Babb: Chiefs linebacker Johnson makes a couple of big plays

[Tribal Warfare]

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]

Originally Posted by jspchief

It's not like the guy is a bust. A few years ago he led the league in TFL. He just hasn't lived up to the expectations of Chiefs fans. The guy is a solid LB, has been the best LB on the team for his entire career, minus this year.

He's not going to be the cornerstone of the defense, but he is a starting NFL LB in a 4-3. He's a hell of a lot more likely to be a piece of someone's puzzle than Vrabel. If you look at his skill set in college, yesterday is precisely what what he has always been.

As for willingness, that sounds like guessing. I just think he needs to be used a particular way to be productive. If someone wants to stick a square peg in a round hole, I don't really blame the peg for not wanting to go in.

it is just an opinion ... but there have been rumors and it sure fits the history.

several schemes,several coaches and Derrick Johnson is up and down in all of them.

leading the league in TFL fits right into the "inconsistent freelancer" idea i get about DJ. He constantly leaves his assignment to "go get the guy" and it ends up with a boom/bust situation.

once again ... just an opinion, but history suggests it's a viable opinion.

Do you really think that the current coaching staff would of just sat DJ for yucks with as bad as our LB situation has been this year unless there was perpetual inability to follow instructions?

[Jack]

What's "TFL"?

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by Jack

What's "TFL"?

tackle for loss

[Skip Towne]

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

[jspchief]

Originally Posted by Laz

it is just an opinion ... but there have been rumors and it sure fits the history.

several schemes,several coaches and Derrick Johnson is up and down in all of them.

leading the league in TFL fits right into the "inconsistent freelancer" idea i get about DJ. He constantly leaves his assignment to "go get the guy" and it ends up with a boom/bust situation.

once again ... just an opinion, but history suggests it's a viable opinion.

Do you really think that the current coaching staff would of just sat DJ for yucks with as bad as our LB situation has been this year unless there was perpetual inability to follow instructions?

I think he sat because he was terrible in the system. Like I said in my first post, lost.

But I still believe the Chiefs had more to gain by giving DJ every chance to figure out the 3-4, than they had to gain by playing some of the other guys they played in his stead.

I just see another Pollard situation. Used correctly, I think he's a very viable starter in the NFL.

[The Poz]

Originally Posted by Skip Towne

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

No worry's, they kissed & made up.

[BigRedChief]

Originally Posted by Skip Towne

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

DJ will never play another down in a Chiefs uniform.

[ChiTown]

Originally Posted by jspchief

I just see another Pollard situation. Used correctly, I think he's a very viable starter in the NFL.

+1

[Chiefnj2]

Johnson's best use would be in a scheme where he has a really solid DL in front of him so you can let him freelance a bit and use his athleticism. He's Arrington-like.

[CaliforniaChief]

Another great KC Star headline.

Tomorrow's headline: "Charles has good day against Broncos. He's Fast"

[BossChief]

You have me super intrigued about your comments BRC.

[jspchief]

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

Johnson's best use would be in a scheme where he has a really solid DL in front of him so you can let him freelance a bit and use his athleticism. He's Arrington-like.

I agree. He's been asked to fill gap assignments behind a line that can't hold their own against anyone. Put him behind a line that forces the issue, and DJ ball-hawking could be good stuff.

[TheGuardian]

Originally Posted by Chiefnj2

Johnson's best use would be in a scheme where he has a really solid DL in front of him so you can let him freelance a bit and use his athleticism. He's Arrington-like.

That's not a compliment you know? Arringinton was called the single most undisciplined player he had ever coached by Marvin Lewis.

[ChiTown]

Originally Posted by CaliforniaChief

Another great KC Star headline.

Tomorrow's headline: "Charles has good day against Broncos. He's Fast"

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by Jack

What's "TFL"?

Really?

Originally Posted by ChiTown

+1

make that +2