The Kansas City Chiefs finished another week of practice on Saturday during training camp displaying more triumphs and improvements on the field during their workouts at Missouri Western State University. Four Chiefs got in front of the podium for the team’s post-practice press conference, and each gave reporters’ generous responses heading into their day off on Sunday.
Dave Toub, Wanya Morris, Leo Chenal, and Justin Reid spoke to reporters and provided valuable insight into their thoughts on training camp, teammates, and more.
Check out their top quotes below:
Dave Toub on the progress of Ekow Boye-Doe
“[Ekow] Boye-Doe he’s coming on, especially recently. The thing about him [is] he’s not a real big guy, so you wonder how he’s going to hold up. We got him at gunner, so we’re going to see him in there. He’s going to have to use his speed to be able to get out on guys to be able to run. He’s got the top end speed, but the big question is, is he going to play bigger than he actually is because he’s about 177 pounds. He’s kind of slight but we’ve had guys that have been that small that came on and became good players for us so it’s not impossible.”
Dave Toub on Justyn Ross taking some reps at gunner
“Yeah, I mean that’s part of the gunner job. In the pooch areas, you don’t get doubled a lot because you have eight guys in the box, so you’re singled up to get out and run. Then your job is to go down and make a play on the ball when Tommy [Townsend] hangs up. That’s what we were working on today, and he’s got that skill.”
Wanya Morris on excitement entering first preseason game
“Like every kid, it’s a dream come true. You know, you dream about days like this and to actually go out with them and actually do it, it’s a dream come true. It’s very…hmm what’s the word? I’m looking for a good word…it’s very breathtaking. Being able to step out there on that field and just go out there and compete with my brothers, and just show everything I’ve got because you know, it’s not done till it’s done – I haven’t made the 53 [man roster] yet. So, I have to go out there and ball.”
Wanya Morris on offensive line coach Andy Heck's lessons during one-on-ones
“Just to continue to push to learn. You can never know too much, [he is] always harping on technique because that’s a big thing. People are going to have talent at the top at this day in age at the top in the NFL. It’s not about talent, it’s about how hard you work and how consistent you can be. So that’s what I think, being consistent, working hard, and just keeping things fun.”
Leo Chenal on progression of second-year linebackers coach Brendan Daly
“He’s a great coach. He’s one of the best constructive criticism type coaches I’ve ever been around. It makes guys so much more confident in themselves, ready to go, really great on the rookies. He spends so much detail, he really cares about us. He’s pushing us everyday though, don’t get me wrong he’s not soft. He’s getting hard on us every day, really homing in our techniques and stuff like that.”
Leo Chenal on feeling like he's getting used in different positions than last season
“Yeah [Defensive Coordinator] Coach [Steve] Spags [Spagnuolo] is having us try out different positions on the line, dropping from inside the line as that joker role. We’re just trying to get better day in and day out with that. It’s something – an unfamiliar position to be in as an off-ball linebacker. Willie [Gay] and I have been taking that role of getting on the line and rushing. A guy like him, he’s got a ton of speed, so just learning from each other, learning from guys like George [Karlaftis], you know that’s been really nice.”
Justin Reid on newcomer Drue Tranquill
“Well the cool thing about [St. Joseph] is – you come out and you’re away from your family and everything and that’s always tough, but the nice thing about being with the team is everybody’s in the same place at the same time all day. You know, we eat breakfast together, we eat lunch together, we eat dinner together. We get to hang out together, you get to know your teammates. I know a lot more guys on this team from being here in [St. Joseph], being around each other, than I did in Houston [Texans] just because you spend so much time together. It’s almost like college-esque in the way that you just hang out with your guys, and you have fun. I mean there was a rock-paper-scissors competition going around the locker room yesterday. It’s just, guys just like to have fun.”
Justin Reid on wanting to battle Drue Tranquill in chess
“Yeah, be careful what you wish for. Be careful what you wish for, he’s 2-0 on me. The guy’s a solid player man. I was a little bit aggressive in the opening, try to take advantage of him. He was able to counter me, win some pieces, and just hold out until the end. He’s a good player.”
