First And 10: Getting Inside The Head Of Kansas City's Derrick Johnson

Perhaps no other member of the 2008 Kansas City Chiefs' defense was as instrumental to the unit's dismal performance than outside linebacker Derrick Johnson.

The former All-America at the University of Texas possesses a rare combination of speed, strength and ball awareness that screams All-Pro, a designation Johnson has yet to achieve despite averaging close to 100 tackles per season from 2005-2007.

Last season, family matters, on-field struggles and injuries contributed to a sub-par season from what could be consider the Chiefs' most talented defender. Johnson tallied in '08 86 total tackles, four forced fumbles, one-and-a half sacks and one interception returned for 7 yards. He missed two games due to an hamstring injury.

Add to the fact Johnson was playing with a heavy heart-his father Wayne Johnson passed away in December of 2007-and it equals a frustrating season for Johnson and Chiefs' fans who swear up and down Johnson has the ability to be a dominant defensive force.

Now with the new regime of general manager Scott Pioli, head coach Todd Haley and defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast, Johnson, who played a few games late last season at middle linebacker, makes the switch to inside linebacker in the much ballyhooed 3-4 defense being implemented this season by the Chiefs.

BleacherReport.com has compiled a list of ten questions Chiefs' fans would like to know about Johnson and his mind state for 2009.

10. First of all, Derrick tell us how have you been able to handle the death of your father, Wayne, in 2007?

9. What motivation have you drawn from the experience of losing a parent?

8. DJ, injuries cost you two games last season and hampered your play-making abilities in several others. How are you going to rebound from that this season?

7. Much has been made of the Chiefs' decision to switch from a 4-3 to the 3-4 defense. What's your thoughts on the transition?

6. How has the switch affected your off-season preparation?

5. What do you believe will be the biggest adjustment for you moving inside in a totally different scheme than what you have previously played in the National Football League?

4. The Chiefs have not had a lot of team success in the last two seasons. What do you attribute the lack of success to and how do you as a team leader cope with that?

3. Chiefs' fans over the years have pulled their hair out about what they perceive as a lack of polish with your game. How do you turn your potential into All-Pro status?

2. What's more important to you as a football player, a Pro Bowl appearance or playing in a Super Bowl?

1. Lastly, what are your genuine expectations for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2009?