Kansas City Chiefs: A Team Not Even At Its Peak Yet
By Ben Almquist
Derrick Johnson
There has been no question that the Kansas City Chiefs run defense has struggled this year. That has been especially true since the team lost defensive captain Derrick Johnson. For years, Johnson has been the captain of a top tier defensive unit in Kansas City. His knowledge of the system and amazing athletic ability have made him one of the premier defensive players in the league.
In the place of Derrick Johnson, the Chiefs are turning to second year linebacker Ramik Wilson. While I have praised the play of Wilson, and deservedly so, there is no denying that he still has plenty to learn. The role that Johnson filled for the Chiefs was more than just playing linebacker, it was controlling the whole defense.
Related Story: Ramik Wilson Has A Bright Future With The Chiefs
The return of Derrick Johnson in 2017 will be interesting to watch. There is no guarantee that he will take back his starting spot. As I mentioned, Ramik Wilson has played well. That makes it altogether possible that the 34 year old Johnson takes on more of a rotational role with the younger player. Regardless, having DJ and his knowledge readily available will be huge for Kansas City.