Chiefs Justin Houston or Derrick Thomas? Similar looks four years into careers

thabear04 · 09-01-2015, 10:54 AM

http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2...b-ae8aef50333d

1. Justin Houston or Derrick Thomas? Similar looks four years into careers

“Thomas holds the Chiefs’ record with 45 forced fumbles, and in 1992 he recorded a team-record eight. He also recovered more fumbles than anybody in Chiefs history with 19, sometimes recovering the fumbles he forced with a quickness that left many offensive linemen wondering what had just zipped by.

“The first step is what made Derrick so phenomenal,” said Rich Baldinger, a former Chiefs offensive lineman who played four seasons with Thomas. “His first step was so quick, and his flexibility, knowing how to drop his shoulder and turn the corner.”

Although the players’ listed dimensions are similar — both 6 feet 3, with Houston listed at 258 and Thomas at 255 — they took different routes to their sacks.” READ MORE…

In his first visit to Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph, former general manager Carl Peterson indulged an inquisitor about Derrick Thomas.

The cornerstone of the Chiefs’ success in the 1990s. … A game-changer with his speed and first step. … Not crushing quarterbacks but more interested in the forced fumble.

No more than 50 feet away as Peterson continued, a cadence of thwaps, like a boxer hitting a speed bag in perfect rhythm, diverted attention.

Justin Houston was getting in his post-practice work, a hand-eye coordination drill on a blocking sled. This is how Houston finished every day, he and Tamba Hali, and sometimes younger Chiefs following the leaders.

“Obviously a standout player,” Peterson said. “He’s on his way.”

(This story is part of The Kansas City Star’s Football 2015 special section that publishes Sunday, Aug. 30. Pick one up and check out more here.)

Perhaps one day to the place where Peterson was heading in the next few days — to Canton, Ohio, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Peterson would soon be there to pay tribute to inductee Will Shields, the great Chiefs offensive lineman.

While there, Peterson would also remember his friend, Thomas, his first draft pick as the Chiefs’ new general manager in 1989 and to whom he paid the ultimate tribute — Thomas’ posthumous Hall of Fame enshrinement speech in 2009.

“He has a chance,” Peterson said of Houston. “He has the talent, and, knock on wood, he stays healthy.”

Comparisons between Justin Houston and Derrick Thomas gained momentum as the 2014 season unfolded and Houston’s sack totals went from those of a solid Pro Bowl selection to epic.

Starting with the Chiefs’ third game, a victory at Miami, Houston recorded at least one sack in six straight games, including five in a two-game stretch.

At midseason, Houston had 12 sacks. Since Thomas’ final season in 1999, only two Chiefs have amassed that many sacks for an entire season: Jared Allen with 15 1/2 in 2007 and Hali with 14 1/2 in 2010.

Clearly, Houston was bound for something special.

After two games without a sack, a new streak started. Houston recorded at last one sack over the Chiefs’ final six games, culminating with a four-sack game in the finale against the San Diego Chargers. That matched the best game in the NFL last season.

The final tally: An NFL-best 22 sacks, eclipsing Thomas’ team record of 20 set in 1990 and falling half a sack short of Michael Strahan’s league record from 2001.

Following the path of Bobby Bell, Willie Lanier and Thomas, the Chiefs are convinced their next great linebacker has arrived. This summer, they rewarded Houston with a six-year, $101 million deal, with $52.5 million guaranteed.

The Chiefs speak of Houston as a cornerstone player, just as the organization described Thomas in the 1990s.

“He became a symbol of our success,” Peterson said. “He was our game-changer.”

Houston is becoming that player for the Chiefs. But can he become as productive as Derrick Thomas?

After four seasons, the former Southeastern Conference stars — Houston from Georgia, Thomas from Alabama — posted similar numbers. In 63 games, Thomas had 58 sacks and appeared in four Pro Bowls.

Houston has 48 1/2 sacks and three Pro Bowl appearances.

The biggest statistical gap speaks to their difference in playing styles. Four years into his career, Thomas had 21 forced fumbles. Houston has forced seven.

“John Elway said Derrick never wanted to kill him, he just wanted the take the ball from him,” Peterson said. “Derrick could change the course of a game with a single play. Invariably, when we needed a sack, Derrick, he’d get it. If we needed a fumble, he’d force it or get it.”

Thomas holds the Chiefs’ record with 45 forced fumbles, and in 1992 he recorded a team-record eight. He also recovered more fumbles than anybody in Chiefs history with 19, sometimes recovering the fumbles he forced with a quickness that left many offensive linemen wondering what had just zipped by.

“The first step is what made Derrick so phenomenal,” said Rich Baldinger, a former Chiefs offensive lineman who played four seasons with Thomas. “His first step was so quick, and his flexibility, knowing how to drop his shoulder and turn the corner.”

Although the players’ listed dimensions are similar — both 6 feet 3, with Houston listed at 258 and Thomas at 255 — they took different routes to their sacks.

“Justin’s physicality is special,” Baldinger said. “So even if he doesn’t beat someone with his speed like Derrick could, he has the ability to bull-rush him.

“Also, you have to account for No. 50 when you’re run-blocking. He can defeat any tight end in the league. Ain’t no tight end that’s going to block him.”

Chiefs defensive coordinator Bob Sutton calls Houston an ideal power-and-speed player who brings versatility.

“We move him around a lot, which really helps us from a scheme standpoint,” Sutton said. “You don’t know where he’s going to be or what he’s going to do. Sometimes he plays inside, sometimes on the right side. For a guy to be able to do that, it helps us and makes him an effective player.”

One of the most important common denominators is what surrounds the two defensive playmakers.

A year before the Chiefs took Thomas in the first round with the fourth overall selection, they had drafted defensive Neil Smith from Nebraska with the second overall pick. Together, Thomas and Smith grew into a dynamic duo, playing off each other. They were teammates through the 1996 season, and Smith was a first-team All-Pro once and played in five Pro Bowls with the Chiefs.

Alongside Houston there’s Hali, a five-time Pro Bowler who is about to begin his 10th season. When Houston was breaking into the league, Hali absorbed the double teams. Now, it’s Houston drawing the double teams — and sometimes more.

“I told Tamba, ‘Go tell (Houston) he owes you some of that money,’” said Peterson, who drafted Hali. “‘You make him better and he makes you better.’”

Where the Chiefs would like to see Houston catch Thomas is in team success. Through their first four years, Thomas’ teams went to the playoffs three times. There would be three more years of playoff appearances, including the 1993 AFC championship game.

In 11 seasons, Thomas played for six playoff teams and three division winners. In Houston’s four seasons, the Chiefs have appeared in one playoff game and haven’t won a division title.

Houston has the sack record, and he has established himself as one of the NFL’s top players (and among its richest). Thomas’s first four years statistically were his best. Houston wants to keep rising.

“How do I top last year?” Houston said. “I put last year behind me and look forward to this year. I’m going to continue to do what I do …continue to stay focused and work like I’ve been working. Nothing changes.”

TALE OF THE TAPE
Here’s how Justin Houston stacks up with Derrick Thomas through their first four NFL seasons:

Houston Category Thomas

6 feet 3 Height 6 feet 3

258 Weight 255

59 Games played 63

48 1/2 Sacks (total) 58

22 Sacks (single-season high) 20

7 Forced fumbles 21

3 Pro Bowl selections 4

TEX · 09-01-2015, 11:02 AM

DT was better at stripping the ball. He could literally change a game with that and often did. I can't remember how many time's I'd be watching a game, at a critical time, and think, "Come on Derrick, get him." Then watch as he did...

Houston is a hell of a player. Glad he can add to the tradition of rushing the passer in KC.

Halfcan · 09-01-2015, 11:11 AM

DT changed everything. This teamed sucked for decades before him. Stats don't tell the whole story with DT - he put this team on his back and made it a contender almost over night.

Houston is amazing and it is unfair to compare him to anyone-he is defining a new generation of players.

ChiefsCountry · 09-01-2015, 11:28 AM

Houston is a hell of a player, but there was just something about DT.

Marcellus · 09-01-2015, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiefsCountry

Houston is a hell of a player, but there was just something about DT.

To me the difference is timing of the big play.

It seemed like DT made huge plays in big games that changed the direction of the game or the outcome.

Houston hasn't really done that yet though he has been dominant enough to dominate a few games all by himself.

That was always my thought on Jarred Allen as well. Seems his sacks never came at a pivotal moment late in a big game.

**ChiefGator** · 09-01-2015, 12:11 PM

Interesting stats about the forced fumbles with DT. Maybe Houston needs to work on tackling the ball.

thabear04 · 09-01-2015, 12:14 PM

@tkelce thanks for giving my daughter a lifetime memory. #ChiefsKingdom #classact pic.twitter.com/3tDfz5azf7
— Andy Ashbrook (@ThatIsAll911) August 22, 2015

**Lzen** · 09-01-2015, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thabear04

@tkelce thanks for giving my daughter a lifetime memory. #ChiefsKingdom #classact pic.twitter.com/3tDfz5azf7
— Andy Ashbrook (@ThatIsAll911) August 22, 2015

That's nice but what does that have to do with Justin Houston and Derrick Thomas?

thabear04 · 09-01-2015, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lzen

That's nice but what does that have to do with Justin Houston and Derrick Thomas?

Sorry posted it in the wrong thread.

vailpass · 09-01-2015, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lzen

That's nice but what does that have to do with Justin Houston and Derrick Thomas?

It was one of DT's baby mommas?

**Rausch** · 09-01-2015, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vailpass

It was one of DT's baby mommas?

I'm not saying I've given you negative rheps but...

Holladay · 09-01-2015, 12:26 PM

Confidence. Calling a safety then getting it.

Chiefaholic · 09-01-2015, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Holladay

Confidence. Calling a safety then getting it.

I was there... 15 yard line, lower level, on the same endzone that Thomas sacked George (same side where the tunnel was). I remember that game like it happened yesterday. We had this black guy behind us literally barking like a dog, and the crowd was amped up with DT having a sack-fest against the Faiders. The crowd went nuts when Derrick sacked George in the endzone. Easily a top 5 game that I've attended.

jimidollar · 09-01-2015, 01:09 PM

Houston is a very good player. However, there's no comparison with DT. DT had a knack for not only making great plays, but making them at the right time. DT knew that the most important thing in football was the BALL.

Mojo Jojo · 09-01-2015, 01:09 PM

DT had a special talent getting to the QB and stripping the ball. Houston is a better overall LB against the run and dropping into coverage. Houston is more like Bobby Bell from the outside...never know where he may be and can make a play from allover the field...not just pass rush.

09-01-2015, 10:54 AM	Topic Starter
thabear04 MTFU Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The Valley Heat Casino cash: $5570450	Justin Houston or Derrick Thomas? Similar looks four years into careers http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2...b-ae8aef50333d 1. Justin Houston or Derrick Thomas? Similar looks four years into careers “Thomas holds the Chiefs’ record with 45 forced fumbles, and in 1992 he recorded a team-record eight. He also recovered more fumbles than anybody in Chiefs history with 19, sometimes recovering the fumbles he forced with a quickness that left many offensive linemen wondering what had just zipped by. “The first step is what made Derrick so phenomenal,” said Rich Baldinger, a former Chiefs offensive lineman who played four seasons with Thomas. “His first step was so quick, and his flexibility, knowing how to drop his shoulder and turn the corner.” Although the players’ listed dimensions are similar — both 6 feet 3, with Houston listed at 258 and Thomas at 255 — they took different routes to their sacks.” READ MORE… In his first visit to Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph, former general manager Carl Peterson indulged an inquisitor about Derrick Thomas. The cornerstone of the Chiefs’ success in the 1990s. … A game-changer with his speed and first step. … Not crushing quarterbacks but more interested in the forced fumble. No more than 50 feet away as Peterson continued, a cadence of thwaps, like a boxer hitting a speed bag in perfect rhythm, diverted attention. Justin Houston was getting in his post-practice work, a hand-eye coordination drill on a blocking sled. This is how Houston finished every day, he and Tamba Hali, and sometimes younger Chiefs following the leaders. “Obviously a standout player,” Peterson said. “He’s on his way.” (This story is part of The Kansas City Star’s Football 2015 special section that publishes Sunday, Aug. 30. Pick one up and check out more here.) Perhaps one day to the place where Peterson was heading in the next few days — to Canton, Ohio, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Peterson would soon be there to pay tribute to inductee Will Shields, the great Chiefs offensive lineman. While there, Peterson would also remember his friend, Thomas, his first draft pick as the Chiefs’ new general manager in 1989 and to whom he paid the ultimate tribute — Thomas’ posthumous Hall of Fame enshrinement speech in 2009. “He has a chance,” Peterson said of Houston. “He has the talent, and, knock on wood, he stays healthy.” Comparisons between Justin Houston and Derrick Thomas gained momentum as the 2014 season unfolded and Houston’s sack totals went from those of a solid Pro Bowl selection to epic. Starting with the Chiefs’ third game, a victory at Miami, Houston recorded at least one sack in six straight games, including five in a two-game stretch. At midseason, Houston had 12 sacks. Since Thomas’ final season in 1999, only two Chiefs have amassed that many sacks for an entire season: Jared Allen with 15 1/2 in 2007 and Hali with 14 1/2 in 2010. Clearly, Houston was bound for something special. After two games without a sack, a new streak started. Houston recorded at last one sack over the Chiefs’ final six games, culminating with a four-sack game in the finale against the San Diego Chargers. That matched the best game in the NFL last season. The final tally: An NFL-best 22 sacks, eclipsing Thomas’ team record of 20 set in 1990 and falling half a sack short of Michael Strahan’s league record from 2001. Following the path of Bobby Bell, Willie Lanier and Thomas, the Chiefs are convinced their next great linebacker has arrived. This summer, they rewarded Houston with a six-year, $101 million deal, with $52.5 million guaranteed. The Chiefs speak of Houston as a cornerstone player, just as the organization described Thomas in the 1990s. “He became a symbol of our success,” Peterson said. “He was our game-changer.” Houston is becoming that player for the Chiefs. But can he become as productive as Derrick Thomas? After four seasons, the former Southeastern Conference stars — Houston from Georgia, Thomas from Alabama — posted similar numbers. In 63 games, Thomas had 58 sacks and appeared in four Pro Bowls. Houston has 48 1/2 sacks and three Pro Bowl appearances. The biggest statistical gap speaks to their difference in playing styles. Four years into his career, Thomas had 21 forced fumbles. Houston has forced seven. “John Elway said Derrick never wanted to kill him, he just wanted the take the ball from him,” Peterson said. “Derrick could change the course of a game with a single play. Invariably, when we needed a sack, Derrick, he’d get it. If we needed a fumble, he’d force it or get it.” Thomas holds the Chiefs’ record with 45 forced fumbles, and in 1992 he recorded a team-record eight. He also recovered more fumbles than anybody in Chiefs history with 19, sometimes recovering the fumbles he forced with a quickness that left many offensive linemen wondering what had just zipped by. “The first step is what made Derrick so phenomenal,” said Rich Baldinger, a former Chiefs offensive lineman who played four seasons with Thomas. “His first step was so quick, and his flexibility, knowing how to drop his shoulder and turn the corner.” Although the players’ listed dimensions are similar — both 6 feet 3, with Houston listed at 258 and Thomas at 255 — they took different routes to their sacks. “Justin’s physicality is special,” Baldinger said. “So even if he doesn’t beat someone with his speed like Derrick could, he has the ability to bull-rush him. “Also, you have to account for No. 50 when you’re run-blocking. He can defeat any tight end in the league. Ain’t no tight end that’s going to block him.” Chiefs defensive coordinator Bob Sutton calls Houston an ideal power-and-speed player who brings versatility. “We move him around a lot, which really helps us from a scheme standpoint,” Sutton said. “You don’t know where he’s going to be or what he’s going to do. Sometimes he plays inside, sometimes on the right side. For a guy to be able to do that, it helps us and makes him an effective player.” One of the most important common denominators is what surrounds the two defensive playmakers. A year before the Chiefs took Thomas in the first round with the fourth overall selection, they had drafted defensive Neil Smith from Nebraska with the second overall pick. Together, Thomas and Smith grew into a dynamic duo, playing off each other. They were teammates through the 1996 season, and Smith was a first-team All-Pro once and played in five Pro Bowls with the Chiefs. Alongside Houston there’s Hali, a five-time Pro Bowler who is about to begin his 10th season. When Houston was breaking into the league, Hali absorbed the double teams. Now, it’s Houston drawing the double teams — and sometimes more. “I told Tamba, ‘Go tell (Houston) he owes you some of that money,’” said Peterson, who drafted Hali. “‘You make him better and he makes you better.’” Where the Chiefs would like to see Houston catch Thomas is in team success. Through their first four years, Thomas’ teams went to the playoffs three times. There would be three more years of playoff appearances, including the 1993 AFC championship game. In 11 seasons, Thomas played for six playoff teams and three division winners. In Houston’s four seasons, the Chiefs have appeared in one playoff game and haven’t won a division title. Houston has the sack record, and he has established himself as one of the NFL’s top players (and among its richest). Thomas’s first four years statistically were his best. Houston wants to keep rising. “How do I top last year?” Houston said. “I put last year behind me and look forward to this year. I’m going to continue to do what I do …continue to stay focused and work like I’ve been working. Nothing changes.” TALE OF THE TAPE Here’s how Justin Houston stacks up with Derrick Thomas through their first four NFL seasons: Houston Category Thomas 6 feet 3 Height 6 feet 3 258 Weight 255 59 Games played 63 48 1/2 Sacks (total) 58 22 Sacks (single-season high) 20 7 Forced fumbles 21 3 Pro Bowl selections 4
Posts: 7,231

09-01-2015, 11:02 AM	#2
TEX Out Gunning CP's Fandom Police Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Laguna Beach, CA Casino cash: $1993127	DT was better at stripping the ball. He could literally change a game with that and often did. I can't remember how many time's I'd be watching a game, at a critical time, and think, "Come on Derrick, get him." Then watch as he did... Houston is a hell of a player. Glad he can add to the tradition of rushing the passer in KC. __________________ "The CHIEFS, HAVE THEIR DYNASTY!" Last edited by TEX; 09-01-2015 at 11:17 AM..
Posts: 34,774

09-01-2015, 11:11 AM	#3
Halfcan In Search of a Life Join Date: Aug 2005 Casino cash: $7327995	DT changed everything. This teamed sucked for decades before him. Stats don't tell the whole story with DT - he put this team on his back and made it a contender almost over night. Houston is amazing and it is unfair to compare him to anyone-he is defining a new generation of players.
Posts: 43,200

09-01-2015, 11:28 AM	#4
ChiefsCountry The Insider Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Lake of the Ozarks Casino cash: $1948752	Houston is a hell of a player, but there was just something about DT.
Posts: 49,809

09-01-2015, 12:11 PM	#6
ChiefGator Can these boys not play? Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Northcentral Florida Casino cash: $7582956	Interesting stats about the forced fumbles with DT. Maybe Houston needs to work on tackling the ball. __________________ - Mark
Posts: 4,599

09-01-2015, 12:14 PM	#7
thabear04 MTFU Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The Valley Heat Casino cash: $5570450	@tkelce thanks for giving my daughter a lifetime memory. #ChiefsKingdom #classact pic.twitter.com/3tDfz5azf7 — Andy Ashbrook (@ThatIsAll911) August 22, 2015
Posts: 7,231

09-01-2015, 12:26 PM	#12
Holladay Veteran Join Date: Sep 2000 Casino cash: $2329480	Confidence. Calling a safety then getting it.
Posts: 3,608

09-01-2015, 01:09 PM	#14
jimidollar MVP Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Texas Casino cash: $10021632	Houston is a very good player. However, there's no comparison with DT. DT had a knack for not only making great plays, but making them at the right time. DT knew that the most important thing in football was the BALL. __________________ -------------------- "I will have my glory day in the hot sun."- Nacho
Posts: 5,705

09-01-2015, 01:09 PM	#15
Mojo Jojo Veteran Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Johnson County Casino cash: $10013802	DT had a special talent getting to the QB and stripping the ball. Houston is a better overall LB against the run and dropping into coverage. Houston is more like Bobby Bell from the outside...never know where he may be and can make a play from allover the field...not just pass rush.
Posts: 3,341