Message to Derrick Johnson: Do your job.

[soundmind]

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.

[Sweet Daddy Hate]

Originally Posted by Laz

and DJ was a dumbshit, pain-in-the-ass until they made him a glorified Strong Safety.

And there it was/thread.