Derrick Johnson Needs To Step Up

The way DJ's been in Thomas's hip pocket in OTAs, I can see the two of them cooking up surprises, between 'em, too. Looking for the SILB to be the field general, I notice that all the depth charts (at best, projections) show Vrabel behind Thomas in the SILB rotation. I can see the logic in having that one key position anchored by veteran leaders, and I can see always wanting at least one of that pair on the field at all times. But isn't Vrabel penciled-in at SOLB?

Maine_Chief: Agree with what you say, but I definitely get the sense that DJ's job description will be more clearly defined, as will the descriptions for all the players. And the idea will be to give the DBs help by getting after the passer, rather than having the LBs thinking zone first.

It will definitely be a balancing act between talent and scheme, but I think the talent fits the scheme better than before, with some assumptions/optimism about a bigger Tyler, and Hali and McBride stepping up at OLB.

DJ's job description MIGHT even be as simple as just closing on and containing the RB. That'd put him close to the QB when the RB's in pass protection, and that's a matchup that should favor the LB.

Jeremy, I think you pretty much nailed it. Every year there seems to be a new position for DJ that's going to allow him to "break out". And every year, we see the same uneven play. It does sound promising that he will be able to freelance more in this defense, but it's sounded promising before. Let's hope this year the talk matches the result.

I think the players around him and the scheme have a lot to do with it. I could easily see him going elsewhere and becoming a pro bowler so I'd like to give him every opportunity with better coaching and most of all better players around him.

Lets face it, the Cover 2 is more of a read and react type defense. The 3/4 will allow Johnson to use his strongest attribute-SPEED. Look for Johnson to spend more time harassing the QB, which in turn will give him more opportunities to make plays in the backfield. Cunningham failed to recapture that magic in a bottle in his second stint in KC. I for one expect Johnson to flourish this year, and dont be suprised to see a trimmed down Hali make an impact also. Remember, Hali played some LB at Penn St. and the transition may go smoother than many think. However, I do worry about McBride being able to play the LB position.

Extrametal: Your safety point is duly noted.

I tend to side with those who argue that the scheme has been the main problem. Whether that improves significantly under our new, rather mediocre defensive coaching staff remains a huge question mark.

More precisely, Extrametal - a special teams unit that rarely put anyone in bad field position.

If Pendergast runs something more like what we saw in last playoffs, I can live with that. I think we'll see something that's simpler for our guys to understand, but easier to add complications for opposing offenses.

On a play-to-play basis, I think the LBs are going to back the line less and attack off the edges more, and that should play to the athleticism of guys like DJ. With the DL focused on sewing up 'most everything between the tackles, our LBs should be meeting the ball carrier at or behind the line of scrimmage, instead of combining with corners and safeties on the 2nd level all the time.

This doesn't mean that the LBs won't be doing anything in the middle, but the d-line will be working more to keep OLs off 'em when they do. This should set the stage for LBs to emerge. And now it's up to DJ to do some damn emerging!

def. time for him to step up or be traded (likely to become awesome elsewhere, per our usual)... like the hammer sez, the defense has been crap for a LONG time so I'd look for improvement and an increasing trend of productivity as the guys learn the scheme.

Jeremy, not sure how many safeties a year the NFL sees and how this stat is a statement on an individual player so much as a defense that rarely put anyone in bad field position.

Both Hali and Johnson have spent the last 3 years in a piss poor scheme being coached by some of the worst coaches in the league. Both Johnson and Hali need to show up this year or they are finished with the Chiefs. A decent defensive scheme and some good coaching will make a big difference, but they will both have to show they can play and be able to do it now, not later. I wish them both luck.

I think it may be time to accept that DJ is a mediocre linebacker -- solid at best -- and that this "breakout year" we keep expecting is probably never gonna come. Maybe he's just not Pro Bowl caliber and it's time to realize that.

are there anygood LB prospects for next years draft? give some of your favorites so i can check em out!