By MATT PIKE
Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp is nearly complete in St. Joseph, the penultimate practice taking place on Wednesday at MIssouri Western State University on the Mosaic Life Care Training Fields.
With 17 practices down, and one preseason game, the Chiefs have one final practice in St. Joseph on Thursday celebrating military members for Military Appreciation Day. Over the 20 days at MoWest, with three practices for rookies and quarterbacks, Kansas City has been preparing hard for the season ahead, with the first game of the season coming up in just over four weeks.
Through Training Camp we've seen the defense working to replace three key starters in the Chiefs secondary. Defensive Backs coach Dave Merritt says replacing players such as Bryan Cook, Trent McDuffie, and Jaylen Watson currently is working to develop chemistry with new faces, like safety Alohi Gilman
"We’re still trying to make sure we tie these shoestrings really tight," Merritt tells reportes after practice. "Right now, to see the ones go out and play a little more together, we’ll get a better assessment as far as where we are. But you’re really not going to know until you hit full stride, and those guys are out there for a game.”
The Chiefs have finally had rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane back working out in full pads. Returning L'Jarius Sneed has also begun working out in pads this week.
One of the most impressive names on people's minds as the Chiefs leave St. Joseph tomorrow, will be wide receiver Cyrus Allen. Allen, while spending a couple practices out injured, blew Kansas City fans away with his route running and pass catching ability during camp, making many believe he could one day top the Chiefs depth chart.
Wide receivers coach Chad O'Shea says Allen has come in and taken to coaching well and focused on the things he's been asked to do.
"There is so much detail and small things that go into being successful as a receiver in this league. He has certainly tried to do the things we’re asking him to do. It’s been good to get him out there," O'Shea explains. "I believe time on task, he’ll just continue to get better. He certainly has done a lot of things positive because he has worked very hard.”
Allen the fifth round pick, made an impressive grab during today's practice, going 1-on-1 against first round pick Mansoor Delane.
The lone returner in the running back room is looking to make a bigger impact this season out of the backfield, and has been honing and improving his skills during Training Camp.
In his second year, Brashard Smith has put a heavy focus on his pass blocking. Primarily used as a receiving back last season, Smith now has more focus on protecting Patrick Mahomes. Running backs coach Demarco Murray says he’s proud of the emphasis that Smith has put on improving his pass protection.
You know, he’s good with the ball in his hands, he’s good running routes, but he knew he had to grow in the protection game and understanding football, so, didn’t have a lot of knowledge in that aspect but again, in the spring as well in camp, he’s really hit that head on and I’m proud of him for that," Murray says. "There are still some learning curves for him to continue to do that hand placement, eye placement, leverage and things of that nature, but he’s been a very improved pass protection back and I’m proud of him.
Smith was featured as the second running back behind Kenneth Walker in Saturday’s preseason game. He has been competing alongside rookie Emmett Johnson and Emari Demarcado this Training Camp
The final training camp practice in St. Joseph is at 8:15am tomorrow.
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