Chiefs Babb: Chiefs linebacker Johnson makes a couple of big plays - Page 3

**Tribal Warfare** · 01-04-2010, 05:07 AM

Chiefs linebacker Johnson makes a couple of big plays
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

DENVER | Derrick Johnson has been trying to tell the Chiefs all season that he’s a playmaker. On Sunday, he showed them.

Johnson, a veteran linebacker who’s a former first-round pick, has been one of Kansas City’s favorite mysteries this season after being benched during the preseason. He lost his starting job and never regained it. He said often that he disagreed with the move and wanted to become a starter. Said he was capable of better. In the Chiefs’ final game, he finally made his point.

“It’s big,” Johnson said. “I’ve been frustrated.”

Johnson intercepted two Kyle "Pro Bowl" Orton passes, returning both for touchdowns, during Sunday’s 44-24 win against Denver at Invesco Field. Johnson is one of 25 players in NFL history to achieve such a feat. It was an odd achievement for a player who isn’t even a starter.

Coach Todd Haley, who made the decision to demote Johnson, said Sunday night he was relieved that Johnson kept fighting. That he didn’t cash out after beginning 16 games on the bench and being part of no more than 20 or so plays per game.

Haley might have seen Sunday what he wanted to see from Johnson all along. Johnson, a fifth-year player, has been an annual underachiever, but the win against Denver showed that he is as dominant as anyone when his mind, body and work ethic are in harmony.

“I know what he believes of himself as a player,” Haley said. “Anytime what you believe is not what’s happening, it’s frustrating and can lead to destructive action or results. That guy has continued to come out every day.

“We just want consistent plays of the defense, do your job, and make some plays in the process. If you can do that, then you’ll have a chance to play, compete and start.”

Johnson said he wants assurances that he’ll be a starter next year. It’s debatable that he’ll get that kind of guarantee, particularly from a coaching staff that isn’t into making promises.

And there’s a chance Johnson could ask out of Kansas City if his disappointment continues. He told The Star last week that he’ll request a meeting with Chiefs officials to discuss his future. He said Thursday that if that meeting disappoints him, he might begin considering his options.

“I don’t want to jump to conclusions,” Johnson said Thursday, “but that wouldn’t go good.”

Johnson is scheduled, for now, to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. But if the league and players’ union can’t agree on a new labor contract, then Johnson would be among 212 NFL players who would become restricted free agents. That would limit Johnson’s options and, short of asking for a trade or his release, he’d be more likely to return to Kansas City.

But Sunday left a valuable impression, if doubt remained. Johnson improvised on the second interception, twisted his body to make a tough catch, and outran Denver’s offense. He said he’s glad that’s the image the Chiefs will remember for the next few months.

“Whenever you have your chance to get out there and play, you’ve got to just seize the moment,” he said. “Do I wish I could play more? Yeah. Sometimes you don’t have to always agree. All the coaches have great intentions. It wasn’t nothing about trying to do anything bad to Derrick Johnson.

“We talked before the game. (Haley) told me, ‘Hey, get me a pick or something.’ I was like, ‘All right.’ It was talking, but it happened. … He told me when I get my chance, I need to play. That’s what I did today.”

Mr. Laz · 01-04-2010, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip Towne

I hope he doesn't get away. We can't afford Haley's stupid mistakes.

and DJ's problems in previous schemes with previous coaches?

i'm sorry, but even DJ's interceptions yesterday were as much luck as good play.

1st INT - DJ was beaten badly ... he was 3/4 yards behind the receiver. If Horton makes a decent throw it's probably 6 points for Denver. Horton under throws it badly and DJ makes an athletic catch/run and it's 6 points for us.

2nd INT - looks to me like DJ freelanced again. Imo he was supposed to blitz but there was a running back in front of DJ and instead of trying to beat the blocker he backed out and followed the QB's eyes to the ball. Great play sure but it also looked like he didn't follow his assignment again.

just sayin'

**gblowfish** · 01-04-2010, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

and DJ's problems in previous schemes with previous coaches?

i'm sorry, but even DJ's interceptions yesterday were as much luck as good play.

1st INT - DJ was beaten badly ... he was 3/4 yards behind the receiver. If Horton makes a decent throw it's probably 6 points for Denver. Horton under throws it badly and DJ makes an athletic catch/run and it's 6 points for us.

2nd INT - looks to me like DJ freelanced again. Imo he was supposed to blitz but there was a running back in front of DJ and instead of trying to beat the blocker he backed out and followed the QB's eyes to the ball. Great play sure but it also looked like he didn't follow his assignment again.

just sayin'

Sometimes it pays to be lucky.

**The Franchise** · 01-04-2010, 11:01 AM

DJ shows up one last time before his contract is up. I really don't see him as a Chief next year.

Mr. Laz · 01-04-2010, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gblowfish

Sometimes it pays to be lucky.

truth

Chiefnj2 · 01-04-2010, 11:11 AM

He's an RFA, they'll put a tender on him in hopes of getting a 2nd round pick.

**Tribal Warfare** · 01-04-2010, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

i'm sorry, but even DJ's interceptions yesterday were as much luck as good play.

Luck is when hard work and preparation meets opportunity. Only losers cry about "luck".

Mr. Laz · 01-04-2010, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tribal Warfare

Luck is when hard work and preparation meets opportunity. Only losers cry about "luck".

even a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in awhile

T-post Tom · 01-04-2010, 03:20 PM

I believe that Crennel is coming to KC and will have a HUGE input on Johnson's future. If he tells Haley/Pioli that he believes in DJ as a successful starter, then DJ will stay. I think that Crennel will be doing a lot of evaluation and that the decision on DJ will not happen quickly. Unless of course, they get a ridiculous offer from someone. Not likely, but you never know.

01-04-2010, 05:07 AM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-3007187	Babb: Chiefs linebacker Johnson makes a couple of big plays Chiefs linebacker Johnson makes a couple of big plays By KENT BABB The Kansas City Star DENVER \| Derrick Johnson has been trying to tell the Chiefs all season that he’s a playmaker. On Sunday, he showed them. Johnson, a veteran linebacker who’s a former first-round pick, has been one of Kansas City’s favorite mysteries this season after being benched during the preseason. He lost his starting job and never regained it. He said often that he disagreed with the move and wanted to become a starter. Said he was capable of better. In the Chiefs’ final game, he finally made his point. “It’s big,” Johnson said. “I’ve been frustrated.” Johnson intercepted two Kyle "Pro Bowl" Orton passes, returning both for touchdowns, during Sunday’s 44-24 win against Denver at Invesco Field. Johnson is one of 25 players in NFL history to achieve such a feat. It was an odd achievement for a player who isn’t even a starter. Coach Todd Haley, who made the decision to demote Johnson, said Sunday night he was relieved that Johnson kept fighting. That he didn’t cash out after beginning 16 games on the bench and being part of no more than 20 or so plays per game. Haley might have seen Sunday what he wanted to see from Johnson all along. Johnson, a fifth-year player, has been an annual underachiever, but the win against Denver showed that he is as dominant as anyone when his mind, body and work ethic are in harmony. “I know what he believes of himself as a player,” Haley said. “Anytime what you believe is not what’s happening, it’s frustrating and can lead to destructive action or results. That guy has continued to come out every day. “We just want consistent plays of the defense, do your job, and make some plays in the process. If you can do that, then you’ll have a chance to play, compete and start.” Johnson said he wants assurances that he’ll be a starter next year. It’s debatable that he’ll get that kind of guarantee, particularly from a coaching staff that isn’t into making promises. And there’s a chance Johnson could ask out of Kansas City if his disappointment continues. He told The Star last week that he’ll request a meeting with Chiefs officials to discuss his future. He said Thursday that if that meeting disappoints him, he might begin considering his options. “I don’t want to jump to conclusions,” Johnson said Thursday, “but that wouldn’t go good.” Johnson is scheduled, for now, to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. But if the league and players’ union can’t agree on a new labor contract, then Johnson would be among 212 NFL players who would become restricted free agents. That would limit Johnson’s options and, short of asking for a trade or his release, he’d be more likely to return to Kansas City. But Sunday left a valuable impression, if doubt remained. Johnson improvised on the second interception, twisted his body to make a tough catch, and outran Denver’s offense. He said he’s glad that’s the image the Chiefs will remember for the next few months. “Whenever you have your chance to get out there and play, you’ve got to just seize the moment,” he said. “Do I wish I could play more? Yeah. Sometimes you don’t have to always agree. All the coaches have great intentions. It wasn’t nothing about trying to do anything bad to Derrick Johnson. “We talked before the game. (Haley) told me, ‘Hey, get me a pick or something.’ I was like, ‘All right.’ It was talking, but it happened. … He told me when I get my chance, I need to play. That’s what I did today.”
Posts: 43,454

01-04-2010, 11:01 AM	#33
The Franchise Most Valuable Villain Join Date: Dec 2006 Casino cash: $2065047	DJ shows up one last time before his contract is up. I really don't see him as a Chief next year.
Posts: 92,316

01-04-2010, 11:11 AM	#35
Chiefnj2 In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $6654388	He's an RFA, they'll put a tender on him in hopes of getting a 2nd round pick. __________________ Mismanaging the clock.
Posts: 22,541

01-04-2010, 03:20 PM	#38
T-post Tom Busy in a Kohl's restroom Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Milk/Honey/Gazland Casino cash: $1747293	I believe that Crennel is coming to KC and will have a HUGE input on Johnson's future. If he tells Haley/Pioli that he believes in DJ as a successful starter, then DJ will stay. I think that Crennel will be doing a lot of evaluation and that the decision on DJ will not happen quickly. Unless of course, they get a ridiculous offer from someone. Not likely, but you never know. __________________ You seem nice!
Posts: 22,376