Waters-Vrabel Are In … Mini-Camp Update 6/5 AM
From the Truman Sports Complex
Both Brian Waters and Mike Vrabel were on the field Friday morning for the first of five mini-camp practices.
It was the first time the veteran guard and linebacker took part in any of the team’s off-season work.
While they were there, they certainly were not busy. Waters ran with the third team offensive line, while Vrabel worked with the second team defense. It’s safe to say their participation was limited.
The Chiefs had 84 of their 85 players on the field, missing only rookie CB Donald Washington, who by NFL rule cannot practice until Ohio State’s spring term is completed next week.
Four players did not take part because of injury: QB Brodie Croyle, RB Kolby Smith, DE Glenn Dorsey and DT Ron Edwards.
Some observations from the practice session:
– The No. 1 base defense lined up with Tyson Jackson and Alex Magee at DE, Tank Tyler at NT, with Monty Beisel and Tamba Hali at OLB and Derrick Johnson and Zach Thomas at ILB. At CB were Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr, with Jarrad Page and Bernard Pollard playing at safety.
– The No. 2 base defense was Alfonso Boone and Bobby Greenwood at DE, Derek Lokey at NT, with Vrabel and Turk McBride at OLB and Corey Mays and Demorrio Williams as the ILB. At CB were Travis Daniels and Maurice Leggett with Jon McGraw and DaJuan Morgan at safety.
– The Chiefs spent a lot of time on the punting team during the practice. The No. 1 punt squad had McGraw as the personal protector, CB Ricardo Colclough and WR Terrance Copper as the outside gunners and across the wall in the front were Pollard, OLB Andy Studebaker, Derrick Johnson, Thomas Gafford on the snap, Beisel, Smith and LB Wes Dacus.
– The offense and defense did some pass rush-pass protection snaps. The No. 1 pick got schooled by veteran guard Mike Goff on his first two pass rushes, but he later had some success against Tavares Washington and Colin Brown. LT Branden Albert stoned rookie OLB Pierre Walters twice. C Eric Ghiaciuc did a good job on Lokey in back-to-back snaps. Magee looked good going against rookie guard Darryl Harris.
– The team ran 12 plays of team work. The best play was probably QB Matt Cassel hitting a nice throw to WR Dwayne Bowe on one of his plays.
– QB Tyler Thigpen had a good throw on the sideline to WR Jeff Webb, who did a good job of catching the ball and turning up field.
– Rookie LB Jovan Belcher had a nice pass drop and knocked down a pass thrown by QB Ingle Martin.
– Rookie WR Quentin Lawrence had one of Martin’s throws in his hands and not only dropped the ball, but it was almost intercepted.
– A draw play for Larry Johnson got stuffed behind the line of scrimmage, but he broke out on another run wide to the left side and flashed speed and power.
– RB Jamaal Charles has a nice run after a screen pass from Thigpen.
– On the last play of the session, Cassel got chased out of the pocket as good coverage tied up the deep receivers. He dumped the ball off to TE Brad Cottam.
Good to see both guys in camp. HOpefully Waters will put the past behind him and jus play football
Waters was on the third-team line?
Ouch.
I wonder if they’ll stick around for the OTA’s from now on…or do the mandatory mini-camp and disappear again? I also wonder what Waters will say when he gets hammered by the media. Because you know it’s coming…sooner or later.
I think the fact that Waters is here says a lot. I think he realizes he pulled an “LJ”. I’m interested to see what he says to the media, if anything. All I know is that if he’s on board now, it’s good enough for me and I won’t keep bringing up the past. It’s time to get excited guys!
In Pioli we Trust.
Third string line is not a surprise. He hasn’t been there to learn terminology, plays, etc. If you throw him into the first string, you just set back their progress as well. He will move when he catches up. Probably not during mini-camp. Same goes for Vrabel.
Waters best bet would to keep his mouth shut and study his play book. Story goes away in a hurry then.
B in SC,
Good points. You’re probably right on.
Except for the story going away in a hurry part. You know how the media is.
B IN SC
I thought it was a statment from Haley to him that he will have to earn his position for 1st string, but you probably right
This is a good sign for the future of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Is Dorsey ever going to get on the field?
Thanks for the heads up Scott, I sure would have missed this if you hadn’t told me.
Yeah, Dorsey needs to get where he can work, he gonna need all the reps he can get to make this adjustment.
Forgot, If you guys get a chance, check out the photos of today’s practice on the Stars web page. There’s one picture on there that tells the story of why Jackson was beating Brown, He’s attacking the head, in this case kill the head and the body will die doesn’t apply, it also shows you that this crap about no contact is just that, crap!
Mr. Gretz, i just wanted to say thanks for the regular updates/news on the Chiefs. I live up here in Wisconsin, after growing up in KC, and i don’t get to see or hear much of the Chiefs. Although, i can come onto your website anytime and read quality information on the Chiefs. Thanks again and keep up the good stories,
Jake
thanks bob,
If you hear more of the severity of Dorsey’s injury please let us know, I question if he’d play if it were the regular season.
One more thought….
Edwards needs to be workin too, he needs to be competing for the NT spot.
“Both Brian Waters and Mike Vrabel were on the field Friday morning…”
All previous drama - the usual “much to do about nothing.”
Good to also hear Cassell and Bowe are developing good chemistry. Hopefully Waters will let the past go and play ball. I think with him and Goff playing the starting guards spot this year the offensive line will be preety solid this year. I still worry about the center and right tackle positon but i think we can get by another year we the guys we have at those positions.
This team is poised for a solid season next year. In a weak AFC west i like what i’m hearing coming out of camp and looking forward to the season.
BW, ’stylin’ on day one…cue Sintra “he did it hissssssss waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaauy!” and you’ve earned it; a ‘check’ of that ‘rookie’ affirms he has not.
Round 1 goes to BW!