Chiefs LB Derrick Johnson: 'Change is good'
by Joel Thorman on Jun 19, 2009 7:07 PM CDT
in 2009 Offseason
39 comments
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson wouldn't be the first person I would expect to be excited for change in the front office and coaching staff. Having been a first round pick in 2005, the new regime has no ties to him. No reason to keep him. No reason to justify his draft position. No reason to continue to wait for him to have a breakout year, which has been the biggest perceived problem with him.
Having averaged 72 tackles and three sacks in his first four seasons in the NFL, Johnson is embracing the change at Arrowhead according to Jerry Briggs of the San Antonio Express-News.
"Change is good, especially for a team that's been losing for the last two seasons. (After finishing) 4-12 and 2-14, we need a change. We had developed a habit of losing, and we have to turn that around.''
Johnson was in San Antonio for a football camp with fellow ex-Longhorn Aaron Ross.
It seems like the last few years in the months leading up to the season opener a new sect of folks predict a DJ breakout season. Statistically speaking, it hasn't happened. Yet.
According to Zach Thomas, that breakout season should be coming in 2009.
"This is going to be his best scheme. It’s definitely weakside linebacker-friendly. It can exploit the talent that he has. Everybody knows how talented and fast he is. If he gets this down where he’s not thinking, just rolling around and just having fun and he knows what to do, he’ll be a great player in this scheme."
DJ essentially agreed when he said the defense was setting him up to have a "breakout season." He characterizes himself as "all-in" with the change at Arrowhead.
He better be all in because he's entering the final year of his five year rookie contract. However, it's unlikely he'll become a free agent in 2010 outright. Per the changes in the collective bargaining agreement in the absence of an extension, the Chiefs will be able to retain Johnson as a restricted free agent.
But Johnson will have to perform this season, as many think he will, to give the Chiefs a reason to retain him.
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Had to get a new post up for the second shift
Long week at work so I’m relaxing tonight with my friend, the King of Beers.
by Joel Thorman on Jun 19, 2009 7:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks Prime
Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying
by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 19, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What? You don't drink MicroBrews?
Heh. Everybody thinks I’M weird. I go into a microbrewery and still order Bud in a bottle.
by hmills110 on Jun 19, 2009 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK age revealing time
Whats a microbrewery
"But what do I know, I'm AP's new assclown and I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"
by Lanier63 on Jun 19, 2009 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn Lanier
that’s ALMOST as good as the time you asked for an explanation (for all the old people) what tea bagging was.
Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!
by Buck'O on Jun 19, 2009 10:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A smaller brewery
There’s some limitation like less than 500k barrels a year or something like that produced.
by Joel Thorman on Jun 19, 2009 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's where the beer snobs drink.
And I join them with a cold budweiser.
by hmills110 on Jun 20, 2009 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amazing how in a few short months...
ZT has become probably the strongest leader on this team and he’s probably the only guy I believe could validate this comment for me. Like you posted many people every year come out and say “This will be DJ breakout year” but it seems like ZT comments hold more weight. Could be dead wrong but considering he doesnt say much to the media, for him to come out and say this, makes it more believable.
by GenericBrand on Jun 19, 2009 7:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Crazy what a leadership vacuume we've suffered for the last few years
ZT has been fantastic in this regard. I’m damn glad he signed.
Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!
by Buck'O on Jun 19, 2009 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I personally want to see ZT have agreat year,
good enough to warrant another year afterwards. Then I’d like to see a young up and coming LB take his spot away in 2010 by being the best player of the two, sealing the deal for a long term MLB to lead this defense for several years. And ZT can take his final walk off the field at the end of the 2010 season knowing he left the position in good hands.
"But what do I know, I'm AP's new assclown and I’m like an empty room with a large ECHO"
by Lanier63 on Jun 19, 2009 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That might mean
that things might actually be alright in the world. I second that!
Braccae illae virides cum subucula rosea et tunica Caledonia-quam elenganter concinnatur!
by Buck'O on Jun 19, 2009 10:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Zach Thomas walks off field as Chief and Super Bowl Champ :)
Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying
by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 19, 2009 11:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1,000,000,000,000,0000
After knocking a potentially game-winning pass out of Tony Gonzalez hands to beat the Falcons!
by Zodeman on Jun 20, 2009 7:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lets Go!!!
Can’t wait for this defense to get on the field(hopefully after a KC score of course)!! You know what I was thinking though? Someone should get on the horn and in the coaches ears about turning Pollard into 1 of our lb’s. It might just be me thinkin that, but everytime we get burned, hes on that back end. Hes not known for his speed, but a good leader, he can fuckin lay the wood with the best of em. And hes obviously better suited covering a te than a wr. Just think Pollard,DJ,Thomas,Vrabel..Nobody’s gonna wanna hit that hole!! And keep him in the punt block hes the best damn blocker in the NFL! While I’m at it give Charles a bunch of Reggie Bush photos and say “this is what we want you to do!!”
by KCinIL on Jun 19, 2009 8:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Totally
I’m a big fan of Pollard’s hits. If we had enough depth, I’d prefer to keep him on special teams, honestly. That dude can make some big plays.
by GonzosDirtyTrailer on Jun 20, 2009 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am one of the ones that is hesitant to say he will break out
but he definitely has the physical tools to be a perennial All Pro type of LB. I think, like a lot of players, he has been hampered by scheme, coaching, and the guys up front. Hopefully, that will all change this year.
by TheQ on Jun 19, 2009 8:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Having the physical skills
Is the first step. Put him in the right position and he succeeds. We shall see this year.
by Joel Thorman on Jun 19, 2009 8:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Speaking of position
Didn’t Herm Edwards move DJ to a different position than he normally was at? Did he move to ILB when he was normally a OLB? Or was it the other way around?
by Wrestler189s on Jun 19, 2009 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He played at every LB spot last year
because no one could stay healthy.
by GenericBrand on Jun 19, 2009 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Denver Game
All he needs to do is have every game like the Denver game here last year, and he will be one of the top LB in the league. He can dominate a game when he puts his mind to it.
by Zodeman on Jun 19, 2009 8:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
Ironically enough he plays better when he doesn’t put his mind to it. But I totally agree.
by GenericBrand on Jun 19, 2009 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s the thing. He probably has as much talent as anyone else on the defensive side of the ball, but now we have to see if he can finally put it together. Coaching has been terrible, as has been said ad nauseam, but the new staff might provide what he needs to realize his potential.
by burntorangehorn on Jun 20, 2009 12:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
New here!
9er fan for life but I have my team in every division that I pull for more and the Chiefs are mine in the AFC West. I think the change is great for this team. Love D. Johnson and Cassel as well. Pioli is a stud at getting the players he needs.
Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.
by maveric_87 on Jun 19, 2009 8:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Are we
your team in the AFC West because Raider fans are ghetto, Charger fans are cocky, and Denver fans are just…well Denver fans? Haha. Good luck with Crabtree. I’m sure you guys will do good this year if you get your QB situation figured out.
by Wrestler189s on Jun 19, 2009 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Welcome!
Glad to have you aboard maveric.
by Joel Thorman on Jun 19, 2009 9:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks gentlemen
I’d actually pull for the Raiders somewhat if Al Crackhead wasn’t the owner. I hate the Chargers more than any team in the division. Very cocky and haven’t won jack crap. Plus they took Norv from us. And I dislike the Broncos for how bad they muffed up the whole Cutler situation. The guy is a baller. They didn’t need to try and go after Cassel. That doesn’t mean I default to the Chiefs either. Believe it or not, I think Derrick Thomas is one of the best LB’s to ever play the game. Plus Joe Montana played for you guys and he was great!
Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.
by maveric_87 on Jun 19, 2009 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True. Derrick Thomas was one of the best, and so was Joe. Hopefully our teams can pull some crazy stuff this year!
by Wrestler189s on Jun 20, 2009 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think it will be that hard for you guys to shake it up this year.
Mine may have a challenge only cuz the Seahawks are healthy again and the Cards were hot in the playoffs(although they are still the Cards lets not get it twisted lol). I think the only team you guys will really have a hard time with is the Chargers but we’ll see…
Fans stuck in the 80's are lame. Respect the past, live in the now.
by maveric_87 on Jun 21, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even Thomas uses "If"
It’s all on DJ.
What’s with the Pollard-to-LB stuff, though? Why must a physical safety be moved to LB? Let the LBs be LBs. And if Pollard cheats up toward the line and attacks more than defends, I’m OK with that.
by hmills110 on Jun 19, 2009 10:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying
by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 19, 2009 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd be ok
with moving Pollard to LB in certain situations. Right now we have Vrabel penciled in as the strong side LB, which is fine. But I think he is slower than Pollard and might not be able to cover guys as well. I’d say in certain passing situations we put Morgan on the filed as a safety and move Pollard into Vrabel’s spot. That way he can cover the TE or an RB out of the backfield. But most downs he should stay back in the safety position and hunt heads.
by Chiefs4Life on Jun 20, 2009 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll a DJ Skeptic
I don’t think he is a bust, but he may never have a break out season. From last year:
A June 4, 2008 Interview with the Mothership.
JOHNSON: "This is the year for me, knowing that my young career has been progressing each year. I have been getting better and better, so this year is kind like college it’s my senior year. So I am about to pull out all the stops. Gun’s been telling me he’s got all the plays to turn me loose and let me make plays, we’ll see how it goes this year."
Last year Gun was the linebacker coach and it was suppose to be the year that the linebackers flew around and made plays. Nothing came of it.
Even Bob Gretz jumped on the DJ band.
Derrick Johnson is on the cusp of becoming one of the NFL’s most complete linebackers. There were games during the ‘07 season where he was sensational. There was the Chicago game when he had seven tackles and two sacks. The Minnesota game had 10 tackles and the two games against San Diego had a combined 10 tackles, two sacks, an interception and two forced fumbles. He’s capable of that type of production. Then, there were games against Cincinnati (two tackles) and at Denver (two tackles.)
I’m not a DJ hater, I root and hope for the best for him. I don’t think he has been in a good situation either. And even he has another 75 tackle season with 2 sacks I still say resign him, but he becomes “just an NFL starter.” I just don’t think this year will be any different then the rest. Its a new defense and he will probably still be thinking about where he needs to be instead of just reacting. I see another 75 tackles and maybe 3 sacks.
A person in good health in a Western liberal democracy is, in terms of his objective circumstances, one of the most fortunate human beings ever to have walked the surface of the earth.
by schraggyj on Jun 19, 2009 10:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Disagree
Let’s put him at Will Linebacker and let him play. No Sam Backer responsibilites as 1. stop run,
2. jam TE, 3. cover flat, Just bust in on run and watch slants in pass.
Digital On or Off.
Let's Kick some ASS in 09 or Die trying
by Steve_Chiefs on Jun 19, 2009 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I disagree also.
DJ was controlled by Gunther and I’m guessing thats why he didn’t produce like he’s capable of. I don’t think DJ will have a great year this year, but with a new DC and leaders like Zach Thomas and Mike Vrabel, I think he could do better than he has before in previous seasons. I think he will become more than just an “NFL starter”, it just takes time.
by Wrestler189s on Jun 20, 2009 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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