Chiefs Covitz: Derrick makes most of starting role in Chiefs’ win over Chargers

**Tribal Warfare** · 09-14-2010, 01:00 AM

Derrick makes most of starting role in Chiefs’ win over Chargers
By RANDY COVITZ
The Kansas City Star

Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson prides himself on being a playmaker. His only problem has been convincing head coach Todd Haley to let him on the field to make plays.

Johnson, who spent most of 2009 in Haley’s doghouse, won the starting weak-side linebacker spot this season in a mild surprise over Demorrio Williams, who had a team-leading three sacks in the preseason.

And Johnson justified Haley’s decision to start him on Monday night when he made a team-leading 12 tackles and came up with the first big play on defense in Monday night’s season-opening 21-14 victory over the San Diego Chargers.

With the score tied 7-7 midway through the second quarter, San Diego rookie Ryan Mathews burst through a hole for a 15-yard gain. But Johnson, coming from the back side, ripped the ball from Mathews’ grasp, and cornerback Brandon Carr scooped up the ball and returned it 23 yards to the Chargers’ 12.

That set up the Chiefs’ go-ahead touchdown, a 2-yard flip from quarterback Matt Cassel to rookie tight end Tony Moeaki with 5:55 to play in the first half.

Johnson also played a key role in the Chiefs’ goal-line stand when they kept the Chargers from tying the score after San Diego had first and goal from the 4 with 1 minute, 14 seconds left in the game.

“We had butterflies … everyone looking around,” Johnson said of the final four plays — three incomplete passes and a run for a loss of 2 yards. “We knew it was going to come down to the wire. We just didn’t know what play it was going to be.”

Johnson, a first-round draft choice in 2005 — when Dick Vermeil was still coach — had started 58 of 59 games during his first four seasons. But last season, he started just three of 15 games and was inactive for one.

His last start, however, was a memorable one, when he intercepted two passes by Denver quarterback Kyle Orton and returned them both for touchdowns in the regular-season ending victory at Denver.

That game boosted Johnson’s confidence coming into training camp and seemed to open Haley’s mind about returning him to the starting lineup instead of just using him in the nickel defense.

“That was my goal to start on this team, and knowing I could help us win,” Johnson said. “I’ve been working hard. Hard work pays off. My faith in God pays off, so everything worked out for the good for us.

“I try to pride myself on running and hitting because I’m a fast linebacker, but my hat is off to the defensive line. They really helped me out today.”

One of those defensive linemen, right end Glenn Dorsey, tackled Darren Sproles for the 2-yard loss during the goal-line stand.

“That defined everything we’ve been doing as a team,” Dorsey said of the final four plays. “The defense was called upon to do our job at the end, and as everybody has been seeing, we’ve been coming up close but falling short, but tonight we came through and finished when we needed to.”

KCrockaholic · 09-14-2010, 01:01 AM

Contract year = better effort.

CaliforniaChief · 09-14-2010, 01:04 AM

He was great tonight. He didn't shy away from taking on contact, and as the article indicates, made the big play. Dorsey was amazing too.

lazepoo · 09-14-2010, 01:13 AM

I'm not sure that it was just the usual contract year effort. I think he really needed last season to understand that he would have to man up on every play if he wanted to be in the first unit.

**BossChief** · 09-14-2010, 02:26 AM

I pounded his twitter all offseason about "earning his run downs back" by "being gap responsible" "taking on and shedding blockers" and "not always going for the kill shot and instead wrapping up"

I wonder if he was listening to them and if they made any impact.

Dude looked like the guy we hoped we drafted in 2005, tonight.

Sweet Daddy Hate · 09-14-2010, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

I pounded his twitter all offseason about "earning his run downs back" by "being gap responsible" "taking on and shedding blockers" and "not always going for the kill shot and instead wrapping up"

I wonder if he was listening to them and if they made any impact.

Dude looked like the guy we hoped we drafted in 2005, tonight.

I got dissed by Neil Smith.

**The Bad Guy** · 09-14-2010, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

I pounded his twitter all offseason about "earning his run downs back" by "being gap responsible" "taking on and shedding blockers" and "not always going for the kill shot and instead wrapping up"

I wonder if he was listening to them and if they made any impact.

Dude looked like the guy we hoped we drafted in 2005, tonight.

Yeah, I'm sure your twitter posts had any impact whatsoever.

He was a monster though tonight.

mesmith31 · 09-14-2010, 07:36 AM

I think what you saw in DJ was the similar to what you see in a new grunt after boot camp. The goal is to break them down and make them part of a team. He has seemed to always be an individual on a team. To get rid of that entitlement mentality Haley had to do some extreme things to break him down. I think that now he appreciates what he has and plays like it could be gone tomorrow and like he is part of a team.

Amnorix · 09-14-2010, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

I pounded his twitter all offseason about "earning his run downs back" by "being gap responsible" "taking on and shedding blockers" and "not always going for the kill shot and instead wrapping up"

I wonder if he was listening to them and if they made any impact.

Dude looked like the guy we hoped we drafted in 2005, tonight.

DJ: Hrmmm....do I listen to Romeo Crennel and his three Super Bowl Rings and 20+ years of NFL coaching under Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick.......OR.............this BossChief guy on Twitter. Let me check that feed again, he knows what it's about!

Yep, it was all YOU baby!

Chiefnj2 · 09-14-2010, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

I pounded his twitter all offseason about "earning his run downs back" by "being gap responsible" "taking on and shedding blockers" and "not always going for the kill shot and instead wrapping up"

I wonder if he was listening to them and if they made any impact.

Dude looked like the guy we hoped we drafted in 2005, tonight.

If I were you, I'd be waiting at home for a box of chocolates and a Thank You note from Johnson. He'll probably dedicate a chapter in a future book to you as being THE inspiration in his life. He'll invite you over to parties and share some of the imported women. Maybe he'll tattoo your name on his ass.

**RealSNR** · 09-14-2010, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

I pounded his twitter

Dude, gay

**Dave Lane** · 09-14-2010, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lazepoo

I'm not sure that it was just the usual contract year effort. I think he really needed last season to understand that he would have to man up on every play if he wanted to be in the first unit.

This times a million. Herm almost totally ruined him.

Molitoth · 09-14-2010, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcrockaholic4life

Contract year = better effort.

TBH I think its the impact Haley has had on him.

This team NEEDED a hardass like Haley to motivate these players. Players earned a spot with Sperm Edwards and they were golden.

**HemiEd** · 09-14-2010, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BossChief

I pounded his twitter all offseason about "earning his run downs back" by "being gap responsible" "taking on and shedding blockers" and "not always going for the kill shot and instead wrapping up"

I wonder if he was listening to them and if they made any impact.

Dude looked like the guy we hoped we drafted in 2005, tonight.

I know you are sincere, but this may get interesting.

Demonpenz · 09-14-2010, 09:00 AM

There were many plays down the field that the chargers got first downs but Derrick Johnson still pounded a dude or atleast fell on him. The Texas Style strip he had was classic DJ so was the trackin hester down, but it was nice to see some attitude that "you are going to get a first down, but here is alittle bit punishment"

09-14-2010, 01:00 AM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $912813	Covitz: Derrick makes most of starting role in Chiefs’ win over Chargers Derrick makes most of starting role in Chiefs’ win over Chargers By RANDY COVITZ The Kansas City Star Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson prides himself on being a playmaker. His only problem has been convincing head coach Todd Haley to let him on the field to make plays. Johnson, who spent most of 2009 in Haley’s doghouse, won the starting weak-side linebacker spot this season in a mild surprise over Demorrio Williams, who had a team-leading three sacks in the preseason. And Johnson justified Haley’s decision to start him on Monday night when he made a team-leading 12 tackles and came up with the first big play on defense in Monday night’s season-opening 21-14 victory over the San Diego Chargers. With the score tied 7-7 midway through the second quarter, San Diego rookie Ryan Mathews burst through a hole for a 15-yard gain. But Johnson, coming from the back side, ripped the ball from Mathews’ grasp, and cornerback Brandon Carr scooped up the ball and returned it 23 yards to the Chargers’ 12. That set up the Chiefs’ go-ahead touchdown, a 2-yard flip from quarterback Matt Cassel to rookie tight end Tony Moeaki with 5:55 to play in the first half. Johnson also played a key role in the Chiefs’ goal-line stand when they kept the Chargers from tying the score after San Diego had first and goal from the 4 with 1 minute, 14 seconds left in the game. “We had butterflies … everyone looking around,” Johnson said of the final four plays — three incomplete passes and a run for a loss of 2 yards. “We knew it was going to come down to the wire. We just didn’t know what play it was going to be.” Johnson, a first-round draft choice in 2005 — when Dick Vermeil was still coach — had started 58 of 59 games during his first four seasons. But last season, he started just three of 15 games and was inactive for one. His last start, however, was a memorable one, when he intercepted two passes by Denver quarterback Kyle Orton and returned them both for touchdowns in the regular-season ending victory at Denver. That game boosted Johnson’s confidence coming into training camp and seemed to open Haley’s mind about returning him to the starting lineup instead of just using him in the nickel defense. “That was my goal to start on this team, and knowing I could help us win,” Johnson said. “I’ve been working hard. Hard work pays off. My faith in God pays off, so everything worked out for the good for us. “I try to pride myself on running and hitting because I’m a fast linebacker, but my hat is off to the defensive line. They really helped me out today.” One of those defensive linemen, right end Glenn Dorsey, tackled Darren Sproles for the 2-yard loss during the goal-line stand. “That defined everything we’ve been doing as a team,” Dorsey said of the final four plays. “The defense was called upon to do our job at the end, and as everybody has been seeing, we’ve been coming up close but falling short, but tonight we came through and finished when we needed to.”
Posts: 42,080

09-14-2010, 01:01 AM	#2
KCrockaholic Sarcasm Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Olathe Casino cash: $4782900	Contract year = better effort.
Posts: 21,133

09-14-2010, 01:04 AM	#3
CaliforniaChief #RIPAce Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: So Cal Casino cash: $12422899	He was great tonight. He didn't shy away from taking on contact, and as the article indicates, made the big play. Dorsey was amazing too.
Posts: 17,319

09-14-2010, 02:26 AM	#5
BossChief SuperBowl or bust Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: BF Iowa Casino cash: $1874088	I pounded his twitter all offseason about "earning his run downs back" by "being gap responsible" "taking on and shedding blockers" and "not always going for the kill shot and instead wrapping up" I wonder if he was listening to them and if they made any impact. Dude looked like the guy we hoped we drafted in 2005, tonight. __________________ Dreams do come true... http://www.chiefsplanet.com/BB/showp...postcount=1407
Posts: 47,127

09-14-2010, 07:36 AM	#8
mesmith31 Starter Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: West Des Moines, Iowa Casino cash: $10005205	I think what you saw in DJ was the similar to what you see in a new grunt after boot camp. The goal is to break them down and make them part of a team. He has seemed to always be an individual on a team. To get rid of that entitlement mentality Haley had to do some extreme things to break him down. I think that now he appreciates what he has and plays like it could be gone tomorrow and like he is part of a team.
Posts: 364

09-14-2010, 09:00 AM	#15
Demonpenz I got Rice cookin in the micro Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Apartment "G UNIT!" Casino cash: $3122136	There were many plays down the field that the chargers got first downs but Derrick Johnson still pounded a dude or atleast fell on him. The Texas Style strip he had was classic DJ so was the trackin hester down, but it was nice to see some attitude that "you are going to get a first down, but here is alittle bit punishment" __________________
Posts: 54,273