Tag: Chiefs camp

Chiefs DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah reflects on off-season training with Tamba Hali

Kansas City #Chiefs DE Felix Anudike-Uzomah reflects on off-season training with Tamba Hali | @EdEastonJr

The expectations are high for defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah heading into his second season with the Kansas City Chiefs. He didn’t play much in his rookie year, but after off-season workouts with a perennial Pro Bowler, he should be ready to make an immediate impact in 2024.

Chiefs legend Tamba Hali has worked with young defensive linemen George Karlaftis and Anudike-Uzomah throughout the offseason, utilizing his wisdom on the young group. Anudike-Uzomah spoke with reporters on Friday after practice about the lessons he’s learned from Hali.

“The motivation with his knowledge of the game and how he had so much success in his years in Kansas City,” said Anudike-Uzomah. “He basically just saw that knowledge on me and just couldn’t help me and George (Karlaftis) get our game better, get-offs, handwork, and stuff like that.”

Anudike-Uzomah took advice from the Chiefs coaching staff before the offseason to work on his fundamentals.

“Talking to some of my coaches was a major thing I had to work on in my offseason,” said Anudike-Uzomah.” So I got to work outside of the Chiefs facility, got to work with Tamba, and just make sure my get-off is straight so I can be ready for the season.”

Veteran Charles Omenihu’s injury recovery process opens the door for more opportunities for Anudike-Uzomah. The former first-round pick is eager to make his mark on defense while putting in the work at training camp.

Chiefs Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes continue to speak highly of WR Nikko Remigio

Kansas City #Chiefs Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes continue to speak highly of WR Nikko Remigio | @EdEastonJr

The journey to make an NFL roster isn’t the same for every player, as situations sometimes dictate their fate. The Kansas City Chiefs have a solid track record of undrafted players impressing at camp and overcoming the odds to make a significant impact on the team.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has constantly given underdogs a fighting chance in training camp to make the team or help their stock catch on elsewhere in the league. He opened up about wide receiver Nikko Remigio after Friday’s practice.

“He’s smart, a hard worker; He tries his best every play. He studies; you can tell he studies because he knows all the spots,” said Reid. “He’s got a great attitude, positive attitude. Those kind of guys, you pull for.”

Remigio went undrafted in 2023 out of Fresno State, later joining the Chiefs, and placed on injured reserve last season. He is considered undersized at 5 ft 9 inches but has impressed many at camp with his play, including Patrick Mahomes, who also spoke to reporters on Friday.

“He just works extremely hard, he’s always asking the right questions, (and he) always wants to get extra work, and that’s what you want; he’s a true pro’s pro,” said Mahomes. “He just comes to work every single day with a smile on his face. He wants to work hard and get better and better, and it’s not like he’s going out there and hating on someone else. He wants everybody to get better with him. I think that’s why everybody loves him in that room. You’ve seen the positive signs coming every single day. He continues to get better.”

The Chiefs have a crowded wide receiver depth chart that includes Rashee Rice, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman, Kadarius Toney, and Skyy Moore. Remigio is in a tough battle for reps, as there is still plenty of intrigue surrounding Justyn Ross, Cornell Powell, and various other factors over the next few weeks of training camp.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes responds to Raiders’ Kermit the Frog doll video

Kansas City #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes responds to Raiders’ Kermit the Frog doll video | @EdEastonJr

On Thursday, the Las Vegas Raiders fired the first shot ahead of the new season against the Kansas City Chiefs with their viral Kermit the Frog doll video. Patrick Mahomes as the joke’s target didn’t sit well with Chiefs Kingdom, but they didn’t have to wait long for the three-time Super Bowl MVP’s response.

Mahomes was able to share his thoughts on the ridiculous video during his press conference with reporters after Friday’s practice.

“Still early in the year, stuff like that happens,” said Mahomes. “It’ll get handled when it gets handled.”

The short video went viral with Raiders rookie safety Trey Taylor utilizing the doll. Mahomes seemed undaunted by the situation as he responded that no one on the Chiefs’ side sent him the video or discussed it for bulletin board material.

“Not really, honestly, everybody kind of just lets me play,” said Mahomes. “They know how I am, so they don’t need to send me anything to keep me motivated.”

Mahomes holds a career record of 10-2 against the Raiders and has controlled the rivalry since becoming the Chiefs starter. The ability to shrug off the viral video is taking the focus away from him and back on team development during training camp.

Marquise’ Hollywood’ Brown discusses Chiefs wide receiver room: ‘Sky’s the limit’

Marquise’ Hollywood’ Brown discusses Kansas City #Chiefs wide receiver room: ‘Sky’s the limit’ | @EdEastonJr

The addition of new weapons on offense for Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is expected to re-energize the unit in 2024.

Chiefs wide receiver Marquise’ Hollywood’ Brown opened up to the media on Wednesday about working with his teammates, including the younger receivers.

“I mean, it’s my job. Really just come in and show the guts that if I could come in, I could be on top of things,” said Brown. I just got here; it pushes everyone else to be better and raises the competition in the room.”

During his last season with the Arizona Cardinals, Brown started 14 games, collecting 51 receptions, 574 yards, and four touchdowns. He is optimistic about his new teammates, especially in the wide receivers’ room.

“I’m excited. God willing, we all stay healthy, and we just keep building, keep pushing each other,” said Brown. The sky’s the limit of what we could do.”

The Chiefs’ wide receiver depth can potentially be explosive this season. However, the final roster breakdown will greatly determine certain players’ fate with the franchise.

Chiefs OC Matt Nagy reflects on Patrick Mahomes, Xavier Worthy’s highlight play

Kansas City #Chiefs OC Matt Nagy reflects on Patrick Mahomes, Xavier Worthy’s highlight play | @EdEastonJr

The football world was buzzing after the emergence of a video featuring the Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback and first-round pick receiver, which gave a preview of potential success in 2024.

Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy spoke with reporters on Wednesday after practice, reflecting on Sunday’s highlight connection between Patrick Mahomes and Xavier Worthy.

“I definitely got too excited for that play; I’ve got to control (and) contain my emotions a little bit, but anyway, the throw, the play, the execution, it’s exciting because it was really the first time we’ve had that type of play with Xavier (Worthy),” said Nagy. “You get a guy that wants it so bad, Pat (Patrick Mahomes) wants it to be able to connect with him, so when that happens, especially early in the practice, it’s a good feeling.”

The famous play immediately went viral, and many fans were excited about what the duo could bring to the offense in the new season.

Nagy pointed out that the Chiefs’ defense, following the catch, stepped up their play to avoid a repeat performance hitting the internet.

“What I think the biggest challenge was was the next day we came out, the defense got after us,” said Nagy. “As a unit, we’ve got to be better and ensure we’re consistent. We weren’t consistent, and we didn’t follow that up.”

The work is just getting started between Mahomes and Worthy as they seek to garner more chemistry throughout training camp and the preseason.

Chiefs DB Joshua Williams’ training camp focus: ‘I’m working to become the best me I can be’

Kansas City #Chiefs DB Joshua Williams’ training camp focus: ‘I’m working to become the best me I can be’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs secondary significantly changed in the offseason by not retaining top cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. The decision to move on from their lockdown defensive back has provided the opportunity for the many young players on the roster entering training camp.

Chiefs defensive back Joshua Williams expects to be in the running for Sneed’s role in the secondary, as he explained to reporters after Wednesday’s practice.

“LJ (L’Jarius Sneed) was a great player; he was an all-pro level player. I definitely took notes from leadership play style, all those types of things.” said Williams. “that’s something I tried to take notes, and little tidbits add to my game, and every day, I’m working to become the best I can be, but I’m definitely taking tips from how he approached it.”

Since being selected by the Chiefs in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Williams has accumulated 58 tackles, 12 pass deflections, and an interception. He hopes the 2024 season will provide more significant playing time with the starters on defense.

“Coming into opportunity, LJ leaving, and I feel like that’s a challenge in itself. So, the first two years were a different role. The opportunity opened up with such a great player like LJ leaving.” Said Williams. “I’m just doing everything I can to show the coaches I’m willing to do everything possible to step in there.”

Williams will compete alongside Trent McDuffie throughout training camp for the other starting cornerback spot. Entering his third season, he’s had experience and can potentially fill the role of the recently departed Sneed.

Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco opens up about his practice schedule at training camp

Kansas City #Chiefs RB Isiah Pacheco opens up about his practice schedule at training camp | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ offense is complex, requiring players to take various roles in specific plays.

Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has rightfully earned the reputation for being a hard-running bulldozer. He spoke with reporters following Tuesday’s practice about his practice schedule, which involves spending time with wide receivers and simulating extra reps on the sidelines.

“I stretched a lot, and I did a lot of on-field work with the wide receivers coach,” said Pacheco, get more flexible, more fluent, and just being able to compete out here.”

Pacheco spent much of last year’s training camp rehabbing from off-season injuries. In 2023, he led the team in rushing with 935 yards and seven touchdowns in 14 games. He enters this year’s camp healthier and more focused than ever to have another strong impact in 2024.

“If I’m not in, I’m on the sideline repetitioning,  just getting that extra rep in,” said Pacheco. “Whatever you do on the sideline, it counts.”

Entering his third season, Pacheco knows no other ending to a season than a Super Bowl title—a trend he hopes to continue with the Chiefs earning an unprecedented three-peat.

Chiefs OT Jawaan Taylor’s training camp goal: ‘Working on bettering myself with penalties’

Kansas City #Chiefs OT Jawaan Taylor’s training camp goal: ‘Working on bettering myself with penalties’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl run last season was marred by plenty of uncertainty and issues that could’ve taken the team out. The penalties on the offensive line were an obvious topic, as then-new right tackle Jawaan Taylor had his name called by officials often in 2023.

Taylor spoke with the media on Tuesday after practice. He immediately addressed his issues last season and looked forward to a better 2024.

“Working on bettering myself with penalties and stuff like that, making sure I’m up on the ball and different things like that, but other than that, just doing my part and helping the team win games,” said Taylor. “I’m really just honing in on my technique, getting better with that, and then, make sure I’m in the playbook more. Now’s my second year going into that. I’m pretty comfortable with it and getting better with that overall.”

Taylor was the target of many penalties from last season’s week one loss to the Detroit Lions. The veteran right tackle committed 20 penalties, including 14 false starts. He was flagged for eight infractions in the first three games alone.

“I’ve been changing it up. If you see me in practices lately, I haven’t really been jumping, actually going on on time with Pat’s (Patrick Mahomes) cadence, so just making sure I’m doing it,” said Taylor. ” I was never really frustrated about it (penalties). I just had to keep doing my thing and try to get better every week.”

Taylor is a needed veteran presence who will be counted on for consistency while the competition continues on the left side of the offensive line.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid discusses utilizing WR Kadarius Toney with the running backs

Kansas City #Chiefs HC Andy Reid discusses utilizing WR Kadarius Toney with the running backs | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have multiple players competing for a few spots at each position in training camp. The versatility of players at camp will help their chances to be effective and make the team.

After Tuesday’s practice, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke with reporters about having wide receiver Kadarius Toney working out with the running backs in training camp.

“Yeah, I think that’s one of his strengths, is to be able to move him around,” said Reid. “He had some positive snaps for us at running back last year, and so he enjoys doing that, pretty multifaceted there with what he can do, and we’re gonna try to utilize it to the best of his abilities there.”

Toney has been active and available at camp, working with the team without many disruptions.

The former first-round draft pick was bothered by multiple injuries throughout last season, including knee surgery at the start of training camp. He finished the 2023 campaign with 169 yards and a touchdown on 27 receptions. He has 21 career rushes for 119 yards and a touchdown, averaging 5.7 yards per carry.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo discusses rookie Jaden Hicks’ versatility in training camp

Kansas City #Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo discusses rookie Jaden Hicks’ versatility in training camp | @EdEastonJr

Since taking over the job before the 2019 season, Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s game plan has been rightfully praised. He has found ways to get the most out of his young talent while encouraging his veterans to have a strong voice in the locker room.

Spagnuolo addressed the emergence of rookie defensive back Jaden Hicks as a versatile option in the secondary while speaking with reporters after Monday’s practice.

“One thing that sticks out about Jaden (Hicks) is he’s tall and long, and, yeah, he’s playing a bunch of different positions. It’s kind of he’s going through what Chamarri Conner went through last year, where you’re trying to learn everything in the volume of the defense, and yet he’s not just learning one spot,” said Spagnuolo. “I mean, J. Reid (Justin Reid), we’re not gonna have for a little bit here, so it’s a blessing and a curse, right? J. Reid doesn’t get the reps, but somebody else gets those reps, and right now, it’s Jaden that’s benefiting.”

Justin Reid being held out of practice with a right quad injury has opened the door for more opportunities in camp for Hicks and other young players in the secondary. The veteran’s return will make things interesting regarding who loses reps before the preseason.