Is the Chiefs’ Derrick Johnson the Best Inside Linebacker in Football?

December 14, 2013   ·   Christopher Hansen   ·   Jump to comments

Ray Lewis was once considered the best middle linebacker in football, but he passed the torch to San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis years ago. While Willis is still dominant, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson may actually be the better linebacker this year.
While pass-rushers Tamba Hali and Justin Houston and safety Eric Berry have been given a ton of credit for the team’s suffocating defense, Johnson has wallowed in relative obscurity despite the fact that he is having a great year.
The middle linebacker is widely considered the quarterback of the defense. If the quarterback gets the majority of the credit for the offensive output, Johnson deserves the credit for the Chiefs’ defensive performance so far this season.
 
The Statistics
Johnson should be able to record his 100th tackle this weekend in Oakland, but 16 inside or middle linebackers have recorded more through 13 weeks. He has added 3.5 sacks, one intercepti...

Read Complete Article at Bleacher Report - NFL
Article is property of BleacherReport.com