By MATT PIKE
An undrafted free agent last year, signed during rookie minicamp, that became a Training Camp darling during his time in St. Joseph, has an opportunity to make an even bigger impact for the Kansas City Chiefs this season.
Linebacker Cooper McDonald felt no pressure last season for the Chiefs while in St. Joseph, competing for a spot on the 53 man roster, and impressing his way onto the team for the regular season. McDonald played most of last season on special teams for Kansas City, compiling 25 tackles through 17 games. McDonald says there is a different feeling to this year's camp, after fighting so hard to make the team last season during his time in St. Joseph
"This year, I was talking to my brother, and I was like this training camp compared to last, everything is slowed down, starting to know the playbook, picking it up well, out here competing with everyone," McDonald tells reporters after practice. "So, I’m just excited for the opportunity at hand.”
This season, he is competing with Jeffrey Bassa to fill the void at SAM linebacker left by Leo Chenal departing for free agency. McDonald has every opportunity to make an impact. McDonald says last year he didn't feel much pressure during camp, especially going into the first preseason game, but says this year there is some added pressure.
"Little more responsiblity on my part, competing for a starting job right now," McDonald explains. "As we go through Training Camp, one of the hardest Training Camps there is in the NFL, I really take pride in what I do, always running after the ball, doing a lot of extra things for us."
Both McDonald and Bassa have gotten reps with the first team unit. The first preseason game is next Saturday. Also in preperation for that first preseason game, the Chiefs continue to prepare without offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
While Bieniemy has been home with his family as his wife Mia recovers, the offense has been in the hands of Pass Game Coordinator Joe Bleymaier. Bleymaier says everyone has stepped up during Bieniemy's absence
We miss EB obviously, but in the meantime, everybody, (Offensive Line) Coach (Andy) Heck has taken on more roles with the run game and the offensive line, all the position coaches have stepped up," Bleymaier says. "There’s a little bit more administrative stuff to handle, but we've been doing this a long time. We all kind of know what's expected, and we’ve been rolling from there.”
There is still no timetable for Bieniemy's return. Head Coach Andy Reid reported on Monday that Mia continues to recover more and more each day.
The Chiefs practiced for nearly two hours today. They practice again tomorrow at 9:15am.
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