Player Spotlight: Chris Johnson (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

Two more considerations vis-a-vis Chris Johnson's receiving projections:

*** Last year, he ranked 21st in YAC per reception, 19th among RBs

Rank Player YACpR

1 Derrick Ward 10.415

2 Pierre Thomas 10.290

3 Steven Jackson 10.250

4 Maurice Jones-Drew 9.387

5 Jerious Norwood 9.361

6 LaDainian Tomlinson 9.308

7 Steve Slaton 9.080

8 Ray Rice 9.061

9 Chester Taylor 8.644

10 Kevin Faulk 8.621

11 Marshawn Lynch 8.362

12 Fred Jackson 8.162

13 Marion Barber 8.077

14 Frank Gore 8.070

15 Leon Washington 7.553

16 Reggie Bush 7.538

17 Brian Westbrook 7.315

18 Matt Forte 7.000

19 Bernard Berrian 6.833

20 Wes Welker 6.829

21 Chris Johnson 6.767

22 Anquan Boldin 6.685

23 Calvin Johnson 6.551

24 Bo Scaife 6.517

25 Warrick Dunn 6.362



*** Chris Johnson was 5th among RBs with 5 dropped passes

 

[obxlegends]

Two more considerations vis-a-vis Chris Johnson's receiving projections:

*** Last year, he ranked 21st in YAC per reception, 19th among RBs

Rank Player YACpR

1 Derrick Ward 10.415

2 Pierre Thomas 10.290

3 Steven Jackson 10.250

4 Maurice Jones-Drew 9.387

5 Jerious Norwood 9.361

6 LaDainian Tomlinson 9.308

7 Steve Slaton 9.080

8 Ray Rice 9.061

9 Chester Taylor 8.644

10 Kevin Faulk 8.621

11 Marshawn Lynch 8.362

12 Fred Jackson 8.162

13 Marion Barber 8.077

14 Frank Gore 8.070

15 Leon Washington 7.553

16 Reggie Bush 7.538

17 Brian Westbrook 7.315

18 Matt Forte 7.000

19 Bernard Berrian 6.833

20 Wes Welker 6.829

21 Chris Johnson 6.767

22 Anquan Boldin 6.685

23 Calvin Johnson 6.551

24 Bo Scaife 6.517

25 Warrick Dunn 6.362



*** Chris Johnson was 5th among RBs with 5 dropped passes

So he ranked ahead of Calvin Johnson and Anquan Boldin? I'll take that especially with the additions of Britt, Washington and Cook.

 

[Banger]

Two more considerations vis-a-vis Chris Johnson's receiving projections:

*** Last year, he ranked 21st in YAC per reception, 19th among RBs

Rank Player YACpR

1 Derrick Ward 10.415

2 Pierre Thomas 10.290

3 Steven Jackson 10.250

4 Maurice Jones-Drew 9.387

5 Jerious Norwood 9.361

6 LaDainian Tomlinson 9.308

7 Steve Slaton 9.080

8 Ray Rice 9.061

9 Chester Taylor 8.644

10 Kevin Faulk 8.621

11 Marshawn Lynch 8.362

12 Fred Jackson 8.162

13 Marion Barber 8.077

14 Frank Gore 8.070

15 Leon Washington 7.553

16 Reggie Bush 7.538

17 Brian Westbrook 7.315

18 Matt Forte 7.000

19 Bernard Berrian 6.833

20 Wes Welker 6.829

21 Chris Johnson 6.767

22 Anquan Boldin 6.685

23 Calvin Johnson 6.551

24 Bo Scaife 6.517

25 Warrick Dunn 6.362



*** Chris Johnson was 5th among RBs with 5 dropped passes

Again, these are interesting but I'm not really sure of the relevance. I don't think there's any doubt that Johnson is an explosive player, he's certainly the most potent player on the offense and while he didn't show it on the receiving side of the ledger it doesn't mean that he won't. The coaching staff said in articles this offseason that they kept it simple for him in the passing game last year in hopes of not overwhelming him. The staff has said they are going to change that this year and will move him around more, line him up wide which they did not do last year.I really can't remember many if any receptions that were beyond the LOS. All that I can remember is that they either threw a designed screen which generally had little effectiveness since the defense generally had a guy or two shadowing him waiting for the play call or he was a dump off when the WR1/TE1 were covered. If they do as they've intimated and line him up wide and throw it to him over the middle or beyond the LOS his ypr should go up considerably and he should break some big plays. Also, for him to realistically take a big leap in ypr they need to develop a threat beyond him because defenses just don't fear anyone else on the offense and basically send several players to stop Johnson on every play and until they can get someone else to take some of that coverage or at least keep defenses a little bit honest it may be tough sledding due to the number of defenders he needs to beat on every play.

Jason..you have the yac in your analysis but can you discern his where his average reception was (i.e. if it was .5 yards behind the LOS, etc.) and how that stacks up? I guess either way it's really not going to show anything earth shattering. There's no doubt that he's an explosive player...why hasn't he shown it in the passing game? As I stated above I believe it's due to simple/predictable playcalling and the lack of a threat to take coverage away (and defenses throwing multiple players to shut CJ down). The former may change this year, the later is TBD.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

240/1,080/6...60/500/4

300 touches, 1,500-1,600 yds, and 10 TDs give or take a couple. He sure is fun to watch.

 

[Jon_Moore]

The Titans are very physical team that loves to run the football. Lendale White may vulture the TDs, but he also helps keep Johnson fresh and effective.

They finally brought in a real wide receiver in Kenny Britt, and Justin Gage started to look like a real wide receiver down the stretch last season. If they prove effective, they can keep defenses from stacking the box on every play, and allow the running game to be even more effective. A passing game will also improve the offense, offering more touchdown opportunities.

All things considered+an a year's experience under his belt, Johnson should be in for a fine 2009.

I think Johnson is the type of player they'll want to maximize the effectiveness of his touches, but limit the overall total.

240 Rushes

1320 Yards

6 Touchdowns

52 Receptions

354 Yards

3 Touchdowns

 

[TS Garp]

The Titans are very physical team that loves to run the football. Lendale White may vulture the TDs, but he also helps keep Johnson fresh and effective. They finally brought in a real wide receiver in Kenny Britt, and Justin Gage started to look like a real wide receiver down the stretch last season. If they prove effective, they can keep defenses from stacking the box on every play, and allow the running game to be even more effective. A passing game will also improve the offense, offering more touchdown opportunities.All things considered+an a year's experience under his belt, Johnson should be in for a fine 2009.I think Johnson is the type of player they'll want to maximize the effectiveness of his touches, but limit the overall total. 240 Rushes1320 Yards6 Touchdowns52 Receptions354 Yards3 Touchdowns

You see his YPC going up a half yard per carry from last year to 5.5?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

The Titans are very physical team that loves to run the football. Lendale White may vulture the TDs, but he also helps keep Johnson fresh and effective. They finally brought in a real wide receiver in Kenny Britt, and Justin Gage started to look like a real wide receiver down the stretch last season. If they prove effective, they can keep defenses from stacking the box on every play, and allow the running game to be even more effective. A passing game will also improve the offense, offering more touchdown opportunities.All things considered+an a year's experience under his belt, Johnson should be in for a fine 2009.I think Johnson is the type of player they'll want to maximize the effectiveness of his touches, but limit the overall total. 240 Rushes1320 Yards6 Touchdowns52 Receptions354 Yards3 Touchdowns

You see his YPC going up a half yard per carry from last year to 5.5?

Hi TS, I think you are splitting hairs and I highlight this post as one of the many reason not to project hard numbers. I posted about 300 touches, 1500-1600 yds and 10 TDs...Mr Moore has projected about 300 touches, around 1,600+ yds, and 9 TDs...what's the difference what his ypc are? I never have seen a league give points for ypc. Not picking on you TS, and you probably were just interested in the angle of why the ypc go up .5 yd, totally get it but folks in general need to round things a bit and not get bogged down in the details of stats so much. Bottom line, if you want Chris Johnson, you better have a top5 pick in your pockets for redraft in all likelihood...maybe you can snare him somewhere in the 6-9 range but I doubt it as camp rolls around.

 

[Buffaloes]

 

[Wyld Stallyns]

I won't even pretend to have any idea what sort of numbers CJ3 will have this year, but I will say this:

He's exactly the type of player that in years past I could never convince myself to spend a top 5 pick on - and I would then spend the rest of the season cursing myself for over-thinking all of the variables and forgetting just how talented he actually is.

I won't be playing it safe with Johnson this year and wouldn't flinch at all taking him as a mid-to-high first round pick over other backs with similar question marks. Too much talent...

 

[TS Garp]

The Titans are very physical team that loves to run the football. Lendale White may vulture the TDs, but he also helps keep Johnson fresh and effective. They finally brought in a real wide receiver in Kenny Britt, and Justin Gage started to look like a real wide receiver down the stretch last season. If they prove effective, they can keep defenses from stacking the box on every play, and allow the running game to be even more effective. A passing game will also improve the offense, offering more touchdown opportunities.All things considered+an a year's experience under his belt, Johnson should be in for a fine 2009.I think Johnson is the type of player they'll want to maximize the effectiveness of his touches, but limit the overall total. 240 Rushes1320 Yards6 Touchdowns52 Receptions354 Yards3 Touchdowns

You see his YPC going up a half yard per carry from last year to 5.5?

Hi TS, I think you are splitting hairs and I highlight this post as one of the many reason not to project hard numbers. I posted about 300 touches, 1500-1600 yds and 10 TDs...Mr Moore has projected about 300 touches, around 1,600+ yds, and 9 TDs...what's the difference what his ypc are? I never have seen a league give points for ypc. Not picking on you TS, and you probably were just interested in the angle of why the ypc go up .5 yd, totally get it but folks in general need to round things a bit and not get bogged down in the details of stats so much. Bottom line, if you want Chris Johnson, you better have a top5 pick in your pockets for redraft in all likelihood...maybe you can snare him somewhere in the 6-9 range but I doubt it as camp rolls around.

I was under the impression that we were encouraged to be as accurate as possible in these player spotlight threads and to list rushing attempts, YPC, etc. so that people can follow the logic behind the projection as much as possible. It would be one thing if he gave a range, but he noted the exact nynmber of carries at 240, and it seemed odd to me that he had him having less carries than last year (and less td's), but more yards.

 

[Banger]

The Titans are very physical team that loves to run the football. Lendale White may vulture the TDs, but he also helps keep Johnson fresh and effective. They finally brought in a real wide receiver in Kenny Britt, and Justin Gage started to look like a real wide receiver down the stretch last season. If they prove effective, they can keep defenses from stacking the box on every play, and allow the running game to be even more effective. A passing game will also improve the offense, offering more touchdown opportunities.All things considered+an a year's experience under his belt, Johnson should be in for a fine 2009.I think Johnson is the type of player they'll want to maximize the effectiveness of his touches, but limit the overall total. 240 Rushes1320 Yards6 Touchdowns52 Receptions354 Yards3 Touchdowns

You see his YPC going up a half yard per carry from last year to 5.5?

Hi TS, I think you are splitting hairs and I highlight this post as one of the many reason not to project hard numbers. I posted about 300 touches, 1500-1600 yds and 10 TDs...Mr Moore has projected about 300 touches, around 1,600+ yds, and 9 TDs...what's the difference what his ypc are? I never have seen a league give points for ypc. Not picking on you TS, and you probably were just interested in the angle of why the ypc go up .5 yd, totally get it but folks in general need to round things a bit and not get bogged down in the details of stats so much. Bottom line, if you want Chris Johnson, you better have a top5 pick in your pockets for redraft in all likelihood...maybe you can snare him somewhere in the 6-9 range but I doubt it as camp rolls around.

I was under the impression that we were encouraged to be as accurate as possible in these player spotlight threads and to list rushing attempts, YPC, etc. so that people can follow the logic behind the projection as much as possible. It would be one thing if he gave a range, but he noted the exact nynmber of carries at 240, and it seemed odd to me that he had him having less carries than last year (and less td's), but more yards.

A back with his breakaway ability that half a yard is two long runs. Not out of the question at all...on the high end? probably but possible if things break right.

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

The playoff game vs. Baltimore was the preview of how Johnson will be used this year.

If you watched a lot of Titans last year, I know (like me), you were frustrated that the Titans used Johnson in a very vanilla fashion - very rarely getting him the ball out in space. It seemed like they loosened everything up vs. the Ravens. Lots of passing on first down and plays designed to get Johnson the ball with some room to use his speed. He gouged the Ravens for 100 total yards and a TD on 12 touches in less than a half. Yes, he sprained his ankle, but he was plenty durable during the season on about 300 touches, so I'm not worried that he's fragile.

We have heard multiple times this offseason that the Titans are going to lean on Johnson more this year. It's clear that they won't be able to take the air out of the ball as much without Haynesworth anchoring the D.

290/1400/8 55/400/3

If youre picking in the middle of the first, target Johnson. It's just that simple.

 

[shader]

One of the big questions in this thread is regarding CJ's ability to catch the ball.

That can't be answered until the season.

The reason his numbers were down last season (I watched all the games) is that he couldn't catch. End of story. Even on dump-offs, it seems like he always bobbled the ball. If he could catch the ball and take off immediately, he's be one of the most dangerous players in the game. But he consistently had trouble reeling the ball in, and that never improved.

I really haven't heard anything concrete regarding his off-season progress in that regard, but I know it is one of the primary things that they are working on.

Dude has to learn to catch the ball cleanly, and then the sky is the limit.

 

[obxlegends]

The playoff game vs. Baltimore was the preview of how Johnson will be used this year.

Chris Johnson quit in the Ravens game last year, but that's a another story entirely.

 

[FUBAR]

The playoff game vs. Baltimore was the preview of how Johnson will be used this year.

Chris Johnson quit in the Ravens game last year, but that's a another story entirely.

Care to break that down for us? Snagged CJ3 at 1.09 in a new dynasty a few days ago and I'm thrilled. IMO, he'll vary between 1.05 and the end of the 1st depending on the league, but won't last that long next year.

 

[shader]

The playoff game vs. Baltimore was the preview of how Johnson will be used this year.

Chris Johnson quit in the Ravens game last year, but that's a another story entirely.

Ridiculous

 

[Banger]

The playoff game vs. Baltimore was the preview of how Johnson will be used this year.

Chris Johnson quit in the Ravens game last year, but that's a another story entirely.

you mean because he was too tired from running all over them? Don't be silly, he got hurt but up until then he was making the Ravens look slow.

 

[obxlegends]

The playoff game vs. Baltimore was the preview of how Johnson will be used this year.

Chris Johnson quit in the Ravens game last year, but that's a another story entirely.

you mean because he was too tired from running all over them? Don't be silly, he got hurt but up until then he was making the Ravens look slow.

He was walking up and down the sidelines the whole 2nd half when he should of been in the locker room getting therapy (if he were truly too hurt to play) or should of been taping it up to attempt a comeback. He let his team down.I'm in no way saying this is a reason not to draft him high. He's still an explosive and dynamic back. He just left a sour taste in my mouth that day.ETA: I'm not saying this to gloat because it was the Ravens that knocked him out the game. The "who" is almost irrelevant.

 

[obxlegends]

The playoff game vs. Baltimore was the preview of how Johnson will be used this year.

Chris Johnson quit in the Ravens game last year, but that's a another story entirely.

Ridiculous

Not so much.

 

[shader]

The playoff game vs. Baltimore was the preview of how Johnson will be used this year.

Chris Johnson quit in the Ravens game last year, but that's a another story entirely.

you mean because he was too tired from running all over them? Don't be silly, he got hurt but up until then he was making the Ravens look slow.

He was walking up and down the sidelines the whole 2nd half when he should of been in the locker room getting therapy (if he were truly too hurt to play) or should of been taping it up to attempt a comeback. He let his team down.I'm in no way saying this is a reason not to draft him high. He's still an explosive and dynamic back. He just left a sour taste in my mouth that day.ETA: I'm not saying this to gloat because it was the Ravens that knocked him out the game. The "who" is almost irrelevant.

He was still too injured to play in the pro bowl a month later, so your argument is pretty much demolished.

 

[msommer]

The playoff game vs. Baltimore was the preview of how Johnson will be used this year.

Chris Johnson quit in the Ravens game last year, but that's a another story entirely.

Ridiculous

Not so much.

High ankle sprain.

 

[Banger]

The playoff game vs. Baltimore was the preview of how Johnson will be used this year.

Chris Johnson quit in the Ravens game last year, but that's a another story entirely.

you mean because he was too tired from running all over them? Don't be silly, he got hurt but up until then he was making the Ravens look slow.

He was walking up and down the sidelines the whole 2nd half when he should of been in the locker room getting therapy (if he were truly too hurt to play) or should of been taping it up to attempt a comeback. He let his team down.I'm in no way saying this is a reason not to draft him high. He's still an explosive and dynamic back. He just left a sour taste in my mouth that day.ETA: I'm not saying this to gloat because it was the Ravens that knocked him out the game. The "who" is almost irrelevant.

C'mon you can't really believe that. These guys work too hard all year, battle through injuries, get worked on each week to try and get into the playoffs...then he gets there and is having an unreal quarter and half against supposedly the best defense in the game and he just decides for no apparent reason that he just doesn't want to play anymore? That's beyond the realm of possibiliy IMO. If he were getting killed out there by their defense with a stat line of 16-25 and they were losing and hammering him each time he touched the ball then maybe what you allege would have a little more validity (although I'd still disagree with it) but he was having a TREMENDOUS playoff game vs. a great defense.Just because you can walk on it doesn't mean you can plant, cut, accelerate... I've read nothing from the team, staff, etc. that indicated anything close to what you are saying. Guys get hurt, it's part of the game unfortunately it was at a bad time.

 

[obxlegends]

C'mon you can't really believe that. These guys work too hard all year, battle through injuries, get worked on each week to try and get into the playoffs...then he gets there and is having an unreal quarter and half against supposedly the best defense in the game and he just decides for no apparent reason that he just doesn't want to play anymore? That's beyond the realm of possibiliy IMO. If he were getting killed out there by their defense with a stat line of 16-25 and they were losing and hammering him each time he touched the ball then maybe what you allege would have a little more validity (although I'd still disagree with it) but he was having a TREMENDOUS playoff game vs. a great defense.Just because you can walk on it doesn't mean you can plant, cut, accelerate... I've read nothing from the team, staff, etc. that indicated anything close to what you are saying. Guys get hurt, it's part of the game unfortunately it was at a bad time.

I never SAID or BELIEVE that Chris Johnson wasn't hurt. I believe he was. I also believe that special players would have to be pulled off the field kicking and screaming especially in a playoff game where your season depended on it.Brett Favre played the final 5 weeks of last season with a torn bicep. There's a special player.I guess he could be one of those people without a high tolerance of pain like Favre. So perhaps "quit" is a bad choice of a word. However, I'm still questioning his toughness - unless otherwise proven he wanted to go back into the game and Fisher wouldn't allow that. Until that happens I'm questioning his toughness.I understand my opinion may be unpopular here and we can agree to disagree.

 

[FUBAR]

C'mon you can't really believe that. These guys work too hard all year, battle through injuries, get worked on each week to try and get into the playoffs...then he gets there and is having an unreal quarter and half against supposedly the best defense in the game and he just decides for no apparent reason that he just doesn't want to play anymore? That's beyond the realm of possibiliy IMO. If he were getting killed out there by their defense with a stat line of 16-25 and they were losing and hammering him each time he touched the ball then maybe what you allege would have a little more validity (although I'd still disagree with it) but he was having a TREMENDOUS playoff game vs. a great defense.

Just because you can walk on it doesn't mean you can plant, cut, accelerate... I've read nothing from the team, staff, etc. that indicated anything close to what you are saying. Guys get hurt, it's part of the game unfortunately it was at a bad time.

I never SAID or BELIEVE that Chris Johnson wasn't hurt. I believe he was. I also believe that special players would have to be pulled off the field kicking and screaming especially in a playoff game where your season depended on it.Brett Favre played the final 5 weeks of last season with a torn bicep. There's a special player.

I guess he could be one of those people without a high tolerance of pain like Favre. So perhaps "quit" is a bad choice of a word. However, I'm still questioning his toughness - unless otherwise proven he wanted to go back into the game and Fisher wouldn't allow that. Until that happens I'm questioning his toughness.

I understand my opinion may be unpopular here and we can agree to disagree.

So you want a RB whose best attributes are speed, elusiveness and his ability to cut, to play on a high ankle sprain? He was probably still better than LenDale, but you're underestimating how bad that specific injury would affect him.

 

[bmetz]

I'm guessing you've never had a high ankle sprain? For a RB whose primary skill is his speed & cutting ability, that's a tough injury to play through.

 

[obxlegends]

I'm guessing you've never had a high ankle sprain? For a RB whose primary skill is his speed & cutting ability, that's a tough injury to play through.

I've had a high ankle sprain, but I'm not a RB. So it doesn't matter. Sorry to I'll leave this subject alone in this topic.

 

[thehornet]

My only advice is that if you didnt get him this past year, try to get him this year.

270/1200/6

65/600/4

 

[rzrback77]

I'll say this much for Chris Johnson. He inspires the Shark Pool. Every CJ thread is filled with discussion and he has more fans than detractors.

 

[mikel0254]

I'll say this much for Chris Johnson. He inspires the Shark Pool. Every CJ thread is filled with discussion and he has more fans than detractors.

Very true. And I typically listen when the Shark Pool speaks

 

[Jon_Moore]

The Titans are very physical team that loves to run the football. Lendale White may vulture the TDs, but he also helps keep Johnson fresh and effective. They finally brought in a real wide receiver in Kenny Britt, and Justin Gage started to look like a real wide receiver down the stretch last season. If they prove effective, they can keep defenses from stacking the box on every play, and allow the running game to be even more effective. A passing game will also improve the offense, offering more touchdown opportunities.All things considered+an a year's experience under his belt, Johnson should be in for a fine 2009.I think Johnson is the type of player they'll want to maximize the effectiveness of his touches, but limit the overall total. 240 Rushes1320 Yards6 Touchdowns52 Receptions354 Yards3 Touchdowns

You see his YPC going up a half yard per carry from last year to 5.5?

I do indeed. I think in his 2nd year, he'll have a better feel for the NFL, he'll be able to gain the extra yard or two here and there. He's an extremely fast back. He's not necessarily a COP back. But, if they do enough to keep from giving him 400 touches, he's the type of back I see having 5+ YPCI know people are usually iffy about predicting a drastic change in YPC though. I had Willie Parker at 4.8 or 4.9 last year, and some people disagreed strongly with that. He only got 3.8, but the prediction kind of hinged on Mendenhall being used to keep him fresh, and well that didn't go over so well.

 

[Todem]

Last year coming out of college I was very high on this kid's talent and saw him as the new Westbrook but with more speed, and sneaky power.

A PPR beast I will say

1700 Total yards

50 receptions

12 TD's.

So Switz......same predictions higher TD's.

 

[Jason Wood]

The playoff game vs. Baltimore was the preview of how Johnson will be used this year.If you watched a lot of Titans last year, I know (like me), you were frustrated that the Titans used Johnson in a very vanilla fashion - very rarely getting him the ball out in space. It seemed like they loosened everything up vs. the Ravens. Lots of passing on first down and plays designed to get Johnson the ball with some room to use his speed. He gouged the Ravens for 100 total yards and a TD on 12 touches in less than a half. Yes, he sprained his ankle, but he was plenty durable during the season on about 300 touches, so I'm not worried that he's fragile.We have heard multiple times this offseason that the Titans are going to lean on Johnson more this year. It's clear that they won't be able to take the air out of the ball as much without Haynesworth anchoring the D.290/1400/8 55/400/3 If youre picking in the middle of the first, target Johnson. It's just that simple.

You're definitely high man [along with Pasquino] among the staff on Johnson. I believe he has the talent to put up those numbers, but I don't see why they would marginalize LenDale, particularly at the goal line when White was so effective in that role last year. How many carries do you think LenDale will get this year? I have him at 180, and Dodds has him at 165, Bob Henry is the low among projections right now with 159. I presume you think White will take a bigger back seat particularly because Tennessee won't be using him to run out the clock as much in the 2nd half of games?

 

[Bri]

You're definitely high man [along with Pasquino] among the staff on Johnson. I believe he has the talent to put up those numbers, but I don't see why they would marginalize LenDale, particularly at the goal line when White was so effective in that role last year. How many carries do you think LenDale will get this year? I have him at 180, and Dodds has him at 165, Bob Henry is the low among projections right now with 159. I presume you think White will take a bigger back seat particularly because Tennessee won't be using him to run out the clock as much in the 2nd half of games?

Hey Jason, I think Lendale as the short yardage/goalline back is definitely a secure role for him. Heimerdinger wants them to be better in the passing game or (according to some) he only wants teams to think they're better in the passing game.If they pass more and use Chris more, Lendale will probably get less carries.I did notice you are 20 less than last year. Other than goal line carries, Lendale is a big question mark IMO. If someone gets the ball less it's him.Henry supposedly(as in 2008 which didn't happen) can fill in for Johnson for a play here N there with his speed.Ringer and/or Little might be useful in spots.How will they use Cook? They signed Nate and added Britt, how will that work out?They had a real decent draft pick at TE in 2008 that barely even was used in the passing game. Will he be involved in 2009?There is a slew of people just almost aiming to take a play here or there away from someone and I think that someone will more often than not be Lendale.One counter point though, I firmly believe that for Johnson to be successful outside they must pose a threat inside(ala Lendale or other RBs). What's your thoughts on how Lendale fits in to all this?

 

[rzrback77]

What if Collins gets hurt and Vince Young takes over the QB position. Will that take away from Johnson's opportunities, both in number and because of the decreased passing effectiveness?

Collins is pretty old and not very quick footed.

 

[gonzobill5]

What if Collins gets hurt and Vince Young takes over the QB position. Will that take away from Johnson's opportunities, both in number and because of the decreased passing effectiveness?Collins is pretty old and not very quick footed.

However, Collins was only sacked 8 times last year - pretty crazy. In regard to your first question, Tennessee still ran he ball effectively in 06 & 07 when VY was at the helm, and with lesser talents than Chris Johnson. If Collins gets hurt, and IF Vince Young becomes the starter, I think it could hurt his receptions. Collins likes to dumpoff, but I could see Young's scrambling leading to some big plays for Johnson. So, overall, its not really something I'm concerned about.

 

[Bri]

What if Collins gets hurt and Vince Young takes over the QB position. Will that take away from Johnson's opportunities, both in number and because of the decreased passing effectiveness?Collins is pretty old and not very quick footed.

However, Collins was only sacked 8 times last year - pretty crazy. In regard to your first question, Tennessee still ran he ball effectively in 06 & 07 when VY was at the helm, and with lesser talents than Chris Johnson. If Collins gets hurt, and IF Vince Young becomes the starter, I think it could hurt his receptions. Collins likes to dumpoff, but I could see Young's scrambling leading to some big plays for Johnson. So, overall, its not really something I'm concerned about.

I think we only see a line like that every few years. It was laughable how much time Collins had to throw sometimes. I am not sure that Vince can just do what the D gives you, as a QB. I just don't think that guy is "built" that way.After getting bounced around the NFL 2000 times, Ramsey might be better at that. Well I guess I mean alot of QBs might be better at that.In 2010, if he's there, he will be a QB making things happen figuring the big plays will outweigh the bad. Patience and gimme throws from Vince just doesn't fit.Johnson (or whomever Heimerdinger says) is the play maker, not some QB ad-libing.Also, FWIW it would be a terrific sight to see him do well in Kerry's role in preseason. He needs to understand and excel at that to be as successful an NFL QB as he could be.