Hunt with Peterson

So far at least one of my predictions has fallen short. Before training camp I listed the biggest position battles in training camp and I would have bet my last dollar that either cornerback or wide receiver or guard would have the stiffest competition. Boy was I wrong . The middle linebacker position has been the most competitive. Early on in camp Napoleon Harris was the starter but out of nowhere has came Pat Thomas who I put down as not even making the team. Thomas has been flying around the ball and the only time Gunther has got up in his ace has been mental mistakes, not calling out formations and missing audibles and things of that nature. If Thomas continues to play lights out the Chiefs will not be scared to go with him.

Tyler Thigpen who for some reason was everyone’s dark horse candidate to compete with Brodie for the starting gig has been less than impressive. The only time he has been able to throw the ball accurately has been when on the run. Every one knows he can run and is mobile but if you can’t put the ball on the money you can’t play QB. Damon Huard has been a little better as of late after shaking off some early rust. Huard has been to over a dozen of these things and he might have just been pacing himself early on.

I did hit on at least one or two things accurately before camp. One was Adrian Jones would struggle in camp and guess what he has been the least effective lineman thus far. Would already be replaced on the line but Herm has been preaching cohesion on the line and has all the first teamers working with the first teamers and all the second string working together as a unit. Cohesion can only go so far the Chiefs need a right guard. The second thing I hit on is that Jamal Charles is on the next level speed wise and would simply run away from everybody. So far every time Charles has got daylight he has broke it big time. Nobody has caught him from behind in camp and he is easily the fastest player in camp.

Finally the receivers Devard Darling is looking like a solid compliment to Dwayne Bowe and has made the most of his chances in camp. It looks like he will be the starter opposite Bowe. Will Franklin has been reliable in the slot and has not made many mistakes some times with rookies especially receivers it’s not the big plays they make but the stupid mistakes they avoid and Franklin has not made himself look bad at all. Last the position of “Hype up guy” last year that was Jared Allen’s role this year D-Bowe has slid in to that role nicely being vocal and bringing the energy to get fellow players motivated.