By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
After heavy storms forced the Kansas City Chiefs indoors to start practice Monday, the rain stopped, the clouds cleared out and the Chiefs ended their practice outside on the second day of training camp in St. Joseph.
The team practiced in helmets, jerseys and shorts for just over 90 minutes at Missouri Western State University.
While there's been a lot of focus on offensive playmakers, there's been quite a bit of talk about defense early on in camp.
Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton said after the first practice on Sunday that being a “top 10 defense" is a major goal for he and the team this year.
Not surprisingly, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo agrees. Spags said on Monday that the biggest stat he looks for at the end of the season is defensive efficiency.
"We want to be No. 1 in the NFL in defensive efficiency," Spagnuolo said. "Points allowed, third down, red zone. It's all of the rankings in those particular categories. I'm with Nick (Bolton). I'm not going to worry about that week-to-week."
The Chiefs ranked 11th in the NFL last year in total defense and 16th in scoring defense. Second-year corner Trent McDuffie says creating more takeaways is also a focus.
"The big thing for us is just getting that ball back," he said. "I know Spags talks a lot about attitude defense. Eleven guys at the ball 24-7. I think that's something this defense will hone in on. Just making sure we don't give up on any play."
Injuries
Receiver Kadarius Toney was not at practice Monday after he tweaked his knee early in Sunday's workout.
A more detailed report is expected from Andy Reid on Tuesday, but Travis Kelce said about Toney, "We've got all of the confidence in the world in our training staff here to get him ready either by season or early on in the season. Got our fingers crossed that we get him back as soon as possible."
The only other injury is that of Tershawn Wharton (knee), who's still on the PUP list. Rookie offensive lineman Wanya Morris was back to work Monday after sitting out Sunday.
Importance of camp
Travis Kelce is entering his 11th year with the Kansas City Chiefs this season and he’s been through all of the highs and lows that come with training camp.
Despite all of his achievements and experience, Kelce says camp is just as important now, if not more so, than it was when he was a young player.
"Everything you can do to gain a mental advantage on every single play and get you more comfortable out there on the field to be able to run and play fast, be accountable for the guy next to you," Kelce said. "All of that stuff is much needed. That's why I love coming out here, man."
Receivers making strides
Chiefs receiver Skyy Moore had his rookie moments last year, but he also showed some flashes of greatness, including his long punt return in the final minute of this past year's Super Bowl.
Entering year two, Moore says he feels “30 times more comfortable” than last year.
"Having an idea of the whole playbook," he said. "Going through it one year before and just understanding the culture the Chiefs have in Kansas City."
The receiver room is once again filled with young talent and new faces, and Moore says the competition there is productive.
"I feel like we have a lot of great guys in the room," he said. "It's super competitive in the room. But at the same time, have a good bond. All of the guys eat together. We laugh, we joke, but we also work. We know it's a competitive room for sure."
Rookie receiver Rashee Rice has turned heads at camp. He had a diving one-handed catch for a score on Monday. Richie James has also had some strong moments at receiver.
James signed with the team back in April after being with the Giants last year and then in San Francisco three years before that. In fact, Moore said Monday that James is his "favorite" receiver on the team right now.
"I like how (James) moves," Moore pointed out. "He does this stuff that....I think I'm doing what he's doing, but he's doing it a little different."
Deneric Prince
Last year, it was Isiah Pacheco turning heads as the rookie running back. This year, it's Deneric Prince. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Tulsa, Prince has the shown the ability to catch everything thrown his way and find room to run after the catch.
His best moment Monday was catching a long touchdown pass from Patrick Mahomes. Trent McDuffie has noticed all of the running backs making solid improvements.
"They're fast, agile, they're hard workers and they're strong," McDuffie said. "Especially a guy like Deneric Prince. He really has that chip on his shoulder. That's something you really saw pop last year. 'If they ain't give me a shot, I'm going to go and make one for myself.'"
The Chiefs return to practice on Tuesday morning at 9:15 a.m.
You can follow Tommy on Twitter @TommyKFEQ and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.