Anyone who picks LJ #1 overall will be disappointed (1 Viewer)

[weasel3515]

As a Chiefs fan I can honestly say I remember the day Kansas City drafted LJ in the first round. I hated it then and I've hated it ever since. It has very little to do with his character (which is entirely "me"-oriented and very little to do with what is good for the team). It is about his ability. Yes, LJ is a good receiver for a RB. Yes, he has good speed. But when I saw him play in college (and being in Big Ten country I got to see him play A LOT) I saw a guy who was only above average, not in the same caliber as LT2 or Alexander. Even during his stellar senior year when he played the top three rushing defenses of the Big Ten (Ohio State, Iowa, Michigan) the best he could rush for was 60 yards.

LJ did so well last year because he played behind one of the best O-lines (and best blocking fullbacks) of all time. Now, with Roaf retired and Richardson gone, look at what you have. So far this preseason he has rushed the ball 11 times for 38 yards. Take out his longest run of 11 yards and you have a 2.7 ypc average. This is what I saw when he played for Penn St. when he played good defenses. Anyone would have done well behind that line last year. Don't believe me? Look at Derrick Blaylock before he got traded (a game with 4 TDs and another with 186 yards rushing in 2004).

Most magazines have LJ ranked #1 overall. My advice? Pass on him and take Alexander or even Tomlinson. Let somebody else be disappointed.

On the good side, at least Trent Green looks sharp. His value is sure to rise in upcoming drafts since they will have to pass more.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

If the Chiefs dont get a LT soon I wouldnt be excited to take Green or LJ.

ROAF !!! THEY NEED YOU !

 

[[icon]]

Agreed 100%.. I've been targeting green and I'm damn glad i've been doing so now. I think the line will be a great pass blocking line (at least a good one) but a sub par run blocking line.

I'm nervous about TGonz prospects though... what are your thoughts about TG?

 

[massraider]

When's the next nationally televised game?

Just wanna know who to pass the panic button to.

 

[Buddy Ball 2K3]

When's the next nationally televised game?Just wanna know who to pass the panic button to.

Dont pass it to Kyle Turley, he may not be able to lift it. That guy got pushed all over the place tonight. Thats not panic, thats just how it was. He was on his ### during this game as much as I was.

 

[jurb26]

The panic button should have been pushed several weeks ago after all of this information was realized:

Lost head coach, most seccussfull FF RB HC in recent history

Lost OC, most successfull FF RB OC in recent history

Lost great blocking FB

Hired Edwards as new HC

Lost 2nd best Olineman in the NFL at LT

If you're hitting the panic button now... I'm afraid it's likely too late.

 

[weasel3515]

When's the next nationally televised game?Just wanna know who to pass the panic button to.

Not pushing the panic button, just watching poor run blocking. Granted Shields and Waters weren't starting, but what I saw was very uninspiring.As for TG, I actually think he might do much better since my Chiefs will have to throw a lot more, especially on third and 12 after LJ gets 1 yard and minus three on first and second downs.

 

[massraider]

When's the next nationally televised game?Just wanna know who to pass the panic button to.

Dont pass it to Kyle Turley, he may not be able to lift it. That guy got pushed all over the place tonight. Thats not panic, thats just how it was. He was on his ### during this game as much as I was.

Hey, true that. But they were also missing Waters and Shields tonight. And they'll be back.Turley's pass protection was brutal, I'd be more worried about Green.LJ put up numbers when Turley was out last year as well. EDIT: I meant Roaf, of course. I'm no Chiefs fan, I loved seeing Turley get tossed around like a drunk cheerleader, but I don't think it's the end of the world for LJ.

 

[kutta]

Take out his longest run of 11 yards

I hate it when people say this.

 

[weasel3515]

Take out his longest run of 11 yards

I hate it when people say this.

Why? Granted, if it was a 53 yard scoring run it would be different, but 11 yards is hardly going to win you a championship trophy. My point was valid. Without that 11 yards his performance has been less than awe-inspiring.

 

[Tong Po]

Aren't we getting a little nuts here? The dude played less than a half in 2 pre-season football games. I'm pretty sure there are some guys missing on the O-Line (other than Roaf). And I seriously doubt he's running with reckless abandon. I'm of the opinion that professional runningbacks don't put a lot of heart into these pre-season games. Maybe for fear of getting injured before the season starts. You rarely see a veteran running back shredding defenses for 100 yards in a quarter of action. Larry Johnson is a beast and the Chiefs offense will be just fine.

 

[joffer]

Take out his longest run of 11 yards

I hate it when people say this.

Why? Granted, if it was a 53 yard scoring run it would be different, but 11 yards is hardly going to win you a championship trophy. My point was valid. Without that 11 yards his performance has been less than awe-inspiring.

can we take out the carry for -4 tonight too?

 

[doomsdaydoc]

you guys are all NUTS. I remember the first season that Ricky Williams was with the Dolphins. That preseason he looked like gargage. AVeraged around 2 yards per carry at best. He dropped like a fly down the draft charts and ended up with 1800 yards rushing. Chill out dudes, LJ will be FINE.

 

[Johnny]

Aren't we getting a little nuts here? The dude played less than a half in 2 pre-season football games. I'm pretty sure there are some guys missing on the O-Line (other than Roaf). And I seriously doubt he's running with reckless abandon. I'm of the opinion that professional runningbacks don't put a lot of heart into these pre-season games. Maybe for fear of getting injured before the season starts. You rarely see a veteran running back shredding defenses for 100 yards in a quarter of action. Larry Johnson is a beast and the Chiefs offense will be just fine.

I agree 100%. this happens every year. This is the preseason. Does not count. Teams are trying different plays out. Teams are not playing the complete 1st team for precauctionary reasons. Teams are not giving it 100%. Ladainain is not even playing in the preseason. Which is what LJ should be doing so threads like this would end.

LJ is the clear cut number 1 in my opinion. I love this article I read.

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=117791

L.J. is still The Man

August 15, 2006

The retirement of longtime stud offensive tackle Willie Roaf has raised some concerns about Larry Johnson's production, therefore opening debate about his viability as the No. 1 ranked player in fantasy football. The argument goes that without Roaf grading the way, Johnson's numbers will suffer.

Nonsense.

If you don't take Johnson No. 1, you will regret it. It's not that Seahawks star Shaun Alexander isn't a prize with the No. 2 pick, but any concerns that Johnson won't duplicate the spectacular numbers he had a year ago are unfounded.

Most owners likely have forgotten that Roaf missed six games last year because of a hamstring injury, including three in which Johnson was the starter. In those three games, Johnson rushed for 450 yards and four touchdowns. Sure, Johnson rushed for 12 touchdowns in six games with Roaf in the lineup, but there were other factors that determined whether L.J. hit pay dirt. Don't worry about the difference in TDs.

Reason No. 1 that Johnson is No. 1: New coach Herm Edwards has a deep commitment to the running game. Edwards gave Curtis Martin 300-plus carries in three of his five seasons in New York, including a league-high 371 in 2004. Edwards will utilize Johnson to the fullest.

Also, don't worry that former Chiefs fullback Tony Richardson is a Viking this season. Richardson is a good lead blocker, but as Sporting News Chiefs correspondent, Adam Teicher, pointed out, he played in only about a third of the team's snaps in 2005. Richardson was an important part of the running game, but he wasn't the primary reason L.J. succeeded.

As fantasy owners, sometimes you have to downplay schemes and line play and other extenuating factors, and just go with talent. Players like Johnson, with his combination of size, speed and strength, don't come around often. Johnson will be running to daylight plenty this season, and he'll also be seeing red -- as in red zone carries.

He has plenty of motivation to do well now that he has taken over for Priest Holmes, and it sounds like he's ready for the challenge.

"I don't play the game for the fantasy drafts or the magazine covers," Johnson says. "All of that is well and good, but I just love football so much and I love being out there in 100-degree heat and working hard."

Now go make him the No. 1 pick so he'll be working hard for your team.

 

[kutta]

Take out his longest run of 11 yards

I hate it when people say this.

Why? Granted, if it was a 53 yard scoring run it would be different, but 11 yards is hardly going to win you a championship trophy. My point was valid. Without that 11 yards his performance has been less than awe-inspiring.

Because all the carries count. Most RB's aren't running for 4.3 yards on each carry. They'll get a a couple crummy carries, and then break off a decent run. You can't discount any carries when talking about stats.Reggie Bush is only averaging 3 YPC if you take off his longest run.

 

[AnonymousBob]

The Chiefs have bad preseason games and it doesn't mean much.

The Raiders have bad preseason games and there's widespread panic?

 

[jurb26]

The Chiefs have bad preseason games and it doesn't mean much. The Raiders have bad preseason games and there's widespread panic?

Funny how double standards work.

 

[Tong Po]

The Chiefs have bad preseason games and it doesn't mean much. The Raiders have bad preseason games and there's widespread panic?

I think its silly to panic about the Raiders offense too.... but that's for another thread.

 

[joffer]

The Chiefs have bad preseason games and it doesn't mean much. The Raiders have bad preseason games and there's widespread panic?

Funny how double standards work.

not funny at all considering the first team KC offense was fine in their 1st preseason game.

 

[jurb26]

The Chiefs have bad preseason games and it doesn't mean much. The Raiders have bad preseason games and there's widespread panic?

Funny how double standards work.

not funny at all considering the first team KC offense was fine in their 1st preseason game.

Brooks was 1 for 3 with a TD pass in his 1st preseason game.

 

[joffer]

The Chiefs have bad preseason games and it doesn't mean much. The Raiders have bad preseason games and there's widespread panic?

Funny how double standards work.

not funny at all considering the first team KC offense was fine in their 1st preseason game.

Brooks was 1 for 3 with a TD pass in his 1st preseason game.

lmao - after an interception on the Philly 23Raiders 1st team offense has been abysmal both games.

 

[jurb26]

The Chiefs have bad preseason games and it doesn't mean much. The Raiders have bad preseason games and there's widespread panic?

Funny how double standards work.

not funny at all considering the first team KC offense was fine in their 1st preseason game.

Brooks was 1 for 3 with a TD pass in his 1st preseason game.

lmao - after an interception on the Philly 23Raiders 1st team offense has been abysmal both games.

lmao, how many points has the 1st team KC O scored so far in the preseason?

 

[joffer]

The Chiefs have bad preseason games and it doesn't mean much. The Raiders have bad preseason games and there's widespread panic?

Funny how double standards work.

not funny at all considering the first team KC offense was fine in their 1st preseason game.

Brooks was 1 for 3 with a TD pass in his 1st preseason game.

lmao - after an interception on the Philly 23Raiders 1st team offense has been abysmal both games.

lmao, how many points has the 1st team KC O scored so far in the preseason?

you win, jurb, the KC 1st team offense didn't go right down the field against the Texans, i imagined it.Portis rules, LJ's a bust, i give up.

 

[jurb26]

The Chiefs have bad preseason games and it doesn't mean much. The Raiders have bad preseason games and there's widespread panic?

Funny how double standards work.

not funny at all considering the first team KC offense was fine in their 1st preseason game.

Brooks was 1 for 3 with a TD pass in his 1st preseason game.

lmao - after an interception on the Philly 23Raiders 1st team offense has been abysmal both games.

lmao, how many points has the 1st team KC O scored so far in the preseason?

you win, jurb, the KC 1st team offense didn't go right down the field against the Texans, i imagined it.Portis rules, LJ's a bust, i give up.

Don't worry joffer, they still have their Oline coach. No need to be so jelaous.

 

[joffer]

The Chiefs have bad preseason games and it doesn't mean much. The Raiders have bad preseason games and there's widespread panic?

Funny how double standards work.

not funny at all considering the first team KC offense was fine in their 1st preseason game.

Brooks was 1 for 3 with a TD pass in his 1st preseason game.

lmao - after an interception on the Philly 23Raiders 1st team offense has been abysmal both games.

lmao, how many points has the 1st team KC O scored so far in the preseason?

you win, jurb, the KC 1st team offense didn't go right down the field against the Texans, i imagined it.Portis rules, LJ's a bust, i give up.

Don't worry joffer, they still have their Oline coach. No need to be so jelaous.

not sure what i'm supposed to be jealous of, but ok

 

[Billy Ball Thorton]

First off you being a (so called chiefs fan) lends you no more credit on the subject.

Second this post is GAY.

Third my draft is next week I have numro uno and will be picking LJ w/o looking back. Why you ask?

Because im a shark posting in a guppie thread.

 

[FatRader]

Wasn't everyone saying the same thing about LT two years ago? San Diego's line was awful - heck the whole team was awful coming of a 4-12 year in 2003. LT was had a measly 2 carries for 8 yards in the preseason.

And then he goes out and racks up 1700+ total yards and 18 TDs.

"Those who fail to remember the past are doomed to make draft decisions based on two quarters of preseason football"

 

[Raiders Fan]

' date='Aug 17 2006, 10:55 PM' post='5352565']Agreed 100%.. I've been targeting green and I'm damn glad i've been doing so now. I think the line will be a great pass blocking line (at least a good one) but a sub par run blocking line. I'm nervous about TGonz prospects though... what are your thoughts about TG?

Tony G is a good person to downgrade.. Why?? Well without Roaf he will be used to block more. When that happened last eyar Tony got very few passes. I have now dropped Tony G down..

 

[Kevin Ashcraft]

http://www.vegasinsider.com/nfl/story.cfm/story/517275

KC has the same preseason record as Indy the lats 4 seasons.....Hell ARIZONA has a better preseason record.....

You people freaking out like its armageddon are unreal. I just heard some liberal KC media alarmist say that because LJ averaged 2 yards a carry that that shows signs that this offense will falter this season. Heck, I can show you how many negative runs LJ had last year....many more than what he had tonight and Saturday.

Just because KC loses two games the world is coming to an end....sorry for the vent, but

GIVE ME A FRIGGIN' BREAK!

Diclaimer: The preceeding message was not made in blind homer-ism or as an owner of LJ in several leagues. I know this team has weaknesses. EVERY TEAM HAS WEAKNESSES! I know our D-Line is bottom five in the NFL and that we dont tackle well. But I also know that we have one of the most efficient QBs in the history of the game (look it up), and that we sat a AP LG because its PRESEASON. Again not blind homerism, just fair and balanced analysis.

 

[ceo3west]

The panic button should have been pushed several weeks ago after all of this information was realized:Lost head coach, most seccussfull FF RB HC in recent historyLost OC, most successfull FF RB OC in recent historyLost great blocking FBHired Edwards as new HCLost 2nd best Olineman in the NFL at LTIf you're hitting the panic button now... I'm afraid it's likely too late.

I agree. I dont think he'll completely bust but he certainly wont live up to the draft position IMO. I was just in a draft where a guy took James at #3 and passed on LJ, but I seemed to be the only one who thought this wasn't preposterous. Not saying I'd take James there, but I would certainly be hesitant to pull the trigger on LJ at this point. I like safe bets in the first round, and LJ just doesn't seem safe to me. This has nothing to do with the preseason - losing Roaf and Richardson will be huge.

 

[weasel3515]

First off you being a (so called chiefs fan) lends you no more credit on the subject.Second this post is GAY. Third my draft is next week I have numro uno and will be picking LJ w/o looking back. Why you ask?Because im a shark posting in a guppie thread.

You're funeral. I'll check back when LJ barely rushes for more than a grand and you are at the bottom of your league.

 

[massraider]

I was just in a draft where a guy took James at #3 and passed on LJ, but I seemed to be the only one who thought this wasn't preposterous. Not saying I'd take James there, but I would certainly be hesitant to pull the trigger on LJ at this point. I like safe bets in the first round, and LJ just doesn't seem safe to me. This has nothing to do with the preseason - losing Roaf and Richardson will be huge.

I dunno, passing on LJ for James cause you're worried about the O-line seems like jumping out of a frying pan, and running into a forest fire.

 

[Billy Ball Thorton]

First off you being a (so called chiefs fan) lends you no more credit on the subject.Second this post is GAY. Third my draft is next week I have numro uno and will be picking LJ w/o looking back. Why you ask?Because im a shark posting in a guppie thread.

You're funeral. I'll check back when LJ barely rushes for more than a grand and you are at the bottom of your league.

Please do.

 

[doomsdaydoc]

the reason there is a double standard regarding the raiders and the chiefs in preseason is because the raiders are in transition and have not been explosive for a while. They have a new QB coming off a bad season. There is reason for concern there. If Manning were having a bad preseason, they would be cutting him slack too.

 

[ceo3west]

I was just in a draft where a guy took James at #3 and passed on LJ, but I seemed to be the only one who thought this wasn't preposterous. Not saying I'd take James there, but I would certainly be hesitant to pull the trigger on LJ at this point. I like safe bets in the first round, and LJ just doesn't seem safe to me. This has nothing to do with the preseason - losing Roaf and Richardson will be huge.

I dunno, passing on LJ for James cause you're worried about the O-line seems like jumping out of a frying pan, and running into a forest fire.

Mabey so, but ask Willis McGahee about offensive lines. Or Emmitt Smith for that matter. O-Lines make the running back, bottom line.

 

[qimqam]

Take out his longest run of 11 yards

I hate it when people say this.

Why? Granted, if it was a 53 yard scoring run it would be different, but 11 yards is hardly going to win you a championship trophy. My point was valid. Without that 11 yards his performance has been less than awe-inspiring.

Take out his worst run (-4) and he is a respectable 10 for 42 or 4.2 yds per carry.LT averaged 4.3 last year and 3.9 the year before.

 

[Raiders Fan]

I can tell you a lot of games last year where LJ was slow out of the gate.. I would have to dig around but I am willing to bet his worst quarter was the 1st. He hasn't had a chance to get into a groove.. Why do you people panic so much?? I see it more this eyar then last..

 

[joffer]

I was just in a draft where a guy took James at #3 and passed on LJ, but I seemed to be the only one who thought this wasn't preposterous. Not saying I'd take James there, but I would certainly be hesitant to pull the trigger on LJ at this point. I like safe bets in the first round, and LJ just doesn't seem safe to me. This has nothing to do with the preseason - losing Roaf and Richardson will be huge.

I dunno, passing on LJ for James cause you're worried about the O-line seems like jumping out of a frying pan, and running into a forest fire.

Mabey so, but ask Willis McGahee about offensive lines. Or Emmitt Smith for that matter. O-Lines make the running back, bottom line.

the KC offensive line minus Welbourn and Roaf is still 100 times better than Arizona's

 

[JAMMIN]

I'm not sure how you can blame someone who is on the fence about whom to pick of the top three LJ, LT2, and SA for changing their ranking based on the preseason. I don't think dropping LJ all the way behind Portis or Barber is smart but maybe behind either SA or LT2 would make sense. Do you really want your stud RB #1 overall pick running behind Kyle Turley. LJ has had a lot of changes and if you pass on him for safer options like SA(cake walk schedule/reigning MVP) and LT2 (really the best NFL RB) you are probably making the better decision. Drafting someone #1 overall has to be a sure thing and LJ's ??? continue to grow.

 

[Delusions Of Adequacy]

Aren't we getting a little nuts here? The dude played less than a half in 2 pre-season football games. I'm pretty sure there are some guys missing on the O-Line (other than Roaf). And I seriously doubt he's running with reckless abandon. I'm of the opinion that professional runningbacks don't put a lot of heart into these pre-season games. Maybe for fear of getting injured before the season starts. You rarely see a veteran running back shredding defenses for 100 yards in a quarter of action. Larry Johnson is a beast and the Chiefs offense will be just fine.

I hope that's not true. I think you're more like to get injured not going full-bore, especially when your opponent is.

 

[BoltBacker]

Why do you people panic so much?? I see it more this eyar then last..

Maybe they had Ahman Green or JJ Arrington last year and didn't panic.

 

[Spartans Rule]

When's the next nationally televised game?

Just wanna know who to pass the panic button to.

Not pushing the panic button, just watching poor run blocking. Granted Shields and Waters weren't starting, but what I saw was very uninspiring.As for TG, I actually think he might do much better since my Chiefs will have to throw a lot more, especially on third and 12 after LJ gets 1 yard and minus three on first and second downs.

You do realize that Shields and Waters are hands down the two best players on a five-man unit, right?This is like saying "The Heat suck! Granted they were missing Shaq and Wade, but still!"

 

[BoltBacker]

When's the next nationally televised game?

Just wanna know who to pass the panic button to.

Not pushing the panic button, just watching poor run blocking. Granted Shields and Waters weren't starting, but what I saw was very uninspiring.As for TG, I actually think he might do much better since my Chiefs will have to throw a lot more, especially on third and 12 after LJ gets 1 yard and minus three on first and second downs.

You do realize that Shields and Waters are hands down the two best players on a five-man unit, right?This is like saying "The Heat suck! Granted they were missing Shaq and Wade, but still!"

I think Weigmann is very good. I'd go as far as to say as good as Waters and Shields at this point of his career. All three of the interior OL are very good. Unfortunately for LJ owners I think those are the only three helping LJ out at all.

 

[dickey moe]

This thread is bull####!

 

[KCC]

Do yourself a favor: Look at the numbers LJ put up in two-TE, one back formations when Roaf was out last year before deciding if you want to pass on LJ at #1. Granted, there are no stats of LJ's without Vermeil as H.C., but Edwards is the same guy who handed the rushing title to an aged Curtis Martin a couple years ago and with a line far inferior to what LJ has to work with this season.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

After what happened to Portis, starting backs have one goal. Can you guess what it is?

a) To have awe-inspiring performances in the preseason

b) To test the starting defenses of other teams

c) To give the fans in the stands a good show

d) to avoid getting hurt

Who knows the answer?

 

[Legion of Doom]

You're funeral. I'll check back when LJ barely rushes for more than a grand and you are at the bottom of your league.

Would that be week 9 or 10?

 

[weasel3515]

First off you being a (so called chiefs fan) lends you no more credit on the subject.Second this post is GAY. Third my draft is next week I have numro uno and will be picking LJ w/o looking back. Why you ask?Because im a shark posting in a guppie thread.

You're funeral. I'll check back when LJ barely rushes for more than a grand and you are at the bottom of your league.

Please do.

Thanks, I will. Let me ask you a question. Did you ever watch LJ perform against a good rush defense in college? The reason I ask is because it is analagous to how he will perform this year without Roaf, Richardson and probably Waters and/or Shields at some point. Average. If that is what you want at 1.01 then I wish I was in your league.

 

[Loopdog]

nothing makes me happier then reading posts like this....seriously, nothing. 11 combined carries in 2 preseason games and this guy acts like the world is ending

its borderline hilarious.

dude, draft Musa Smith then since he's averaging 14.5 yards a carry.

let me know how that goes for ya.

 

[Todem]

When's the next nationally televised game?Just wanna know who to pass the panic button to.

Not pushing the panic button, just watching poor run blocking. Granted Shields and Waters weren't starting, but what I saw was very uninspiring.As for TG, I actually think he might do much better since my Chiefs will have to throw a lot more, especially on third and 12 after LJ gets 1 yard and minus three on first and second downs.

OMG 3 carries. Your basing this on 3 friggin carries. LOL.Keep watching pre-season.I watched Ricky Williams absoulutely suck in 2002...I mean really bad. He did nothing in the preseason. Maybe a yard here a -2 yards there, 3 yards here.Regular season rolled around and he had 1853 yards rushing 47 receptions for 363 yards and 17 TD's. Ranked first or second that year in every league. The line he ran behind was far less skilled than KC's. Not even close.Keep watching pre-season football guppies.