Mini-Camp Practice #5 Report
From the Truman Sports Complex
Another summer thunderstorm rolled in Sunday morning and again chased the Chiefs inside for their final practice of the 2010 mini-camp.
And the players received a mini-camp surprise from their head coach, as Todd Haley cut short the session, putting the squad through a workout that lasted just a tad over 60 minutes.
“I just felt progress that we had made through this weekend and that part of it was going to be review and as hard as these guys have worked over the last three months it was worth giving something back to them,” said Haley. “They did a good job today, they were working hard and didn’t seem distracted.”
The session finished up with the two-minute drill, where both the offense and defense had big plays. The first offense’s turn with the ball produced a TD pass from QB Matt Cassel to TE Tony Moeaki, where the rookie made a very nice catch in the back corner of the end zone. The second offense’s time with the ball ended rather quickly as QB Tyler Palko’s pass was picked off by CB Travis Daniels, who had a very good weekend.
There are two more days of the off-season program left for the veterans. On Monday most will be involved with the Chiefs Ambassadors Golf Tournament at Shadow Glen Golf Club. On Tuesday will be the final OTA practice session.
The rookies will stay another two weeks, getting most of their work in strength and conditioning.
Observations from Sunday’s workout:
- It may get old, but it’s relevant that again the Chiefs had 86 of 87 on the field. The only missing man was unsigned restricted free agent S Jarrad Page.
- The same five guys were in the rehab area – WR Quinten Lawrence, WR Lance Long, RB Jamaal Charles, CB Brandon Flowers and TE Brad Cottam.
- Moeaki was working with the No. 1 offense during the two-minute drill, in place of Leonard Pope.
- The No. 1 nickel defense continued to feature OLB Mike Vrabel working inside with Andy Studebaker taking his place on the corner.
- Rookie CB Javier Arenas had a good weekend as well, but he dropped a sure interception during the practice.
- In the special teams segment the Chiefs worked on their punt return group, with Arenas and WR/RB Dexter McCluster as the only returners.
I think Haley has a more relaxed demeanor because he’s more confident this year about the talent he has on the team. Call it quiet confidence. He doesn’t have to yell and scream as much because guys are doing things the right way from start to finish in practice. I think he senses he’s got a winning team now so he’s trying to reward guys hard work out there by being a little nicer and more encouraging guy.
The items he mentioned about veterans helping rookies is excellent news…he’s right, it’s evidence he’s building a team that cares about winning and getting better! Best news of the mini-camp. Good work Robert!
Page is getting to the point of no longer being a Chief. I think he’s nuts for holding out and I think we’ve got enough talent to view him as expendable. The Chief’s could just drop his salary to the league minimum and let him sit out the season unpaid if he keeps it up. I don’t begrudge any player his salary but let’s get real. It’s time for him to sign his tender or expect to be out of the league for a year if not permanently.
Page? Meh. I really thought he would sign by now. I wouldn’t be surprised if he signs tomorrow…at the last minute.
But…I also wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t.
I’d actually like to see Page continue as a Chief. I wish he would have been there during this offseason to learn and improve with his teammates.
Whatever happens…it’s just the nature of the business. I understand that. I think we’ll be fine either way.
One last thought. I believe Page’s agent is his brother. If I were Page, I think I’d be looking at finding another agent. If they think he’ll find a better deal than what he would make by signing his tender offer from the Chiefs? Good luck with that. I really don’t think it will happen.
Travis Daniels is bieng someone to deal with. It looks like this guy is more than just solid. He’s turning out plays. I wonder if there is enough room for guys like Jackie Bates, Andre Jones, Mike Richardson, and Donald Washington.
I would assume it would Flowers Carr and then Arenas at nickle slot. Backups would be Daniels, MoLegg, and I a guess would be Washington but I think it be easy to take.
Safety’s I think it’s still Page’s to have as long as he signs. I hope he does too Mad I like Page’s progress. Then put him beside Berry Berry Scary Eric Berry. If Page isn’t there I think it is going to be a three way battle between Kendrick Lewis Duan Morgan and Resharnd Langford. I think were pretty talented at DB I may be wrong and I hope were not because I know were going to need.
I might be crazy, but I just don’t see Page being on the roster come opening day. He’s had issues with coaches last year, and this is the 2nd year he’s not signed in contract in time for off season sessions. I think he’s gone, either via trade or release during training camp.
I think they go with Berry and either Lewis or Morgan. McGraw will be there in the event things get ugly with missed assignments with the 2 rookies. Langford makes the roster too if Page is gone.
Just my guess….
no way will page make the roster! and bob, you sir, rock.