Don’t Judge Tyson Yet … Thursday Cup O’Chiefs
“Maybe night and day. I can’t think of any two things more different.”
That was the answer from Chiefs DE Tyson Jackson when he was asked to compare last spring to this one when it comes to preparing for the NFL season.
Jackson’s statement came with a dose of confidence that was palatable in the room. That’s a good sign for the Chiefs because there are a lot of people with their fingers crossed that year two of Jackson’s career will far surpass that of his rookie season.
Last year, Jackson was not very productive in his first taste of pro football. He had 31 tackles and no sacks in 16 games. He did not force a fumble or recover a fumble. He had two passes defended (knocked down) and four quarterback pressures. It was not a very good year.
He says there will not be a repeat in his sophomore pro season.
“I can tell from just the first few OTAs; I understand the game more,” said Jackson. “The fundamentals are stronger. Everything is starting to slow down for me. I should be a very productive player this year.”
The Chiefs hope productive and consistent.
That he was on the field for all 16 games last year as a rookie speaks to Jackson’s toughness. The hardest task for any first-year player is to always be available. Given it’s the first time through the 16-week season, their stamina is severely tested and NFL coaches are less likely to give practice time off to heal up the little bumps and bruises.
Although he played in every game, Jackson was hardly a factor in more than half of those outings. He had four games where he did not have a tackle and did not turn up on the post-game defensive stat sheet (New York Giants, Dallas and both San Diego games.) There were six other games where he Jackson just a single tackle, four of those games his only stat was an assisted tackle.
That’s 10 of 16 games where Jackson barely turned up on the game tape. His best games came against Jacksonville (seven tackles), Buffalo (six tackles) and Cincinnati (five tackles.) Despite those performances, the Chiefs lost all three of those games.
“Too many ups and downs,” Jackson said in self-evaluation. “I need to be a factor in every game without fail. I think I will be.”
One way Jackson is making that happen is with a stronger body. He’s worked hard in the off-season maintaining his weight while dropping his body fat percentage and increasing his strength. Like most of the Chiefs, he’s worked hard at getting stronger in his core muscles, the abdomen, back and pelvis. Jackson already feels a difference.
“We lift and workout before we go out to practice, so by the time it’s the end of practice, I’m pretty tired,” Jackson said. “But I’ve been feeling like I’ve got more and more strength to call on when I started to slow down. It’s really jumped my endurance. That can only help me.”
As a non-factor in nearly three-fourths of the games last year, more than a few league observers and pundits have already labeled him a first-round bust. Affixing that tag after 16 games is a bit quick, but that’s part of the equation after it was such a surprise when the Chiefs drafted him with the third choice of 2009’s first round.
Whether or not Chiefs GM Scott Pioli hit or missed with the Jackson pick remains to be seen. There was talk when he was drafted of Jackson having the same effect that a guy like Russell Maryland had on the Dallas Cowboys when he was a surprise first choice in the 1991 NFL Draft. Pioli also mentioned the Patriots selection of Richard Seymour in the 2001 NFL Draft with the sixth pick in the first round. Here’s Jackson’s numbers matched up with those two defensive linemen as rookies:
| Player | Season | Team |
Games/ Starts |
Total Tackles |
QB Sacks |
Passes Defensed |
Forced Fumbles |
Fumbles Rec. |
| Maryland |
1991 |
Dallas |
16/7 |
33 |
4.5 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
| Seymour |
2001 |
New England |
13/10 |
45 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
| Jackson |
2009 |
Chiefs |
16/14 |
31 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
Maryland and Seymour very quickly became import cogs in defenses that helped their team to the Super Bowl. Two years after Maryland was drafted, the Cowboys won the first of three Super Bowls in four years. The Patriots won their first Super Bowl a year after Seymour was drafted.
Jackson’s shoulders are broad, but he showed nothing in his rookie season to give evidence that he can put the defense on his back and carry the unit in his second season. In 2010, Jackson needs to be a complimentary piece of the puzzle. He must be a contributor and a big one for that matter, especially when it comes to helping the defense improve against the run from last season’s No. 31 ranking.
“That’s got to stop,” Jackson said. “I didn’t realize it until the season was over we ranked that poorly. Next to last isn’t going to get the job done.”
Playing 16 games as a rookie helped Tyson Jackson get some things done as a rookie. But just being available isn’t going to be enough in 2010. There must be much more.
NFL PERSONNEL FILE/WEDNESDAY, MAY 26
- CHARGERS – RFA DE Travis Johnson signed his tender offer, a 1-year deal for $1,226,000. He’s coming off a ‘09 season with just 16 tackles; the team told recently arrested S Kevin Ellison to stay home and not attend the team’s mini-camp this week. Ellison was arrested with 100 Vicodin pills when he was pulled over for speeding.
- COLTS – DE Robert Mathis is boycotting OTAs hoping to get a renegotiated contract. He has 2 years remaining on a 5-year contract he signed in ‘06. Mathis is scheduled to make $2.31 million in base salary for the ‘10 season. He had 9.5 sacks last season.
- COWBOYS – signed TE Kevin Brock, who spent time last season with the Bears practice squad as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Rutgers; CB Orlando Scandrick suffered a broken finger during an OTA session on Wednesday and will be limited in practice work until training camp.
- DOLPHINS – former DB Jarvis Williams died on Tuesday from an apparent heart attack. He was just 45 years old. A 2nd-round choice of Miami in the 1988 NFL Draft, he played six seasons with the Fins, before finishing his career in ‘94 with a season playing for the Giants.
- RAVENS – re-signed ERFA ILB Jameel McClain – he’s a backup LB and special teams performer.
- REDSKINS – RFA FS Reed Doughty signed his tender offer, a 1-year, $1,759,000 contract. He started most of the ‘09 season at strong safety, with 93 total tackles, 2 sacks and 1 interception.
- TITANS – released C Kenny Alfred, an undrafted rookie free agent out of Washington State.
“Palpable” and “Complementary.” Not “palatable” and “complimentary.”
McNabb and guy’s like Jones-Drew were not born with all that strength , stand out player’s in football sometimes have to spend a lot of time , working out . Most of the time you start and find it also helps lower injuries . It’s hard not to like the look you get from it , also when you start pushing the guy’s around you played last year .
It’s a long game when your not doing what you want , fun when no one can get past you and 3-4 sack’s . Ask Jarred !!!
Not a Jackson fan but am pleased to see him striving to improve and the future is not dim. That said any team who was 2-14, the third pick, and tons of holes does NOT pick a developemental type player like Jackson and add Magee at the next pick and ignor desparate needs is just not wise. We would not be so divided on Bowe if Mr Pioli had gone another way. But all that is history.
Hope Jackson and Magee can both start and make a difference in 2010.
“That’s got to stop,” Jackson said. “I didn’t realize it until the season was over we ranked that poorly. Next to last isn’t going to get the job done.”
Did he not notice Jerome Harrison and others going up and down the field at will? I think to even a casual observer, the Chiefs run D was a major and obvious issue. To a guy playing on that D…TJ must have been sleep walking.
If Jackson starts to play really well this year? It sure would put a different outlook on last year’s draft, huh?
And hopefully, he does. Apparently Pioli, Haley, and Crennel are counting on major improvement from the Front 7 on D…by basically sticking with the guys we had last year. I certainly hope they’re right. Stop the run, stop the run, and stop the run. You absolutley MUST do it to be a good team.
“There must be much more.”
Is there evidence suggesting Jackson has already taken steps to be ready to dominate this year vs. just being “okay” or “improved?” Afterall, technically, if the Chiefs rank #30 out of the 32 teams, that’s “improved” over last year.
Whole new defensive scheme and new to the nfl and a lot of young guys and a bad defensive coordinator last year = one bad defense. Thia year will be different! Give the guys a chance, more then 16 games at least. And remember, the offense didn’t exactly give them a lot of time to rest in between series since they were not very good at staying on the field and moving the chains. Those guys were forced onto the field an awful lot.
Just for fun….. There is no way the defense can preform as badly this year as last. But what if Jackson is still not ready to play at an above adequate level?? What about Magee?, no one seems to expect much from the 3rd round pick. My point is I expect some improvement, partially because of coaching, but this defense is still short quality players. From 30something to 20th, an improvemenmt but not at a playoff level. And it is not really about Jackson or Magee it is about what Poili did in his first draft, I know it takes years see it all but, really, he has little to show for his first efforts.
If Shaun Smith Derek Lokey and Big Ron up thier game so will Tyson Jackson. I’m actually kind of anxious to hear how Alex Magee and Wallace Gilberry those two sure could get to the quarter back last year if they make progress this year they may have to supplant someone because their production demands it.
Personally, I’m more worried about the LB’s at this point…than the front 3.
Winning the 1’st game is the biggest or best thing that could open the door to the playoff’s .
Wy do I have that feeling that Todd and the coaching he has , have bigger plans than just winning a few more games .
They want this Div. !
A list of the top 5 team’s with the most improvement has the Chief’s as #1 . Denver in the bottom 5 of all 32 .
I’ve said it before , there’s a lot of talent here , it’s just a matter of comming together .
The good part is – 4 months to go , with Clark -Scott – Todd / his team of coaches , I think they are going to make it happen or die trying .
This guy told me that if you had to make a sale today or you were going to HANG at midnight , You would do any thing , wake people up – get em out of bed or do what ever it took .
Sean Payton must have been there , at the Supper Bowl , with this level of coviction .
I see this in Todd …
Mad Chief—
Cory Greenwood Line Backer
( will proably start this year )
Let’s see 235 lbs
24 rep’s /225
40 in. vertical
4.5–40yd. / dash
HARD HITTER
P. Rivers may get to know this dud more than he wants !
If I was sifting through the tea leaves for predictions & getting accurate results before they actually happened. I would be Famous, Rich & Probably not of this World. Putting all that aside, Tyson Jackson is in control of his destiny(injury exemption). If he sets goals for himself & strives every day to reach those goals, well, we know the answer. “Results”
He’s already rich, is he going to be a Ryan Sims or a Richard Seymour? Is he a under achiever or is he striving to be the best? Me thinks the latter to both questions.
Remember Pioli drafted him for many reasons & has been up to this point, rightly criticized for it.
I really think that Tyson Jackson agrees Pioli made the right decision.
Go Chiefs.
Mad Chief, got to say. I believe the defense will be the fun part of the ‘10 Chiefs. Partially because Pendergast did poorly and might have even realized he was a stop gap for one year. If you want to worry, try the offense. The running game seems to have a plan but the QB is iffy, Oline patchwork, WRs we have Bowe as our best and that says a lot (as in desparate), and my personal favorite, every TE who has not signed with another team.
I hope you’re right on Greenwood, J Lloyd. Good kid with a good story…and some potential. But, as an undrafted FA…he’s a longshot to even make the team, let alone start.
Right on J Lloyd! Right on!
el cid,
I have the same concerns for the Offense, trust me. But for the most part, even though we’ve been less than efficient scoring points…it’s been our Defense that has cost us the most games these past few years.
He’s more than an undrafted free agent , he was drafted at the top of the 1st in Canada ( that pays 50,000 , KC over 4 times that /a chance of M/ Million ——>
This is Quick and loves hard contact ..
I know that…and I understand your point. But, the CFL is not the NFL. The CFL is generally where guys go to play when they’re not good enough to play in the NFL.
I hope the kid makes it. I really do. But, I’ll be surprised if he does.
Dont know about Jackson…seemed 2 me he was blocked by 1 guy 90% of the time and couldnt get off blocks. Having broad shoulders doesnt mean anything unless u have a go 2 move like swim,rip or getting skinny in gaps…Jackson didnt show any moves last year,some would say he improved towards the end of the year but come on against Buf,Cin,Jac.I wouldnt call that improvement more like padding your stats against losing teams! Hopefully Crennel can teach not only Jackson but the rest of our d-line how 2 get off blocks faster instead of the crap Krummrie did for the last 6+ years.
“…how Alex Magee and Wallace Gilberry those two sure could get to the quarter back last year…”
I am curious about your assessment about Magee’s abilities to get to the QB…
“…is he going to be a Ryan Sims or a Richard Seymour?”
I’ll even settle for a Glenn Dorsey at this rate (as opposed to Sims).
SG
Here’s a run down of the whopping total of twenty two sacks this last year on the Chiefs roster.
Tambi Hali 8.5
Wallace Gilberry 4.5
Alex Magee 2
Mike Brown 2
Mike Vrabel 2
Jon McGraw 1
Glen Dorsey 1
D.J. 1
Alex Magee was a team leader with all of those two sacks. He showed more ability to beat his block and get to the football than T.J.
In my humble opinion he looked like he had an elite motor and should be starting over Tyson Jackson by the end of 2010. All this talk about moving Glen to nose why not moving Tyson Jackson over their and let him try it some?
Danny W, I totally agree with moving Jackson 2 Nt with all this talk of him improving his core and leg strength…he should be able 2 hold up against 2 blockers seeing that Pioli said himself in so many words he will never be a great pass rusher! Maybe it’s me but Gilberry showed alot of promise in passing situations, if only he can be more discipline on run plays then maybe he’ll be a more complete DE or maybe even a star.
Not only does TJ need to improve, but the entire draft from last year needs to step up if we are going to be a better team. Let’s see….
DE Tyson Jackson – A starter and as Bob says, hopefully an improved starter.
DE Alex Magee – If he isn’t starting, he needs to be out there more than last year. He has shown flashes of quality play and he’s a great fit as a 34 end.
DB Donald Washington – Kid has mad skills, but a lack of starting time and character questions pushed him into round 4. Now he’s a safety? He certainly has more athletic ability than any of our other guys outside of Berry. We need him to play well, even if he’s a situational guy.
OL Colin Brown – He’s basically a rookie still after getting IRed early last year. He at least needs to stick on the practice squad this year.
WR Quentin Lawrence – I really like this kid. He’s super fast and had a MAJOR learning curve last year. I’d like to see more of him on offense this year since speed and quickness is something that can’t be taught.
RB Jarvaris Williams – Like Brown, I hope he sticks around on the practice squad so we have some depth in case one of our other runner gets hurt.
TE Jake O’Connell – I have a feeling that Pope and Moeaki are set, and it’ll come down to Jake and Cottam for the 3rd TE spot. O’Connell is practice squad eligible and Cottam isn’t so that might factor into the equation.
K Ryan Succop – Hopefully he isn’t a one year wonder. I believe he will be our kicker for many years to come.
All in all, it’s not shaping up to be a very good draft, but if all the picks are on the roster or the practice squad then I will continue to hold out some hope. Washington, Brown, Lawrence, Williams, and O’Connell haven’t gotten much playing time yet. This draft will look much better if two or more of those players become bigger factors eventually.
colby I realize you put a lot of thought into the above…..But really? Washington took a step back from college days. Brown a definite who knows but was not on many draft boards. Lawrence could not return a beach ball, looks like speed and not much else. Williams looked like a failed Div 11 rb, as in really bad. OConnel was a must have, Pioli gave up a extra pick to get him. “not shaping up to be a very good draft”, huhh, more like a lost year, wasted effort and if Jackson and Magee fail then a major bust.
yea I would agree that Washington really doesn’t have more talent then Carr or Flowers either, Berry may have been the best S in college, he isn’t anyone special in the NFL, yet.