Training camp is always the best of times, and the worst of times. One day will bring the joyous return of injured players, the next will bring more questions. The insistent grind was prevalent again as the Kansas City Chiefs returned to practice on Sunday, fresh off of Friday’s 27-17 pre-season loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Although the score was lopsided for the Chiefs, there were plenty of individual moments that would carry momentum onto their practice field. However, the defense also posted their own track record of continued domination, forcing the offense to return to the white board and mature (again). From linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis and wide receiver Chris Conley garnering first team repetitions to Spencer Ware’s inspiring running, Kansas City Chiefs training camp returned with the emphasis to carry intensity from the game onto the practice field.
Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp – Good and Bad, but Always Improving
Refining the Game plan
Returning to the practice field after a game always carries the weight of improving and refining what went wrong the week before. The Kansas City Chiefs training camp got a special revision to the team when defensive end Chris Jones was activated from the PUP list. Although he solely participated in individual drills, it was a hallmark moment in his progression.
“It is all about progression,” Jones explained. “I am out here, I am punching in the clock. I am punching in the ticket. I am trying to get better in some areas (every day). Even if it is just running, I am trying to get better out here.”
Defensive tackle Bennie Logan and tight end Travis Kelce also returned to practice, alleviating concern their injuries were more serious than the standard, “fine,” given during press conferences over the past week.
The offense also had their own breakthrough moment when rookie quarterback Patrick Mahomes took repetitions right behind Alex Smith for the first time. Monday’s depth chart would officially mark the rise, but Mahomes became the number two quarterback on the roster.
Mahomes’ repetitions coincided with a running back circle balanced between Ware, Kareem Hunt, and C.J. Spiller. The result was observed directly in scenario drills, where coaches lined Mahomes up on the 13-yard line and he threw a touchdown pass no more than a minute later. He succinctly converted by flipping two quick passes to De’Anthony Thomas with a confident poise.
Conley also received plays with the first-string unit. During Friday’s pre-season game, Conley displayed an uncanny ability to use his speed to size ratio as leverage against cornerbacks. The momentum carried as he caught several passes, including a laid-out reception beyond Marcus Peters.
The defense received their own fair share of inspiration from some new rotations. Roy Miller continued to split time with Logan on the front, while Ramik Wilson and Kevin Pierre-Louis got first-string plays at linebacker. Pierre-Louis, who was traded to the Chiefs in exchange for DJ Alexander to the Seattle Seahawks the day training camp started, has not only impressed coaches, but may be in competition for some serious playing time. His spot on special teams is all but secured after blocking a punt Friday, a moment that affirmed the tremendous work he has put in with special teams coach Dave Toub.
Defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches was another spotlight defender. Although he has had a good training camp, he has been relatively quiet. Nunez-Roches is a run stuffer that will play his role quietly and go overlooked due to the pile-up at the line of scrimmage. However, his off-season training has dramatically changed his body as he gained weight in a very good way.
“The biggest thing was weight. There was a lot of things I could do off the ball being lighter. I was always fast and agile and explosive, but anytime I was hit in my hip, I would go flying,” explained Nunez-Roches on how he transitioned his body to take the beating of run defense. “So I was like, ‘If I just add a little more in the lower half, I will be OK.’ Offseason, I emphasized in that area and gained a good amount of weight, 25 pounds.”
So far, that weight gain has held Nunez-Roches in the first line rotation, allowing the Chiefs to build upon one of their best assets.
Defense Dominates (Again) on Monday
As good as Sunday’s practice was for health, linebacker Derrick Johnson’s absence established the tone for the camp. Although his absence was due to a day off, Eric Berry (heel), Terrance Mitchell (hamstring), Steven Nelson (groin), and kicker Cairo Santos (groin) all missed practice on an unscheduled basis. With the three men in the secondary missing practice, the defense had opportunities to show what their younger players can do.
And flex their muscle they did; the defense again dominated the running and passing game all practice long. Peters set the tone in the secondary by beginning 7-on-7 with an interception. D.J. White, filling in for injured corners, then took his turn in the interception drill.
Safety Daniel Sorenson continued with an interception of his own, while Pierre-Louis continued his defensive domination by aggressively swatting a pass from Mahomes. Tyler Bray, Mahomes, and Smith all made their fair share of mistakes throughout the day, forcing coaches to spend time discussing plays behind the scenes. Sometimes the best way to learn is through mistakes.
Dee Ford and Logan again dominated run drills and 1-on-1 sessions for the front seven. Ford has noticeably improved his swim move, a feature that will splash in the regular season. Although he is still a younger player, Ford has assisted in carrying rookie defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon on defense. Kpassagnon again made an incredible play at practice by dropping back into pass defense and catching up to Spiller. Remember, Kpassagnon stands at a remarkable 6’7” and 289 pounds.
Coach Reid has also insistently praised Kpassagnon for his fast feet and mind.
“I think he’s done an amazing job, and credit to him he’s one of the more coachable guys I’ve ever been around,” Reid said. “He’s able to pick up something really fast and do it in individual, but then also transfer it to the field.”
Not all was depressing for the offense. With the return of Kelce, Smith instantly restored their undeniable connection during full offensive sessions. Seantavius Jones closed the day with another wonderful catch, concluding another quaint day for the wide receiver hopeful.
The Kansas City Chiefs training camp concludes Wednesday morning with Military Appreciation Day. As they return to Kansas City to begin regular practice, the Chiefs will take on the Cincinnati Bengals this Saturday August 19 in Cincinnati.
