Jan 23, 2014; Honolulu, HI, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Robert Mathis (98) and Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson (56) at practice for the 2014 Pro Bowl at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
For the first time in a long time, the Pro Bowl was actually fun to watch. The defense was flying to the ball — and to the quarterback — which resulted in nine quarterback sacks in the game.
Gone are the days of the linemen just standing there, shaking hands and rubbing their massive bellies together. The defense was after it, an no one was more determined than Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson.
Johnson was, perhaps, the biggest Pro Bowl snub when the selections were first announced at the end of the regular season. He led the Chiefs in tackles this season and had as much of a Pro Bowl year as anyone else. However, as they say: “the ball doesn’t lie” and when NaVorro Bowman was horrifically injured during the NFC Championship game everything was made right.
And D.J. made the most of his situation.
He flew around the field, ending the game with nine tackles including one for a loss, a forced fumble and a monster hit on recently concussed teammate, Jamaal Charles.
Many think Johnson has hit his prime and perhaps the Chiefs have missed the train on him and his time. After his performance tonight, I think D.J. still has it and will for a long time to come. For a guy who wasn’t even supposed to be there today, he played like the best of the best!
Congrats to Derrick Johnson!