Kansas City Chiefs 2013 training camp primer

After finishing with the worst record in football last year, sweeping changes have optimism in the air for 2013.

By Matt Verderame Jul 25, 2013, 9:39am EDT

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Going into the 2012 season, many pundits and fans alike believed the Kansas City Chiefs were going to win the AFC West and perhaps even challenge for a Super Bowl berth.

One year later, things have changed. Out with head coach Romeo Crennel, general manager Scott Pioli and quarterback Matt Cassel. The trio thought to be on the rise only a year ago proved to be an absolute disaster, leading the club to a tie for the worst mark in franchise history at 2-14.

Offseason changes

No team was move active in the offseason than Kansas City, which revamped plenty of personnel both in the front office and on the field. At the top, the Chiefs replaced Pioli with former Green Bay Packers player and executive John Dorsey while Andy Reid was hired to take over for the comically awful Crennel.

On the field, no move was bigger than the trade for Alex Smith, for whom Kansas City relinquished a second-round pick in 2013 and another conditional pick in 2014. Replaced by Colin Kaepernick after suffering a concussion, Smith has plenty to prove with the Chiefs after having a few excellent seasons under head coach Jim Harbaugh with the 49ers.

Other moves were made as well. Chase Daniel was signed to back up Smith, taking the spot of Brady Quinn. Wide receiver Donnie Avery and tight end Anthony Fasano were both acquired to bolster the passing game, while on defense the Chiefs brought in cornerbacks Sean Smith and Dunta Robinson.

On the defensive line, Mike DeVito comes over from the New York Jets to take the role of former first-round pick Glenn Dorsey, who left for San Francisco. In the draft, offensive tackle Eric Fisher was taken as the first overall selection with running back Knile Davis, inside linebacker Nico Johnson and tight end Travis Kelce being other notable picks.

Training camp location and schedule

Kansas City is one of the few teams remaining in pro football to get away from home for training camp. For years, the Chiefs went up to Wisconsin and would practice in close proximity to the Minnesota Vikings. Now, Kansas City stays a bit closer to home, practicing at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Mo.

Dorsey is hoping this will be the foundation for the start of something special with this organization, a team that hasn't won a Super Bowl or appeared in one since 1969. Per the Kansas City Star:

"Everybody should expect a team that will be very competitive, that will represent the brand of the Kansas City Chiefs and what it stands for," he said. "You’re going to see a bunch of guys that are excited and competitive and are going to compete their (tails) off for the AFC West — and rightfully so."

Kansas City's outdoor practices are open to the public free of charge and parking is only $5, according to the Chiefs' official website. Indoor practices are closed to the public.

Date	Time/Action
July 26	3:30 p.m./Practice, team auto session ($5 admission)
July 27	8:15 a.m./Practice
July 28	8:15 a.m./Practice
July 29	8:15 a.m./Practice
July 30	8:15 a.m./Practice
July 31	No Practice
Aug. 1	8:15 a.m./Practice
Aug. 2	8:15 a.m./Practice
Aug. 3	8:15 a.m./Practice, "American Family: fun day, team auto session
Aug. 4	8:15 a.m./Practice
Aug. 5	8:15 a.m./Practice
Aug. 6	8:15 a.m./Practice
Aug. 7	No Practice
Aug. 8	Team Travel Day, no practice
Aug. 9	7 p.m./Preseason game, Chiefs vs. Saints
Aug. 10	No Practice
Aug. 11	8:15 a.m./Practice
Aug. 12	8:15 a.m./Practice
Aug. 13	8:15 a.m./Practice
Aug. 14	8:15 a.m./Practice
Aug. 15	Team Travel Day, no practice, camp breaks
Aug. 16	7 p.m./Preseason game, Chiefs vs. 49ers

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/07/19/4354736/new-gm-dorsey-brings-energy-enthusiasm.html#storylink=cpy

Position Battles

The Chiefs don't have too many uncertain spots coming into training camp, but there are a few positions which are certainly up for grabs. Reid has been promoting competition across the board, and while nobody expects a player such as Dwayne Bowe or Jamaal Charles to lose their playing time, other players could be in danger with a bad camp.

Inside Linebacker: Kansas City used its fourth-round pick in April's NFL Draft to select Nico Johnson from the Alabama Crimson Tide with hopes he could start soon. He'll be given every chance to, but he will face some healthy competition.

Akeem Jordan was brought in via free agency to give the rookie a run for his money. Jordan is an NFL veteran who played six seasons under Reid with the Philadelphia Eagles. Entering his seventh year, Jordan has followed Reid to the Chiefs. In his career, Jordan has never topped 71 tackles in a season.

Safety: With Eric Berry firmly entrenched on one side of the field, a battle may rage on the other. Kendrick Lewis has been the starter across from Berry for three years, but injuries and poor tackling have opened the door for some new blood.

Husain Abdullah was brought in as a free agent after sitting out all of last year to take a religious pilgrimage. He, along with rookie Sanders Commings, who was hurt this week, will fight for the position, with Lewis still likely maintaining a small edge headed into camp.