Chiefs Message to Derrick Johnson: Do your job. - Page 2

soundmind · 05-22-2010, 11:03 PM

Derrick Johnson is Eager for the Games to Begin This Fall
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star

Article: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/05/22...#ixzz0oj2kiGZE

Linebacker Derrick Johnson had to believe his last game would count for something. The Chiefs had been looking for a defender to make some big plays and finally, in last season’s final game, Johnson delivered.

He intercepted two passes and returned them both for touchdowns in the Chiefs’ lopsided win over Denver, a victory they hope gives them some momentum heading into a new season.

The game figured to be good for a promotion to the starting lineup, even if such jobs are not secure in May, with the Chiefs only beginning their offseason practice sessions.

But there was Johnson last week, serving the same role he played in the most frustrating of his five NFL seasons. He was again a backup at one inside linebacker position to Demorrio Williams and Corey Mays, and playing when the Chiefs went to their nickel defense.

Johnson isn’t panicking yet, not with almost four months left until the regular season begins.

“Right now, nobody has a starting job,” Johnson said. “The (coaches are) more focused on (players) learning the defense. We’ve got a new coordinator. So it’s not a set team. That depth-chart stuff, that doesn’t come into play until training camp. It’s not a priority for the coaches right now. When we get to training camp, that’s a little different. That’s when we really separate the men from the boys.

“If we get to training camp and I’m working my butt off and staying healthy and I’m still not out there with the first team, then we can look at a problem. Right now, it’s not a problem at all.”

It’s true the Chiefs can move Johnson into the starting lineup at any time, but the opening of offseason practice seemed like a good time for them to make the move. Williams was far and away the Chiefs leading tackler and Mays was second, but neither gave a floundering defense a lift with big plays the way Johnson did.

Mays had started only one game in his first three NFL seasons. The Chiefs had a special-teams role in mind for Mays when they signed him last year, but he wound up starting when the Chiefs released Zach Thomas. Williams was bothered by a knee injury that he said wouldn’t allow him to be as effective as he hoped.

“It was a frustrating year because I got hurt before the season,” Williams said. “I did everything I could to be out there with my teammates and try to make the plays that I could. This year I plan on staying healthy and doing a lot more to contribute to the team.”

Coach Todd Haley found Johnson’s play as maddeningly inconsistent as the previous staff did, but he acted on it by using Johnson mainly on passing downs. Johnson has yet to complain publicly.

“I could have been a (distraction) and caused a lot of trouble but I’m not that kind of guy,” he said.

“I want to be a big part of the defense. I want to help us win. I’ve got one more year to do what I’ve got to do. I want to get on the field. That’s my main focus. I need to get on the field. I still believe in my ability.”

Johnson, who began the offseason as a restricted free agent, signed his one-year contract offer. His comments seem to indicate he is intent on leaving as an unrestricted free agent next year.

Until then, Johnson seems intent on making what could be his last season with the Chiefs his best.

“I’ve always been a guy that you can game-plan around to help the defense do different stuff,” he said. “My standards for being a big part of the defense have not changed. The older I get, the more I want to play. I’m not looking for what happened last year to happen again.

“(The coaches) see me working. They see me being the first guy running through the drills, beating everybody. I think they know what they have in me. I can’t wait until we put the pads on. I’ve got so much built up inside me. As long as I stay healthy, I’ll be good. If I’m healthy, I can do a lot of great things.”

•••••••••••••••••••••••••

Whatever 5-6. I've seen your games. I watched them like the rest of this crowd. You have your own brand of "true fan" but I for one have you on about the same hold pattern as Alex Gordon. Shut your mouth, earn your playing time by taking f***ing heads. It's the entitlement crap again, what the hell is wrong with your head son???

I know I'm highlighting things, but read them in context and see if it makes you feel any better. Strong man, slippery slope DJ, don't turd the punchbowl, don't do it.

boogblaster · 05-23-2010, 07:10 AM

DJ has played semi-solid football his whole carrer .. but it's like some games he's lost .. I don't know if it's the scheme that week or if he's stupid .....

**Baby Lee** · 05-23-2010, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bump

I fixed the grammatical error in your latest entry on the bulletin board.

FYP

TheGuardian · 05-23-2010, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boogblaster

DJ has played semi-solid football his whole carrer .. but it's like some games he's lost .. I don't know if it's the scheme that week or if he's stupid .....

Why do fans say this?

Great players can produce on any defensive scheme. Johnson isn't, and never has been, a great player. I laughed at the bitches who said last year that this coaching staff was stupid because they had their "best linebacker" sitting on the bench. He's got million dollar ability and a 10 cent head. The guy just isn't football smart. I hope he does put it together but I don't expect it. After this many years if he doesn't "get it" he just doesn't get it. He's never going to be what he was hyped coming out of college. One of those cases where all of the negatives about a guy coming out were spot on. Runs around blocks, isn't a great tackler, free lances too much, etc.

soundmind · 05-23-2010, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGuardian

Why do fans say this?

Great players can produce on any defensive scheme. Johnson isn't, and never has been, a great player. I laughed at the bitches who said last year that this coaching staff was stupid because they had their "best linebacker" sitting on the bench. He's got million dollar ability and a 10 cent head. The guy just isn't football smart. I hope he does put it together but I don't expect it. After this many years if he doesn't "get it" he just doesn't get it. He's never going to be what he was hyped coming out of college. One of those cases where all of the negatives about a guy coming out were spot on. Runs around blocks, isn't a great tackler, free lances too much, etc.

Thank you, that's the only reason I saw it necessary to add my own commentary after Teicher's read. It's as though 56 thinks he's faster than he is...and that's not to knock his physical abilities, if anything it's a mark against his mental ability. The guy has the speed necessary, has better hands than probably 80% of LBs in the league....he's not without talents.

The "runs around blocks" thing irritates me to no end when I watch 56 play, he needs to find whatever it is that flips that violence switch for him, and now. He needs to be running through those blockers and find a nose for the damn ball. This is the last dance really and if he wants to take the prom queen home he'd better show the f*** up, and throw the f*** down. I'm tired of waiting.

soundmind · 05-23-2010, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boogblaster

DJ has played semi-solid football his whole carrer .. but it's like some games he's lost .. I don't know if it's the scheme that week or if he's stupid .....

If we could pay him to only line up against Denver, he'd have been the best investment this team had the last couple years. Unfortunately, we have to play 14 other games.

RedThat · 05-23-2010, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KurtCobain

Every year is his year to turn things up. **** damnit, c'mon!

Ditto eh.

Im used to hearing this is the year, this is the year for him, and then sure enough it aint. It's like a repetitive theme going on with him. Kinda gets tiring after a while.

RedThat · 05-23-2010, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGuardian

Why do fans say this?

Great players can produce on any defensive scheme. Johnson isn't, and never has been, a great player. I laughed at the bitches who said last year that this coaching staff was stupid because they had their "best linebacker" sitting on the bench. He's got million dollar ability and a 10 cent head. The guy just isn't football smart. I hope he does put it together but I don't expect it. After this many years if he doesn't "get it" he just doesn't get it. He's never going to be what he was hyped coming out of college. One of those cases where all of the negatives about a guy coming out were spot on. Runs around blocks, isn't a great tackler, free lances too much, etc.

Right.

You've pretty much nailed it down to, "he is who he is."

*However, I think he must start for the reason that he is better than either Mays and Williams. Those guys have zero playmaking ability and no instincts. At least DJ can chip in with the odd play every once in a while which is better than nothing. jmo

**notorious** · 05-23-2010, 11:59 AM

He has the talent to be the best linebacker in the NFL.

Go out and **** shit up Derrick!

LiL stumppy · 05-23-2010, 03:28 PM

People are so dumb, he didnt complain all year and people post this crap all year? ok...he's one of the better linebackers on the team

**mlyonsd** · 05-23-2010, 03:41 PM

I watched DJ enough in college to be thrilled when we drafted him. I thought he had a chance to make an impact on the team as much as Tony Gonzalez did.

He definitely hasn't dominated like I thought he would. But I can't think of another Chief on defense doing it either, with the exception of Allen.

I'm hoping a new defensive coach will bring out his potential. I haven't given up on him yet.

One thing I'd bet on, if we let him go he'll end up on a playoff team.

milkman · 05-23-2010, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiL stumppy

People are so dumb, he didnt complain all year and people post this crap all year? ok...he's one of the better linebackers on the team

milkman · 05-23-2010, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlyonsd

One thing I'd bet on, if we let him go he'll end up on a playoff team.

You mean like Tony did last year?

**mlyonsd** · 05-23-2010, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

You mean like Tony did last year?

I said I'd bet.....not guarantee.

**Bane** · 05-23-2010, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by milkman

You mean like Tony did last year?

Buwaaaaaaa haaaaaaa haaaaaaa!

Blick · 05-24-2010, 08:00 AM

I re-watched the game against the Steelers recently. DJ had a good game. He was blowing up RB's when he blitzed. He also fought off a block in textbook fashion to make an unspectacular, but very stellar 2 yard stop on an off-tackle play where he took on the block with his inside shoulder and arm, held his ground, and made the tackle with his outside arm. He also made a few other tackles where he didn't run around blocks.

Even with his 10 cent head, he still makes more plays than all of our other inside LB's combined.

05-22-2010, 11:03 PM
soundmind EB:29 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Kansas City, MO Casino cash: $10004900	Message to Derrick Johnson: Do your job. Derrick Johnson is Eager for the Games to Begin This Fall By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star Article: http://www.kansascity.com/2010/05/22...#ixzz0oj2kiGZE Linebacker Derrick Johnson had to believe his last game would count for something. The Chiefs had been looking for a defender to make some big plays and finally, in last season’s final game, Johnson delivered. He intercepted two passes and returned them both for touchdowns in the Chiefs’ lopsided win over Denver, a victory they hope gives them some momentum heading into a new season. The game figured to be good for a promotion to the starting lineup, even if such jobs are not secure in May, with the Chiefs only beginning their offseason practice sessions. But there was Johnson last week, serving the same role he played in the most frustrating of his five NFL seasons. He was again a backup at one inside linebacker position to Demorrio Williams and Corey Mays, and playing when the Chiefs went to their nickel defense. Johnson isn’t panicking yet, not with almost four months left until the regular season begins. “Right now, nobody has a starting job,” Johnson said. “The (coaches are) more focused on (players) learning the defense. We’ve got a new coordinator. So it’s not a set team. That depth-chart stuff, that doesn’t come into play until training camp. It’s not a priority for the coaches right now. When we get to training camp, that’s a little different. That’s when we really separate the men from the boys. “If we get to training camp and I’m working my butt off and staying healthy and I’m still not out there with the first team, then we can look at a problem. Right now, it’s not a problem at all.” It’s true the Chiefs can move Johnson into the starting lineup at any time, but the opening of offseason practice seemed like a good time for them to make the move. Williams was far and away the Chiefs leading tackler and Mays was second, but neither gave a floundering defense a lift with big plays the way Johnson did. Mays had started only one game in his first three NFL seasons. The Chiefs had a special-teams role in mind for Mays when they signed him last year, but he wound up starting when the Chiefs released Zach Thomas. Williams was bothered by a knee injury that he said wouldn’t allow him to be as effective as he hoped. “It was a frustrating year because I got hurt before the season,” Williams said. “I did everything I could to be out there with my teammates and try to make the plays that I could. This year I plan on staying healthy and doing a lot more to contribute to the team.” Coach Todd Haley found Johnson’s play as maddeningly inconsistent as the previous staff did, but he acted on it by using Johnson mainly on passing downs. Johnson has yet to complain publicly. “I could have been a (distraction) and caused a lot of trouble but I’m not that kind of guy,” he said. “I want to be a big part of the defense. I want to help us win. I’ve got one more year to do what I’ve got to do. I want to get on the field. That’s my main focus. I need to get on the field. I still believe in my ability.” Johnson, who began the offseason as a restricted free agent, signed his one-year contract offer. His comments seem to indicate he is intent on leaving as an unrestricted free agent next year. Until then, Johnson seems intent on making what could be his last season with the Chiefs his best. “I’ve always been a guy that you can game-plan around to help the defense do different stuff,” he said. “My standards for being a big part of the defense have not changed. The older I get, the more I want to play. I’m not looking for what happened last year to happen again. “(The coaches) see me working. They see me being the first guy running through the drills, beating everybody. I think they know what they have in me. I can’t wait until we put the pads on. I’ve got so much built up inside me. As long as I stay healthy, I’ll be good. If I’m healthy, I can do a lot of great things.” ••••••••••••••••••••••••• Whatever 5-6. I've seen your games. I watched them like the rest of this crowd. You have your own brand of "true fan" but I for one have you on about the same hold pattern as Alex Gordon. Shut your mouth, earn your playing time by taking f***ing heads. It's the entitlement crap again, what the hell is wrong with your head son??? I know I'm highlighting things, but read them in context and see if it makes you feel any better. Strong man, slippery slope DJ, don't turd the punchbowl, don't do it.
Posts: 1,042

05-23-2010, 07:10 AM	#16
boogblaster MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Verdigris Valley Campsite Casino cash: $10004900	DJ has played semi-solid football his whole carrer .. but it's like some games he's lost .. I don't know if it's the scheme that week or if he's stupid ..... __________________ WR or S please
Posts: 10,305

05-23-2010, 11:59 AM	#23
notorious Supporter Join Date: May 2005 Location: Who knows? Casino cash: $-854116	He has the talent to be the best linebacker in the NFL. Go out and **** shit up Derrick!
Posts: 88,552

05-23-2010, 03:28 PM	#24
LiL stumppy 62-21 Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: St. Louis, MO Casino cash: $9913684	People are so dumb, he didnt complain all year and people post this crap all year? ok...he's one of the better linebackers on the team __________________ I'm just cakn partna
Posts: 4,377

05-23-2010, 03:41 PM	#25
mlyonsd Supporter Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Spink, SD Casino cash: $-2106238	I watched DJ enough in college to be thrilled when we drafted him. I thought he had a chance to make an impact on the team as much as Tony Gonzalez did. He definitely hasn't dominated like I thought he would. But I can't think of another Chief on defense doing it either, with the exception of Allen. I'm hoping a new defensive coach will bring out his potential. I haven't given up on him yet. One thing I'd bet on, if we let him go he'll end up on a playoff team.
Posts: 39,471

05-24-2010, 08:00 AM	#30
Blick Veteran Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: South KC Casino cash: $10004900	I re-watched the game against the Steelers recently. DJ had a good game. He was blowing up RB's when he blitzed. He also fought off a block in textbook fashion to make an unspectacular, but very stellar 2 yard stop on an off-tackle play where he took on the block with his inside shoulder and arm, held his ground, and made the tackle with his outside arm. He also made a few other tackles where he didn't run around blocks. Even with his 10 cent head, he still makes more plays than all of our other inside LB's combined.
Posts: 1,209