The Kansas City Chiefs had their first padded practice of the 2020 offseason on Friday. It was the first of 14 allotted padded practices during the course of training camp.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid was impressed with the energy and hard work the players had today. There were some standout moments during practice from different players that generated some chatter amongst media members in attendance.
Below you’ll find four observations from the practice that took place on 8/14:
1
Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire making progress
BATON ROUGE, LA – OCTOBER 13: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #22 of the LSU Tigers celebrates during the second half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Tiger Stadium on October 13, 2018 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Chiefs HC Andy Reid spoke on the progress that rookie RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire has made thus far. The team has thrown a lot at him and he’s attacked it all. He’s learning, which is an important part to being a young player coming into the NFL.
“Clyde, he’s been doing a lot of work with the first group,” Reid said. “That’s valuable work for him. Is everything perfect? No, not right now, but he’s working like crazy to get it there and he’s got a good attitude about it.”
According to Herbie Teope of the Kansas City Star, Edwards-Helaire broke a long run during practice, but it was a portion of practice without contact and hitting.
Another thing to keep in mind, in addition to working with the starters, he was working with Dave Toub and the return specialist unit. ESPN’s Adam Teicher evoked Knile Davis as a potential comparison for Edwards-Helaire in the return game.
2
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is already in midseason form
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws the ball during NFL football training camp Wednesday, July 31, 2019, in St. Joseph, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Mahomes is already doing his thing at training camp. He didn’t bust out the no-look passes or the behind-the-back throw, but he did have sidearm passes. According to Kansas City Star reporter Sam Mellinger, Mahomes had multiple sidearm throws during the course of practice.
Mellinger’s colleague Herbie Teope noted that Mahomes had a “sick” sidearm throw to RB Elijah McGuire during team drills. He said that McGuire made a diving catch on the sideline. It’s notable that McGuire is someone that is getting work with the first team. Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Darrel Williams were the only players that we knew of getting first-team repetitions to this point.
One of the reasons that Mahomes is so special is that he makes sure to practice all of these crazy throws that he completes during games. Practice makes perfect, as the saying goes.
3
Surprise standouts at training camp?
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – AUGUST 29: Jody Fortson #1 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 29, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Brett Veach spoke with Mitch Holthus and Matt McMullen, mentioning that there have been a few surprise players that have stood out at training camp. He didn’t want to mention any specifics, as they look to hopefully stash some players on the practice squad come September roster cuts.
We do have some accounts on some surprise standouts from today’s practice, however. Herbie Teope of the Kansas City Star came away impressed with second-year WR Jody Fortson, who is working with the second-team offense. According to Teope, Fortson came away with two “exceptional” receptions. One, in particular, was a deep throw down the sideline from second-string QB Chad Henne and Fortson caught it one-handed, over the defender in coverage.
Fortson impressed late last season, particularly in the fourth preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. It’s good to see him continuing to grow and get better in his second season with the team.
4
Defense making plays?
Dec 8, 2019; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back James White (28) tackles Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Bashaud Breeland (21) and Breeland intercepted a pass during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
During the Chiefs training camp live broadcast with Mitch Holthus and Matt McMullen, they mentioned some big plays from the defense. That’s important that the defense comes up with big plays when the pads come on, because that’s when things really start to count. Two of the plays they specifically mentioned included an interception from CB Bashaud Breeland and a pass breakup at the end of practice from Daniel Sorensen, which was intended for Tyreek Hill.
It’s significant that Breeland is still practicing with the starters as he faces a four-game suspension to start the season. It’s also notable that he’s making plays, as he’s trying for a big season in hopes of earning respect and the payday that he believes he deserves.
It’s good to see a veteran like Sorensen making plays in the absence of Juan Thornhill. He’ll be asked to take on a bigger role to start the season as Thornhill continues to make his way back from the PUP list.
