Chandler drops to No. 3 QB as Falcons prepare for Hawks

  • SCOTT M. JOHNSON / Herald Writer
  • Wednesday, November 29, 2000 9:00pm
  • Sports

By SCOTT M. JOHNSON

Herald Writer

Chris Chandler’s teams have faced the Seattle Seahawks three times in his 13-year NFL career, and he’s been on the field only once. So why should this weekend be any different?

The oft-injured Chandler is expected to miss another meeting with the Seahawks this Sunday, although his health might not be the only reason.

Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Reeves announced Wednesday that he will go with rookie Doug Johnson, who played during the second half in a loss to Oakland four days ago, as the starter for Sunday’s game against the Seahawks.

“I just think it gives us the best chance to win,” Reeves said on a conference call Wednesday. “I think Chris and (backup) Danny (Kanell) are not completely healthy, and the young guy is. This gives us a chance to evaluate him and gives a chance for a guy like Chris to get healthy and see over these next three or four weeks if we can get any better.”

Chandler, an Everett native who starred at Everett High School and the University of Washington, has suffered a rib injury and a concussion this season. He had to leave Sunday’s game for one play after being sacked, then eventually gave way to Johnson in the second half. But Chandler is not listed on the team’s injury report, even though the Falcons announced that he will be the No. 3 quarterback against the Seahawks.

The true reason for Chandler’s demotion might be a growing rift between himself and the coach. Chandler was critical of some of the play-calling following the loss to Oakland, and eventually had a meeting with Reeves.

Reeves met with Chandler again on Wednesday morning to tell him Johnson would start.

“He’s disappointed, but he also realizes that he’s not 100 percent,” Reeves said. “This will give us a chance. He’s going to be supportive and help the young guy play as well as he can.”

While was disappointed with Reeves’ decision, “I understand his reasoning,” Chandler told the Associated Press, emphasizing that he and Reeves hold no resentment against each other.

“I just do what’s asked of me,” Chandler said. “I don’t read anything personal into it. I believe personal relationships should stay out of it.”

Chandler, however, took issue with Atlanta’s coaching staff after the Falcons were drubbed 41-14 by Oakland on Sunday. He said the coaches should share the blame with players for the pitiful performance of the Falcons’ offense this season.

“It’s the players’ responsibility to play better, and also I think it goes beyond that,” Chandler told the Associated Press on Sunday. “… I think maybe we can do better as a coaching staff also. It goes from top to bottom.”

Chandler, 35, is signed through the 2003 season, but a lofty salary (almost $18 million over the next three years) leaves his future in question. He has played 13 or more games in only five of his first 12 seasons. He has started 12 games this year, but ranks 12th in the NFC in passer rating (71.9).

Johnson has completed 14 of 24 passes for 128 yards in limited action this season. One of the few Seahawks who knows what to expect out of him Sunday is rookie wide receiver Darrell Jackson, who played with Johnson at the University of Florida last season.

“He’s very capable,” Jackson said. “He knows how to read defenses, he has a great attitude and he knows what to do.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Lake Stevens’ Kamryn Mason attempts to flip Glacier Peak’s Kyla Brown onto her back during 110-pound match at the 4A girls wrestling district tournament on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 in Mill Creek, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Vikings girls wrestling conquers 4A District 1 Tournament

Lake Stevens dominated with champions in six weight classes and 18 total state-qualifiers

Coach Derek Lopez (far right) and the Lake Stevens boys' wrestling team celebrates with their championship trophy at the WIAA 4A District 1 Tournament at Jackson High School on Feb. 8, 2025.
Lake Stevens boys capture district wrestling title

The Vikings had 17 state-qualifiers; second-place Arlington led with five weight class winners

Edmonds-Woodway wrestlers react to a pin during the match against Meadowdale on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys wrestling roundup for Saturday, Feb. 8

Edmonds-Woodway boys wins Wesco 3A South wrestling title.

Kamiak’s Kai Burgess has her arm raised in the air after beating Arlington’s Jaymari O’Neal in the 125-pound match at the 4A girls wrestling district tournament on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 in Mill Creek, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Rebuilding Kamiak girls wrestling steps forward at District Tournament

Ki Burgess and Eden Cole each won their weight class in Friday’s WIAA District 1 Girls’ 4A Tournament

Prep basketball roundup for Saturday, Feb. 8

Tulalip Heritage boys advance to district title game.

Meadowdale’s Kyairra Roussin takes the ball to the hoop during the game against Archbishop Murphy on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep girls basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 7

Kyairra Roussin’s deep buzzer-beater lifts Meadowdale over Stanwood.

Prep boys basketball roundup for Friday, Feb. 7

Lake Stevens passes Mariner in league standings to take final district slot.

Seattle head coach Mike Holmgren watches his team against Washington Sunday, November 9, 2003. (George Bridges / KRT / Tribune News Services)
No Holmgren in Hall is a travesty

The Former Seahawks coach carries a resume superior to many already in the HOF.

A Snohomish School District truck clears the parking lot at Glacier Peak High School on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025. (Aaron Coe / The Herald)
Inclement weather cancellations strain high school sports calendar

With state tournaments on the horizon, ADs from Wesco, Northwest and Kingco must be flexible

Gonzaga overcomes stagnant start to beat LMU

Bulldogs get ‘best of best’ play down the stretch in 73-53 win.

Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates during a stop of the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field on Nov. 24, 2024 (Photo courtesy of Rod Mar / Seattle Seahawks)
Leonard Williams restructures Seahawks deal

More moves may be coming as Seattle deals with salary cap.

Palmer Mutcheson chips onto the green during the Men’s Club Championship at Snohomish Golf Course. Mutcheson won the tournament and carded a nine-under-par 63 on Aug. 4, 2024, which set a new course record. (Photo courtesy Kiana Richards, Snohomish Golf Course)
Tee off in style: The top three golf courses in the Snohomish County

From scenic fairways to championship-level greens, these courses are a golfer’s dream!

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.