Q&A with DERRICK JOHNSON - 8/4

Aug 04, 2008, 6:20:52 PM

Q: The linebacking corps was blamed for giving up so many big running plays last year. Is that fair?

DERRICK JOHNSON: “I think that’s unfair to blame it just on the linebackers. It’s a team game. Some plays are our fault, some are the D-Line’s some are the secondary’s. As a whole we gave up too many big plays as far as running the ball.”

Q: Are things coming together a little better than last year?

JOHNSON: “It’s the same scheme that we had last year, but we’re approaching it a lot different. We’re getting a new attitude as Gunther (Cunningham) would call it. You can ask the offense, we’re definitely coming downhill, hitting whoever’s carrying the ball.”

Q: When a guy gets demoted like Napoleon (Harris) did, does that get everyone’s attention?

JOHNSON: “Yeah definitely. Gunther is the type of coach who is going to put the best three on the field. He’s going to let you know that you’re going to play the way he wants you to play.”

Q: He seems to be getting after every linebacker. Has anyone escaped it?

JOHNSON: “It’s about even. We all get our fair share. Mostly in the meetings. Gun is very passionate about his work and he’s going to get it done; one way or another.”

Q: How do you think the team as a whole is coming along?

JOHNSON: “I think we’re doing good. We’re very aggressive already. We’re going to be better than last year, especially along the line, that’s what we’ve been putting emphasis on – stopping the run. Once we do that we give the offense a chance to do a lot of things.”

Q: What are you thoughts on Gunther as linebackers coach?

JOHNSON: “I didn’t know how we were going to do it at first. But it’s going quite well. You actually get into his mindset on how you play linebacker. I never knew that in three years that I’ve been here. I knew he was a hard coach and was going to get his work done, but at the same time I didn’t know how much he knew about linebackers. He knows a lot. My game is going to go to another level. I can’t wait.”

Q: Is it because if you’re not doing it right, you’re not going to be in there?

JOHNSON: “He always says, the best three are going to play. It may be three or four. If you’re messing up, not playing the way he wants you to play, he’s going to get you out of there.”

Q: Is the attitude changing around here?

JOHNSON: “We’re getting an identity and going out with a purpose every day to create that attitude that we need. This defense is going to be really good this year, I can’t wait. I really can’t speak too much on it until about the second or third preseason game when we really gel together, but what we’re doing now and with what we’re trying to do, it’s going to be really good.”

Q: Are you getting to the point where you want to take the next step and be a superstar-type linebacker?

JOHNSON: “I’m definitely ready. I’m definitely capable of doing that. With Gunther as my coach it’s definitely going to help me get where I need to be going. It’s more about being consistent and I think I, you know I don’t need a magic wand or anything to help me play on the field, but as far as being consistent, if I can do that, the sky’s the limit.”

Q: Are you ready to be on a level plain for a couple years in a row?

JOHNSON: “I think we still have the same scheme, we still have Gun in the room so we’re going to play his defense, but you know we’ve had different coaches in the past – especially me, I’ve had three linebacker coaches. It’s been a little change, but change is part of the NFL. You’ve just got to adjust and go with it.”

Q: For this defense to be great, you’re going to have to be great too. What do you think of that?

JOHNSON: “That’s true. That’s a good thing. That’s positive pressure, knowing that people, especially my teammates, know that I’m capable of being that star player for this team and being that leader on the field, especially when we have adversity.”

Q: You’re looking to get turnovers a little more this year?

JOHNSON: “Right. Definitely. I definitely want to get more turnovers this year. I want to cause fumbles and I can’t wait.”