chiefs fans
I wonder if Haley is upset that some veteran called and whined to Players Association. If I were Haley after officals left to have a session of “gassers”. I understand there are limits, but these Chiefs need to quit acting like preschoolers and practice like men!
“I wonder if Haley is upset”
- no, he always looks this way – his underwear must be too tight…
“that”
- must hurt…
“some veteran called and whined to Players Association”
- yeah, but Mutt makes $63 mill so he can get away with it…
daddy-o