Chiefs Gretz: D.J. Named AFC Defensive Player of Week

**Tribal Warfare** · 10-02-2008, 02:21 AM

D.J. Named AFC Defensive Player of Week
October 1, 2008 - Bob Gretz |

From the Truman Sports Complex

For three weeks there were many NFL observers asking the question, where is Derrick Johnson in the Chiefs defense.

“I was asking the same question,” Johnson said.

Well, answers came on Sunday when the linebacker led the Chiefs charge on defense, contributing a half-sack, interception, a forced fumble and seven tackles. That performance earned him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

It’s the first time in six years that a Chiefs linebacker has been singled out by the league for this honor. The last time it happened was Mike Maslowski in week eight of the 2002 season.

“I put more pressure on myself than anybody,” Johnson said on Wednesday. “I knew I had to step up. It was a big game, a division game.

“I wasn’t thinking a lot. I really didn’t care if I messed up. It wasn’t that I wasn’t playing within the scheme, I was just putting it all out on the line … I took some chances, I anticipated some things.”

It was a performance reminiscent of Johnson during his days as an All-America LB at the University of Texas.

“I was more of a free-lance player within the defense,” Johnson said of his play with the Longhorns. “One of the things that Gun told me was to put all the schemes out of my mind and put all the responsibility out of my mind, you know the defense, just go out there and play like you were at Texas.

“When he said that, a light went on. He was trying to get me comfortable, get me loose, not playing uptight.”

Johnson has had similar performances in his career. What’s held him out of being considered among the best linebackers in the AFC has been his consistency. In the first three games of the season, he was averaging 4.3 tackles per game and the only big play he was part of was a sack.

“I’ve got to go out and keep doing what I did last week,” Johnson said. “I’m not really surprised by my play. Now, I want to repeat this, so this is a thing that this is what Derrick Johnson does, he makes plays for this football team to help it win.”

kcxiv · 10-02-2008, 02:25 AM

He had a hell of a game, but like Whitlock said, do it again!

ChiefJustice · 10-02-2008, 02:44 AM

Talking about yourself in the third person is crazy.

I hope he continues it.

**jjchieffan** · 10-02-2008, 03:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcxiv

He had a hell of a game, but like Whitlock said, do it again!

Who gives a rats ass what Fatlock says?

kcxiv · 10-02-2008, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjchieffan

Who gives a rats ass what Fatlock says?

I was more or less just quoting what he said, becuase i know i want to see DJ have a big game again! 1 out of 4 for a talent of his calibur is not really acceptable.

KCJohnny · 10-02-2008, 04:10 AM

First time since Maz did it in the awful 2002 season!
Congrats to DJ and kudos to Gun for turning the tiger loose.

Kerberos · 10-02-2008, 05:17 AM

I would NEVER compare DJ to the late Derrick Thomas but the level of play we need from DJ needs to match that of DT. I don't expect him to be another DT because there will NEVER be another DT. I just want consistent play that RIVALS that of DT.

If he can do that this defense can do things and go places. Mix in some talented Rookies and some solid vets and "IT'S ON"

KCJohnny · 10-02-2008, 05:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kerberos

I would NEVER compare DJ to the late Derrick Thomas but the level of play we need from DJ needs to match that of DT. I don't expect him to be another DT because there will NEVER be another DT. I just want consistent play that RIVALS that of DT.

If he can do that this defense can do things and go places. Mix in some talented Rookies and some solid vets and "IT'S ON"

Spot on, especially with the loss of Jared Allen, this team needs a speed rushing DE/OLB like the great one (RIP #58).

FAX · 10-02-2008, 06:51 AM

This is great. Not only does he deserve the honor after last week (Denver's offense isn't shabby), but this is huge for all Chiefs fans everywhere. DJ was highly regarded coming out of college, but the Chiefs screwed him up for three years. Now, he's finally demonstrating the talent people knew he had.

Very encouraging. If he can repeat a similar performance (and he certainly has the talent to do so), it will be even more encouraginger.

FAX

penchief · 10-02-2008, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KCJohnny

First time since Maz did it in the awful 2002 season!
Congrats to DJ and kudos to Gun for turning the tiger loose.

Gunther sucks.

KCJohnny · 10-02-2008, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by penchief

Gunther sucks.

More insightful analysis by ChiefsPlanet regular penchief.

Why log on anywhere else?

Demonpenz · 10-02-2008, 07:52 AM

Free lancing huh? Beware dj. I feel some misdirection coming your way (or away from it hehe)

beach tribe · 10-02-2008, 08:43 AM

We should be working on extending DJ right now.

**HemiEd** · 10-02-2008, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beach tribe

We should be working on extending DJ right now.

Sure hope it happens, would hate to lose him.

talastan · 10-02-2008, 09:27 AM

If they can actually get him to play instead of worrying so much he'll keep this up IMO. He just seems to have this potential that strikes me the same way DT did. I agree he'll never be DT, but even 50-75% in that direction would take this defense into the top 10, possibly even the top 5. That is just a credit to how good DT was. He carried the entire team on his shoulders and never let up. If DJ can head in that direction the defense and the team as a whole will win some games.

10-02-2008, 02:21 AM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2867187	Gretz: D.J. Named AFC Defensive Player of Week D.J. Named AFC Defensive Player of Week October 1, 2008 - Bob Gretz \| From the Truman Sports Complex For three weeks there were many NFL observers asking the question, where is Derrick Johnson in the Chiefs defense. “I was asking the same question,” Johnson said. Well, answers came on Sunday when the linebacker led the Chiefs charge on defense, contributing a half-sack, interception, a forced fumble and seven tackles. That performance earned him the AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. It’s the first time in six years that a Chiefs linebacker has been singled out by the league for this honor. The last time it happened was Mike Maslowski in week eight of the 2002 season. “I put more pressure on myself than anybody,” Johnson said on Wednesday. “I knew I had to step up. It was a big game, a division game. “I wasn’t thinking a lot. I really didn’t care if I messed up. It wasn’t that I wasn’t playing within the scheme, I was just putting it all out on the line … I took some chances, I anticipated some things.” It was a performance reminiscent of Johnson during his days as an All-America LB at the University of Texas. “I was more of a free-lance player within the defense,” Johnson said of his play with the Longhorns. “One of the things that Gun told me was to put all the schemes out of my mind and put all the responsibility out of my mind, you know the defense, just go out there and play like you were at Texas. “When he said that, a light went on. He was trying to get me comfortable, get me loose, not playing uptight.” Johnson has had similar performances in his career. What’s held him out of being considered among the best linebackers in the AFC has been his consistency. In the first three games of the season, he was averaging 4.3 tackles per game and the only big play he was part of was a sack. “I’ve got to go out and keep doing what I did last week,” Johnson said. “I’m not really surprised by my play. Now, I want to repeat this, so this is a thing that this is what Derrick Johnson does, he makes plays for this football team to help it win.”
Posts: 43,439

10-02-2008, 02:25 AM	#2
kcxiv In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Central Valley, Cali Casino cash: $8697996	He had a hell of a game, but like Whitlock said, do it again!
Posts: 29,111

10-02-2008, 02:44 AM	#3
ChiefJustice The Stig Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: "Some say he has no home" Casino cash: $10004900	Talking about yourself in the third person is crazy. I hope he continues it. __________________ Dante Hicks: But you hate people. Randal Graves: Yes, but I love gatherings. Isn't it ironic?
Posts: 4,806

10-02-2008, 04:10 AM	#6
KCJohnny Blind, deceived homer Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Maryland, USA Casino cash: $10004900	First time since Maz did it in the awful 2002 season! Congrats to DJ and kudos to Gun for turning the tiger loose. __________________
Posts: 6,347

10-02-2008, 05:17 AM	#7
Kerberos Chiefs Baby Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Henderson, NV Casino cash: $10000632	I would NEVER compare DJ to the late Derrick Thomas but the level of play we need from DJ needs to match that of DT. I don't expect him to be another DT because there will NEVER be another DT. I just want consistent play that RIVALS that of DT. If he can do that this defense can do things and go places. Mix in some talented Rookies and some solid vets and "IT'S ON"
Posts: 5,638

10-02-2008, 06:51 AM	#9
FAX testing ... 1, 2, 3 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Tennessee Casino cash: $6753759	This is great. Not only does he deserve the honor after last week (Denver's offense isn't shabby), but this is huge for all Chiefs fans everywhere. DJ was highly regarded coming out of college, but the Chiefs screwed him up for three years. Now, he's finally demonstrating the talent people knew he had. Very encouraging. If he can repeat a similar performance (and he certainly has the talent to do so), it will be even more encouraginger. FAX
Posts: 44,492

10-02-2008, 07:52 AM	#12
Demonpenz Woman should only make babies Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $-293864	Free lancing huh? Beware dj. I feel some misdirection coming your way (or away from it hehe) __________________
Posts: 54,947

10-02-2008, 08:43 AM	#13
beach tribe Keep doubting J MFing Houston Join Date: May 2007 Location: ft.lauderdale Casino cash: $3958036	We should be working on extending DJ right now.
Posts: 21,429

10-02-2008, 09:27 AM	#15
talastan Manning, we're coming for you! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Springfield, Mo Casino cash: $10004950	If they can actually get him to play instead of worrying so much he'll keep this up IMO. He just seems to have this potential that strikes me the same way DT did. I agree he'll never be DT, but even 50-75% in that direction would take this defense into the top 10, possibly even the top 5. That is just a credit to how good DT was. He carried the entire team on his shoulders and never let up. If DJ can head in that direction the defense and the team as a whole will win some games. __________________ Can we please just draft AND DEVELOP a QB - est. since 1983 Check out my band: Truett and the Traitors
Posts: 4,815