The Kansas City Chiefs landed two players on second team of the Pro Football Focus midseason All-Pro list, and they're both linebackers: Justin Houston and Derrick Johnson. Because it's Broncos week, I will also point out that Houston beat out the Broncos' Von Miller at edge rusher.
It's really encouraging to see both those players playing well. Despite Houston's sack numbers not being where they were last year, he and Tamba Hali are pressuring the quarterback at one of the league's best rates. The defense seems to be on a roll in the last month (Bears game-winning two minute drive not included).
Meanwhile, DJ would be a candidate for the NFL's comeback player of the year in most other years. But this year he may not even be the best candidate on his own team (lookin' at you, Eric Berry). That shouldn't downplay what a return to form this has been for him.
Speaking of Berry, he did not make the first or second team at safety. Neither did Jaye Howard on the defensive line, which is loaded around the league this year. Jeremy Maclin put up some big numbers early on this season but he missed time with the concussion.
Here are the full winners in each of the two Chiefs categories. Check out PFF's grades and explanations for all the positions here.
Edge Rushers
First team: Cameron Jordan (Saints) Khalil Mack (Raiders)
Second team: Justin Houston (Chiefs), Pernell McPhee (Bears)
Linebackers
First team: Luke Kuechly (Panthers) and K.J. Wright (Seahawks)
Second team: Anthony Barr (Vikings), Derrick Johnson (Chiefs)