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It's Official - Rudi Signs with Lions (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter gbill2004
- Start date
el-gato-grande
Footballguy
Johnson expected to compete for starting RB job eventuallyBy John ClaytonESPN.comRunning back Rudi Johnson reached a one-year agreement with the Detroit Lions, the team confirmed Monday. The former Bengal flew to Detroit after being released and impressed the Lions with his workout and conditioning. Following Johnson's visit, there was a buzz in the Lions locker room among players who saw his workout.Johnson had one of his best off-seasons, training-wise, but he missed a good portion of training camp with a hamstring injury.Because the move was made after 4 p.m. Monday, the Lions didn't have to make a roster move until Tuesday. Tatum Bell, who lost the starting job to rookie Kevin Smith, could be a candidate to be released.Johnson rushed for 5,742 yards in seven seasons with the Bengals.Smith is expected to begin the season as the Lions every-down starter, but Johnson will compete for the job once he learns the offense.The Lions shouldn't have any problems accommodating a two-back system as they plan to run the ball a lot this season.
knowledge dropper
Footballguy
Rudi will be the starter by week 6 unless Smith comes out of the gates strong.
-> Smith owner
-> Smith owner
Kwai Chang Caine
Footballguy
Took him over Graham for that reason
Gnomercy
Footballguy
September 1, 2008:
Tatum Bell has been released by the Lions following the acquisition of Rudi Johnson, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Analysis: The source believes the Texans may target Bell. Bell lost enthusiasm for football through training camp and the preseason, and his lack of dedication led to his release.
Tatum Bell has been released by the Lions following the acquisition of Rudi Johnson, according to ProFootballTalk.com.
Analysis: The source believes the Texans may target Bell. Bell lost enthusiasm for football through training camp and the preseason, and his lack of dedication led to his release.
Cass Durham
Footballguy
Some of you K.Smith owners have got to stop over-reacting. Smith is a 1st round draft pick who will be carrying the load. This will not be a RBBC. I repeat: Rudi Johnson is done. If I owned Rudi, I would try to trade him for A.Hall / S.Slaton type back in the hopes of finding a player who may see the field this year. As far as comparison go, I would say Rudi Johnson = Sean Alexander. For you Rudi owners, just be happy you didn't draft Rudi in the 1st round like many did with Alexander last year.
joffer
Footballguy
in which league?
fantasy stud
Footballguy
Basically, I think this makes both of these guys rb #3's at best. The Detroit starter wasn't going to be top 10 anyway. Now, you have an unproven rookie and a guy that probably shouldn't be carrying the load anymore. This sounds like a perfect situation for rbbc. I wouldn't want either of these guys.
massraider
Footballguy
No he's not. He's a 3rd rounder. Big difference.This isn't good news for Smith owners, but I look at it this way:
If Smith is the real deal, then he can hold off Rudi. If Rudi cuts into his carries, it's because Smith ain't the goods, and not because Rudi is so good. So, Rudi doesn't matter. If Smith loses his job to Rudi, he was gonna lose it to someone else anyway.
Jedimaster21
Footballguy
I don't think this has anything to do with Kevin Smith. It has to do with lack of depth and having to depend on Tatum Bell. They only had three backs on the roster, and the 3rd (although talented) is a rookie FB. Signing Rudi gives them a viable veteran if Kevin Smith gets hurt. Smith will get every opportunity to start and play, and is clearly a better player at this point than Rudi.
Cass Durham
Footballguy
Woops...
Nevertheless, he is a guy who almost broke Barry Sanders NCAA record for rushing yards in a single season. I know things don't always translate to the NFL, but this guy is going to get his shot at being "the guy". I agree with massraider in that K.Smith's value depends solely on himself. I just don't think that K.Smith is going to suck. And I would argue that Rudi Johnson would suck more if given the chance to suck. Smith should be a solid #3 RB this year.
falconeyed
Footballguy
What about the flip of this? Playing Rudi at the KSmith owner for more than you might get otherwise?
EBF
Footballguy
Nailed it. I can't believe K. Smith owners would be worried about this. Smith will get every opportunity to prove himself.
massraider
Footballguy
This I agree with.I am not a big Kevin Smith guy, because I wonder about their line, and his ability to mkae something happen on his own, but really, if someone is a K. Smith believer, then Rudi signing shouldn't scare that person.Woops...Nevertheless, he is a guy who almost broke Barry Sanders NCAA record for rushing yards in a single season. I know things don't always translate to the NFL, but this guy is going to get his shot at being "the guy". I agree with massraider in that K.Smith's value depends solely on himself. I just don't think that K.Smith is going to suck. And I would argue that Rudi Johnson would suck more if given the chance to suck. Smith should be a solid #3 RB this year.
I love Kevin Smith, but comparing him to Barry is ridiculous. Kevin Smith played for UCF, and they don't necessarily play difficult teams.Woops...
I think this will have a slightly negative impact on K. Smith, but it's still his job to lose.
massraider
Footballguy
I'm not seeing a comparison, just a stated fact.I love Kevin Smith, but comparing him to Barry is ridiculous. Kevin Smith played for UCF, and they don't necessarily play difficult teams.I think this will have a slightly negative impact on K. Smith, but it's still his job to lose.Woops...Nevertheless, he is a guy who almost broke Barry Sanders NCAA record for rushing yards in a single season. I know things don't always translate to the NFL, but this guy is going to get his shot at being "the guy".
Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
you're all missing the boat. 1st or 3rd round pick, he was a top rb talent in the draft. Seek him out from people who are nervous about an older washed up back, with limited mileage. Remember Rudi has to run behind that line too. I'll take the young mileage up and comer.
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Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
how about this? If you own him, what would you want in trade based on this. I wanna gauge the market.
Rudi (well Rudi with a healthy hammy) should do better than Smith at grinding out yards when the holes aren't there (and they won't be). I don't know if Rudi is a good fit in a zone blocking scheme, but then again, I didn't like Smith in this system either. If I liked Smith, I would say it's a good buy low opportunity, but I don't. I do think you should get anything you can for Rudi from the Smith owner though.
Addai's Adidas
Footballguy
Keep us posted.:smarmy:
Cass Durham
Footballguy
Actually, from what I have read, Smith played in the same zone blocking scheme at Central Florida.
What worked at Central Florida won't work in the NFL. Smith isn't decisive enough or efficient enough in his cuts and change of direction to be a good NFL one cut runner, at least not yet. I also haven't seen evidence of the vision needed to excel in the NFL.
Great posting and wrap-up on this topic. I agree completely.
BustedKnuckles
Footballguy
Posted: Yesterday 7:54 PM
Inside Info on the Rudi Situation!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As I've noted in previous posts, I have a dear friend, Chris, who works on the Bengal's medical staff. I just talked to Chris for the past thirty minutes about our signing of Rudi, and I'm happy to report that he thinks we got a STEAL. Apparently, the Bengals are desperate to resign TJ and want to make a push to grab Haynesworth next offseason. Thus, they are doing everything they can to clear some cap room, including releasing Rudi and Deltha O'Neal. Plus, the Bengal's are planning on throwing the ball 35-40 times a game (yay for me having C Palmer as my fantasy QB!); they have little confidence in their defense, and want to put the ball in the hands of their best (and most disgruntled) offensive players. Chris claims that Rudi's hammy is fine and not a long-term concern whatsoever; the Bengal's just didn't want to pay $5.5 mil this season for a back that was going to see the ball 15-20 times a game. Good stuff eh?
DIZON=DROY
http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=93&f=1801&t=2901909
Inside Info on the Rudi Situation!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As I've noted in previous posts, I have a dear friend, Chris, who works on the Bengal's medical staff. I just talked to Chris for the past thirty minutes about our signing of Rudi, and I'm happy to report that he thinks we got a STEAL. Apparently, the Bengals are desperate to resign TJ and want to make a push to grab Haynesworth next offseason. Thus, they are doing everything they can to clear some cap room, including releasing Rudi and Deltha O'Neal. Plus, the Bengal's are planning on throwing the ball 35-40 times a game (yay for me having C Palmer as my fantasy QB!); they have little confidence in their defense, and want to put the ball in the hands of their best (and most disgruntled) offensive players. Chris claims that Rudi's hammy is fine and not a long-term concern whatsoever; the Bengal's just didn't want to pay $5.5 mil this season for a back that was going to see the ball 15-20 times a game. Good stuff eh?
DIZON=DROY
http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=93&f=1801&t=2901909
BigTex
Don't mess with Texas
Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
I think with KItna and the lions sick receiving corps, it might tot be as bad a running game as people think. I mean u will only be seeing 7 man fronts, and tons of play action.
Hipple Long Ware & Peete
Footballguy
this does temper my enthusiasm a bit.Posted: Yesterday 7:54 PM
Inside Info on the Rudi Situation!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As I've noted in previous posts, I have a dear friend, Chris, who works on the Bengal's medical staff. I just talked to Chris for the past thirty minutes about our signing of Rudi, and I'm happy to report that he thinks we got a STEAL. Apparently, the Bengals are desperate to resign TJ and want to make a push to grab Haynesworth next offseason. Thus, they are doing everything they can to clear some cap room, including releasing Rudi and Deltha O'Neal. Plus, the Bengal's are planning on throwing the ball 35-40 times a game (yay for me having C Palmer as my fantasy QB!); they have little confidence in their defense, and want to put the ball in the hands of their best (and most disgruntled) offensive players. Chris claims that Rudi's hammy is fine and not a long-term concern whatsoever; the Bengal's just didn't want to pay $5.5 mil this season for a back that was going to see the ball 15-20 times a game. Good stuff eh?
DIZON=DROY
http://mbd.scout.com/mb.aspx?s=93&f=1801&t=2901909
Sweetness_34
Footballguy
As a dynasty Rudi owner, this is great. I was never sold on Kevin Smith being an NFL RB so this move is exactly where I was hoping Rudi would land. With those Det WRs, there will be many goal line opportunities, and Rudi knows how to get to the end zone (see his consistent 10+ TDs with the Bengals prior to the injury riddled year last year). I am excited to see how Rudi does in Det; do not be surprised if he lands up being the man by mid season.
Aaronstory
Footballguy
Dear FFdork,There is a tool located in the middle of your mouse. (That thing on the pad to the right of your computer, unless, of course, it's on your left) This tool is for what is known as 'scrolling' which is a wonderful thing to do when presented with topics that annoy/bore you. When you use it, there is no need to press that button on the left that opens the offending threads - you can just 'scroll' past them.Seriously. Read a newspaper.Cheers,Concerned Citizens Who Can't Believe the Things People Take the Time To Get Upset About
zamboni
Footballguy
I don't see how anyone can justifiably say this at all. While Smith was an NCAA stud, you're still talking about a guy that hasn't carried the ball once in a regular season NFL game and, just as importantly, wasn't all that impressive (by most accounts) in pre-season games. As for Rudi, sure he's two years removed from his heyday, but we don't know for sure yet if he's done yet given that he was mainly injured last year. Time will tell on that one.
I do agree that Smith will be given every opportunity to be the guy, but if he doesn't come out of the gates strongly, his window of opportunity could be quickly gone in favor of the more proven Rudi.
JuSt CuZ
Footballguy
BTW... Do I need to remind most you people that K. Smith has never played a down in a real NFL game with people who are really trying to take his "upright running style" out of the game!!!
Rudi is done.....Really? Based off what a hurt hamstring and all the drama in the city of Drama.
What is your proof he's done? I would say passing a physical and getting a deal period shows you still have planty in the tank!!! Not to mention KS will be hurt by the bye week, PUT THAT ON THE BOARD!!!
I am a memeber of the media and here is a little tip for all you people, DON'T BELIEVE EVEYTHING THE MEDIA TELLS YOU!!!
Rudi is done.....Really? Based off what a hurt hamstring and all the drama in the city of Drama.
What is your proof he's done? I would say passing a physical and getting a deal period shows you still have planty in the tank!!! Not to mention KS will be hurt by the bye week, PUT THAT ON THE BOARD!!!
I am a memeber of the media and here is a little tip for all you people, DON'T BELIEVE EVEYTHING THE MEDIA TELLS YOU!!!
Chicago Hooligan
Footballguy
Yeah, well... Detroit.
cmv5
Footballguy
Yes, perhaps if he went somewhere with an electrifying offense...like Chicago.
Da Guru
Fair & Balanced
I was listening to local sports radio yesterday. Take this anyway you want to.
Rod Marinelli was on the radio saying how good Rudi looked in his workouts and how they were surpised that a guy of Rudis calibur was available.
It was also said (Not by Marinelli) that although Smith runs hard he has not impressed in short yardage/goal line situations.
I see Smith and Rudi getting a pretty even split with rudi getting the goal line looks. Of course I have no scientific data to back up my statement.
Rod Marinelli was on the radio saying how good Rudi looked in his workouts and how they were surpised that a guy of Rudis calibur was available.
It was also said (Not by Marinelli) that although Smith runs hard he has not impressed in short yardage/goal line situations.
I see Smith and Rudi getting a pretty even split with rudi getting the goal line looks. Of course I have no scientific data to back up my statement.
Bob Henry
Footballguy
Re: goal line carries
I think at some point this year we'll see Jerome Felton take some goal line carries. No idea if he'll start the season in such a role but I would bet anything that at some point, he'll get a shot and possibly deliver. He might already be the team's best short yardage and goal line runner - and that's including Rudi.
Re: Kevin Smith vs Rudi Johnson
As another poster said, if Smith is the goods, he won't lose that many touches to Rudi, but Rudi does solidify their depth and improve their backup plan immeasurably over Tatum - especially for what this offense WANTS to do. Then again, if Rudi ends up eating into Smith's carries and it evolves into a two-back approach, then Smith wouldn't have lasted long as the team's feature back anyway.
All in all, signing Johnson was a good move for the Lions. There is little downside when it comes to Rudi vs. Tatum Bell.
I think at some point this year we'll see Jerome Felton take some goal line carries. No idea if he'll start the season in such a role but I would bet anything that at some point, he'll get a shot and possibly deliver. He might already be the team's best short yardage and goal line runner - and that's including Rudi.
Re: Kevin Smith vs Rudi Johnson
As another poster said, if Smith is the goods, he won't lose that many touches to Rudi, but Rudi does solidify their depth and improve their backup plan immeasurably over Tatum - especially for what this offense WANTS to do. Then again, if Rudi ends up eating into Smith's carries and it evolves into a two-back approach, then Smith wouldn't have lasted long as the team's feature back anyway.
All in all, signing Johnson was a good move for the Lions. There is little downside when it comes to Rudi vs. Tatum Bell.
BustedKnuckles
Footballguy
by Tom Kowalski Tuesday September 02, 2008, 2:56 PM
Rudi Johnson won't proclaim himself the No. 1 running back -- not yet -- but he does say he's fit and ready to play on Sunday.
Johnson, the former Cincinnati Bengals star, was signed as a free agent by the Detroit Lions on Monday and spent the last 24 hours in the Lions playbook in anticipation for Sunday's opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Johnson said the hamstring injury that limited him in preseason isn't a factor because he was gearing himself toward being completely healthy by opening day.
Rookie Kevin Smith is the current starting running back on the team and Johnson said he's not the one who makes the determination about who is No. 1 and who is No. 2.
"That's for the coaches to decide,'' Johnson said this afternoon. "My main thing is to go out and contribute and make plays and give this team a tough, physical mindset. Right now, I'm behind a little bit as far as the playbook so that's my main focus going into this week.''
Johnson, who said he expects to play this week, signed a one-year contract with the Lions and he knows he's on a one-year audition, not just with the Lions but the rest of the league as well.
"That's what I do, I go out and I work hard. You can check my background, I've always been a hard worker who earns what he gets,'' Johnson said. "This is nothing to me, I've been doing this forever, so for me to go out and earn something, that's what I do and I look forward to doing it.''
As far as the competition with Smith, Johnson -- who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards three times in his career -- said he'll let it play out.
"From now on, whatever happens, happens,'' he said. "I'm just looking to come in and be a big contributor. The main thing is learning and getting ready and I'm a firm believer that if I go out and do my part and do what I'm supposed to do, with the talent I bring to the table, everything will take care of itself. I believe in myself.''
Rudi Johnson won't proclaim himself the No. 1 running back -- not yet -- but he does say he's fit and ready to play on Sunday.
Johnson, the former Cincinnati Bengals star, was signed as a free agent by the Detroit Lions on Monday and spent the last 24 hours in the Lions playbook in anticipation for Sunday's opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Johnson said the hamstring injury that limited him in preseason isn't a factor because he was gearing himself toward being completely healthy by opening day.
Rookie Kevin Smith is the current starting running back on the team and Johnson said he's not the one who makes the determination about who is No. 1 and who is No. 2.
"That's for the coaches to decide,'' Johnson said this afternoon. "My main thing is to go out and contribute and make plays and give this team a tough, physical mindset. Right now, I'm behind a little bit as far as the playbook so that's my main focus going into this week.''
Johnson, who said he expects to play this week, signed a one-year contract with the Lions and he knows he's on a one-year audition, not just with the Lions but the rest of the league as well.
"That's what I do, I go out and I work hard. You can check my background, I've always been a hard worker who earns what he gets,'' Johnson said. "This is nothing to me, I've been doing this forever, so for me to go out and earn something, that's what I do and I look forward to doing it.''
As far as the competition with Smith, Johnson -- who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards three times in his career -- said he'll let it play out.
"From now on, whatever happens, happens,'' he said. "I'm just looking to come in and be a big contributor. The main thing is learning and getting ready and I'm a firm believer that if I go out and do my part and do what I'm supposed to do, with the talent I bring to the table, everything will take care of itself. I believe in myself.''
MSULions
Footballguy
These kind of armchair FF comments always make me
To say that this is a "non-story" or that Rudi is "done" and irrelevant is idiotic. He's one season removed from being an all-pro and first round fantasy pick. By all accounts from Cinci writers he's bigger, stronger, and healthy. If that is indeed the case, he should be a solid contributer for detroit - and likely a goal-line/short yardage runner at the very least. Will he be a top ten fantasy performer? probably not....but to say he's done and will never contribute to anyone ever again is ludicrous. This is a fantastic move by the Lions, and along with the Thomas signing made them a much better team and their prospects for running the ball have improved by light years over Bell/Cason/pinner/whoever.
MSULions
Footballguy
by Tom Kowalski Tuesday September 02, 2008, 2:56 PMRudi Johnson won't proclaim himself the No. 1 running back -- not yet -- but he does say he's fit and ready to play on Sunday.Johnson, the former Cincinnati Bengals star, was signed as a free agent by the Detroit Lions on Monday and spent the last 24 hours in the Lions playbook in anticipation for Sunday's opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Johnson said the hamstring injury that limited him in preseason isn't a factor because he was gearing himself toward being completely healthy by opening day.Rookie Kevin Smith is the current starting running back on the team and Johnson said he's not the one who makes the determination about who is No. 1 and who is No. 2."That's for the coaches to decide,'' Johnson said this afternoon. "My main thing is to go out and contribute and make plays and give this team a tough, physical mindset. Right now, I'm behind a little bit as far as the playbook so that's my main focus going into this week.''Johnson, who said he expects to play this week, signed a one-year contract with the Lions and he knows he's on a one-year audition, not just with the Lions but the rest of the league as well."That's what I do, I go out and I work hard. You can check my background, I've always been a hard worker who earns what he gets,'' Johnson said. "This is nothing to me, I've been doing this forever, so for me to go out and earn something, that's what I do and I look forward to doing it.''As far as the competition with Smith, Johnson -- who has rushed for more than 1,000 yards three times in his career -- said he'll let it play out."From now on, whatever happens, happens,'' he said. "I'm just looking to come in and be a big contributor. The main thing is learning and getting ready and I'm a firm believer that if I go out and do my part and do what I'm supposed to do, with the talent I bring to the table, everything will take care of itself. I believe in myself.''
As a Lions fan, I can't tell you how excited I am about this signing. I fully believe reports that this was a financial decision more than anything, and I am impressed that Detroit stepped in and snatched Rudi up the second he became available. He instantly adds a dimension to the offense that wasn't there on sunday....this is nothing but good news for the Detroit Lions. 
Anthony Borbely
Footballguy
Rudi may be bigger and stronger...but those were never issues with him. He looked slow to me last year even before being hurt. Bigger could mean even slower still. I think he is done as a starter, although he could be good at the goal line and in short yardage. I just don't think he can hit the holes fast enough to get through them. The Lion's offensive line has been really bad so far, so I don't know what Rudi can do. However, he is a lot better than Tatum Bell and adds much needed experience. As a diehard Lions fan, I hope I am wrong, but my eyes tell me I am right.These kind of armchair FF comments always make me
