Chiefs Teicher: Johnson, Toribio and Lewis sit out Chiefs practice with injuries - Page 17

**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.”

**the Talking Can** · 09-04-2012, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

DJ is a better player. He just isn't as good of a tackler. If you think he is, then bet me.

DJ is a better tackler than Siler

there is nothing to argue...the only question is: are you reeruned or super reeruned?

and how are you going to make a bet about a bench player? bench player's don't play, because they suck compared to the starters...

**SAUTO** · 09-04-2012, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

DJ is a better player. He just isn't as good of a tackler. If you think he is, then bet me.

What does betting DJ won't miss a single tackle do?

siler could have missed the same tackle, we would never know because he would be STUCK ON THE BENCH.
Posted via Mobile Device

Just Passin' By · 09-04-2012, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

siler is a backup for a reason. He isn't too good.

I know you probably don't see all the games, but this is a case of the numbers not relating the truth, IMO.

DJ gets to a lot of players and gets his hands on them a lot when a guy like siler would have never gotten close...
Posted via Mobile Device

But you're making two different arguments here, which is what a lot of people here are doing, and it's why BlackBob's not getting smashed. Being a better linebacker is not the same as being a better tackler.

Hammock Parties · 09-04-2012, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

McGraw was a better tackler than Lewis but, guess what? I wanted Lewis to start.

They're both pretty shitty tacklers.

McGraw is a guy with questionable coverage skills who sucks at tackling so, he's gone.

And if you question this post, I have another post ready to rape you for doing so.

Want to test me, Lack Bob?

**SAUTO** · 09-04-2012, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

NO SHIT. I have been saying that the whole time. McGraw was a better tackler than Lewis but, guess what? I wanted Lewis to start.

It is not uncommon for back ups to be better at fundamentals than starters. NFL starters are generally play makers. That's what makes them the best of the best.

You aren't saying anything the same as me.

I'm saying you are knocking DJ for missing a tackle when the scrub you say is a better tackler would have been five yards away and not gotten the opportunity to miss the same tackle
Posted via Mobile Device

**SAUTO** · 09-04-2012, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Passin' By

But you're making two different arguments here, which is what a lot of people here are doing, and it's why BlackBob's not getting smashed. Being a better linebacker is not the same as being a better tackler.

Again, for the fifth time.

He is missing tackles a guy like siler wouldn't even have the opportunity to miss because he wouldn't get there.

DJ makes the routine tackle as often as siler.
Posted via Mobile Device

Black Bob · 09-04-2012, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

What does betting DJ won't miss a single tackle do?

siler could have missed the same tackle, we would never know because he would be STUCK ON THE BENCH.
Posted via Mobile Device

What will it do? It will force people to say they really believe DJ is a fantastic tackler. I don't believe anyone here actually thinks it. I think I piss people off and they want to run the train on me. Quit being pussies and let's go one on one.

BTW, no Mults. Man up and bet.

P.S. I am going to watch TV for a while. Just letting you know before ten of you bitches accuse me of slinking off because you got nothing else.

**the Talking Can** · 09-04-2012, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Passin' By

But you're making two different arguments here, which is what a lot of people here are doing, and it's why BlackBob's not getting smashed. Being a better linebacker is not the same as being a better tackler.

it's hard, i gather, with cassel's balls ricocheting off your face...but both arguments are won by DJ, as anyone with eyeballs can see..

i don't even know how one could make the comparison given siler's paltry stats and lack of playing time...shouldn't being good enough to actually play be a precondition for being 'better' at anything?

**Ming the Merciless** · 09-04-2012, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

DJ is a better player. He just isn't as good of a tackler. If you think he is, then bet me.

how do you define better? what will we use to determine this?

**SAUTO** · 09-04-2012, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

What will it do? It will force people to say they really believe DJ is a fantastic tackler. I don't believe anyone here actually thinks it. I think I piss people off and they want to run the train on me. Quit being pussies and let's go one on one.

BTW, no Mults. Man up and bet.

I can guarangoddamntee every person in this thread believes 100% what they are saying.

Which makes me feel bad for you.
Posted via Mobile Device

**RealSNR** · 09-04-2012, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

DJ is a better player. He just isn't as good of a tackler. If you think he is, then bet me.

It's amusing that you're trying to use the eye test to measure who's a better tackler between an all-pro and a special teams nobody.

And yet at the same time you also are trying to use the eye test to measure the elusive quickness (i.e. missed tackle forcing ability) of Jamaal Charles and a slow midget who couldn't outjuke a 12 year old who needs Ritalin.

In either case the eye test overwhelmingly proves you wrong, yet you cling to it like it's your only saving grace in this argument.

Oh, and in both cases, they focus on the same thing- MISSED TACKLES. Which you apparently can't spot.

Just Passin' By · 09-04-2012, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

Again, for the fifth time.

He is missing tackles a guy like siler wouldn't even have the opportunity to miss because he wouldn't get there.

DJ makes the routine tackle as often as siler.
Posted via Mobile Device

That doesn't make him a better tackler. That makes him a player with better range. They aren't the same thing.

Black Bob · 09-04-2012, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JASONSAUTO

You aren't saying anything the same as me.

I'm saying you are knocking DJ for missing a tackle when the scrub you say is a better tackler would have been five yards away and not gotten the opportunity to miss the same tackle
Posted via Mobile Device

It's not about that. It's about missed tackles. Siler doesn't miss as many tackles. His fundamentals are better. Go start from the beginning before you say shit like this.

**RealSNR** · 09-04-2012, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning

Where is the evidence that Brandon Siler is a good tackler?

Look at the game film, man! It's there!

**SAUTO** · 09-04-2012, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

It's not about that. It's about missed tackles. Siler doesn't miss as many tackles. His fundamentals are better. Go start from the beginning before you say shit like this.

It's about that.

goddamn you are slow.
Posted via Mobile Device

09-03-2012, 07:50 PM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2767187	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.”
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