July 31, 2016; St. Joseph, MO; Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce celebrated a touchdown by the offense during practice indoors on the second day of training camp. (Credit: Photo used with permission by Chiefs PR, KCChiefs.com)
The Kansas City Chiefs 2015 playoff run ended amid struggles with time management and scoring quickly. On the second day of training camp, the Chiefs worked on putting the past behind them.
The offense got the better of the day in two-minute drills, practicing the same scenarios where they struggled last January against the New England Patriots. Coaches and players alike pleased with the squad’s performance.
Co-offensive coordinator Brad Childress praised the tempo and execution of his group.
“I thought it was a good start,” Childress said. “We had two timeouts, defense had two timeouts. The new spot – 25 yard-line after a touchback. Thought we did some good things.”
Tight end Travis Kelce was also pleased with the offense’s performance.
“It felt good,” Kelce said. “It was fun just getting back out there, and I thought we moved the ball well. It’s just the beginning of camp and there’s only a certain amount of things installed in the offense right now after the first day. It’s always a work in progress, and we’ll keep working from here.”
Good news for the offense unfortunately means bad news for the defense. Defensive tackle Dontari Poe was not concerned about his side’s false steps early in camp.
“It didn’t go the defensive way,” Poe said. “But at the same time it’s the first day. We have a lot of time to get stuff right. We’ll watch the film and learn from it.”
Schwartz settling in
Free agent Mitchell Schwartz is expected to secure the right tackle position and bring experience and leadership to the offensive line. As a veteran, Schwartz explained he is comfortable with changing offensive philosophies and is quickly picking up on the Chiefs’ scheme.
“For me this is my fifth coordinator, so I’ve been introduced to a lot of the schemes so far just translating what certain stuff means and learning if there is something that’s done that has been taught a little different either scheme or technique wise,” Schwartz said. “Unlearning what I used to know and re-learning.”
Schwartz said he believe the Chiefs have the talent for a strong offensive line.
“I think it can be really good,” he said. “I know the last few years we’ve been common opponents, so you’ve always watched them and respected the line and thought they went about their business really well. It’s been a top offense it seems like.”
An effective offensive line depends on communication, an area where Schwartz said the Chiefs excel.
“Communication from across the board has been great,” he said. “You really do have to have all five guys on board, and the first way that starts is everyone knowing who to get and where to go and the communication is where that starts.”
The pads go on
Monday’s practice kicks off at 8:15 a.m. and will be the first team practice with full pads. Kelce said he’s ready for more physical football
“Coach Reid runs a physical camp,” Kelce said. “He wants us to be able to stay low and gain a great technique. It will be good for us to get back out here and start hitting a little bit and getting our technique where it needs to be.”
Storms move in
The Chiefs began practice outdoors, but severe weather and lightning in the area forced the team into the indoor training facility. Indoor practices are closed to the public.
Ware makes debut
Running back Spencer Ware joined workouts after missing Saturday’s practice with an illness. Jamaal Charles (knee), Tamba Hali (knee) and Justin Houston (knee) remain on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
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Matt Derrick is the associate editor for ChiefsDigest.com. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter: @MattDerrick.
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