Chiefs defensive coordinator says unit still needs improvement after eight days of camp

Kansas City held a reduced-intensity practice on Thursday, the eighth day of its preseason camp, after three consecutive full-pad sessions. The team focused on walk-throughs and timing without contact, preparing for a return to full pads on Friday and Saturday.

Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said the unit still has significant work to do. He noted that rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane has been limited to a non-contact jersey to protect a shoulder injury and has not yet shown his full abilities. > "We’re trying to be a little cautious with the shoulder, the shoulder blade," Spagnuolo told reporters. "He was out there today because we only had shells on so he could protect himself. The other three days, with the shoulder pads, it was just really being safe, protecting him from himself because we don’t want to set him back."

Spagnuolo added that Delane needs to demonstrate much more before the Chiefs face the Denver Broncos in Week 1. He also evaluated rookie defensive tackle Peter Woods, saying the player shows promise but still has development ahead. > "I think he has a ways to go… when he does get his feet right, he keeps his pad level low; he’s a pretty good football player. It’s our job to get him to do that every down, and he’s a willing guy."

The coordinator emphasized that interior defensive positions are well defined, giving young players a clearer learning path. However, he expressed concern about the overall lack of physicality observed during the three days of padded practice. > "If I’m assessing the three days in pads, I would say we have a long way to go with our physicality and our violent play."

Spagnuolo also mentioned the defensive backfield’s need for vocal leadership, referencing the communication of former safety Bryan Cook and the emerging role of cornerback Trent McDuffie. He expects safety Alohi to develop in that capacity.

On a positive note, Spagnuolo praised defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah, saying the player has had a strong camp despite previous injuries. > "He’s fought these injuries all the way through; even when he was playing, I think he was hampered by it… He’s had a really good camp."

The Chiefs will resume full-pad practice on Friday morning at 9:15 a.m.