The Kansas City Chiefs could not have picked a better day to open up training camp to the public as beautiful sunny skies in St. Joseph Missouri welcomed in a sea of eager fans ready to see what their team has in store. There is no doubt that the Chief faithful are excited to see what a new coaching staff and quarterback have in store for them. As fans entered the practice field you could hear the excitement in their voices of having brand new coach Andy Reid on their team, finally signing number one draft pick Eric Fisher and getting to see their favorite players back in action since last season.
“We are going to go .500 plus, I’m guaranteeing that.” Explains one excited Chiefs fan, “I am really excited about Andy Reid being coach. I am glad we got him in here, he is a lot of experience and it was well worth all of the money. With the recruiting and the draft, we are in good shape. I am not worried about a thing.”
Not only are fans excited to be out there but coaches and players are really glad to have fans out there cheering them on as well. Coach Andy Reid in particular loved the enthusiasm of the fans.
“It was great to see the fans out here, I’m in support of the fans and it looked like they packed the place. They were loud and that part is exciting for the players. It was sure good to have support out here like we had.”
Coach Reid was also happy to have number one overall draft pick Eric fisher make his debut on the field today. After finally settling out contract negotiations, he stepped on the field today for his first practice as a Kansas City Chief.
“I am glad I got here, its great to be back with the team and I’ll get back to work. I just wanted to get the deal done. I told [my agent] I wanted to get here as soon as possible and get to work. I didn’t really want to miss anything but at the same time you want to take care of yourself and make sure everything is set.”
Fisher is looking to help improve a Kansas City offence that finished last in league rankings last year and had one of the worst seasons in franchise history.
It seems however that the offence is already making a remarkable turnaround as the first play from 11 vs. 11 scrimmage today was a bomb thrown for a touchdown from quarterback Alex Smith to receiver Dexter McCluster. Fans roared in excitement, as they were happy to see a promising offence that looks to have more potential than the offences of the past couple of years.
One player in particular who seemed to be shining on the field was Dexter McCluster. The Chief receiver saw snaps on offence and also was seen returning balls on special teams. McCluster seemed to be dominating both positions as the first two plays in the 11 vs. 11 scrimmage were passes thrown to him and while he looked to be running players out of their shoes during kickoff returns.
“I think with this offence I will have the opportunity to make plays and be available. I am happy and I think today was a good step.”
Other notable players include back up quarterbacks Chase Daniels, Ricky Stanzi and Tyler Bray who all got snaps under center during scout team offence. Jamaal Charles looks strong and healthy as ever as running back. Dwayne Bowe was not able to practice today due to a chest virus. As one of the fan favorites, Bowe is hoping for a speedy recovery to get back and practice with the team and have people cheering his name once again.
The first whole team practice seemed to go as perfect as the weather in Kansas City today. Players will still be practicing without pads their next day of practice but come Sunday Coach Reid say he is looking to “Crank it up a little bit.” Fans are excited and hopes are high as the Chiefs continue their march into the 2013 season.
