Wednesday’s morning practice was one of the more “chipper” practices of camp, to say the least. In fact, head coach Todd Haley referred to the session as a “glass half-full day.”
Many of the coaches were unhappy with the concentration level and tempo throughout the beginning stages practice, and their feelings about the matter were well-heard.
“Today was kind of all over the place in different areas,” Haley said. “You heard some people whooping and hollering and kind of recognizing it.”
But as the Chiefs slugged through what looked to have the potential of a lost work day, something clicked. The Chiefs moved into the live portion of practice and the energy level of camp went up exponentially.
“When we get to those competitive things, they have to find a way to amp it up,” Haley said. “Today, despite a less than perfect practice, I think that everybody felt the energy levels go up, and regardless of who won this drill, the energy level rose. I think that we got a little bit better today because of it.”
Sometimes it takes a live goal-line set to change directions. At least, that’s what it took today.
The first-team defense was amped-up after shutting down the first-team offense on three consecutive goal-to-go situations from the three-yard line. We actually heard “Dee-Fence…Dee-Fence” chants at times.
The second and third plays of the series were arguably two of the best defensive stands that we’ve seen all of camp. Here’s how the series went…
1) DE 
2) NT
3) S
The second-team offense would get revenge with a play-action pas to FB
The feel of practice definitely changed during the goal-line series.
“We made a step today, because we turned the tide,” Haley said. “However we did it. Whatever the catalyst was, it got going.”
Practice Inactives
G Darry Harris
RB Kesthan Moore
The only news on the injury front Wednesday was the return of McGraw to the “rehab zone.” McGraw was part of the biking area on Monday, but returned to work out with the team during yesterday’s practice. Today, it was back to the bikes.
All of the other players were inactive yesterday, for one reason or another.
Wiegmann Eyes 10,000
When 15-year veteran
But on the line for Wiegmann is more than just a challenge for a starting role with the Chiefs front five; there is an incredible streak at stake as well.
Wiegmann currently has an unbelievable active streak of 9,078 straight offensive snaps played. He hasn’t missed a game, much less a snap, since
Known for his blue-collar work ethic and quiet off-the-field demeanor, Wiegmann isn’t one for personal accomplishments. Regardless, the Cal Ripken-like streak is something that is never far from his mind.
“I take great pride in being out on the field and helping my teammates,” Wiegmann said. “A couple of years ago I decided that I wanted to try and make 10,000, so that’s another reason that I’m back here. But I know that I’m in a position battle with Rudy and its just part of the job.”
Wiegmann’s consecutive snaps streak is by far the longest active streak of any NFL offensive lineman. Going forward, it may never be topped; particularly with the size and speed of today’s NFL players. It’s an accomplishment that even Wiegmann struggles to find an explanation for.
“I don’t know how my body does it, and I think about it all the time,” Wiegmann said. “I don’t know. I’ve just been blessed.”
His best guess for rationalizing the ridiculously impressive streak is a foundation installed upon him as a high school player.
“I was brought up by a good high school coach that taught me the value of hard work and work ethic and you just keep going from there,” Wiegmann said.
Wiegmann’s high school coach was the late Ed Thomas, who was tragically murdered in the Aplington-Parkersburg High School weight room in 2009. Thomas helped churn out four active NFL players (Wiegmann, C Brad Meester, DE Jared DeVries and DE Aaron Kampman) despite a population in Parkersburg, Iowa of just 1,084.
Horne Goes Cruz
Rookie WR
Horne, on the other hand, has yet to log a preseason reception, but he’s gotten loose plenty of times in training camp and was open on two deep incomplete passes at Atlanta. Today, Horne had the catch-of-the-day with a very Cruz-like one-handed grab down the right sideline. He also caught another deep pass during 11 vs. 11.
“I’m going to try and keep up the UMass tradition, I guess,” Horne said after practice.
And about the continued success in the deep passing game?
“Got to do it in the game; that’s where it counts,” Horne said.
Though Haley was hesitant to put Horne’s overall training camp performance at a higher level than that of his fellow rookie free agents, he did indicate that Horne is turning some heads.
“Jeremy Horne has done some things to get noticed,” Haley said.
Other Notables
- T Ryan O’Callaghan had a nice one-on-one period going head-to-head against OLB
Tamba Hali - DE Tyson Jackson showed off an impressive swim move to get past T
Colin Brown - QB
Bill Stull didn’t look like he’d been away from the team for four-plus months; he hit WRVerran Tucker on two deep passes and put together a consecutive completion streak during team period - LB
Derrick Johnson picked offTyler Palko after quickly dropping into an effective position during pass coverage - Former DE
Bobby Greenwood repped as a right tackle for the second-straight day - RB
Tervaris Johnson , who was waived/injured over a week ago and brought back to the team on the injured reserve list, was outside doing cardio on the bikes
