Each week during the 2005 season I will choose an offensive, defensive and special teams player of the game. Here are my selections for the Chiefs after their big opening day win over the Jets:
Offense: RB Larry Johnson
The third year running back led the Chiefs offense with 110 yards rushing and two touchdowns on just nine carries, showing an impressive combination of both power and speed. Johnson set the tone for the game on his first carry of the season, going untouched from 35 yards out to put the Chiefs up 7-0.
Defense: LB Derrick Johnson
In his first NFL game, rookie Derrick Johnson displayed the speed and athleticism that has been missing from the Chiefs defense for the past few years. He finished the game with eight tackles and one sack, and helped hold last year’s NFL rushing leader Curtis Martin to just 57 yards on 20 carries.
Special Teams: P Dustin Colquitt
Colquitt was called on to punt only twice on Sunday, but he showed why the Chiefs selected him in the third round of April’s NFL Draft. On his first punt, the Jets sent a heavy rush at him, but he still managed to unleash a 47 yard missile. Colquitt averaged 48.5 yards per punt for the day.
