Training Camp Update Volume 9, Issue 2 8/12/14



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TE: The team signed veteran free agent Fendi Onobun last week with Brandon Barden (illness) and Clay Harbor (calf) sidelined. Onobun was recently waived by the Bears. Undrafted rookie free agent D.J. Tialavea remained active with a pair of catches for 15 yards against the Bucs. Starter Marcedes Lewis caught one ball for 9 yards.

Defense: The Jaguars defenses recorded three sacks – one each by Chris Clemons, Tyson Alualu and rookie DE Chris Smith. Winston Guy returned an interception 68 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter and Sen’Derrick Marks had a strong showing with four tackles, a forced fumble and a forced incompletion when he got into Josh McCown’s face. His pressure forced McCown’s poor throw that was picked off by Guy for the touchdown. The Jaguars had one of the league’s worst defenses last year, finishing 27th overall, but after spending $53+ million in free agency on their line to add Clemons, Red Bryant and Ziggy Hood, they could be one of the most improved units in the league. The coaches are experimenting with a “lightning” package featuring four defensive ends on the field at the same time during obvious passing downs - Andre Branch, Ryan Davis, Clemons and Smith. If the defense is going to improve, though, the linebackers will need to get better. Paul Posluszny is a playmaker, but the team hopes free agent addition Dekoda Watson and fifth round pick Telvin Smith will do the trick. Watson hasn’t practiced yet due to a groin injury, while Smith has earned some first team reps as he appears to be ticketed for third down duty where the team can take advantage of his speed and instincts. LaRoy Reynolds has been filling in for Watson at the weakside linebacker position.

K/P: Camp leg Kasey Redfern got some work in all phases of specialization in the preseason win over Tampa Bay. He kicked a 26-yard field goal, kicked off twice, and averaged 47 yards on two punts, placing one inside the 20-yard line. Starting kicker Josh Scobee was less busy, kicking an extra point and kicking off once. Bryan Anger averaged 45.6 yards on five punts, placing one inside the 20-yard line.

OL: The Jaguars offensive line did not have a good game against the Tampa Bay defense. The team was not able to establish the run, only producing 12 yards on eight carries on the first four series. Some of this is probably a matter of cohesion, as they are starting new players across the board. However, starting center Mike Brewster was especially worrisome, as he had two wayward shotgun snaps. Observers are concerned that he lacks the functional strength for the position; the third-year pro has never started in the league and the team tried to replace him in the offseason.

Jaguars Depth Chart
QB: Chad HenneBlake BortlesRicky StanziStephen Morris
RB: Toby GerhartJordan Todman (KR)Denard Robinson (KR/WR), Storm JohnsonTerrance Cobb
FB: Will Ta′ufo′ouBradie Ewing
WR: Cecil Shorts (inj)Marqise LeeAllen Robinson (inj)Ace Sanders (PR) (susp)Mike BrownTandon Doss (inj)Chad BumphisKerry TaylorStephen BurtonLamaar ThomasKevin SmithKenny Shaw, Justin Blackmon (susp)
TE: Marcedes LewisClay HarborDanny NobleBrandon Barden, Marcel JensenFendi Onobun
LT: Luke JoeckelDemarcus Love
LG: Zane BeadlesDrew Nowak
C: Mike BrewsterPatrick LewisLuke Bowanko
RG: Brandon LinderJacques McClendon
RT: Austin PasztorCameron Bradfield
K: Josh Scobee
DT: Senderrick MarksRoy MillerZiggy HoodDeandre Coleman, Abry JonesRicky Havili-HeimuliDavid Carter
DE: Tyson AlualuRed BryantAndre BranchChris ClemonsRyan DavisChris SmithGerald Rivers
MLB: Paul PoslusznyLaRoy Reynolds (M/S)Nathan StuparAllen Bradford
OLB: Geno Hayes (W)Dekoda Watson (S)Telvin Smith (W)J.T. Thomas (W)Chris Smith (S)Marcus WhitfieldJosh Hull
CB: Dwayne GratzAlan BallWill BlackmonMike HarrisDemetrius McCrayAaron ColvinJamell FlemingJeremy HarrisDeion Belue
S: John Cyprien (SS)Winston Guy (FS)Christopher Prosinski (SS),Sherrod Martin (FS)Josh Evans (FS)Craig LostonJoe Young

Kansas City Chiefs

QB: The Chiefs first preseason game against the Bengals was a mixed bag at quarterback. Alex Smith didn’t have a particularly productive first quarter, leading three drives that resulted in a three-and-out, a lost fumble, and a field goal. Smith only attempted 5 passes, completing 3 of them for 19 yards. Chase Daniel played the second quarter and threw a 69-yard touchdown pass to Travis Kelce and a 40-yard pick-6 to Dre Kirkpatrick. The interception was a terrible decision but Daniel only threw two incompletions on the night. Tyler Bray only attempted three passes but Andy Reid singled him out earlier in the week as being the team’s most improved player. By the end of the week Bray was actually taking some reps with the second team. Aaron Murray barely saw the field and continues to look like the 4th best quarterback in practice. Unless the team tries to trade Daniel it looks like the Chiefs may try to sneak Murray onto the practice squad.

RB: Jamaal Charles touched the ball early and often in the first quarter against Cincinnati, and that seems to be the game plan moving forward. Peter King was in Kansas City for the game and after talking to Andy Reid he speculated on Charles’ touches on the team’s broadcast. "Andy Reid didn't give me a number but I think he's going to touch it 350 times if he's healthy." Knile Davis was the first to return kicks in the exhibition game and was impressive on his two carries, picking up 28 yards. The star of the night, however, was De’Anthony Thomas. Thomas was hit immediately after catching his first punt and bounced off the tackler and promptly sprinted 80 yards up the field for a touchdown. The play showed that his world-class speed definitely translates in pads to the NFL. Thomas also had one carry with the first team but was not involved in the passing game. Cyrus Gray and Charcandrick West were both impressive in the second half. Gray is battling for a roster spot while West was likely just being given a chance to get himself on film to show other teams. Special teams coach Dave Toub says Gray’s helping himself on special teams. “Right now, Cyrus is really our captain,” Toub said. “He kind of runs the show, makes all the calls. He’s like the quarterback of our punt teams.”

WR: It was a quiet night for the wide receivers with A.J. Jenkins, Junior Hemingway, and Mark Harrison all sitting out because of injuries. After Dwayne Bowe and Donnie Avery took a majority of the first quarter snaps, the team used the opportunity to get long looks at Albert Wilson, Frankie Hammond, and Kyle Williams. Wilson made an exciting play on special teams with a 65-yard kickoff return and a couple of solid grabs as well. With Donnie Avery dismissed for personal reasons this weekend, A.J. Jenkins took first team snaps and Junior Hemingway returned from his hamstring injury. It’s looking more and more like Hammond and Williams are competing for the final roster spot at receiver behind Bowe, Avery, Jenkins, Hemingway, and Wilson.

TE: Travis Kelce made the play of the night, a 69-yard touchdown on a seam route. Kelce shook his defender with a fake early in the route and then showed blazing speed to finish the play off. Andy Reid was impressed. “It was good to have him back out there and he had quite a few snaps,” Reid said. “And I think he did a nice job out there. He showed a little speed at the end, I mean heck, he was pulling away from secondary players. It wasn’t just a linebacker so, I was impressed with that. He did some in-line block, line-of-scrimmage blocking which I thought he did a really good job of." Kelce’s play came against the second team because Anthony Fasano is still running with the first team. Fasano is completely healthy and figures to see a lot of snaps regardless of how well Kelce plays. Third team tight end Demetrius Harris solidified his hold on a roster spot this week with a 30-yard catch and run. Harris is still raw but he’s put himself in an excellent position to see extended action if either Fasano or Kelce struggles with injuries again.

Defense: If the team’s first preseason game was any indication, the secondary is going to be very risk-reward heavy. They were routinely beaten on routes, but also returned two interceptions for touchdowns. One of those returns came from Sean Smith, who is in a battle with Ron Parker to start at corner. Parker did not have a good night in the exhibition, but has bounced back in practice. The battle at corner is ongoing according to defensive coordinator Bob Sutton. “There’s far less separating them than it might appear," Sutton said. “I hope they make it a hard decision. That would be the best thing for us. That would be great." Rookie corner Phillip Gaines saw a lot of time in the second half, and didn’t look overwhelmed. Another rookie OLB Dee Ford showed great speed off the edge, but also a lot that he needs to work on. Jaye Howard was given the opportunity to start due a Mike DeVito injury, and looked impressive. Howard’s versatility is giving him a chance to join the defensive line rotation. “He has been able to have some flexibility in where he’s played,” Sutton said. “He has flashes of really good athleticism. He can be a very explosive guy. From his standpoint, the thing he has to do is become more consistent. If he does that, he is going to be a really good football player for us.” Joe Mays has all but locked up the starting linebacker job opposite Derrick Johnson and it looks like James Michael-Johnson, not Nico Johnson, will be his backup.

K/P: After one preseason game, the kicking competition remains very close. Ryan Succop and rookie Cairo Santos each made a short field goal against the Bengals, 27 and 28 yards, respectively. Both made a couple of extra points. Succop faired slightly better on kickoffs, with three touchbacks and one several yards deep into the end zone. Santos sent one to the goal line, had one several yards deep, and another for one touchback. Dustin Colquitt averaged 51 yards on a pair of punts.

OL: Eric Fisher’s recovery from offseason shoulder surgery is ongoing. Fisher looked awesome in the run game, burying Bengals defensive end Wallace Gilberry with the dreaded “pancake block.” On the minus side, he gave up some pressure which resulted in a strip sack. Fisher has only recently began practicing with live action in pass rush drills, and further improvement is to be expected. Backup center Eric Kush has been gaining a lot of buzz for his strong performances. Head coach Andy Reid called backup guard Ricky Henry “a dirtbag” who “looked like Larry The Cable Guy” but he meant it as a compliment. Henry has been gaining first team reps at both guard spots, and has climbed above Rishaw Johnson on the depth chart. Henry could compete with Zach Fulton for real snaps.

Chiefs Depth Chart


QB: Alex SmithChase DanielTyler BrayAaron Murray
RB: Jamaal CharlesKnile Davis (KR)De′Anthony Thomas (KR), Cyrus GrayJoe McKnight
FB: Anthony Sherman
WR: Dwayne BoweDonnie AveryA.J. JenkinsJunior Hemingway, Weston DresslerKyle WilliamsAlbert WilsonFrankie Hammond, Mark HarrisonJerrell JacksonFred WilliamsDeon Anthony
TE: Anthony FasanoTravis KelceDemetrius HarrisRichard Gordon
LT: Eric FisherJeff LinkenbachR.J. Dill
LG: Jeff AllenRokevious Watkins
C: Rodney HudsonEric Kush
RG: Zach FultonRicky HenryRishaw Johnson
RT: Donald StephensonRyan HarrisLaurent Duvernay-TardifColin Kelly
K: Ryan Succop
NT: Dontari PoeJaye Howard
DE: Mike DeVitoAllen BaileyVance WalkerMike Catapano, Dominique HamiltonChas Alecxih
ILB: Derrick JohnsonJoe MaysNico JohnsonJames-Michael JohnsonJordan Campbell
OLB: Justin HoustonTamba HaliDee FordFrank ZomboRidge WilsonAlonzo HighsmithDevan WalkerJosh MartinJosh Mauga
CB: Marcus CooperSean SmithRon ParkerPhillip GainesChris OwensVernon KearneyKevin RutlandDeMarcus Van DykeJustin RogersKip EdwardsBrandon JonesQuinton ByrdSanders Commings (inj)
S: Eric Berry (SS)Husain AbdullahMalcolm BronsonJerron McMillianSteve Gregory

Miami Dolphins

QB: Some turbulence has continued for Ryan Tannehill with interceptions plaguing the quarterback during the early part of the week. Hesitation was the main cause, which will hopefully be corrected as he continues to gain a better comfort level within Bill Lazor' offense. The system focuses on smart, quick decisions and also an increased threat as a runner from the quarterback. Versus the Atlanta Falcons we saw this demonstrated on the opening drive when an option play was called where he could either hand it off to the back, keep it himself, or throw a quick screen. That play resulted in an eight-yard gain on the screen and the drive was capped off with a walk-in six-yard passing touchdown on play action. Tannehill finished six of six passing for 62 yards with the one touchdown. Matt Moore (shoulder soreness) returned to practice last week, albeit on a limited basis. He, nor Pat Devlin, played in the preseason game. Seth Lobato was the only other quarterback to play, completing just 14 of 28 passes for 124 yards and also had one lost fumble. Pat Devlin was released following the game in favor of veteran Brady Quinn.

RB: Knowshon Moreno passed his physical and is now active. Head coach Joe Philbin has said nothing is settled in the backfield, but it remains likely and most sensible that Lamar Miller holds onto the lead back role while Moreno acts as the third-down back. As expected, Moreno did not play in the preseason opener. Miller managed only 11 yards on four carries and eight yards on two receptions, although he nearly dropped one of them. Daniel Thomas continues to be lackluster and his grip on a roster spot is slipping. He’s also been dealing with a hamstring injury and missed the game. Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald even warned, “Don’t be surprised if Thomas struggles to make this team.” Mike Gillislee has begun to show improvement and is close to overtaking Thomas as the number three back. He led the team with 30 yards rushing on eight carries. Unfortunately, he was forced to exit from Sunday’s practice early with a knee injury. Damien Williams didn’t find much running room in the game, finishing with just two yards on six carries, but did add three receptions for 18 yards before departing with an ankle injury.

WR: Mike Wallace (hamstring) returned to practice last week although he remained limited and did not suit up on Friday. The injury has stalled the development of chemistry between him and Tannehill, specifically on the deep ball. Brian Hartline is now a full participant in practice, but was also held out of the game. This left Brandon Gibson as the top receiver; he caught two passes for 14 yards, including the previously mentioned walk-in touchdown. Jarvis Landry has remained the most impressive rookie at camp, although he’s still likely to begin the season behind Gibson and managed only one reception for a loss of one yard. On the first drive, Rishard Matthews picked up a short first down and then found open space for a 36-yard reception. A roster spot is becoming more likely for him.

TE: Injuries have decimated the tight ends. Charles Clay (knee) has been held out of practice and missed the preseason opener. Michael Egnew suffered a concussion that caused him to miss nearly a full week, while Gator Hoskins (hamstring) is also banged up and rookie Arthur Lynch (undisclosed) is limited in practice. Those injuries have benefitted Dion Sims, leaving him with plenty of work. To his credit, he has played well enough to lead the competition for the backup job.

Defense: The preseason opener was forgettable for the defense. In the one drive versus Atlanta’s first team offense, the unit allowed seven of seven passing on a 15-play, 77-yard drive that resulted in a 2-yard touchdown run. In total, they allowed only 84 yards on 32 rushing attempts, but Antone Smith did gash the defense for a 76-yard touchdown run that was negated due to a holding penalty. Additionally, they recorded no official sacks or turnovers, but were plagued by missed tackles (12 according to ProFootballFocus) throughout the game. As LB Koa Misi continues his transition to middle linebacker questions about his leadership have dissipated, but he made the highlight reel when Jacquizz Rodgers left him to fall quietly on the turf. In fairness, Misi did reach Matt Ryan on a B-gap blitz for a sack that was negated. The most notable performance was DE Terrence Fede, who hurried the quarterback a handful of times. He may fill in for DE Dion Jordan during his suspension at the very least. CB Will Davis also showed well; he had a few pass deflections, including a near inception when jumping a route, and also drew an offensive pass interference penalty. In camp, rookie LB Chris McCain’s athleticism has stood out, while fellow rookie linebacker Jordan Tripp has also impressed Philbin with his speed and work ethic. CB Cortland Finnegan has continued his stellar camp, regularly creating turnovers, although he allowed both targets on Friday to be completed. The biggest development this week was SS Reshad Jones being suspended four games for violating the league’s policy on performance enhancing drugs. Jimmy Wilson, who was the primary nickel back, will be covering for Jones at SS during his absence. Jamar Taylor will now get the first crack at nickel.

K/P: Kicker Caleb Sturgis is nursing a minor groin injury and did not play in the preseason opener against the Falcons. Camp and AFL veteran Danny Hrapmann, who was signed last week, handled the kicking duties. He hit a 42-yard field goal and added an extra point. Sturgis might play this week, or he might rest again. Coach Joe Philbin noted: “In talking to our medical people, I think it’s a day to day thing.” Brandon Fields averaged 47.5 yards on six punts against Atlanta.

OL: As expected, Samson Satele has taken over as the first team center. Satele looked good in the Dolphins’ preseason opener, handling the snaps without incident. Satele is a natural center and looked to be comfortable back in a Dolphins uniform. Rookie right tackle Ju’Wuan James has been steady as a starter and is looking like a really strong pick for the team. Another former Tennessee Volunteer, Dallas Thomas, looked solid in his first team reps at right guard, next to James. Thomas looks to have the edge over Shelley Smith and Billy Turner in the competition for the open right guard spot. This line is trending upward and really coming together with the return of Satele.


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