Actually it doesn't kill "momentum". This isn't like offense where it's based on timing and such. Defense is about attitude for the most part.

Second, the Pats did this exact thing when they were winning super bowls. That's why they carried so many linemen and linebackers there. Guys were moved in and out based on roles and what they wanted to do defensively.

I think that Belcher earned a starting spot. I thought that Williams outplayed Johnson, but what I think will happen there is that you will see a combination of Williams/Hali/Studebaker coming from the outside on obvious passing downs with Vrabel sliding inside. This is a really nice combination of players IMO and gives us a lot of looks to present to the offense.

So hypothetically if DJ blows up a play on first down, does a little pumped up move after to get the crowd, his team and himself going, and then they make a stop on second down, in a defensive situation that we need, you are okay with pulling these guys on a 3rd down passing situation so Williams can come in and blitz the passer from the middle?

Because that's basically what this flop seems to be. Instead of DJ coming in on third downs to cover the pass, they are now bringing Williams in to rush the pass. So who is the ILB that stays on 3rd downs? Does Vrabel slide to the middle? Does Belcher or DJ stay to cover the pass?

I think someone is getting the short end of the momentum stick here, I just wish we could have a 3-down ILB to LEAD this team. Most 3-4 defenses are commanded by an ILB who never comes out of the game. Ever. I get that we don't have that, but we have young guys and a first round pick/talent LBer that should get that opportunity.

I guess momentum is a bad word, but I just don't see how a guy standing on the sidelines for the first two downs is expected to just come in and fire off the ball and have the same adrenaline as the guys already in there to rush the passer. I'm talking strictly pass rushers, I get the rotation of d-lineman to keep them fresh. But from a blitz-ers perspective, I think these guys should be more than 1 down specialists (Stude, Williams, etc).

I get that, but inherently, it is difficult for coaches to let go of what they think works best. Belichick is the best I've seen at that (in the current era). Perhaps you look at Manning (come on, you know he runs the show in Indy). He looks to take advantage of the defense rather than establish some aspect of a game. But if a guy thinks that running on first down is effective, it's tough for him to take advantage of a mismatch in defensive alignment if it's there. It's a psychological thing. Just like you do what's easier sometimes instead of what is optimal.

I just can't wait to see the end of a system based approach in KC. You have to have some BAMF talent to force your gameplan on someone else. In today's NFL, if you have a great aspect of your game, you've probably neglected another.

I think you're reading to much into it. I think the coaches will look at DJ and DWilliams as interchangable. Both can cover, both can blitz. DJ is faster and more athletic, Williams is tougher and has a knack for getting to the QB (in this defense based on the preseason). With no huddle Offenses and hurry ups around the league I doubt KC is fixated on who is in which package as it relates to these two guys.

I'd like to see a 3rd round pick on a LB next year to improve the unit.

The entire defense gets momentum. Not generally one guy. You are just overthinking this. For example what if your run stuffer comes in and makes two awesome stuffs at the line or behind the line of scrimmage, and now the offense is in 3rd and long. Well do you keep him on the field even though he sucks in pass coverage? No.

The best pass rushing teams do it with a variety of people. Not 1 or 2 guys. I expect Williams, Hali, Stude, Vrabel, Gilberry, etc all to contribute to the pass rush. DJ has never been a pass rusher in his life. If DJ stays in the game on passing downs that is fine, but he better be dropping into coverage.

Interesting.

DJ the man in the middle .....

ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL ROFL

As much as I want DJ to succeed, I'm not sure I saw him win the starting job in preseason. Granted, I don't see them every day in practice, and can only speculate on assignments when they are on the field.

The thing that stands out to me is Williams' reaction to sliding down the depth chart (coming out like a man possessed) compared to the way DJ reacted to it last year (fetal position).

Ultimately, I'm not concerned about the "starter" label here anymore than I am with Jones and Charles, but I do want the best guy to be on the field.

Six of one, half dozen of the other. NEITHER DJ nor Williams is good enough. This is like watching a pissing match between Cinderella's two step sisters. Who gives a damn? The Chiefs are running a defense predicated on having four good linebackers, and how many do we have? We average at best...that's it.

That is probably the only reason Mays was even considered over Belcher.

did you just compare our linebackers to lewis,harris,barnett etc?

are you mental?

if we had those linebackers we wouldn't rotate them either