Dansby on Kelce: ‘Put me on him’

By Nate Ulrich

Akron Beacon Journal

AKRON

The Browns have a long history of being tormented by top-flight tight ends, and Kansas City Chiefs Pro Bowler Travis Kelce certainly fits the description of a legitimate threat.

But veteran inside linebacker Karlos Dansby has a proposal for how the Browns (3-11) can combat Kelce when they face the Kansas City Chiefs (9-5) on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.

“Put me on him,” Dansby said. “That’s how you do it.”

Will defensive coordinator Jim O’Neil give Dansby his wish?

“I’ll have an opportunity to have my shots at him,” Dansby replied. “If they throw the ball, they throw the ball. If they don’t, if he has to block me, he’s going to have to block me. That’s just part of the game. Within the scheme, though, I’ll have my opportunities to get him.”

Dansby fancies himself an elite coverage linebacker, and he’ll need to live up to the billing if he wants to neutralize Kelce.

“I want him. I want him. I want him,” Dansby said. “That’s just in my mindset. I’m a competitor. If he’s the best, I want to be able to go against him and see where I measure up because nobody’s been able to stop him so far this year. The kid is playing lights out right now. I’ve got to give credit where credit is due. I’ve seen the stuff he’s put on film. He’s fluent in his route running. His ability to run after the catch is rare. You don’t see that with a lot of tight ends in this league. So he’s one of the best out there doing it.”

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound Kelce has 65 catches for 822 yards and four touchdowns this season, earning the first Pro Bowl selection of his career. His yardage ranks fourth in the AFC and fifth in the NFL among tight ends. He leads all players at his position with 1,026 yards after catch since the start of last season.

“I respect every opponent, but I’m not scared of nobody,” Dansby said. “I fear nobody. I want that challenge. I’m going to have my opportunity, and I’m just trying to win every opportunity I get, I’m trying to win on that play. He’s one of the best ones out there doing it right now. I’m watching film and, [shoot], he’s real [bleeping] good, to be honest. He’s got the size. He’s got the speed. He’s got the route running down. So let’s see where I measure up at. Am I what they say I am? They say I’m the best cover LB in the league. Now I’ve got to show it. I’m trying to show it every chance I get on these tight ends and just do my part to help the team win.”

According to ProFootballFocus.com’s rankings, Dansby is ranked third among 58 inside linebackers in coverage productivity. Quarterbacks throwing into his coverage this season have completed 31-of-42 passes for 292 yards with three interceptions for a rating of 62.8, per the website.

Dansby, 34, needs one interception to become just the fifth player in NFL history to record at least 20 interceptions and 40 sacks. He has 19 interceptions, including three this season, to go along with 41 sacks.

But making plays against Kelce, 26, will be challenging because he has a knack for getting open.

“It is pretty innate,” Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith said. “He has that about him. He has great instincts. He feels the game well.”