Chiefs Teicher: Johnson, Toribio and Lewis sit out Chiefs practice with injuries - Page 9

**Tribal Warfare** · 09-03-2012, 07:50 PM

Johnson, Toribio and Lewis sit out Chiefs practice with injuries
By ADAM TEICHER
The Kansas City Star
The Chiefs began their practice week Monday without four defensive starters, including their two Pro Bowl linebackers. They’re preparing to play against the Atlanta Falcons, who were seventh in the NFL in scoring last season, that could present a problem.

The situation could improve some by the time the Chiefs and Falcons open their seasons against one another on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. But even early in the week, things were far from ideal.

“You’d like to have all your guys all the time,” coach Romeo Crennel said. “But in this business you don’t have all of them all the time and so you have to depend on other guys to step up and do their part when they’re called on.”

Linebacker Derrick Johnson, nose tackle Anthony Toribio and free safety Kendrick Lewis didn’t go through team portions of practice. Johnson and Toribio have injured ankle, Lewis an injured shoulder.

Johnson, injured in the final preseason game against the Packers, appeared the most likely of the group to be ready for Sunday’s game.

“As long as I make progress every day, that’s the plan,” Johnson said when asked whether he would play against the Falcons. “I am a fast healer. Let’s hope that this week I can be even faster.”

The Chiefs’ other Pro Bowl linebacker, Tamha Hali, will not play against Atlanta. He is serving his one-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy.

Cornerback Brandon Flowers, who didn’t play in the preseason and hadn’t practiced for more than a month, was back to work Monday. But Flowers, who has what the Chiefs have called as bruised heel, said he didn’t know if he would play Sunday and suggested the decision might come down to day of the game.

“If I’m out there on Sunday, then that means I’m ready to go,” he said “We’ll know game day.”

For one day, at least, the Chiefs patched together a lineup that included backups in four spots. Cory Greenwood and Brandon Siler took turns at Johnson’s position. Rookie Dontari Poe is starting for Toribio and veteran Abe Elam for Lewis.

Andy Studebaker, Edgar Jones and Cameron Sheffield have been rotating in Hali’s spot.

“Particularly (in Hali’s spot), that’s what has to happen,” Crennel said. “We’ll have to rotate guys in there and we will during the course of the week and I expect all of them to step and to be able to produce. Now, are they going to produce the way Tamba is able to produce? Only time will tell that.”

All coaches have jitters the opening week of the season given the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Even before the injuries, suspension and resulting lineup changes, this would have been an anxious week for Crennel.

The Chiefs are one of the NFL’s youngest teams. They have five players who are 30 and they are the oldest. Heading into their ninth NFL seasons, guard Ryan Lilja and special teams player Terrance Copper have the most NFL experience.

“If you have a veteran team (with players) who have proven themselves and that you feel good about, I think you can be less anxious,” Crennel said. “I think everybody gets anxious when the season starts. But if you’ve got a veteran team and you’re solid all across the board, then I think you can be less anxious because you know what you have.

“(The Chiefs) have some young players who have to play and we all know that young players make mistakes. You don’t know how many mistakes they’re going to make or what a mistake might cost you during the course of the game. Some guys, when there are 70,000 or 80,000 in the stands and they know that it counts, they react differently. We’re going to have to see how all of that plays out.”

Adding to the mystery about how well the Chiefs will play on Sunday is their uneven preseason. The Chiefs went 1-3 with the starters playing well in the first and fourth games but not so in the middle two, when the defense was particularly disappointing.

Crennel said he takes comfort in the fact the Chiefs have gotten it done, even if not consistently.

“In the first preseason game, the way they executed in that game and then the last game, they showed they could execute at a good level,” he said. “So I think they gave us enough to feel good about going into the regular season.

“One of the things I wanted to do was to be able to say we could be solid and sound coming out of the last (preseason) game. I think from our play versus their first guys, we were solid and sound coming out of that game.”

Atlanta was also 1-3 in the exhibition season, losing to Baltimore, Cincinnati and Jacksonville while beating Miami. The Falcons made the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, though they lost their playoff game each time.

“This is a good Atlanta team coming in,” Crennel said. “They have some skill on all sides of the ball, really. So we’re going to have to play our best to win.”

BWillie · 09-04-2012, 02:32 PM

LOL....Chiefsplanet is one of the least homerish boards I've ever seen. You want to see homers? Go to a KU bball board. Ppl will Lynch you if you dont think a walk on 2 star will develop into an all american.

Black Bob · 09-04-2012, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoneKrusher

and the sad thing is, Pioli dont want another option.

I hear you. I really wanted him to sign Jason Campbell or Orton.

BoneKrusher · 09-04-2012, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

I hear you. I really wanted him to sign Jason Campbell or Orton.

Orton for sure.

but Pioli knew Matt couldn't beat either in a QB competition.

Just Passin' By · 09-04-2012, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

I like it here. However, if you look around at other Chiefs boards, they aren't as homerish. I think you guys are kidding yourselves. Especially in this argument. Every Chief's fan knows DJ isn't a great tackler. It is very odd that he is so staunchly defended here about this phase of his game.

It's kind of like every single drop of blame and hate goes to Cassel. People are almost blind to everything else.

I don't know who you mean by "you guys", but I'm not a Chiefs fan, and I'm certainly not a Chiefs homer. I can tell you that, from my experience, this board's homer contingent is either very small or very quiet compared to most other boards.

Black Bob · 09-04-2012, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Passin' By

I don't know who you mean by "you guys", but I'm not a Chiefs fan, and I'm certainly not a Chiefs homer. I can tell you that, from my experience, this board's homer contingent is either very small or very quiet compared to most other boards.

I think it's true that all Chief's fans are somewhat fickle. All I am saying is that the way these people defend DJ's tackling has to be one of the most homer threads I've ever seen.

I mean people won't say that Bowe doesn't drop the ball. They will say, "Bowe drops the ball BUT......" That's why this is different. It's denial I guess. DJ is a better player but, his weak spot is fundamental tackling. No one wants to hear it.

"You can take the boy out of the country but, you can't take the country out of the boy."

Pasta Little Brioni · 09-04-2012, 03:03 PM

He isn't a bad tackler and Clay's PFF numbers pwn you on it. Sure, he might miss a few because he gets to plays that many won't, but that wouldn't fit whatever it is you are trying to prove.

**BigMeatballDave** · 09-04-2012, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

I think it's true that all Chief's fans are somewhat fickle. All I am saying is that the way these people defend DJ's tackling has to be one of the most homer threads I've ever seen.

I mean people won't say that Bowe doesn't drop the ball. They will say, "Bowe drops the ball BUT......" That's why this is different. It's denial I guess. DJ is a better player but, his weak spot is fundamental tackling. No one wants to hear it.

"You can take the boy out of the country but, you can't take the country out of the boy."

You reerun.

We're homers, but you thinking the Chiefs starting 5-0 doesn't make you a homer?

Craw back into your daddys asshole, troll.

O.city · 09-04-2012, 03:47 PM

Any idea on whether they practiced today?

jd1020 · 09-04-2012, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoneKrusher

and the sad thing is, Pioli dont want another option.

That's why the Chiefs were close to getting penalized for tampering with Manning.

htismaqe · 09-04-2012, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jd1020

That's why the Chiefs were close to getting penalized for tampering with Manning.

The tampering allegations started because of PUBLIC comments made by Romeo at the Senior Bowl.

It had nothing to do, either way, with whether or not the Chiefs were actually actively pursuing Manning.

**Ming the Merciless** · 09-04-2012, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

I think it's true that all Chief's fans are somewhat fickle. All I am saying is that the way these people defend DJ's tackling has to be one of the most homer threads I've ever seen.

Youre a ****ing reerun.....

You seriously gonna try and break down DJ's tackling technique? Lets see some game tape.

Dude had like 100 tackles last season.

Fool.

edit: guy has made some incredible tackles...goal line stands....gtfo

mcaj22 · 09-04-2012, 04:36 PM

of all the crap things to complain about on this team you pick DJ's tackling.

I mean come on, just pick an easy target like I do in bashing the two useless overrated gadget midgets we wasted 2nd rounders on or the QB, that we also wasted a 2nd rounder on.

**Ming the Merciless** · 09-04-2012, 04:36 PM

**** you black knob

**BigMeatballDave** · 09-04-2012, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pawnmower

Youre a ****ing reerun.....

You seriously gonna try and break down DJ's tackling technique? Lets see some game tape.

Dude had like 100 tackles last season.

Fool.

edit: guy has made some incredible tackles...goal line stands....gtfo

Yep. 104 total tackles.

You don't collect that many tackles by 'missing' too many, or having poor technique.

Blackbob is a ****ing dumbass or a troll.

jd1020 · 09-04-2012, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

The tampering allegations started because of PUBLIC comments made by Romeo at the Senior Bowl.

It had nothing to do, either way, with whether or not the Chiefs were actually actively pursuing Manning.

Except they did try to pursue him and Crennel simply slipped up in an interview.

So people can stop acting like the Chiefs are satisfied with the QB position.

09-03-2012, 07:50 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $662813	Teicher: Johnson, Toribio and Lewis sit out Chiefs practice with injuries Johnson, Toribio and Lewis sit out Chiefs practice with injuries By ADAM TEICHER The Kansas City Star The Chiefs began their practice week Monday without four defensive starters, including their two Pro Bowl linebackers. They’re preparing to play against the Atlanta Falcons, who were seventh in the NFL in scoring last season, that could present a problem. The situation could improve some by the time the Chiefs and Falcons open their seasons against one another on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium. But even early in the week, things were far from ideal. “You’d like to have all your guys all the time,” coach Romeo Crennel said. “But in this business you don’t have all of them all the time and so you have to depend on other guys to step up and do their part when they’re called on.” Linebacker Derrick Johnson, nose tackle Anthony Toribio and free safety Kendrick Lewis didn’t go through team portions of practice. Johnson and Toribio have injured ankle, Lewis an injured shoulder. Johnson, injured in the final preseason game against the Packers, appeared the most likely of the group to be ready for Sunday’s game. “As long as I make progress every day, that’s the plan,” Johnson said when asked whether he would play against the Falcons. “I am a fast healer. Let’s hope that this week I can be even faster.” The Chiefs’ other Pro Bowl linebacker, Tamha Hali, will not play against Atlanta. He is serving his one-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. Cornerback Brandon Flowers, who didn’t play in the preseason and hadn’t practiced for more than a month, was back to work Monday. But Flowers, who has what the Chiefs have called as bruised heel, said he didn’t know if he would play Sunday and suggested the decision might come down to day of the game. “If I’m out there on Sunday, then that means I’m ready to go,” he said “We’ll know game day.” For one day, at least, the Chiefs patched together a lineup that included backups in four spots. Cory Greenwood and Brandon Siler took turns at Johnson’s position. Rookie Dontari Poe is starting for Toribio and veteran Abe Elam for Lewis. Andy Studebaker, Edgar Jones and Cameron Sheffield have been rotating in Hali’s spot. “Particularly (in Hali’s spot), that’s what has to happen,” Crennel said. “We’ll have to rotate guys in there and we will during the course of the week and I expect all of them to step and to be able to produce. Now, are they going to produce the way Tamba is able to produce? Only time will tell that.” All coaches have jitters the opening week of the season given the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Even before the injuries, suspension and resulting lineup changes, this would have been an anxious week for Crennel. The Chiefs are one of the NFL’s youngest teams. They have five players who are 30 and they are the oldest. Heading into their ninth NFL seasons, guard Ryan Lilja and special teams player Terrance Copper have the most NFL experience. “If you have a veteran team (with players) who have proven themselves and that you feel good about, I think you can be less anxious,” Crennel said. “I think everybody gets anxious when the season starts. But if you’ve got a veteran team and you’re solid all across the board, then I think you can be less anxious because you know what you have. “(The Chiefs) have some young players who have to play and we all know that young players make mistakes. You don’t know how many mistakes they’re going to make or what a mistake might cost you during the course of the game. Some guys, when there are 70,000 or 80,000 in the stands and they know that it counts, they react differently. We’re going to have to see how all of that plays out.” Adding to the mystery about how well the Chiefs will play on Sunday is their uneven preseason. The Chiefs went 1-3 with the starters playing well in the first and fourth games but not so in the middle two, when the defense was particularly disappointing. Crennel said he takes comfort in the fact the Chiefs have gotten it done, even if not consistently. “In the first preseason game, the way they executed in that game and then the last game, they showed they could execute at a good level,” he said. “So I think they gave us enough to feel good about going into the regular season. “One of the things I wanted to do was to be able to say we could be solid and sound coming out of the last (preseason) game. I think from our play versus their first guys, we were solid and sound coming out of that game.” Atlanta was also 1-3 in the exhibition season, losing to Baltimore, Cincinnati and Jacksonville while beating Miami. The Falcons made the playoffs in each of the past two seasons, though they lost their playoff game each time. “This is a good Atlanta team coming in,” Crennel said. “They have some skill on all sides of the ball, really. So we’re going to have to play our best to win.”
Posts: 42,152

09-04-2012, 02:32 PM	#121
BWillie El Gato Gordo Loco Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Earth Casino cash: $2181241	LOL....Chiefsplanet is one of the least homerish boards I've ever seen. You want to see homers? Go to a KU bball board. Ppl will Lynch you if you dont think a walk on 2 star will develop into an all american. __________________ Who wants free money? Use the link below to sign up at Bovada, BetOnline, Black Chip Poker and Ignition. Contact me for private deals, spot bonuses, possible rakeback or any questions! Bovada, Ignition, BetOnline, Black Chip Poker: baldeaglepoker.com Bovada Poker is back! Get up to $500 poker deposit bonus.
Posts: 46,253

09-04-2012, 03:03 PM	#126
Pasta Little Brioni Consuming CP souls Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: U.S.A. Casino cash: $3738880	He isn't a bad tackler and Clay's PFF numbers pwn you on it. Sure, he might miss a few because he gets to plays that many won't, but that wouldn't fit whatever it is you are trying to prove. __________________ **Official TFWdemB Trivia Commisioner**
Posts: 68,840

09-04-2012, 03:47 PM	#128
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2514064	Any idea on whether they practiced today?
Posts: 81,434

09-04-2012, 04:36 PM	#132
mcaj22 MVP Join Date: Feb 2010 Casino cash: $10014454	of all the crap things to complain about on this team you pick DJ's tackling. I mean come on, just pick an easy target like I do in bashing the two useless overrated gadget midgets we wasted 2nd rounders on or the QB, that we also wasted a 2nd rounder on.
Posts: 11,886

09-04-2012, 04:36 PM	#133
Ming the Merciless Emporer of Mongo Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Milky Way Casino cash: $2717556	** you black knob __________________ ---- 2018 Adopt-A-Chief : Chris Conley 2017 Adopt-A-Chief : FRANK ZOMBO Click here-->The Holy Chiefsplanet Lexicon ***
Posts: 44,496