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| Wednesday, July 16 Updated: August 19, 1:51 PM ET Chiefs: Training camp report Pro Football Weekly |
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In Pro Football Weekly's third and final installment of training-camp reports, we look at the good (biggest positive), the bad (biggest disappointment) and the ugly (injury update) factors surrounding every team halfway through the 2003 preseason. We also set our sights on a rookie to watch on each team, for whatever the reason. Parts 1 and 2 are below. Aug. 19 Biggest positive: Although they haven't worked him extremely hard, all signs are positive regarding Priest Holmes' much-publicized return from offseason hip surgery. Holmes has displayed his familiar burst and cut-back style, albeit in limited full-contact action. Biggest disappointment: Eric Warfield looked pretty good facing up against Randy Moss in a few training-camp scrimmages, but other than that, there has been little evidence that the cornerback play has improved much in K.C. William Bartee has continued to look shaky, even against rookie wideouts and backup quarterbacks. Injury update: The Chiefs have been hit pretty hard by the injury bug thus far. Wide receiver Sylvester Morris' job security is tenuous because he's missed all of camp with a hip injury. Second-year defensive lineman Eddie Freeman dislocated an elbow early but should be back soon. Second-round linebacker Kawika Mitchell missed two weeks with a hamstring pull, and fullback Tony Richardson was out close to three weeks with a broken thumb. Backup offensive lineman Willie Jones' career is in jeopardy after a second serious neck injury in less than a year. Veteran free safety Jerome Woods has also experienced some discomfort in his surgically repaired leg.
Rookie to watch: First-round pick Larry Johnson has shown very little thus far and needs to pick it up to show he can contribute right away and take some pressure off Holmes. Johnson has had problems with protections and fumbling, and he looks a bit tentative running. Part 2, Aug. 12 Veteran to watch: The Chiefs were lacking a real playmaker at linebacker last year, someone with speed, athleticism, coverage skills and a veteran presence. They got it all in one package with the signing of Shawn Barber, who will man the weak side, allowing Mike Maslowski to move to the middle. The Chiefs really believe Barber will be an impact player for a defense that sorely needs them. Player on the verge: Wide receiver Marc Boerigter came out of nowhere last season to catch eight touchdown passes and has had an impressive camp. The former CFLer has good hands, deceptive speed and runs some of the best routes on the team. Look for him to compete for a starting job and play a bigger role in the offense in his second year in K.C. Strongest position: The offensive line, despite a lack of quality depth, is very strong across the board and is a main reason for all the Chiefs' success offensively. The addition of Willie Roaf at left tackle was monumental last season, and the interior, with underrated center Casey Wiegmann and mobile guards Will Shields and Brian Waters, is stout. Weakest position: It has been the same old story with the cornerback situation in Kansas City for the past few years. Focus and the temptation to peek back at the quarterback have been problems for Eric Warfield, and William Bartee plays too soft and lacks confidence. Former Ram Dexter McCleon could make a push to start, but he isn't believed to be the answer by any means. Part 1, July 18 Most significant changes: The Chiefs brought in two defenders who they hope will be major contributors. Shawn Barber brings some much-needed speed and athleticism to the LB corps, and DE Vonnie Holliday should help vs. the run up front. Reasons for optimism: The Chiefs return a solid offense. They made some necessary improvements defensively and are entering the all-important third season in the Dick Vermeil regime. Causes for concern: The condition of Priest Holmes' hip will remain a major question mark until he takes a few hits and proves otherwise. Neither the weak CB situation nor a woeful pass rush were improved considerably this offseason. Training-camp battles to watch: Former Ram Dexter McCleon could make a run at William Bartee's starting CB spot. WR Marc Boerigter has an outside chance to start if Johnnie Morton doesn't turn it up a notch after a disappointing first season in Kansas City. Don't be surprised if: McCleon wins a starting job, and rookie RB Larry Johnson doesn't provide a spark as early as some think he might.
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Material from Pro Football Weekly.
Training Camp
