Chiefs Teicher: Johnson, Toribio and Lewis sit out Chiefs practice with injuries - Page 2

**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.”

Chiefs Pantalones · 09-03-2012, 08:34 PM

I hope Poe owns in this game. I really hope he doesn't embarrass himself. I think it could go either way with how raw he still is.

Black Bob · 09-03-2012, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNR

Pretty much this.

I don't think Poe ever was our NT of the future. He'd slide over there on 3rd down but that's about it. We need a Powe or a Toribio on 1st and 2nd down. Once Poe really learns gap discipline, he'll be best used at 5 tech.

Then why are they playing him at NT 90% of the time? I think you are way off.

CoMoChief · 09-03-2012, 08:39 PM

Did BlackBob really say that Siler is a better tackler than DJ?

jfc the season needs to start already.

We have people believing Tanney is on IR because we're hiding him because one day he's going to be our QBOTF.

We have people believing Brady Quinn is the best QB on the roster.

There are even people on here that think Jalil Brown is going to cause problems for Jones/White because of his physicality at the LOS.

I mean where do people come up with this shit?

**BossChief** · 09-03-2012, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

Then why are they playing him at NT 90% of the time? I think you are way off.

Because the fans would be UBER PISSED if Pioli came out and told the truth.

That they are gonna let Dorsey walk after this season.

O.city · 09-03-2012, 08:44 PM

Whats gonna really piss people of is that when they do let Dorsey walk, he goes to a 43 team and becomes the guy everyone thought he would be coming out of LSU.

Saccopoo · 09-03-2012, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

Powe is third string under a coach who probably know more about NTs than anyone else in the league. From what I saw, Poe was fine in run defense. Seattle could only run with their QB and he played most of the first half. Note that Toriibido went out after the first series. Green Bay ran 16 times for 33 yards in the entire game and Poe played the first half. He started that game.

I'm sorry but I think you are wrong. Hopefully Powe can keep moving up the chart and I do see him getting better but, Poe is doing a good job.

They are not wrong.

Powe was very effective in controlling the gaps and taking on the double. Poe was constantly getting stood up and directed in one on one situations. He did penetrate effectively, but when he did it was almost as a design by the offensive line as the running back, more often than not, went right into that gap leaving Poe in the backfield.

This is a mistake and a Cassel level situation where they are simply playing the guy who has the big contract and is the high pick. This is one problem with the coaching staff or management. They play the guy who got paid, versus play the guy who deserves it.

I like Poe and his work ethic has shown up as very good. He progressed well during the preseason, but he's no way shape or form ready to start at the nose against NFL centers and guards all game long. They may want him to start based on his high draft status, but it's been Powe who's been the true nose tackle on this team during this off season. Poe's shown the capability of being that third and long NT or spot usage as the five tech, but not at the nose. Bad decision from what I've seen so far this preseason.

Besides, in the Green Bay game, Jackson and Dorsey were absolutely stuffing the shit out of that line. They both looked really good, though it was a vanilla plan Green Bay ran up to that point.

Saccopoo · 09-03-2012, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

Whats gonna really piss people of is that when they do let Dorsey walk, he goes to a 43 team and becomes the guy everyone thought he would be coming out of LSU.

It's gonna happen. I'm pretty sure Dorsey wants this to happen. I'll be surprised if he doesn't test the open market and end up with a 43 team. He's helped himself in run support these past three plus seasons and should be a terror on the inside in a 43.

O.city · 09-03-2012, 08:57 PM

We started doing it last year late, but I would love for us to throw some packages where we throw Dorsey and Poe/Powe down inside and Houston and Hali with a hand in the dirt.

Hammock Parties · 09-03-2012, 10:31 PM

If Dontari Poe starts against Atlanta our run defense will get ****ing killed.

Romeo's gonna look stupid if he puts that kid out there for 45 snaps in his first game. He's not ready.

Hammock Parties · 09-03-2012, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

Powe is third string under a coach who probably know more about NTs than anyone else in the league. From what I saw, Poe was fine in run defense. Seattle could only run with their QB and he played most of the first half. Note that Toriibido went out after the first series. Green Bay ran 16 times for 33 yards in the entire game and Poe played the first half. He started that game.

I'm sorry but I think you are wrong. Hopefully Powe can keep moving up the chart and I do see him getting better but, Poe is doing a good job.

Go back and look at Seattle's first drive of the third quarter in preseason week 3.

We got ****ing killed on the ground.

Dontari Poe got his ass massacred on two snaps in that drive. Literally pushed five yards off the ball on both snaps.

He sucks ass as a 1st and 2nd down run stopping NT right now.

TEX · 09-03-2012, 10:36 PM

The Atlanta game is gonna be ugly...

**BigMeatballDave** · 09-03-2012, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEX

The Atlanta game is gonna be ugly...

**BigMeatballDave** · 09-03-2012, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cassel's Reckoning

Go back and look at Seattle's first drive of the third quarter in preseason week 3.

We got ****ing killed on the ground.

Dontari Poe got his ass massacred on two snaps in that drive. Literally pushed five yards off the ball on both snaps.

He sucks ass as a 1st and 2nd down run stopping NT right now.

So, preseason matters when its poor play, and doesn't when its good?

Whatever supports your agenda, I suppose.

xztop12 · 09-03-2012, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackBob

Flowers misses time every year and we are prepared for it. Also, he would struggle against White if he was 100%. We would miss him in the run defense but Berry is back

The difference between Lewis and Elam isn't much. Elam tackles better.

Siler is a better tackler than DJ. He will help in stopping Micheal Turner. The problem is that we won't have a LBer capable of even trying to cover Gonzalez. I think we run the nickel most of the day. Look for the 3-3-5 with Daniels, Elam and Berry all playing safety.

Flowers is one of the best man coverage corners in the NFL. One reason we ditched Carr was because Carr was weak in man and we had to play a lot of zones. With Rout we can let Flowers play man... Height isn't that important until you're past the 50

However, i do agree with your logic that even second stringers have different skillsets and are better at some things than their starters.

Hammock Parties · 09-03-2012, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

So, preseason matters when its poor play, and doesn't when its good?

Whatever supports your agenda, I suppose.

I gave Dontari Poe credit for flashing some nice pass rush skills in game two.

The dude showed precious little as a real NT, though.

That's fair.

We basically had one preseason game where the team showed anything, so please realize that I credit the Chiefs fully for looking good against the Arizona Cardinals.

This team was dogshit against the Rams and Seahawks.

Dog. Shit.

09-03-2012, 07:50 PM
Tribal Warfare The Boom Boom Room Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $652813	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: 42,153

09-03-2012, 08:34 PM	#16
Chiefs Pantalones GO CHIEFS!!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Kansas City Casino cash: $7888717	I hope Poe owns in this game. I really hope he doesn't embarrass himself. I think it could go either way with how raw he still is. __________________ Don't be fooled by my username, I'm white.
Posts: 26,630

09-03-2012, 08:39 PM	#18
CoMoChief Mahomes Dynasty Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Parts Unknown Casino cash: $8032254	Did BlackBob really say that Siler is a better tackler than DJ? jfc the season needs to start already. We have people believing Tanney is on IR because we're hiding him because one day he's going to be our QBOTF. We have people believing Brady Quinn is the best QB on the roster. There are even people on here that think Jalil Brown is going to cause problems for Jones/White because of his physicality at the LOS. I mean where do people come up with this shit? __________________
Posts: 39,164

09-03-2012, 08:44 PM	#20
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2504064	Whats gonna really piss people of is that when they do let Dorsey walk, he goes to a 43 team and becomes the guy everyone thought he would be coming out of LSU.
Posts: 81,434

09-03-2012, 08:57 PM	#23
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2504064	We started doing it last year late, but I would love for us to throw some packages where we throw Dorsey and Poe/Powe down inside and Houston and Hali with a hand in the dirt.
Posts: 81,434

09-03-2012, 10:31 PM	#24
Hammock Parties I'll be back. Join Date: Nov 2002 Casino cash: $4450478	If Dontari Poe starts against Atlanta our run defense will get ****ing killed. Romeo's gonna look stupid if he puts that kid out there for 45 snaps in his first game. He's not ready. __________________ Chiefs game films
Posts: 278,617

09-03-2012, 10:36 PM	#26
TEX Out Gunning CP's Fandom Police Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Laguna Beach, CA Casino cash: $2103127	The Atlanta game is gonna be ugly...
Posts: 34,761