Post by lazarus on May 30, 2003 14:47:14 GMT -5
Posted on Fri, May. 30, 2003
Chiefs defense is looking better
By IVAN CARTER
The Kansas City Star
In his comments following Thursday's practice, head coach thingy Vermeil noted some of the big plays turned in by the defense.
"You saw Eric Warfield make a big play today; you saw William Bartee make a big play today," Vermeil said. "You saw one guy who wasn't even around last year -- Romey (Jerome Woods). He wasn't even around to make a big play last year during the season. So, I feel very good about it. Then, this morning, who was really coming pretty good was (defensive end) R-Kal Truluck. He was flashing."
For anyone who observed Chiefs practices last year at this time, it's easy to see that Vermeil has a point. Though the offense still wins the share of plays, the defense looks far faster, gets hands on more footballs and makes more interceptions.
Reserve cornerback Corey Harris for instance, made back-to-back interceptions Thursday and was quickly escorted up field by the entire defense. And outside linebacker Shawn Barber continues to display excellent speed and coverage skills.
Quarterback Trent Green, who has found it tougher to complete passes against his own defense, noted the difference during minicamp.
"They've shown they're going to play much more aggressively," Green said. "I think there's more overall team speed; I think they're flying around much faster than they did a year ago.... I'm really impressed with it."
• THIRD-YEAR VIBES: The entire organization seems to have focused in on the fact that this is Vermeil's third season in Kansas City. From players to coaches to front office personnel, the third-year vibe is prominent. Vermeil seems to understand why.
"I've always believed that when you do things right they compound each year," Vermeil said. "By the third year, a lot of things you've done right compound, and there are a lot more guys doing things real well. That reflects in their attitude and their work ethic."
• EXTRA POINTS: Fullback/running back Tony Richardson has shown no ill effects from the shoulder injury that forced him to miss the final two games last season. Also, wide receiver Marvin "Snoop" Minnis, who missed all of camp last season because of a broken bone in his foot, has looked sharp so far during the off-season.... Free-agent wide receiver Chris Horn, whose only professional experience came in the Arena Football League, made several impressive catches Thursday.
Chiefs defense is looking better
By IVAN CARTER
The Kansas City Star
In his comments following Thursday's practice, head coach thingy Vermeil noted some of the big plays turned in by the defense.
"You saw Eric Warfield make a big play today; you saw William Bartee make a big play today," Vermeil said. "You saw one guy who wasn't even around last year -- Romey (Jerome Woods). He wasn't even around to make a big play last year during the season. So, I feel very good about it. Then, this morning, who was really coming pretty good was (defensive end) R-Kal Truluck. He was flashing."
For anyone who observed Chiefs practices last year at this time, it's easy to see that Vermeil has a point. Though the offense still wins the share of plays, the defense looks far faster, gets hands on more footballs and makes more interceptions.
Reserve cornerback Corey Harris for instance, made back-to-back interceptions Thursday and was quickly escorted up field by the entire defense. And outside linebacker Shawn Barber continues to display excellent speed and coverage skills.
Quarterback Trent Green, who has found it tougher to complete passes against his own defense, noted the difference during minicamp.
"They've shown they're going to play much more aggressively," Green said. "I think there's more overall team speed; I think they're flying around much faster than they did a year ago.... I'm really impressed with it."
• THIRD-YEAR VIBES: The entire organization seems to have focused in on the fact that this is Vermeil's third season in Kansas City. From players to coaches to front office personnel, the third-year vibe is prominent. Vermeil seems to understand why.
"I've always believed that when you do things right they compound each year," Vermeil said. "By the third year, a lot of things you've done right compound, and there are a lot more guys doing things real well. That reflects in their attitude and their work ethic."
• EXTRA POINTS: Fullback/running back Tony Richardson has shown no ill effects from the shoulder injury that forced him to miss the final two games last season. Also, wide receiver Marvin "Snoop" Minnis, who missed all of camp last season because of a broken bone in his foot, has looked sharp so far during the off-season.... Free-agent wide receiver Chris Horn, whose only professional experience came in the Arena Football League, made several impressive catches Thursday.