NFL.com - Derrick Johnson for DPOY

[sedated]

RIVER FALLS, Wis. (Aug. 15, 2006) -- Here's an early vote for 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Derrick Johnson.

The Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker was a strong candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors last season, but lost out to a deserving choice in fellow linebacker Shawne Merrimanof the San Diego Chargers.

Look for Johnson to outperform Merriman and every other defensive player in the league this year as he begins to establish himself as one of the league's most dominant players at his position.

In '05, Johnson thrived mainly from his amazing combination of size (6-foot-3, 242 pounds), strength, athleticism and speed that made him a sideline-to-sideline terror. His physical gifts alone were enough to allow him to become the first Chiefs linebacker in 20 years to start 16 games as a rookie. Johnson immediately showed he is a versatile talent who can rush the passer, drop into coverage, and always pose a threat to force a big play.

It is his play-making skill that I think will do the most to cause his already lofty stature to climb considerably higher this season. Johnson, who forced two fumbles and recovered one as a rookie, has spent the offseason and a good portion of the Chiefs training camp at the University of Wisconsin River Falls honing the techniques that allowed him to set an NCAA single-season record with nine forced fumbles at Texas.

The approach is right in line with new coach Herm Edwards' emphasis on making the Chiefs defense significantly better by instilling a more aggressive mentality.

"That's all coach Edwards talks about -- getting to the ball," Johnson said. "Every time that ball is snapped, all 11 guys are working hard, busting their tails to get to the ball."

And when they get there, the job is to do everything possible to try and separate it from the ball carrier.

"This year, I've got so much stuff up my sleeve, I'm going to pop the ball out any time I get a chance," Johnson said. "The main thing you want is to secure the tackle. Most of the time, I can secure the tackle with one arm, either arm, and with the other arm that's free, I can punch the ball out from the back.

"Being on defense and trying to get the defense turned around, you've got to cause turnovers."

Johnson also should receive a recognition boost from the fact the Chiefs defense will likely play much better than it did in 2005, when it ranked 25th in the NFL overall and 30th against the pass. Kansas City's defensive struggles did little to help his chances to be recognized as the league's best rookie defender last year.

FIVE REASONS WHY…
…the Chiefs look like they could be the team to beat in the AFC West:

- Herm Edwards' ability to get the defense to perform better by instilling a more aggressive, attacking mentality, and players such as Derrick Johnson emerging as dominant forces within the unit.
- Larry Johnson's power running. ( good insight)
- Trent Green's accurate passing. ( this guy must really be studying with insider info like that)
- Tony Gonzalez's big plays. ( great research jaggoff)
- A solid kicking game that will give the Chiefs an edge in several close, low-scoring games they are likely to play with the defensive-minded Edwards in charge.


http://www.nfl.com/news/story/9604106

[stevieray]

Originally Posted by milkman

A defensive stand in Denver?
Not getting blown out like a High School JV team would be a huge step.

Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars..

[Rooster]

Get ready..... DJ will be wipping ass soon!!!

[Hammock Parties]

DJ will be able to really use his speed this year...no more thinking...go kill.