Impressions From Monday's Training Camp Practice
The Chiefs defense showed out on a hot day in St. Joseph.
Following the poor weather yesterday, the Kansas City Chiefs got after it outside as temperatures reached the upper 80s in St. Joseph.
The rotations are starting to take shape as the Chiefs are preparing for their first preseason game against the San Fransisco 49ers on Saturday.
Kansas City will have two more practices before their first game, while only one is open to the public.
There’s a lot going on as the season inches closer, so here’s what you need to know from today’s practice.
Wide receiver Antonio Callaway (bone bruise) and offensive lineman Darryl Williams (COVID protocol) were not out at practice today.
There were lots of Chiefs getting other work in as linebacker Willie Gay (concussion protocol), offensive lineman Kyle Long (knee), offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (hand), offensive lineman Mike Remmers (back), defensive end Alex Okafor (hamstring), running back Darrel Williams (knee), tight end Evan Baylis (ankle) and defensive end Malik Herring (knee) were all off to the side in rehab this morning.
Chiefs defensive end Joshua Kaindoh (hamstring) left the practice early.
Usually after camp gets over for the day and I’m walking back to my car I usually start to think about what I saw and what I should write about. Overall, it was kind of a disjointed practice.
The offense looked out of synch outside of a few good plays during their 11-on-11 sessions, Patrick Mahomes seemed to check down more than usual and the offensive line had seen better days.
I can understand how someone watching that practice can walk away and think, “Man, that was a little rough.” But the reason it was a little rough for the offense was because of the defense.
This morning I wrote a story for the paid KC Sports Network subscribers about the winners so far from camp. Without spoiling it — you can read it here — three of my five winners came from the defensive side of the ball.
Today, the defense backed me up at practice as the front four really took it to the Cheifs revamped offensive line. Chris Jones was causing havoc on the outside and inside, while Frank Clark looks to have his power back.
Second-year defensive end Mike Danna garnered a lot of praise from the Chiefs coaching staff this afternoon as he’s been working from multiple positions along the D-Line.
Whether it was stunts, slant or bullrushes, Chris Jones was getting to the quarterback. Steve Spagnuolo really dialed up some pressure today and it helped show some of the weaknesses the offensive line still has.
Don’t get me wrong, this offensive line will still be a top-five group in the league. There’s still plenty of time for them to get things figured out. I’m more impressed with the way the defensive line — and Jones specifically — has played so far this camp.
While the O-Line will be top tier, this defensive line group could be at that level as well if everything goes right. In all, there’s really nothing to worry about. It’s Aug. 9. The offensive line will continue to gel and get better against a stout defensive line. It’s the best Chiefs Kingdom could hope for.
Check out the latest Outside the Trenches
BJ Kissel, Nick Leckey and Tucker Franklin are back on a Monday to start your week off right as they discuss their weeks that were and the upcoming preseason game for the Kansas City Chiefs.