Justin Houston’s contract is good for the Chiefs

A few weeks ago, I went into depth dispelling the myths surrounding the upcoming, now current, contract for superstar pass rusher, Justin Houston.  Some of you did not believe me.  This is where I tell you how right I was/am and how wrong you were/are.

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Performance

I’ll start with the myth that Houston would get his money and suddenly disappear.  Sure, it has happened with guys like Chris Johnson and Albert Haynesworth, but the truth is that it usually does not have that effect on players.  Many play up to their new contracts.  Why should we expect that from Justin Houston?

Justin Houston getting stronger and staying a Chief? Pretty sure that’s the worst news Phillip Rivers and DJ Fluker have ever head. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Well, for starters, he hasn’t just been sitting around on the couch all offseason.  While Houston was not at Offseason Team Activities or Minicamp, he has been working out hard.  He’s been putting in the time at the gym to get even stronger and faster (DJ Fluker dislikes this).  Houston has been one of the more physically dominant pass rushers over the last couple of years, and we should expect more of that as he comes into his peak years.

Next, Houston has confirmed that he will be at Training Camp.  Why is that so important?  Well, he racked up 22 sacks without it last year.  I would imagine he’s going to be in even more of a groove this year with the time put in on the field.  There is also an added bonus to this.  The rest of the team will get to practice with him.  Our defensive ends should be able to get more in tune with him.  Our offensive line will get to practice against the best in the league.  These are good things.

And finally, Justin Houston believes in this team.  Well, at least that’s what he says.  Houston lauded himself and Tamba Hali as the best pass rushing duo in the NFL.  Hey, the numbers back it up.  On top of that, Houston labeled Kansas City as Super Bowl contenders.  And yes, that’s even with Alex Smith at quarterback.  Whether he is just saying the right things or actually believes them is, of course, open to debate if you REALLY want to hold onto the idea that this is somehow a bad situation for the Chiefs.  Just know that you are REALLY wrong.

Next: Looking at the cash..