Steve Spagnuolo reveals brutal truth: Chiefs defense still looks soft
The biggest shock from Day 8 of training camp is that the defense still looks soft.
Most fans see a light practice and think the unit is ready. That is wrong. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo told reporters they have a “long way to go” to reach the needed level of physicality. He said the team lacks the “violent play” required to win. This comment comes after three straight days in full pads, yet the unit still needs work.
The reality of the day was a mild workout compared to the other seven sessions. According to Arrowhead Pride, Thursday’s practice was required to be lightened for the team. They will don the pads again on Friday and Saturday. Essentially, the majority of field work consisted of an accelerated walkthrough. The focus was on timing and play details without full-speed contact to disrupt things.
Spagnuolo was clear about what he wants to see before the season starts. When asked what he needs from rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane, the answer was short. When questioned about his requirements for Delane ahead of Week 1, Spagnuolo responded, “A lot.” The rookie has been unable to show the full extent of his abilities while wearing a yellow, non-contact jersey.
The coaching staff is being careful with the young player’s health. “We’re trying to be a little cautious with the shoulder, the shoulder blade,” Spagnuolo told reporters. He clarified that Delane participated today since they only had shells available, allowing him to protect himself. The other three days with shoulder pads were just really being safe. They want to protect him from himself because they do not want to set him back.
Delane did a good job mentally despite the limits. “You saw him in and out of huddles, getting everything mentally, trying to keep the conditioning up,” Spagnuolo said. The coach added that they will see where the rookie is tomorrow because they put the pads back on. Currently, what he lacks is the continuity with many players who are new to him.
Everybody is new, so they are going to have to fight through that. They just haven’t had the work. You go through OTAs, and it is just helmets. The continuity gap is real, and it shows on the field.
The schedule is tight for the rest of camp. To date, the Kansas City Chiefs have completed eight practices during training camp. Thursday’s practice was open to the public, and there will be eight additional public practices. One more session will be open only to Season Ticket Members. Tickets are required for admission, and select sessions require a $7 paid admission.
Several key players sat out the short 10-10-10 workout. The list included WR Cyrus Allen, WR Xavier Worthy, and LB Drue Tranquill. LB Jeff Bassa, CB Kristian Fulton, and CB L’Jarius Sneed also did not practice. DL Ashton Gillotte was missing too. Omarr Norman-Lott is still on PUP.
Today is a short 10-10-10 workout in a 6-day straight stretch. Load management would be a logical reason for the rest. But the defense still has to prove they can hit hard. Spagnuolo believes “That’s the way they’re supposed to look, right?” when things click. He also thinks “I think he has a ways to go” for some players.
The pads come back on Friday. That is when the real test starts. The walkthroughs are done. Now they need to hit. If the physical play does not improve, the season could suffer. The coaches know it. The fans know it. The players need to know it too.
