Anyone worried about CJ with Locker? (1 Viewer)

[ponchsox]

Now that Locker is starting, how does this affect Chris Johnson's fantasy outlook? Are defenses going to be keying on stopping CJ? Anyone else worried or is he still a home run threat?

 

[Shutout]

First thing that comes to mind is a statement made that CJ was at his best with Vince YOung and they linked that to the stretch plays/run threats.

So, just a first thought" If Locker is more mobile, then that could be a plus. If less mobile, then maybe not.

 

[David Yudkin]

In the 3 games Locker saw much time last season, CJ had . . .

Week 11 ATL 12-13-0

Week 14 NOS 11-23-0

Week 15 IND 15-55-0

 

[Modog814]

I'm not too worried. Locker isn't the most accurate but has some nice mobility to him so whatever respect the defense loses in the passing game for him he makes up because they have to consider his threat of pulling down the ball and taking off.

 

[bagger]

In the 3 games Locker saw much time last season, CJ had . . .Week 11 ATL 12-13-0Week 14 NOS 11-23-0Week 15 IND 15-55-0

 

[Abraham]

Locker will be better for him then hass. For starters, locker will throw deep down the middle, which Hasselbeck quit doing around week 8 last season. Locker is also more mobile. Those two reasons alone should be enough to negate anything negative that would come of the change.

 

[duaneok66]

The starting QB is not as important as CJ's effort.

 

[Chazzhawk]

I think he will be better for CJ running the ball, but CJ's targets and catches are going to go way down. I just don't see Locker checking down to him very much.

 

[Abraham]

I think he will be better for CJ running the ball, but CJ's targets and catches are going to go way down. I just don't see Locker checking down to him very much.

You make a good point. The most encouraging thing and discouraging thing about locker are one in the same: he simply can not force himself to do the safe thing. The interception Friday was a perfect example. He scrambled free from the pocket and could have gained a few yards with his feet or tossed a short pass. Instead, he threw across his body downfield, air mailing the pass right to the defender. Johnson will get lots of receptions on designed screens. He won't get many on passes where he is option 5 / outlet standin 3 yards downfield.

 

[Jackal King]

In the 3 games Locker saw much time last season, CJ had . . .Week 11 ATL 12-13-0Week 14 NOS 11-23-0Week 15 IND 15-55-0

So...three of his better games.

 

[Run It Up]

I think it helps CJ, even if Locker ends up not being the guy it will take a few weeks for defenses to realize it.

More checkdowns, never a bad thing.

Its not like CJ wasnt their entire offense with hasselback also, or vince young.

 

[Buffaloes]

no, I like him better with Locker. Running/mobile QBs seem to have a positive effect on their RBs.

 

[SproutDaddy]

In the 3 games Locker saw much time last season, CJ had . . .DWeek 11 ATL 12-13-0Week 14 NOS 11-23-0Week 15 IND 15-55-0

So...three of his better games.

Bitter much?

 

[Pots]

In the 3 games Locker saw much time last season, CJ had . . .DWeek 11 ATL 12-13-0Week 14 NOS 11-23-0Week 15 IND 15-55-0

So...three of his better games.

Bitter much?

People are drafting CJ chasing his 2000 yard season of 3 years ago. He's not a top 5 RB anymore.

 

[Titan]

I said this in the Locker thread, but it is more applicable here: Locker is the best thing that could have happen for Chris Johnson. He is going to stretch the field both ways, opening up running lanes for CJ. He had his best year with VY and Locker has a skill set very similar to VY.

 

[Ilov80s]

In the 3 games Locker saw much time last season, CJ had . . .Week 11 ATL 12-13-0Week 14 NOS 11-23-0Week 15 IND 15-55-0

So...three of his better games.

Johnson had a strong second half of the year. He had some clunkers and struggled to score but project 16 games and it is 1600 yards and 6 TDs. That would have made him about 5th at RB last year. Safe to say he could score more and in PPR, he was still 3rd in receptions for RB.

 

[Bri]

Now that Locker is starting, how does this affect Chris Johnson's fantasy outlook? Are defenses going to be keying on stopping CJ? Anyone else worried or is he still a home run threat?

The Titans went through major changes in 2011 and didn't handle it well. The worst was probably the difference in the quality of the blocking from 2010 to 2011. CJ was trying to make something out of nothing and he's no Jim Brown. He needs holes to operate.I don't, in anyway, expect the Titans to be poor performers along the offensive line again. Nothing in their history even hints at last year happening, never mind it repeating especially with those coaches.The Titans offense with Vince (when he was most effective, if not at his best) was best when he read the field then decided to run. They did not have anywhere near the talent at WR that they have now. Although mostly unproven, they have to be covered and feared as a genuine threat to get open not just putting on a show with one eye on the QB's ability to run. You have to imagine first and foremost Locker is going to become quite good at play-action. Those two will learn to succeed together and I wouldn't worry

 

[kinghill]

In the 3 games Locker saw much time last season, CJ had . . .Week 11 ATL 12-13-0Week 14 NOS 11-23-0Week 15 IND 15-55-0

also Week14+15 he had 13 rec, 17 targets, for 97 yds.

 

[Abraham]

I said this in the Locker thread, but it is more applicable here: Locker is the best thing that could have happen for Chris Johnson. He is going to stretch the field both ways, opening up running lanes for CJ. He had his best year with VY and Locker has a skill set very similar to VY.

I disagree. Locker and vy are not very similar. Vince was a short range passer who occasionally tossed one deep. Vince was a runner whenever the opportunity presented itself. Locker is a deeper "gun slinger" who needs to beaten over the head with the playbook to look for anything short. He is a scrambler at the last moment, picking up rush yards almost begrudgingly. I got the feeling Vince would like to run as much as possible (and coaching him away from this is what did him in). Conversely, I get the feeling locker would rather throw it 40 yards downfield off his back leg and across his body and only runs when he has to...but he has the talent to gain yards once he tucks it and goes.

 

[Sabertooth]

In the 3 games Locker saw much time last season, CJ had . . .Week 11 ATL 12-13-0Week 14 NOS 11-23-0Week 15 IND 15-55-0

So...three of his better games.

Touche

 

[Modog814]

In the 3 games Locker saw much time last season, CJ had . . .Week 11 ATL 12-13-0Week 14 NOS 11-23-0Week 15 IND 15-55-0

To be fair Locker basically played 5 quarters over those 3 games so it's hardly correct to draw any meaningful conclusion from these numbers.

 

[Shutout]

In the 3 games Locker saw much time last season, CJ had . . .DWeek 11 ATL 12-13-0Week 14 NOS 11-23-0Week 15 IND 15-55-0

So...three of his better games.

Bitter much?

People are drafting CJ chasing his 2000 yard season of 3 years ago. He's not a top 5 RB anymore.

 

[strong]

In the 3 games Locker saw much time last season, CJ had . . .

D

Week 11 ATL 12-13-0

Week 14 NOS 11-23-0

Week 15 IND 15-55-0

So...three of his better games.

Bitter much?

relevant gif

 

[Titan]

I said this in the Locker thread, but it is more applicable here: Locker is the best thing that could have happen for Chris Johnson. He is going to stretch the field both ways, opening up running lanes for CJ. He had his best year with VY and Locker has a skill set very similar to VY.

I disagree. Locker and vy are not very similar. Vince was a short range passer who occasionally tossed one deep. Vince was a runner whenever the opportunity presented itself. Locker is a deeper "gun slinger" who needs to beaten over the head with the playbook to look for anything short. He is a scrambler at the last moment, picking up rush yards almost begrudgingly. I got the feeling Vince would like to run as much as possible (and coaching him away from this is what did him in). Conversely, I get the feeling locker would rather throw it 40 yards downfield off his back leg and across his body and only runs when he has to...but he has the talent to gain yards once he tucks it and goes.

Fair enough, but the point is (and you said it yourself) Locker (like VY, especially compared to Collins or Hasselback) will spread the defense both vertically (ability and willingness to throw the deep ball - also Washington, Cook and Britt are all legit deep threats) and horizontally (the Titans should run allot of bootlegs, rollouts, moving pockets, etc, due to the fact that Locker was more accurate on the run than in the pocket and the defenses have to respect it because Locker can take off for a big chunk of yards - Collins or Hasselbeck, not so much). That will create more running lanes for Johnson, like what VY did for Johnson. It should also, IMO, create more long runs for Johnson.

 

[Run It Up]

In the 3 games Locker saw much time last season, CJ had . . .DWeek 11 ATL 12-13-0Week 14 NOS 11-23-0Week 15 IND 15-55-0

So...three of his better games.

Bitter much?

People are drafting CJ chasing his 2000 yard season of 3 years ago. He's not a top 5 RB anymore.

Has one bad year according to PPG, still finishes top 10. Do you guys even think before you post this crap?

                               Rush                            Rece                                          Year     Age  Tm Pos No.  G GS  Att  Yds TD Lng Y/A   Y/G  A/G  Rec Yds  Y/R TD Lng R/G  Y/G YScm RRTD Fmb AV2008*     23 TEN  RB  28 15 14  251 1228  9  66 4.9  81.9 16.7   43 260  6.0  1  25 2.9 17.3 1488   10   1 112009*+    24 TEN  RB  28 16 16  358 2006 14  91 5.6 125.4 22.4   50 503 10.1  2  69 3.1 31.4 2509   16   3 192010*     25 TEN  RB  28 16 16  316 1364 11  76 4.3  85.3 19.8   44 245  5.6  1  25 2.8 15.3 1609   12   3 132011      26 TEN  RB  28 16 16  262 1047  4  48 4.0  65.4 16.4   57 418  7.3  0  34 3.6 26.1 1465    4   3  9

With a 50% turnover in the top 10 RBs, I think you should be pretty pumped to have a RB who finishes in the top 10 4 years in a row, one of which being 2509 yds from scrimmage...

 

[Bills_Fan11]

I'm higher than most on CJ this yr but people are really arguing a guy who could barely complete half his passes in college is going to open things up for him? I mean wow. Kyle Boeller & JP Losman had some nice arms too.

 

[Run It Up]

I'm higher than most on CJ this yr but people are really arguing a guy who could barely complete half his passes in college is going to open things up for him? I mean wow. Kyle Boeller & JP Losman had some nice arms too.

The more important argument is that he never had a good QB, so whats the worst that can happen...

 

[Abraham]

I said this in the Locker thread, but it is more applicable here: Locker is the best thing that could have happen for Chris Johnson. He is going to stretch the field both ways, opening up running lanes for CJ. He had his best year with VY and Locker has a skill set very similar to VY.

I disagree. Locker and vy are not very similar. Vince was a short range passer who occasionally tossed one deep. Vince was a runner whenever the opportunity presented itself. Locker is a deeper "gun slinger" who needs to beaten over the head with the playbook to look for anything short. He is a scrambler at the last moment, picking up rush yards almost begrudgingly. I got the feeling Vince would like to run as much as possible (and coaching him away from this is what did him in). Conversely, I get the feeling locker would rather throw it 40 yards downfield off his back leg and across his body and only runs when he has to...but he has the talent to gain yards once he tucks it and goes.

Fair enough, but the point is (and you said it yourself) Locker (like VY, especially compared to Collins or Hasselback) will spread the defense both vertically (ability and willingness to throw the deep ball - also Washington, Cook and Britt are all legit deep threats) and horizontally (the Titans should run allot of bootlegs, rollouts, moving pockets, etc, due to the fact that Locker was more accurate on the run than in the pocket and the defenses have to respect it because Locker can take off for a big chunk of yards - Collins or Hasselbeck, not so much). That will create more running lanes for Johnson, like what VY did for Johnson. It should also, IMO, create more long runs for Johnson.

 

[Bills_Fan11]

I'm higher than most on CJ this yr but people are really arguing a guy who could barely complete half his passes in college is going to open things up for him? I mean wow. Kyle Boeller & JP Losman had some nice arms too.

The more important argument is that he never had a good QB, so whats the worst that can happen...

Yah that I can buy.

 

[jurb26]

I'm higher than most on CJ this yr but people are really arguing a guy who could barely complete half his passes in college is going to open things up for him? I mean wow. Kyle Boeller & JP Losman had some nice arms too.

The more important argument is that he never had a good QB, so whats the worst that can happen...

This is my thought as well. Johnson is a very good back who is coming off a very bad year, for him. He is great value right now at the back half of round 1. This same thing happens every year with some player or another. People let the emotion of "feeling burnt" by a guy who underperformed the year prior slip. It's irrational IMO but human nature. CJ to me is as good a pick as anyone outside of the top 5.

 

[Slapdash]

I thought the Titans Offense looked a lot more dangerous with Locker in there last year but I'm not sure if that helps CJ.

 

[Faust]

Cosell breaks down Titans' quarterbacks

By Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com

Greg Cosell of NFL Films offers some very interesting takes off film study.

Here, he closely examines the strengths and weaknesses of Matt Hasselbeck and Jake Locker.

It boils down to things we've long talked about -- Hasselbeck brings experience and anticipation but Locker has a stronger arm and is better on the move in a way that can help Chris Johnson.

"Locker can make throws outside the pocket, whether off boot action or improvisation; Hasselbeck cannot. Designed movement off play-action would fit well with the outside-zone running ability of Titans running back Chris Johnson. The goal of the perimeter zone run game is to stretch the defense on the front side and cut or seal the pursuit on the back side. A quarterback capable of getting on the edge by design can force back-side defenders to hold their positions for an extra beat. That leaves fewer players in pursuit, giving Johnson more space to cut back, one of his strengths as a runner. Theres no question Locker would allow that tactic to be more effective.

"On the other hand, Hasselbeck is a much better pocket passer than Locker is currently. Hasselbeck would provide more stability and greater consistency. Most offensive coaches just want their game plans executed as intended. Hasselbeck, who is better at recognizing, adjusting and manipulating than Locker, would offer the Titans more continuity and greater certainty. Based on tape of him in college and from last season, Locker can be a bit undisciplined. Like many quarterbacks with excellent athletic ability and a history of making plays with their legs on Saturday afternoons, Locker has walked a fine line between following his playmaking instincts and leaving the pocket too early. The bottom line, though, is that in the NFL, quarterback is a pocket position. The traits that produce quality play from the pocket must be honed and sharpened if true consistency is to follow."

Has he honed that play from the pocket? That's the big question. If the gap between Locker and Hasselbeck in that department is sufficiently narrowed, that could be the pivot point for making the change in starters. I've not been with the Titans daily, but I have seen a bunch of practices. Some days Locker looks like a much improved pocket passer. Some days he does not.

And while Hasselbeck will never be Locker on the move, he's worked to get better with boots and rollouts, perhaps closing the gap in that department.

We'll all have to stay tuned. Our next evidence to consider comes late Saturday in Seattle.

 

[LHUCKS]

I expect strong, but not crazy numbers for Johnson.

I currently have him as a slight value.

 

[Bri]

In the 3 games Locker saw much time last season, CJ had . . .DWeek 11 ATL 12-13-0Week 14 NOS 11-23-0Week 15 IND 15-55-0

So...three of his better games.

Bitter much?

People are drafting CJ chasing his 2000 yard season of 3 years ago. He's not a top 5 RB anymore.

He is still video game-like fast.He's not Dexter McCluster or (good part of the time) Jahvid Best. He does have vision.Last year was not the best year for RBs in FF; WRs and QBs clearly solidified their place in the top of drafts. That's a change that's been happening and just seemed like 2012 FF drafts(doing rankings on 2011) seem to really solidify that. Many RBs are "old" or play old or have some issue that makes you think "wait a sec." Gore and Jackson seem to concern plenty. Which Panther RB makes ya warm n fuzzy? MJD hasn't been playing nice all the time this offseason. ADP is overcoming surgery. I think a lot of people start their rankings downgrading CJ, but when they go through all the different RBs, they come back to CJ and start (again) to like the jaw dropping speed. I don't think it's 2000 yards. I think it's better FF potential than X, Y, Z which dictates his ranking. There's a few rooks this year and second year players that look like they'll be special. It's very possible this is a changing of the guard for FF and a new cast of RBs will get our love in FF. Before the season though, it's do I want the unproven guy or the older winding down his career guy? or the injury guy? CJ's potential is better than that too.NFL history probably dictates that he'll get injured at some point like all RBs seem to. Until then there will always be FF drafters wanting the RB with wheels like his. He hasn't had too too much love this offseason. Watch what happens when he breaks one single long gainer and displays that speed. We all pretend to be scouts and it just happens in FF.

 

[flapgreen]

You should be worried about CJ, but not because of Locker.

 

[Area51Inhabitant]

You should be worried about CJ, but not because of Locker.

This. The Tennessee o-line isn't what it used to be that's for sure. I'm staying far away from CJ this year although I'm liking me some of Tennessee's receivers as later round sleeper fodder.

 

[Shutout]

You should be worried about CJ, but not because of Locker.

This. The Tennessee o-line isn't what it used to be that's for sure. I'm staying far away from CJ this year although I'm liking me some of Tennessee's receivers as later round sleeper fodder.

I would agree. I think ift the cardinals had not stole the spotlight on O-line ineptitude last night, the broadcast might have taken some time to replay some of that bad O-line play on the Titans side. I want to give the Cardinals credit for their defense being improved and, especially without Washington playing last night, but I think its more than that when we see 3 defenders in the backfield on seemingly every run play that goes to either side. There is a problem there.

 

[VaTerp]

I firmly believe in the notion that Locker stretches the field horizontally and vertically, which will help to open up running lanes for Johnson.

My concern, which was initially pointed out by Abraham in this thread, is that Locker appears to be REALLY bad at check downs. Watching CJ over the last 4 years I don't think Tennessee ever utilized him that effectively in the passing game despite him putting up decent receiving numbers.

After watching Locker not check down at all and seemingly getting every designed screen or short pass tipped or fall incomplete, I am more concerned.

For a while I have planned on Johnson being one of my main targets in my auction next week. I still like him but the price I'm willing to play has dropped.

 

[Clifford]

Yeah I'm bumping him way down based on what I saw last night. He isn't turning the corner on edge rushes like he used to, and is still really bad at getting anything after contact. Every time he gets hit he goes straight down or flies backwards. Not looking good, at least this last game. Game before this he looked all right.

 

[Sinn Fein]

I firmly believe in the notion that Locker stretches the field horizontally and vertically, which will help to open up running lanes for Johnson.

My concern, which was initially pointed out by Abraham in this thread, is that Locker appears to be REALLY bad at check downs. Watching CJ over the last 4 years I don't think Tennessee ever utilized him that effectively in the passing game despite him putting up decent receiving numbers.

After watching Locker not check down at all and seemingly getting every designed screen or short pass tipped or fall incomplete, I am more concerned.

For a while I have planned on Johnson being one of my main targets in my auction next week. I still like him but the price I'm willing to play has dropped.

I think Locker will get this. That is a touch pass, and last night at least, he seems to be gunning those throws. He'll learn to take a little off to make it more catchable.

 

[Pigskin Fanatic]

I firmly believe in the notion that Locker stretches the field horizontally and vertically, which will help to open up running lanes for Johnson.

My concern, which was initially pointed out by Abraham in this thread, is that Locker appears to be REALLY bad at check downs. Watching CJ over the last 4 years I don't think Tennessee ever utilized him that effectively in the passing game despite him putting up decent receiving numbers.

After watching Locker not check down at all and seemingly getting every designed screen or short pass tipped or fall incomplete, I am more concerned.

For a while I have planned on Johnson being one of my main targets in my auction next week. I still like him but the price I'm willing to play has dropped.

I think Locker will get this. That is a touch pass, and last night at least, he seems to be gunning those throws. He'll learn to take a little off to make it more catchable.

Agree with this. It seemed last night that it wasn't so much he wasn't checking down but more so that he couldn't get the receiver the ball once he found the checkdown. The Fox announcers for the game touched on this a few times last night and showed a couple of replays where Locker's head was on a swivel at all times once the first option was taken away. Good stuff for preseason, I'd say he's going in the right direction. CJ still looked uninspired to run though, he is his own worst enemy. CJ1.2K maybe, but far from CJ2K right now.