AUG 16 (afternoon)--The Chiefs opened their final full day of work in River Falls with a morning practice on Thursday. The defensive line has continued to build momentum throughout camp heading into the season. They earned praise from both assistant head coach/offensive coordinator Al Saunders and defensive coordinator Greg Robinson, who both addressed the teams after Wednesday’s practice sessions.

As a team last season the defense collected 51.0 sacks (-266.0 yards) with the defensive front recording 41.0 of those sacks. They are hoping that extra work in the off-season means increased production this season.

Last season the line played a defense that focused on one gap with much of the reacting done before the snap. Robinson has installed a scheme that focuses on a gap defense, but allows the players to react after the snap to make the plays. The defenders are now reading the play as it develops this season to make the play.

"I have a lot more reads and responsibilities in this defense," defensive tackle Steve Martin said. "I am trying to pay attention to what happens on the run trying to read the play and not on the snap reading the formation."

Defensive end Eric Hicks anchors the line from the outside and has developed into the one of the league’s top young players at his position. Last season he led the team with 14.0 sacks (-73.0 yards) in only 13 games with 11 starts. He missed three games with a knee injury. If Hicks plays a full season this year he could become the first player to post double digit sacks in consecutive years since Neil Smith in ’94-95.

The other end is anchored by Duane Clemons who had a breakout year in 2000 with 75 tackles and 7.5 sacks (-36.5 yards) after joining the team as an unrestricted free agent from Minnesota last season. The former college teammate of TE Tony Gonzalez came to camp this year in the best shape of his career and recorded a sack in the club’s preseason opener vs. Washington. He looks to join with Hicks to become the first double-digit sack tandem since the late LB Derrick Thomas (11.0) and DE Neil Smith (11.5) in ’94.

On the inside, veteran defensive tackle John Browning leads the charge after enjoying his best season as a professional in 2000. He was the only defensive front line player to start all 16 games in 2000 although it was at all four positions along the line. Browning ranked second on the defensive line with 71 tackles to go along with 33 QB pressures and 6.0 sacks (-31.0 yards).

Starting at the nose tackle position is veteran Steve Martin who will make his start in a KC uniform this season. As a backup in 2000 he had 27 tackles and 17 QB pressures playing behind the departed Chester McGlockton.

"I think it is working out well," Hicks said. "John Browning and Steve Martin are doing a terrific job. We have a young kid named Eric Downing (D3-01) who is doing a great job. We are just trying to get everybody implemented in there."

The coaches are also looking for many veterans and two rookies to add depth to the line and provide a solid rotation. Rich Owens and rookie Monty Beisel (D4a-01) will add depth at the end positions behind Hicks and Clemons. Owens led Washington in sacks with 11.0 (-49.0 yards) in ’96 as a second-year player under current Chiefs defensive line coach Bob Karmelowicz. Fourth-year player Derrick Ransom, second-year player Norris McCleary and Downing will add the depth at the tackle positions until Dan Williams returns to health.

Karmelowicz and Carl Hairston are coaching the attacking defensive line. Karmelowicz is known around the league for his unique and enthusiastic style to developing younger players into dominant players. Hairston is reunited in KC with head coach Dick Vermeil. Vermeil drafted Hairston in his first draft with Philadelphia in ’76 and Hairston has been on the same sideline, either as a player or a coach, every NFL game Vermeil has coached.

The defensive line looks to put the pressure on the Chicago quarterbacks on Saturday, August 18th at 7:30 p.m. in Arrowhead Stadium in their second preseason game.

TRAINING CAMP NOTES: The rookies will hold their annual rookie night tonight at 7:00 p.m. … Former All-Pro left tackle John Alt was at the morning practice today evaluating the progress of the Chiefs offensive line. Alt makes his home in nearby North Oaks, Minnesota … The Chiefs will break camp after a short morning practice on Friday to return home to KC. They will resume training on Monday at the club’s practice facility.