Chiefs Teicher: Johnson, Toribio and Lewis sit out Chiefs practice with injuries - Page 32

**Tribal Warfare** · 09-03-2012, 07:50 PM

Johnson, Toribio and Lewis sit out Chiefs practice with injuries
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
The Chiefs began their practice week Monday without four defensive starters, including their two Pro Bowl linebackers. They’re preparing to play against the Atlanta Falcons, who were seventh in the NFL in scoring last season, that could present a problem.

The situation could improve some by the time the Chiefs and Falcons open their seasons against one another on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. But even early in the week, things were far from ideal.

“You’d like to have all your guys all the time,” coach Romeo Crennel said. “But in this business you don’t have all of them all the time and so you have to depend on other guys to step up and do their part when they’re called on.”

Linebacker Derrick Johnson, nose tackle Anthony Toribio and free safety Kendrick Lewis didn’t go through team portions of practice. Johnson and Toribio have injured ankle, Lewis an injured shoulder.

Johnson, injured in the final preseason game against the Packers, appeared the most likely of the group to be ready for Sunday’s game.

“As long as I make progress every day, that’s the plan,” Johnson said when asked whether he would play against the Falcons. “I am a fast healer. Let’s hope that this week I can be even faster.”

The Chiefs’ other Pro Bowl linebacker, Tamha Hali, will not play against Atlanta. He is serving his one-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.

Cornerback Brandon Flowers, who didn’t play in the preseason and hadn’t practiced for more than a month, was back to work Monday. But Flowers, who has what the Chiefs have called as bruised heel, said he didn’t know if he would play Sunday and suggested the decision might come down to day of the game.

“If I’m out there on Sunday, then that means I’m ready to go,” he said “We’ll know game day.”

For one day, at least, the Chiefs patched together a lineup that included backups in four spots. Cory Greenwood and Brandon Siler took turns at Johnson’s position. Rookie Dontari Poe is starting for Toribio and veteran Abe Elam for Lewis.

Andy Studebaker, Edgar Jones and Cameron Sheffield have been rotating in Hali’s spot.

“Particularly (in Hali’s spot), that’s what has to happen,” Crennel said. “We’ll have to rotate guys in there and we will during the course of the week and I expect all of them to step and to be able to produce. Now, are they going to produce the way Tamba is able to produce? Only time will tell that.”

All coaches have jitters the opening week of the season given the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Even before the injuries, suspension and resulting lineup changes, this would have been an anxious week for Crennel.

The Chiefs are one of the NFL’s youngest teams. They have five players who are 30 and they are the oldest. Heading into their ninth NFL seasons, guard Ryan Lilja and special teams player Terrance Copper have the most NFL experience.

“If you have a veteran team (with players) who have proven themselves and that you feel good about, I think you can be less anxious,” Crennel said. “I think everybody gets anxious when the season starts. But if you’ve got a veteran team and you’re solid all across the board, then I think you can be less anxious because you know what you have.

“(The Chiefs) have some young players who have to play and we all know that young players make mistakes. You don’t know how many mistakes they’re going to make or what a mistake might cost you during the course of the game. Some guys, when there are 70,000 or 80,000 in the stands and they know that it counts, they react differently. We’re going to have to see how all of that plays out.”

Adding to the mystery about how well the Chiefs will play on Sunday is their uneven preseason. The Chiefs went 1-3 with the starters playing well in the first and fourth games but not so in the middle two, when the defense was particularly disappointing.

Crennel said he takes comfort in the fact the Chiefs have gotten it done, even if not consistently.

“In the first preseason game, the way they executed in that game and then the last game, they showed they could execute at a good level,” he said. “So I think they gave us enough to feel good about going into the regular season.

“One of the things I wanted to do was to be able to say we could be solid and sound coming out of the last (preseason) game. I think from our play versus their first guys, we were solid and sound coming out of that game.”

Atlanta was also 1-3 in the exhibition season, losing to Baltimore, Cincinnati and Jacksonville while beating Miami. The Falcons made the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, though they lost their playoff game each time.

“This is a good Atlanta team coming in,” Crennel said. “They have some skill on all sides of the ball, really. So we’re going to have to play our best to win.”

Black Bob · 09-05-2012, 05:11 PM

and sister Bridget

Pasta Little Brioni · 09-05-2012, 05:12 PM

was very gentle

**SAUTO** · 09-05-2012, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PGM

was very gentle

Until the point
Posted via Mobile Device

Black Bob · 09-05-2012, 05:12 PM

of hemoroid attack

NJChiefsFan · 09-05-2012, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

Wasn't it you who said something like "show me a linebacker who doesn't miss tackles?" Yes, it was you. If you really want to know the truth, Siler has one tackle that was more important and memorable than any of DJ's. It was a tackle that got them into the playoffs on a 4th and goal against Dallas. If you don't believe me, go ask their fans about it. Also, I could show you at least 100 DJ pics of the type you are showing me. I stuck it out and found gifs. You are a pussy who continues to have nothing.

This is just stupid. Why is Siler still in the league Jason? What would have ever convinced the Chiefs to sign the guy? Why hasn't anyone beat him out for a roster spot yet? How many years has he been in the league?

You can't use DJ's numbers from one year versus Siler's career numbers. It needs to be a career thing to be fair. The question is who tackles better. It's not about who is the better player. A guy that is a fundamentally sound player, will continue to tackle consistantly. That will show up in the missed tackle per attempt statistic. DJ has never been consistant. He's had two good seasons. Siler could never put up DJ's numbers but he is much more consistant. It's like I said earlier. It's why Siler plays special teams and DJ does not. It's why Berry plays special teams and Lewis does not.

Why did u post pics of missed tackles then if you are going to say that everyone misses, which is correct.

Look I understand what u r tring to say. My issue is misses per snap doesn't show it. What if siler is 3 for 5 over 100 snaps and dj is 12 for 15. DJ would have more misses but making tackles at a higher percentage.

If a hitter goes 3 for 10 with 5 k's and another 15 for 50 with 7 k's does that mean player A is better in the strikeout category?

NJChiefsFan · 09-05-2012, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Passin' By

The ability to get to the ball is one thing. The ability to field the ball is another.

The ability to get to the runner is one thing. The ability to tackle the runner is another.

You keep trying to equate them. They aren't the same.

That's true but errors per batter doesn't shiw it, nor does per snap which is the stat bob keeps using. If I saw missed tackle % I would see his point if it went against dj. Even though dj is better still, which bob has also said.

Black Bob · 09-05-2012, 09:14 PM

I think missed tackle % uses too many stats for this argument. The best example is missed tackles per attempt. Tackle % includes assists I think.

Attempts are attempts. Either you tackle or you don't.

In the end, Siler is a better tackler in my opinion.

I think we've talked this to death.

**petegz28** · 09-05-2012, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

of hemoroid attack

TP roll empty

Black Bob · 09-05-2012, 09:18 PM

asshole is pimply

Sorter · 09-05-2012, 09:26 PM

Dear BlackBob,

I hate to be teh Spelling Nazi, but if you're going to continue to post your stupid, ****ing outlandish ideas about Siler and DMC you could at least learn how to spell the ****ing word "consistent".

NJChiefsFan · 09-05-2012, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

I think missed tackle % uses too many stats for this argument. The best example is missed tackles per attempt. Tackle % includes assists I think.

Attempts are attempts. Either you tackle or you don't.

In the end, Siler is a better tackler in my opinion.

I think we've talked this to death.

That's fine then use tackles per attempt. Tackles per snap is not the same as that.

mcaj22 · 09-05-2012, 09:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sorter

Dear BlackBob,

I hate to be teh Spelling Nazi, but if you're going to continue to post your stupid, ****ing outlandish ideas about Siler and DMC you could at least learn how to spell the ****ing word "consistent".

hahahaha

Black Bob · 09-05-2012, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sorter

Dear BlackBob,

I hate to be teh Spelling Nazi, but if you're going to continue to post your stupid, ****ing outlandish ideas about Siler and DMC you could at least learn how to spell the ****ing word "consistent".

We have a winner..... and that is the worst post of all in this thread. It tells me quite a bit about a person who complains about other people's spelling on a message board. Who is really the idiot?

I have already admitted that smoking pot every day for ten years ruined my spelling. It's here somewhere and you can expect more of the same.

Black Bob · 09-05-2012, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJChiefsFan

That's fine then use tackles per attempt. Tackles per snap is not the same as that.

It doesn't really matter man. Check out this quote below. I try to think about it before I get to deep into stats.

"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. "

Albert Einstein

NJChiefsFan · 09-05-2012, 10:03 PM

Going after my heart with an einy quote eh? That's fine. My issue started with you saying check the "stat book" but never actually referenced or showed them. So that was my issue above all else. Not to mention if it wasn't all about stats you probably shouldn't ask for a stat book check. Finally, when arguing who misses more tackles I think missed tackle stats weigh a decent amount. I trust albert would agree.

09-03-2012, 07:50 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2787187	Teicher: Johnson, Toribio and Lewis sit out Chiefs practice with injuries Johnson, Toribio and Lewis sit out Chiefs practice with injuries By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star The Chiefs began their practice week Monday without four defensive starters, including their two Pro Bowl linebackers. They’re preparing to play against the Atlanta Falcons, who were seventh in the NFL in scoring last season, that could present a problem. The situation could improve some by the time the Chiefs and Falcons open their seasons against one another on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. But even early in the week, things were far from ideal. “You’d like to have all your guys all the time,” coach Romeo Crennel said. “But in this business you don’t have all of them all the time and so you have to depend on other guys to step up and do their part when they’re called on.” Linebacker Derrick Johnson, nose tackle Anthony Toribio and free safety Kendrick Lewis didn’t go through team portions of practice. Johnson and Toribio have injured ankle, Lewis an injured shoulder. Johnson, injured in the final preseason game against the Packers, appeared the most likely of the group to be ready for Sunday’s game. “As long as I make progress every day, that’s the plan,” Johnson said when asked whether he would play against the Falcons. “I am a fast healer. Let’s hope that this week I can be even faster.” The Chiefs’ other Pro Bowl linebacker, Tamha Hali, will not play against Atlanta. He is serving his one-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. Cornerback Brandon Flowers, who didn’t play in the preseason and hadn’t practiced for more than a month, was back to work Monday. But Flowers, who has what the Chiefs have called as bruised heel, said he didn’t know if he would play Sunday and suggested the decision might come down to day of the game. “If I’m out there on Sunday, then that means I’m ready to go,” he said “We’ll know game day.” For one day, at least, the Chiefs patched together a lineup that included backups in four spots. Cory Greenwood and Brandon Siler took turns at Johnson’s position. Rookie Dontari Poe is starting for Toribio and veteran Abe Elam for Lewis. Andy Studebaker, Edgar Jones and Cameron Sheffield have been rotating in Hali’s spot. “Particularly (in Hali’s spot), that’s what has to happen,” Crennel said. “We’ll have to rotate guys in there and we will during the course of the week and I expect all of them to step and to be able to produce. Now, are they going to produce the way Tamba is able to produce? Only time will tell that.” All coaches have jitters the opening week of the season given the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Even before the injuries, suspension and resulting lineup changes, this would have been an anxious week for Crennel. The Chiefs are one of the NFL’s youngest teams. They have five players who are 30 and they are the oldest. Heading into their ninth NFL seasons, guard Ryan Lilja and special teams player Terrance Copper have the most NFL experience. “If you have a veteran team (with players) who have proven themselves and that you feel good about, I think you can be less anxious,” Crennel said. “I think everybody gets anxious when the season starts. But if you’ve got a veteran team and you’re solid all across the board, then I think you can be less anxious because you know what you have. “(The Chiefs) have some young players who have to play and we all know that young players make mistakes. You don’t know how many mistakes they’re going to make or what a mistake might cost you during the course of the game. Some guys, when there are 70,000 or 80,000 in the stands and they know that it counts, they react differently. We’re going to have to see how all of that plays out.” Adding to the mystery about how well the Chiefs will play on Sunday is their uneven preseason. The Chiefs went 1-3 with the starters playing well in the first and fourth games but not so in the middle two, when the defense was particularly disappointing. Crennel said he takes comfort in the fact the Chiefs have gotten it done, even if not consistently. “In the first preseason game, the way they executed in that game and then the last game, they showed they could execute at a good level,” he said. “So I think they gave us enough to feel good about going into the regular season. “One of the things I wanted to do was to be able to say we could be solid and sound coming out of the last (preseason) game. I think from our play versus their first guys, we were solid and sound coming out of that game.” Atlanta was also 1-3 in the exhibition season, losing to Baltimore, Cincinnati and Jacksonville while beating Miami. The Falcons made the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, though they lost their playoff game each time. “This is a good Atlanta team coming in,” Crennel said. “They have some skill on all sides of the ball, really. So we’re going to have to play our best to win.”
Posts: 43,422

09-05-2012, 05:11 PM	#466
Black Bob Veteran Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Mohawk Town Casino cash: $10004900	and sister Bridget
Posts: 4,408

09-05-2012, 05:12 PM	#467
Pasta Little Brioni Consuming CP souls Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: U.S.A. Casino cash: $378880	was very gentle __________________ **Official TFWdemB Trivia Commisioner**
Posts: 72,922

09-05-2012, 05:12 PM	#469
Black Bob Veteran Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Mohawk Town Casino cash: $10004900	of hemoroid attack
Posts: 4,408

09-05-2012, 09:14 PM	#472
Black Bob Veteran Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Mohawk Town Casino cash: $10004900	I think missed tackle % uses too many stats for this argument. The best example is missed tackles per attempt. Tackle % includes assists I think. Attempts are attempts. Either you tackle or you don't. In the end, Siler is a better tackler in my opinion. I think we've talked this to death.
Posts: 4,408

09-05-2012, 09:18 PM	#474
Black Bob Veteran Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Mohawk Town Casino cash: $10004900	asshole is pimply
Posts: 4,408

09-05-2012, 09:26 PM	#475
Sorter Caralho Join Date: Sep 2011 Casino cash: $9611474	Dear BlackBob, I hate to be teh Spelling Nazi, but if you're going to continue to post your stupid, **ing outlandish ideas about Siler and DMC you could at least learn how to spell the **ing word "consistent".
Posts: 18,455

09-05-2012, 10:03 PM	#480
NJChiefsFan I've Made a Huge Mistake Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: NJ Casino cash: $4500423	Going after my heart with an einy quote eh? That's fine. My issue started with you saying check the "stat book" but never actually referenced or showed them. So that was my issue above all else. Not to mention if it wasn't all about stats you probably shouldn't ask for a stat book check. Finally, when arguing who misses more tackles I think missed tackle stats weigh a decent amount. I trust albert would agree.
Posts: 12,495