Pro Football Focus Week 3 Grades Leave Chiefs With Question Marks And Some Answers
By Ben Nielsen
Aug 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker James-Michael Johnson (52) defends against Cincinnati Bengals running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (42) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
JAMES-MICHAEL JOHNSON EMERGING AT INSIDE LINEBACKER
Losing Derrick Johnson hurts, no question. So don’t take the following as the Chiefs don’t need DJ because they have JMJ. That’s not what I’m saying at all.
What I am saying is that last season’s waiver wire selection of James-Michael Johnson may save the season for the Chiefs on defense. JMJ posted a +2.3 grade against Miami with a +1.3 run defense grade. He was also able to contribute to the pass rush by getting a hurry on Ryan Tannehill in one of his two pass rushing attempts.
The combination of JMJ, Josh Mauga, and Joe Mays should be enough to handle the middle linebacker position well enough deal with the loss of DJ. It isn’t the perfect solution and doesn’t replace DJ’s playmaking skills but it is at least a salvageable situation.
The key will be getting Mays back soon so Mauga doesn’t have to play every snap. Part of the problem with the Chiefs special teams and run defense is Mauga his forced to be on the field every down because the Chiefs don’t have anyone to fill in behind him. With Mays back Mauga will be fresh for special teams and for helping against the run.
JMJ’s emergence also means the Chiefs can keep Eric Berry back as a single-high defender when he returns from injury. Part of what the Chiefs defense needs is a guy playing centerfield who can create some turnovers in the passing game. Right now that isn’t happening because Berry isn’t on the field. With JMJ holding the fort inside, the Chiefs can keep Berry back deep without having to put him in the box too often. That’s a big deal for the Chiefs longterm.