KC CHIEFS TRAINING CAMP POSTCARD
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/jeffri_chadiha/08/03/kcchiefs.postcard/index.html
1. The Chiefs are still hoping Pro Bowl left tackle Willie Roaf changes his mind about retirement. In fact, general manager Carl Peterson is supposed to meet with Roaf's agent, Peter Schaffer, later this week to discuss the matter. Peterson believes there's still a chance to sway Roaf because the retirement was so abrupt. Roaf had been participating in the team's offseason program through most of the summer and he had even helped convince Pro Bowl guard Will Shields to put off retirement for another year. If Roaf doesn't change his mind, the Chiefs will continue relying on Kyle Turley as his replacement. Turley, by the way, is coming back from a back injury that led him to retire two years ago.
2. Cornerback Ty Law wishes he had a few more weeks to get into better shape. Law had hoped to come into this season weighing 200 pounds, and he had set up his workout program -- he trains with famed track coach Bob Kersee in the offseason -- to get him down to that point. The only problem is that Law, who currently weighs 205 pounds, set up the program to get him down to his goal by the middle of August. "I'll be honest," says Law, who signed a free-agent deal right before camp. "I wasn't expecting to sign with a team until later in the summer. I thought I'd have more time to get my work in."
3. Believe it or not, the Chiefs still talk as if Priest Holmes might play again, even after they traded for Michael Bennett on Wednesday. Holmes, who has been recovering from a severe neck injury, met with a spine specialist before training camp, and he will return for another visit later this month. Until then, the Chiefs officially have him listed on the physically-unable-to-perform (PUP) list. Peterson also says, "If there's anybody who's deserved the right for me to keep a roster spot open for him, it's Priest Holmes."
4. Larry Johnson is tired of hearing critics says he's not a good pass blocker. He earned the rap early in his career -- former Chiefs offensive coordinator Al Saunders was leery of playing him because he didn't want to get quarterback Trent Green killed by a blitzing linebacker -- but Johnson's current coaches say experience will change everything. They believe Johnson will recognize more blitz situations as he gets more playing time. As they note, he's only played in 32 of 48 games in his career.
5. Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards wasn't concerned about the strained hamstring that kept Bennett out of practice on Thursday. Edwards said the team knew Bennett was nursing a sore hamstring before making the trade for him. Edwards added that he's excited to have another running back in the mix. "You have to have three running backs," he said, referring to a group that will include Johnson, Bennett and Dee Brown. "People say you need two good ones, but I don't believe that. Somebody is going to get dinged up along the way."
Factoid
With a passer rating of 88.3, quarterback Trent Green is the eighth-highest-rated passer in NFL history.
Fantasy Geek Note
Wednesday's trade for Bennett shouldn't lead to a decreased load for fantasy stud Larry Johnson. The Chiefs still want Johnson to get 30 carries a game. What Bennett gives them is another experienced runner who can be a change-of-pace back. In case you're wondering, the Chiefs will run the ball a lot this season.
Camp Confidential
The only problem Peterson has with Roaf's retirement is the silence that followed it. Roaf hasn't spoken to any of his teammates since making the decision last week. Several Chiefs players have tried to call him, but no messages have been returned. "Willie is a private person," says Chiefs safety Sammy Knight, who also played with Roaf in New Orleans. "I'm sure he's getting away from everything and letting this all settle in."
