Kansas City Chiefs: Three Positives Vs Packers
By Alec Tilson
Sep 28, 2015; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) stiff arms Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston (50) in the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
OLB Justin Houston
Linebacker Justin Houston is the most gifted Chiefs defender since Derrick Thomas. Not just rushing the passer, he’s physically the best Kansas City defender since DT terrorized the NFL in the 1990’s. He’s a 6′ 3″, 260-pound force that gave Packers linemen trouble all night.
It’s doesn’t stop with his physical ability either. I mean, it’s nice to have a behemoth of a man who can bend on the edge, bowl over an NFL tackle and also present a disruptive, freakish wingspan.
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But Houston is also the mouthpiece of the defense. He’s the rally-starter, the lead-by-example and the muscle – all in one. He’s the not only the best football player on the defense, he’s a leader. So it makes sense that last night, at least from what we saw on television, Houston was angry, probably embarrassed. He was relentless in his play, and his talk.
It’s not surprising that Houston didn’t sack quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers distributes the ball as quick as any quarterback, he’s exceptionally elusive and his wide receivers were running free. Houston did finish with four solo tackles, one of which was for a loss, but the bigger positive takeaway was that he’s the total package on and off the field.
Andy Reid had this to say after Houston signed his mega-deal, via The Sporting News:
"“Justin has a relentless work ethic on the field and in the classroom, and he provides our team with tremendous leadership,” Reid said in a statement. “He is a fearless competitor, and we are glad he is going to be back.”"
The Packers grabbed, held, scratched and clawed to keep the force of Houston out of the backfield, and he still jumped off the screen as the best defender in a red helmet. He can impact a football game in more ways than any Chiefs defender in recent memory, and he’s all about the team. A terribly uncommon mix.
Next: A Potential Lead At WR