Josh Mauga and Derrick Johnson have a good working relationship. That's important, considering the starting middle linebackers in the Chiefs' 3-4 scheme often have to be on the same page in order to stop the run.
“I try to compete with him,” Mauga said with a laugh. “I’ll tell him before the snap that I’m gonna beat him to this play, I’m gonna take on this block and make the tackle. He gets excited about it too and he ends up making the play, anyway.”
Johnson, indeed, has won their friendly competition more often than not u2015 his 100 total tackles lead the team, while Mauga has 48 in two fewer games.