RB Kerryon Johnson, Free Agent (1 Viewer)

[mnmplayer]

Just a matter of time. He was the minority majority in snaps (47%). If they can win a game, he just might emerge. But we're going to have to keep seeing 2 yard dump off passes to Riddick while they are losing.

Yes I am all too familiar with the Riddick. I was explaining how he wasn't going away in the Dwayne Washington hype thread last year, but KJ can actually be a feature back and perform well in that role, unlike Washington. There is a role with Riddick no doubt, but taht role is not running the ball and KJ can catch as well as run. Both Blount and Riddick telegraph the play and Stafford is going to keep throwing picks in one dimensional play calling. KJ opens up the playbook for both run and pass effectively. Stafford needs that becuase trotting out 3-4 WRs with Riddick is not going to win games. Neither is rolling with Blount on obvious run plays.

 

[FF Ninja]

I thought Riddick got dinged up in the last game?

Ugh, you're right. Maybe that's why KJ got a few extra snaps. They should just give him Riddick's job: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeNFMTXnnV4

 

[FF Ninja]

Yes I am all too familiar with the Riddick. I was explaining how he wasn't going away in the Dwayne Washington hype thread last year, but KJ can actually be a feature back and perform well in that role, unlike Washington. There is a role with Riddick no doubt, but taht role is not running the ball and KJ can catch as well as run. Both Blount and Riddick telegraph the play and Stafford is going to keep throwing picks in one dimensional play calling. KJ opens up the playbook for both run and pass effectively. Stafford needs that becuase trotting out 3-4 WRs with Riddick is not going to win games. Neither is rolling with Blount on obvious run plays.

Agreed, but I felt the same way about Abdullah. 

I don't know why they never really utilized Abdullah in the passing game. 

 

[mnmplayer]

Agreed, but I felt the same way about Abdullah. 

I don't know why they never really utilized Abdullah in the passing game. 

I agree with you although he did get injured iirc. Besdies that was the old coaching that made those decisions. The new coaching must be better, right?  :X  

 

[FF Ninja]

I agree with you although he did get injured iirc. Besdies that was the old coaching that made those decisions. The new coaching must be better, right?  :X  

Same OC

 

[Hilts]

Detroit had their first rb 100 yard rushing performance in 70 games tonight. First time since late 2013 any Lions running back had more than 100 yards rushing. 

 

[Faust]

Kerryon Johnson becomes Lions' first 100-yard rusher since 2013

 

[infantsam]

Pretty shifty in the hole and runs with power and speed.  Looks legit

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Dude looks really good out there.  He looks so much quicker than he did in college.

 

[Skeletore Eh]

I’ve been saying the same thing since training camp, he looks like their best rb by a wide margin 

 

[Elevencents]

I’ve been saying the same thing since training camp, he looks like their best rb by a wide margin 

A 3 year old who doesn’t know what football is would realize he is the best thing they have by far. If only the people who mattered realized it. I had hoped the Lions mentality of RBBC would have changed with Patricia, but so far it hasn’t. Hopefully tonight opens their eyes and they start to showcase him more. He’s a hybrid of Blount and Riddick but better, so what’s the point of using them except for rest? If I wasn’t deep at RB I would be trying buy hard. 

 

[DirtyCashDylan]

Demarco Murray 2.0 

I can't wait for more choo choo

 

[ty247]

Kerryon Johnson had 16 carries for 101 yards in Detroit's Week 3 win over the Patriots.

Johnson is the first Lions' running back to run for 100 yards since 2013. He continued to have to hot hand over LeGarrette Blount, though both ended up with 16 carries. Johnson has seperated himself from Blount through the first three games, and should emerge as the lead back moving forward. He's on the FLEX radar against the Cowboys in Week 4.

Surprised Kerryon's thread wasn't on the front page.

He looked head and shoulders better than the other Detroit RB's and broke the Lions 100 yard game rushing curse.

The Lions are 1-0 when a Detroit RB runs for 100+ yards in a game since 2013.

Matt Stafford is 1-0 when a Detroit RB rushes for 100+ yards in a game since 2013.

 

[BigTex]

I’m glad I drafted him. The best is yet to come......

Tex

 

[Hankmoody]

A 3 year old who doesn’t know what football is would realize he is the best thing they have by far. If only the people who mattered realized it. I had hoped the Lions mentality of RBBC would have changed with Patricia, but so far it hasn’t. Hopefully tonight opens their eyes and they start to showcase him more. He’s a hybrid of Blount and Riddick but better, so what’s the point of using them except for rest? If I wasn’t deep at RB I would be trying buy hard. 

They aren't going to give a rookie 300 carries though, that's very rare and a bad idea, especially when they have a reasonably competent compliment in Blount.  I expect him to hover right around 15 carries a game give or take with another 3-5 catches and maybe pick up the workload as the season goes on but as long as Blount is effective they should spread out the pounding.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

A 3 year old who doesn’t know what football is would realize he is the best thing they have by far. If only the people who mattered realized it. I had hoped the Lions mentality of RBBC would have changed with Patricia, but so far it hasn’t. Hopefully tonight opens their eyes and they start to showcase him more. He’s a hybrid of Blount and Riddick but better, so what’s the point of using them except for rest? If I wasn’t deep at RB I would be trying buy hard. 

They gave him 16 carries and a few targets - how much more can you really expect? He looks much better than Blount, but Blount plays a role and helps wear down the defense. I do think his role will increase even more but this was a good first step. The only opportunity I had to draft him in dynasty I traded down a few picks and took James Washington, unfortunately the compensation for doing that was Martavis Bryant (before the suspension news). I regret that deal now - KJ looks great. 

 

[matuski]

A 3 year old who doesn’t know what football is would realize he is the best thing they have by far. If only the people who mattered realized it. I had hoped the Lions mentality of RBBC would have changed with Patricia, but so far it hasn’t. Hopefully tonight opens their eyes and they start to showcase him more. He’s a hybrid of Blount and Riddick but better, so what’s the point of using them except for rest? If I wasn’t deep at RB I would be trying buy hard. 

I like the usage.

16 carries and 5 targets?  Seems both a realistic ask on a per game basis and a good enough amount of looks to produce consistently.

Let Blount take the 3-4 yards and a cloud of dust touches.  It also seemed that Kerryon stayed on the field a lot even when Riddick came in (he caught the pass on 3rd down lined up wide if I recall?).  They were both lined up in the backfield together several times.  

 

[matuski]

Will be interested to see the trend this week on snap count.

 

[Elevencents]

You’re both right. I was watching the game second hand and it seemed like Blount was in an awful lot but seeing the end of game touches things seem to be going in the right direction. 

 

[Ilov80s]

I get trying to ease him in a bit and his mysterious lack of playing in preseason now seems like a case of "we know what we have and we just don't want to tip our hand or overwhelem the kid." He's damn near the youngest player in the NFL. The biggest concern for his value will be those GL touches. 

 

[ty247]

I get trying to ease him in a bit and his mysterious lack of playing in preseason now seems like a case of "we know what we have and we just don't want to tip our hand or overwhelem the kid." He's damn near the youngest player in the NFL. The biggest concern for his value will be those GL touches. 

You're correct.  He only just turned 21 June 30th and is nearly the youngest player in the NFL.

Seeing as how he was very effectively used at the goal line at Auburn I think he'll eventually get the opportunities over the next two years when Blount's gone.

 

[cloppbeast]

You're correct.  He only just turned 21 June 30th and is nearly the youngest player in the NFL.

Seeing as how he was very effectively used at the goal line at Auburn I think he'll eventually get the opportunities over the next two years when Blount's gone.

I don't see why he can't get the majority of opportunities while Blount is still there. Except for the coach is a Belichick guy.

 

[ty247]

I don't see why he can't get the majority of opportunities while Blount is still there. Except for the coach is a Belichick guy.

I think that's what everyone hopes for long term. 

If Blount proves ineffective short yardages and goal line then I'm sure the time table on those expectations is moved up and you'd hope the coaching staff would give Kerryon a share of those opportunities. 

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Blount has one basic job and theo has one basic job so they will each get at least a few touches. But since Johnson can be a 3 down back he will get the lion's share.

 

[ty247]

Blount has one basic job and theo has one basic job so they will each get at least a few touches. But since Johnson can be a 3 down back he will get the lion's share.

Not to mention they are paying Blount and Riddick to do specifically those jobs right now.

If they've already committed/paid those guys to do the job, then unless they aren't performing at that task there's no reason to risk your future 3 down back by not sharing the workload.

 

[cloppbeast]

Could be the best back from the 2018 draft.

 

[ty247]

Could be the best back from the 2018 draft.

More likely: Could be the best back not named Saquon Barkley from the 2018 draft.

I'm a Kerryon believer but Barkley looking as advertised so far. 

I can only hope (Detroit fan) in 5-6 years we are having a debate over who has the better career to date, Kerryon or Barkley.

 

[BobbyLayne]

WK 3 snap counts:

RB Kerryon Johnson 33 (45 percent)
RB LeGarrette Blount 26 (35 percent)
RB Theo Riddick 21 (28 percent)

 

[Elevencents]

What is the long term outlook on Riddick and Blount? Either gone at the end of the year?

 

[Leroy Hoard]

What is the long term outlook on Riddick and Blount? Either gone at the end of the year?

Blount is signed thru this year, theo has one more year but could still be cut.

 

[ty247]

What is the long term outlook on Riddick and Blount? Either gone at the end of the year?

Blount is on a 1 year 2 million contact

Riddicks contract expires after the 2019 season

 

[Elevencents]

Might be time to start poking the owner. 

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Might be time to start poking the owner. 

You like Martha Ford that much?

 

[Elevencents]

You like Martha Ford that much?

Bahahaha 

 

[Skeletore Eh]

Might be time to start poking the owner. 

That time may have already passed

 

[BobbyLayne]

#33 has 7 3rd down touches through three games.

No Lions RB besides Theo Riddick had 7 or more 3rd down touches in 2017. 

 

[Aznflyer14]

Man, I am liking how Lions are steadily building up their rookie RB in proportion with their ascending (and rebuilt) offensive line.  Kerryon, Lions... you got a real good RB. 

 

[BobbyLayne]

The Lions averaged 7.4 yards per rush against the Pats when they ran to either side of G Frank  Ragnow. The week before it was 4.9 YPC. We’re not discussing week 1, ever.

Ragnow allowed zero hurries/pressures & PFF graded him out as the 2nd best G in the NFL week 3. He is a quick learner; remember, he was a 4-year starter at C for Arkansas. 

Kerryon runs with power through arm tackles, has enough wiggle & burst to gain the edge, and he’s a good pass catcher. Not great long speed but good all around back.

But the key to a renaissance resurrection  of the Detroit run game lies with their #1 pick of this year’s draft, not the talented second rounder getting the headlines.

 

[mnmplayer]

Wow, just got a chance to watch all his touches vs NE. Very happy with what I saw from the line and him. They were running almost at will. And the other good news to take away from the last game is when they went into their ole "4 wide sets with Riddick" it failed more times than not with a Stafford pick mixed in. Even with Blount in the game they were more successful than their old typical Riddick goto schemes that they love so much. Hopefully they learn from this going forward. If they had stayed with Kerryon the entire game they would have won by a greater margin. He will have no problem producing in this league and pleasantly surprised they gave him so much work so early in the year. I was thinking mid season breakout, but he might start breaking out now if this continues into next week. He was clearly the best RB on the field.

Evidence:

His run at 2:38 Q1 is something neither Riddick nor Blount could do as that requires burst.

His run at 1:52 Q1 shows his vision and shifty-ness that again neither Theo or Blount could emmulate. Watch Lang's appreciation as he hits KJ on that back after that run along with high 5 from center. OLine love these kinds of runs as it makes them look good. There is no question in my mind who the OLINE want back there acarrying the ball.

His run at 10:08 Q2 shows KJ getting the corner on off tackle sweep to the short side of the field. Obviously they can't run this with Blount as he would never make the corner. Shows KJ has the speed to add these types of counter runs to the playbook.

6:42 Q3 showing off his "complete back" versatility once again, KJ lines up out wide vs a corner (not in the slot) and runs an in route on 3rd and 1 making the catch for a first down. This is key because depending on the matchup they can lineup with KJ in an I formation bringing in heavy run stoppers on the defense, then change formation to 4 wide set with KJ split out wide and make the catch if they feel that they cannot pound the ball. This is key in my mind to why KJ being multi-dimensional (vs the single dimensional Riddick and Blount) can take this offense to a new level of options with the same personnel groupings on the field much like how Pitt last year with Bell) or LA Rams can do this with their feature backs.

Another positive was Kerryon made 4 nice blocks when staying in for protection at

Q1 9:16 in the game

Q1 7:40 

Q3 0:29 (comes across formation to block open rusher)

Q4 :32 (makes a nice chip hit on outside rusher who was well past the left tackle zooming in for the QB. Without KJ's block probably a sack or holding call)

Great news that i didn't see him miss any blocks for a perfect 4 for 4.

We already knew about his ball running and pass catching skills, but if he is making his blocks like this and is not a liability in that regard there is no reason he cant be the next great feature back in the league. All that is holding him back at this point is coaching decisions.

*Also note that Blount fumbled the ball when running clock late in the game.

 

[cloppbeast]

What will it take to get this guy? I offered up Lindsay for him (Freeman owner), decline no counter - sort of expected. Then offered up Collins, decline no counter. Am I dealing with a shister?

 

[Ilov80s]

What will it take to get this guy? I offered up Lindsay for him (Freeman owner), decline no counter - sort of expected. Then offered up Collins, decline no counter. Am I dealing with a shister?

I have Kerryon and I would have declined both of those offers without hesitation. 

 

[Hilts]

What will it take to get this guy? I offered up Lindsay for him (Freeman owner), decline no counter - sort of expected. Then offered up Collins, decline no counter. Am I dealing with a shister?

Neither of those offers would have done it for me as a Kerryon owner. 

Right now you could argue Collins and Kerryon are roughly equal value, but Kerryon I think has a clearly brighter ros outlook. 

 

[ty247]

Another positive was Kerryon made 4 nice blocks when staying in for protection at

Q1 9:16 in the game

Q1 7:40 

Q3 0:29 (comes across formation to block open rusher)

Q4 :32 (makes a nice chip hit on outside rusher who was well past the left tackle zooming in for the QB. Without KJ's block probably a sack or holding call)

Great news that i didn't see him miss any blocks for a perfect 4 for 4.

We already knew about his ball running and pass catching skills, but if he is making his blocks like this and is not a liability in that regard there is no reason he cant be the next great feature back in the league. All that is holding him back at this point is coaching decisions.

*Also note that Blount fumbled the ball when running clock late in the game.

Thank you for doing the cross reference on pass blocking timings and occurrences. 

I wanted to make a post about this but haven't had the time.

This is a big takeaway as we all know that you can't stay on the field in this league as a RB unless you can be relied on for pass blocking.

Additionally, great post and breakdown overall.

 

[ty247]

https://www.mlive.com/lions/index.ssf/2018/09/kerryon_johnson_detroit_lions.html

Decent read regarding Kerryon's yards after contact stats.

 

[Mingooch]

What will it take to get this guy? I offered up Lindsay for him (Freeman owner), decline no counter - sort of expected. Then offered up Collins, decline no counter. Am I dealing with a shister?

I wouldnt accept either of those offer either if I owned him.

 

[cloppbeast]

It's pretty standard procedure to offer a feeler first, lest you over-pay. I didn't really expect an accept, although I hoped for a counter at least. Collins is pretty close.

My question for you owners: what would it take?

 

[ty247]

It's pretty standard procedure to offer a feeler first, lest you over-pay. I didn't really expect an accept, although I hoped for a counter at least. Collins is pretty close.

My question for you owners: what would it take?

I don't think an owner is going to give up Kerryon for anything that wouldn't be perceived as an overpay at this point.

He doesn't have a 'negative' associated with outside of the fact that he's sharing the workload in a RBBC at the moment.

Everyone that drafted him knew there would be at least some RBBC to start; but snap count and touches are all trending towards Kerryon taking the majority of that workload and snap count earlier than people projected.

 

[barackdhouse]

I need a WR pretty bad in one redraft league so I am in negotiations to snag Woods for him.  I believe in KJ but have him in a number of other spots and am (currently) strong at RB in this one.  I also have an offer on my table of Calloway straight up, which I am considering if the Woods deal doesn't go through.  Not looking for advice here, just showing a rough estimate of where KJ trade value might sit today.  

 

[cjack]

It's pretty standard procedure to offer a feeler first, lest you over-pay. I didn't really expect an accept, although I hoped for a counter at least. Collins is pretty close.

My question for you owners: what would it take?

I own Kerryon as well and wouldn't have accepted either of your offers either.  I think for me, in terms of just RB's, you'd have to offer me someone who sees the majority of their teams' reps, and who is trending upward, not a guy on the downside of his career (redraft by the way).  The problem is, there aren't that many guys who fit that bill that aren't already classified as RB1 or RB2 material.  I'd rather hold on to Kerryon based on potential opportunity than trade him for another part timer or aging back on the downside of his career.  Let's assume the following are off the table:  Gurley, Elliott, D. Johnson, Barkley, Gordon, Hunt, Kamara, Fournette, McCaffrey

Then you have guys who are currently dealing with injuries like Cook, D. Freeman, Mixon, McCoy, Ajayi.  I'd have to evaluate their estimated return dates before I'd consider one.

Then you have guys like Bell (is he going to play at all this year), Conner (dependent upon Bell), Ingram (I personally don't like the shared backfield), Peterson (doing well, but can he sustain) Howard and Hyde.

Without having to really consider injuries, holdouts, suspensions, etc., the only RBs I'd likely consider beyond the untouchables are guys like Howard or Hyde.  But, I'm stubborn and will hold someone with the promise of future potential rather than trade for somebody else's also-ran (e.g., I'm still holding out hope for Josh Gordon).

 

[tangfoot]

What will it take to get this guy? I offered up Lindsay for him (Freeman owner), decline no counter - sort of expected. Then offered up Collins, decline no counter. Am I dealing with a shister?

Shyster

It's possible that an owner would accept both Lindsay and Collins for him, but I'd be more inclined to hold if I had Johnson.  This would be for either redraft or dynasty.

Long and the short of it is that you're going to have to provide a pretty decent overpay to pry him away several days after becoming the most productive Lions RB in over 5 years.