OTA #9 Report

From the Truman Sports Complex

Overall, it was a nice OTA session for Romeo Crennel’s defense as they controlled the two-minute drill that ended the ninth practice of the off-season. A pair of interceptions from CB Javier Arenas and S DaJuan Morgan kept the offense from generating any points.

It was the conclusion of the third week of off-season practices, with three more OTAs coming up next week along with the team’s weekend mini-camp.

“I felt like we had a really good work week overall,” said head coach Todd Haley. “I feel like the guys got better.

“Time’s going fast right now and before too long these guys are going to be heading home and we’re trying to use the time as efficiently as possible to get as much done.”

Arenas picked off QB Matt Cassel in the two-minute drill and took it back for what would have been a pick-six. Morgan got his interception off QB Matt Gutierrez on a desperation last pass as the clock was about out of time in the drill.

Morgan had another interception earlier in the practice when a well thrown ball from QB Tyler Palko bounced off the hands of TE Jake O’Connell.

QB Brodie Croyle again watched the work, but he did have the bandage removed from the right index finger that he injured a week ago. Croyle banged the digit off a helmet on his follow through; it’s an injury that Haley says is nothing serious.

Again, for the ninth practice, the Chiefs had 85 of the 86 players on the field for the workout; the only missing player was FS Jarrad Page.

Some other observations from the OTA and its aftermath:

• Still the same group in the injury area that did not take part in the workout: RB Jamaal Charles, CB Brandon Flowers, TE Brad Cottam, WR Quinten Lawrence, WR Lance Long, TE Tony Moeaki and WR David Grimes.
• OLB Andy Studebaker and WR Jeremy Horne had a loud collision during the 7-on-7 drill that left both of them writhing on the ground in pain. There didn’t appear to be anything seriously wrong afterwards, as each player eventually got back into the action.
• WR Jerheme Urban had a nice day catching the ball, something he’s been inconsistent with during previous practices. Urban pretty much caught everything thrown in his direction with no drops on Thursday.
• RB Thomas Jones took no snaps in 7-on-7 or the teamwork portions of the practice; just a veteran getting some time off.
• Second-round pick Dexter McCluster was back working with the wide receivers, after spending Wednesday’s practice with the running backs.
• Linebackers continued to work hard on coverage drops; one OLB who looked really good and smooth in making his drops was Tamba Hali. What a difference a year makes! Last year at this time he was moving from defensive end to OLB and Hali frequently looked lost in coverage. Not so on Thursday as he followed receivers and reacted smoothly to their cuts.
• Working behind Hali at right outside linebacker (weak side) were Pierre Walters and Cameron Sheffield. Working behind Mike Vrabel at left outside linebacker (strong side) were Studebaker and Justin Cole.
• Arenas has been working as the nickel back with the No. 1 defense.
• The No. 2 base defense that lined up on Thursday was Alex Magee and Wallace Gilberry at defensive end, Derek Lokey at nose tackle, Studebaker and Walters at OLB, Corey Mays and Demorrio Williams at ILB, Jackie Bates and Travis Daniels at CB and Morgan and Kendrick Lewis at safety.
• On special teams, the Chiefs worked on field goal protection and defense. K Ryan Succop was two-for-two on his FG attempts.
• Haley acknowledged the presence at Wednesday’s OTA practice of former Arizona Cardinals QB Kurt Warner, who was there with several of his seven children. The Warners are on a cross-country trip and stopped by to see the head coach and his brood – the families became friendly during Haley’s two seasons with the Cardinals as offensive coordinator. Haley had Warner address the team.