The Chris Johnson Hype machine (1 Viewer)

[Michael Fox Fan]

The wizard of pro football himself, Peter King, was on Sirius NFL Radio's The Opening Drive this morning and singled out Chris Johnson as his impact offesnive player for this year. He predicts a 70/30 or 60/40 split to start with Lendale getting the majority but that Johnson would have the primary role by mid season.CHOO CHOO!!!!!

:kissofdeath: CJ will now officially be a bust.

 

[munchkin]

As a Lendale owner I was hoping that Johnson would drop to me at 1.09 in my Rookie/FA Dynasty draft. Due to some odd drafting in front of me, including a Steelers fan with picks 1.03 and 1.06 not going for Mendenhall, I was staring at Mendy and C Johnson. As a big fan of Fear and Loathing, both the book and the poster, I downed the last of my Kool Aid and chose Johnson. We'll see I guess.....

Wow, ballsy. Hope you made the right move. I definitely go with Mendenhall there but this Chris Johnson kid inspires fanaticism.

I don't know about ballsy as I never imagined Mendenhall being there. I had it in my mind that I was going to take C Johnson if he fell to me. I don't know why Mendenhall dropped as far as he did. Possibly it was because the Steelers didn't showcase him much in the pre-season (or at least he didn't step up with enough big plays to create a buzz). One of the reasons the Steelers fan with the two picks gave was that Mendenhall was fumbling too much for his liking.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

The wizard of pro football himself, Peter King, was on Sirius NFL Radio's The Opening Drive this morning and singled out Chris Johnson as his impact offesnive player for this year. He predicts a 70/30 or 60/40 split to start with Lendale getting the majority but that Johnson would have the primary role by mid season.CHOO CHOO!!!!!

:kissofdeath: CJ will now officially be a bust.

I'm starting to feel some doubt creeping in for the first time. Peter King's "Wuerffel effect" is anti-mojo enough to rain on any parade. That guy should never be listened to on matters regarding baseball and/or fantasy football. Hopefully, he's just picking up on the buzz going 'round the league instead of formulating his own opinions.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

This revolution will be televised, Peter King does not have the quan to derail it.

First up are the Jags. Reggie Nelson, make sure to adjust your pursuit angle because he's a little bit quicker than you are.

 

[skillz]

As a Lendale and CJ owner, I can see Fischer getting the "I hate Shanny" treatment by this board by the end of the year. I am thinking that he may use CJ some games at the goal line depending on the situation/opponent but will still not forget about getting Lendale his carries and goal line touches even though everyone here sees CJ as the much better talent.

So, CJ owners may find themselves plugging him into their starting lineups sometimes this year after a huge game and then be upset when they see Lendale getting goal line touches and 70% of the carries the following week. I hope I am wrong but unfortunately our fantasy needs do not equate to how Fischer views the situation and how he intends to use both RBs together. That is obviously going to make CJ a risky starting pick from week to week, and limit his overall value this year. I still think he has BW2 (Bryan Westbrook Part II) written all over him for purposes of dynasty and keeper leagues, but even Westbrook took a few years to bulk up so that he could handle getting the majority of touches in the Philly backfield. CJ is in the same boat.

 

[Aaronstory]

I wouldn't ever feel comfortable starting Lendale.

You're going to get 50-70 yards and about 7 total TD's.

I seriously doubt you'll see Lendale in the game inside the 20...except on goalline situations. And he's WAY too slow to score on anything but goalline situations.

The Titans were one of the worst red-zone teams in the league last year, and Lendale was a huge reason why.

Johnson will have more TD's than Lendale. He'll get 50% of the carries, and he'll catch 3-5 balls per game.

This isn't like New Orleans where Bush is one of many options.

This is like Philly, where Westbrook is the entire offense.

Johnson is the playmaker on the team. He is the deep threat, he is the receiving threat, he is the only explosion they have.

Pass on him if you want, but I GUARANTEE that if you select Lendale in front of him, you will be kicking yourself every week for the next 17 weeks.

Mike Lombardi shares your sentiments:I expect the Titans have learned much about what Chris Johnson can and cannot do. I would be surprised if offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger does not work to get the ball to Johnson at least twenty times in some fashion in the opening game. Johnson not only can take short passes and make them long runs, he can run inside and outside. I expect the offense to center around Johnson and have a ton of new looks for the opening game.

 

[ImTheScientist]

 

[Fear & Loathing]

Mike Lombardi shares your sentiments:

I expect the Titans have learned much about what Chris Johnson can and cannot do. I would be surprised if offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger does not work to get the ball to Johnson at least twenty times in some fashion in the opening game. Johnson not only can take short passes and make them long runs, he can run inside and outside. I expect the offense to center around Johnson and have a ton of new looks for the opening game.

Lombardi has been on board all along . . . Peter King is just a stow-away.

That NationalFootballPost.com is a good daily read.

 

[hotlanta]

As a Lendale and CJ owner, I can see Fischer getting the "I hate Shanny" treatment by this board by the end of the year. I am thinking that he may use CJ some games at the goal line depending on the situation/opponent but will still not forget about getting Lendale his carries and goal line touches even though everyone here sees CJ as the much better talent. So, CJ owners may find themselves plugging him into their starting lineups sometimes this year after a huge game and then be upset when they see Lendale getting goal line touches and 70% of the carries the following week. I hope I am wrong but unfortunately our fantasy needs do not equate to how Fischer views the situation and how he intends to use both RBs together. That is obviously going to make CJ a risky starting pick from week to week, and limit his overall value this year. I still think he has BW2 (Bryan Westbrook Part II) written all over him for purposes of dynasty and keeper leagues, but even Westbrook took a few years to bulk up so that he could handle getting the majority of touches in the Philly backfield. CJ is in the same boat.

I am both a LenDale and CJ owner myself. I think this is exactly how it's going to play out. CJ will be plugged in during opportune times and will frustrate with his production from week to week. I think that LenDale is still the sure fire bet in that backfield. CJ still has a lot to learn about the pro game (as do most rookies). He reminds me of DeAngelo Williams. Has all the talent and speed but was slow to pickup the intangibles like blitz pickup, waiting for holes to develop, etc.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

I am both a LenDale and CJ owner myself. I think this is exactly how it's going to play out. CJ will be plugged in during opportune times and will frustrate with his production from week to week. I think that LenDale is still the sure fire bet in that backfield. CJ still has a lot to learn about the pro game (as do most rookies). He reminds me of DeAngelo Williams. Has all the talent and speed but was slow to pickup the intangibles like blitz pickup, waiting for holes to develop, etc.

1. Funny that this point about LenDale being the sure-fire bet keeps getting brought up again and again by disbelieving fantasy football leaguers, but everyone connected with the Titans (including the coaches!) have said that Johnson will be heavily involved in the offense beginning in Week 1. That is some impressive obstinateness on the part of LenDale owners.

2. Funny that you try to take away from Johnson by knocking his intangibles and blitz pickup when those have been mentioned as strengths all summer. Vince Young has praised him for his blitz pickup, Mike Heimerdinger likes him for his intangibles and willingness to work hard, and it's been noted several times that Johnson had the offense down pat right from the get-go.

He reminds you of DeAngelo Williams, ergo you project Williams' weaknesses onto Chris Johnson whether they exist or not?

 

[Cookiemonster]

I wouldn't ever feel comfortable starting Lendale.

You're going to get 50-70 yards and about 7 total TD's.

I seriously doubt you'll see Lendale in the game inside the 20...except on goalline situations. And he's WAY too slow to score on anything but goalline situations.

The Titans were one of the worst red-zone teams in the league last year, and Lendale was a huge reason why.

Johnson will have more TD's than Lendale. He'll get 50% of the carries, and he'll catch 3-5 balls per game.

This isn't like New Orleans where Bush is one of many options.

This is like Philly, where Westbrook is the entire offense.

Johnson is the playmaker on the team. He is the deep threat, he is the receiving threat, he is the only explosion they have.

Pass on him if you want, but I GUARANTEE that if you select Lendale in front of him, you will be kicking yourself every week for the next 17 weeks.

Mike Lombardi shares your sentiments:I expect the Titans have learned much about what Chris Johnson can and cannot do. I would be surprised if offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger does not work to get the ball to Johnson at least twenty times in some fashion in the opening game. Johnson not only can take short passes and make them long runs, he can run inside and outside. I expect the offense to center around Johnson and have a ton of new looks for the opening game.

These two quotes are exactly what I'm expecting from these two backs. The other situation I'd like to throw in, would be in games that the Titans are expected to win and would have a decent 4th quarter lead. If Tennessee wants to kill the clock, vs. 3/4 game-tired defenses, I would think White is exactly what you want, what Fisher wants, and LenDale gets some very nice garbage-time stats.CJ3 is the Titan player to have this year. Crumpler #2.

 

[ForWhoForWhat]

I am both a LenDale and CJ owner myself. I think this is exactly how it's going to play out. CJ will be plugged in during opportune times and will frustrate with his production from week to week. I think that LenDale is still the sure fire bet in that backfield. CJ still has a lot to learn about the pro game (as do most rookies). He reminds me of DeAngelo Williams. Has all the talent and speed but was slow to pickup the intangibles like blitz pickup, waiting for holes to develop, etc.

1. Funny that this point about LenDale being the sure-fire bet keeps getting brought up again and again by disbelieving fantasy football leaguers, but everyone connected with the Titans (including the coaches!) have said that Johnson will be heavily involved in the offense beginning in Week 1. That is some impressive obstinateness on the part of LenDale owners.

2. Funny that you try to take away from Johnson by knocking his intangibles and blitz pickup when those have been mentioned as strengths all summer. Vince Young has praised him for his blitz pickup, Mike Heimerdinger likes him for his intangibles and willingness to work hard, and it's been noted several times that Johnson had the offense down pat right from the get-go.

He reminds you of DeAngelo Williams, ergo you project Williams' weaknesses onto Chris Johnson whether they exist or not?

I'm all for a healthy debate, but enough with the misinformation stated as fact.

 

[Todem]

As a Lendale and CJ owner, I can see Fischer getting the "I hate Shanny" treatment by this board by the end of the year. I am thinking that he may use CJ some games at the goal line depending on the situation/opponent but will still not forget about getting Lendale his carries and goal line touches even though everyone here sees CJ as the much better talent.

So, CJ owners may find themselves plugging him into their starting lineups sometimes this year after a huge game and then be upset when they see Lendale getting goal line touches and 70% of the carries the following week. I hope I am wrong but unfortunately our fantasy needs do not equate to how Fischer views the situation and how he intends to use both RBs together. That is obviously going to make CJ a risky starting pick from week to week, and limit his overall value this year. I still think he has BW2 (Bryan Westbrook Part II) written all over him for purposes of dynasty and keeper leagues, but even Westbrook took a few years to bulk up so that he could handle getting the majority of touches in the Philly backfield. CJ is in the same boat.

I am both a LenDale and CJ owner myself. I think this is exactly how it's going to play out. CJ will be plugged in during opportune times and will frustrate with his production from week to week. I think that LenDale is still the sure fire bet in that backfield. CJ still has a lot to learn about the pro game (as do most rookies). He reminds me of DeAngelo Williams. Has all the talent and speed but was slow to pickup the intangibles like blitz pickup, waiting for holes to develop, etc.

That will change within 2 weeks if not already before week one. The Titans know exactly what they have and will unleash CJ to the league week one.Great coaches (and Jeff Fisher is one of the great ones IMO.) adapt to their talent. A guy named Don Shula who was thought of as a run first run second coach quickly adapted his game plan and play book around a guy named Dan Marino. I truly believe the Titans are designing their scheme around Vince Young and Chris Johnson. Lendale will play a role....and that role will be some clock control and to give their new stallion a breather a series or 2 a game. By week 4 Chris Johnson will be getting 65-70% of the work. He will touch the ball/be targeted at least 17 to 20 times a game. He is their game breaker and play maker. He will open up the field for Young and I expect Alge Crumpler to have a nice bounce back year as well. They need a WR of that bunch to step up (Gage most likley) and they obviously need to get another in their next off-season.

This is going to be a great season for the rookie backs. I think this particular class has some very nice propsects. More than most in recent memory.

McFadden

Stewart

Johnson

Mendy

Forte

Smith

Hightower

All could have a big impact to their respective clubs. The top 3 have a great chance to be big fantasy impact players week one.

This thread will either go down has a legendary thread or the biggest flop in this boards history.

 

[hotlanta]

As a Lendale and CJ owner, I can see Fischer getting the "I hate Shanny" treatment by this board by the end of the year. I am thinking that he may use CJ some games at the goal line depending on the situation/opponent but will still not forget about getting Lendale his carries and goal line touches even though everyone here sees CJ as the much better talent.

So, CJ owners may find themselves plugging him into their starting lineups sometimes this year after a huge game and then be upset when they see Lendale getting goal line touches and 70% of the carries the following week. I hope I am wrong but unfortunately our fantasy needs do not equate to how Fischer views the situation and how he intends to use both RBs together. That is obviously going to make CJ a risky starting pick from week to week, and limit his overall value this year. I still think he has BW2 (Bryan Westbrook Part II) written all over him for purposes of dynasty and keeper leagues, but even Westbrook took a few years to bulk up so that he could handle getting the majority of touches in the Philly backfield. CJ is in the same boat.

I am both a LenDale and CJ owner myself. I think this is exactly how it's going to play out. CJ will be plugged in during opportune times and will frustrate with his production from week to week. I think that LenDale is still the sure fire bet in that backfield. CJ still has a lot to learn about the pro game (as do most rookies). He reminds me of DeAngelo Williams. Has all the talent and speed but was slow to pickup the intangibles like blitz pickup, waiting for holes to develop, etc.

That will change within 2 weeks if not already before week one. The Titans know exactly what they have and will unleash CJ to the league week one.Great coaches (and Jeff Fisher is one of the great ones IMO.) adapt to their talent. A guy named Don Shula who was thought of as a run first run second coach quickly adapted his game plan and play book around a guy named Dan Marino. I truly believe the Titans are designing their scheme around Vince Young and Chris Johnson. Lendale will play a role....and that role will be some clock control and to give their new stallion a breather a series or 2 a game. By week 4 Chris Johnson will be getting 65-70% of the work. He will touch the ball/be targeted at least 17 to 20 times a game. He is their game breaker and play maker. He will open up the field for Young and I expect Alge Crumpler to have a nice bounce back year as well. They need a WR of that bunch to step up (Gage most likley) and they obviously need to get another in their next off-season.

This thread will either go down has a legendary thread or the biggest flop in this boards history.

17-20 touches by week 4? I think you are way too optimistic. There is no way that's going happen. Just look at some of the comments that were made when CJ was drafted:Pro analysis: Did anyone see this coming? Johnson adds blazing speed to the Tennessee backfield — he ran a 4.24 40 at the combine — and is the yin to LenDale White's yang. But this seems like a clear admission that the Titans missed on speedster Chris Henry in the second round last year. It also doesn't address the Titans' glaring need at WR and the depth they're now lacking on the D-line with Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy gone. erhaps the Titans will be running the Wing-T in 2008.

College analysis: Chris Johnson had two huge games for East Carolina as a senior, running for 301 yards against Memphis and then ending the year with a 223-yard effort against Boise State in the Hawaii Bowl. He has tremendous speed and always was a threat to make a big play. The concern that showed with Johnson was his games against tougher competition. He only had just 123 combined yards on the ground against Virginia Tech, North Carolina and West Virginia.

and:

Second-year GM Mike Reinfieldt will not be long for the evaluation profession if he continues to make very questionable decisions like the one he just made at the RB position for the second consecutive year. After grossly reaching on Chris Henry last year, Reinfieldt was blinded by measurables again. Chris Johnson lacks run strength and vision to run between the tackles and is an injury waiting to happen with the way he dips his head on contact. Questions about his intelligence, upright running style and previous neck injury pushed him to the third round on many draft boards. Scouting is about a lot more than pure speed and measurables. Johnson will struggle to ever live up to his first-round draft status and will need to be utilized in a space role to be effective.

And these are reputable sites like Pro Football Weekly and Sporting News.

 

[ImTheScientist]

17-20 touches by week 4? I think you are way too optimistic. There is no way that's going happen. Just look at some of the comments that were made when CJ was drafted:

Pro analysis: Did anyone see this coming? Johnson adds blazing speed to the Tennessee backfield — he ran a 4.24 40 at the combine — and is the yin to LenDale White's yang. But this seems like a clear admission that the Titans missed on speedster Chris Henry in the second round last year. It also doesn't address the Titans' glaring need at WR and the depth they're now lacking on the D-line with Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy gone. erhaps the Titans will be running the Wing-T in 2008.

College analysis: Chris Johnson had two huge games for East Carolina as a senior, running for 301 yards against Memphis and then ending the year with a 223-yard effort against Boise State in the Hawaii Bowl. He has tremendous speed and always was a threat to make a big play. The concern that showed with Johnson was his games against tougher competition. He only had just 123 combined yards on the ground against Virginia Tech, North Carolina and West Virginia.

and:

Second-year GM Mike Reinfieldt will not be long for the evaluation profession if he continues to make very questionable decisions like the one he just made at the RB position for the second consecutive year. After grossly reaching on Chris Henry last year, Reinfieldt was blinded by measurables again. Chris Johnson lacks run strength and vision to run between the tackles and is an injury waiting to happen with the way he dips his head on contact. Questions about his intelligence, upright running style and previous neck injury pushed him to the third round on many draft boards. Scouting is about a lot more than pure speed and measurables. Johnson will struggle to ever live up to his first-round draft status and will need to be utilized in a space role to be effective.

And these are reputable sites like Pro Football Weekly and Sporting News.

Those were written before CJ hit the NFL field and played with other NFL players. Whats the point of bringing that into the conversation. You should deal with the PRESENT and not the past. There is no way he does not touch the ball 17-20 times.

 

[BigTex]

I really don't get what Lendale has done to warrant so much love.............seriously. He's showes up to camp more times overweight than not, yet its impossible for CJ3 to take over the starting role, who are we kidding?

Truth is Fatdale hasn't done jack! The writing is on the wall some just choose not to read it.

Tex

 

[hotlanta]

I really don't get what Lendale has done to warrant so much love.............seriously. He's showes up to camp more times overweight than not, yet its impossible for CJ3 to take over the starting role, who are we kidding? Truth is Fatdale hasn't done jack! The writing is on the wall some just choose not to read it.Tex

Because LenDale fits with the smashmouth football that the Titans want to play. They want to pound the ball and run out the clock to win football games. They've already proven last year that they are not very good in the red zone, so this makes a lot of sense (ie. keep the ball away from the other offense). That's why LenDale has and will continue to have value on that team.And, despite his low YPC, I wouldn't say 1100/7 is not 'jack'.

 

[Aaronstory]

As a Lendale and CJ owner, I can see Fischer getting the "I hate Shanny" treatment by this board by the end of the year. I am thinking that he may use CJ some games at the goal line depending on the situation/opponent but will still not forget about getting Lendale his carries and goal line touches even though everyone here sees CJ as the much better talent.

So, CJ owners may find themselves plugging him into their starting lineups sometimes this year after a huge game and then be upset when they see Lendale getting goal line touches and 70% of the carries the following week. I hope I am wrong but unfortunately our fantasy needs do not equate to how Fischer views the situation and how he intends to use both RBs together. That is obviously going to make CJ a risky starting pick from week to week, and limit his overall value this year. I still think he has BW2 (Bryan Westbrook Part II) written all over him for purposes of dynasty and keeper leagues, but even Westbrook took a few years to bulk up so that he could handle getting the majority of touches in the Philly backfield. CJ is in the same boat.

I am both a LenDale and CJ owner myself. I think this is exactly how it's going to play out. CJ will be plugged in during opportune times and will frustrate with his production from week to week. I think that LenDale is still the sure fire bet in that backfield. CJ still has a lot to learn about the pro game (as do most rookies). He reminds me of DeAngelo Williams. Has all the talent and speed but was slow to pickup the intangibles like blitz pickup, waiting for holes to develop, etc.

That will change within 2 weeks if not already before week one. The Titans know exactly what they have and will unleash CJ to the league week one.Great coaches (and Jeff Fisher is one of the great ones IMO.) adapt to their talent. A guy named Don Shula who was thought of as a run first run second coach quickly adapted his game plan and play book around a guy named Dan Marino. I truly believe the Titans are designing their scheme around Vince Young and Chris Johnson. Lendale will play a role....and that role will be some clock control and to give their new stallion a breather a series or 2 a game. By week 4 Chris Johnson will be getting 65-70% of the work. He will touch the ball/be targeted at least 17 to 20 times a game. He is their game breaker and play maker. He will open up the field for Young and I expect Alge Crumpler to have a nice bounce back year as well. They need a WR of that bunch to step up (Gage most likley) and they obviously need to get another in their next off-season.

This thread will either go down has a legendary thread or the biggest flop in this boards history.

17-20 touches by week 4? I think you are way too optimistic. There is no way that's going happen. Just look at some of the comments that were made when CJ was drafted:Pro analysis: Did anyone see this coming? Johnson adds blazing speed to the Tennessee backfield — he ran a 4.24 40 at the combine — and is the yin to LenDale White's yang. But this seems like a clear admission that the Titans missed on speedster Chris Henry in the second round last year. It also doesn't address the Titans' glaring need at WR and the depth they're now lacking on the D-line with Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy gone. erhaps the Titans will be running the Wing-T in 2008.

College analysis: Chris Johnson had two huge games for East Carolina as a senior, running for 301 yards against Memphis and then ending the year with a 223-yard effort against Boise State in the Hawaii Bowl. He has tremendous speed and always was a threat to make a big play. The concern that showed with Johnson was his games against tougher competition. He only had just 123 combined yards on the ground against Virginia Tech, North Carolina and West Virginia.

and:

Second-year GM Mike Reinfieldt will not be long for the evaluation profession if he continues to make very questionable decisions like the one he just made at the RB position for the second consecutive year. After grossly reaching on Chris Henry last year, Reinfieldt was blinded by measurables again. Chris Johnson lacks run strength and vision to run between the tackles and is an injury waiting to happen with the way he dips his head on contact. Questions about his intelligence, upright running style and previous neck injury pushed him to the third round on many draft boards. Scouting is about a lot more than pure speed and measurables. Johnson will struggle to ever live up to his first-round draft status and will need to be utilized in a space role to be effective.

And these are reputable sites like Pro Football Weekly and Sporting News.

Oh, you mean the same people who told us that Brian Brohm was the 'most NFL-ready quarterback'? The same Brohm who lost the number two job in GB to a seventh round pick?Just a PERFECT example of why almost 98% of the stuff you read immediately after the draft is junk.

 

[simey]

College analysis: Chris Johnson had two huge games for East Carolina as a senior, running for 301 yards against Memphis and then ending the year with a 223-yard effort against Boise State in the Hawaii Bowl. He has tremendous speed and always was a threat to make a big play. The concern that showed with Johnson was his games against tougher competition. He only had just 123 combined yards on the ground against Virginia Tech, North Carolina and West Virginia.

ECU's OL was terrible last year. It's a wonder Johnson could rush at all. In the VT game he did get a rushing TD, but that game was chaotic for ECU because their starting QB got a DWI the night or two before the game, and so the coach wouldn't let him play. ECU only lost by 10 points in that game, and they were lucky it wasn't worse since they kept rotating different QB's throughout the whole game. Johnson only had 10 rushing attempts against VT. As for the WVU game, Chris Johnson rushed for 76 yards and a TD. Considering ECU's OL, that wasn't bad at all against WVU. Johnson only had 14 rushing attempts against WVU. As for the Carolina game, he did have one rushing TD, but Carolina was stopping the run well. Johnson only had 8 rushing attempts against Carolina. However, Chris Johnson did have 136 receiving yards against Carolina, and two receiving TD's. He had 3 TD's in all against Carolina. That isn't a bad day on the field by Mr. Johnson.

 

[BigTex]

I really don't get what Lendale has done to warrant so much love.............seriously. He's showes up to camp more times overweight than not, yet its impossible for CJ3 to take over the starting role, who are we kidding? Truth is Fatdale hasn't done jack! The writing is on the wall some just choose not to read it.Tex

Because LenDale fits with the smashmouth football that the Titans want to play. They want to pound the ball and run out the clock to win football games. They've already proven last year that they are not very good in the red zone, so this makes a lot of sense (ie. keep the ball away from the other offense). That's why LenDale has and will continue to have value on that team.And, despite his low YPC, I wouldn't say 1100/7 is not 'jack'.

LOL, 303 carries a 3.7 avg and he started ALL 16 games, I'm fairly comfortable saying it's "jack"ETA: If he's the type of player (fatdale) that plays their type of ball ("smashmouth") then why did they draft CJ3. (Not a question, just a thought)

 

[Buck Bradcanon]

Grabbed Light Blue Jesus in the 6th round as my RB4.. so question to those at the front of this train:

WSIS in Week 1: Chris Johnson or Chuck Norris?

 

[Gr00vus]

I really don't get what Lendale has done to warrant so much love.

It's pretty simple from an NFL standpoint - he moves the chains. He usually gets positive yards and keeps the team moving forward on a consistent basis. That kind of thing gets no respect in FF, but it's huge in real football. If he gains a rock solid 3.7 ypc, you can run him all day and be picking up 1st downs all the while chewing up the clock and the other team's defense. At worst running him on 1st and 2nd leaves you with manageable 3rd downs, which is crucial when you've got a QB like Vince Young.LenDale isn't to be mistaken for Walter Payton, but he's not useless either - some of the more extreme Johnson fans might want to take stock of that before reality hits them repeatedly on Sundays when LenDale continues to get plenty of work even though Johnson catches lightning in a bottle every now and then.

 

[Hawk]

I'm a Titans fan and follow them closely, and before training camp I was saying that Lendale would still be the main guy. But after camp and the preseason games, it is abundantly clear to anyone paying any attention that Lendale is not the better option to have over CJ. Lendale's upside is holding on to about 50% of the carries and goalline work, his downside is becoming the back-up with little fantasy value. CJ's upside is taking over the full RB duties and making Lendale your basic RB backup, his downside is 50% of the touches without much goalline work.

My point is that CJ is clearly the better fantasy pick right now IMO, and I think it won't be long before he's getting 70-80% of the RB touches, especially in close games or games where Tenn is trailing. Bottom line is CJ is the only real playmaker the Titans have on offense besides maybe Vince and Crumpler. Everyone else, including Lendale and the horde of mediocre WR's, are just not all that good. Passable maybe (hopefully), but nothing special. The Titans OC is not a moron, he will find every way possible to get the ball into CJ's hands with CJ in a position to make a play. From reading some of these posts, I think Lendale owners are in serious denial.

 

[brednbuddah]

I have a hard time discounting a guy who ran the ball 300+ times last year at 3.7 a clip while putting up 7TDs vs. a hyped up rookie who has looked good in preseason (and I own CJ).

This is a run first offense and I´ll be happy with the 50/50, 60/40 splits I´ve been reading about. kid looks like he´s got home run ability every time he touches the ball, but let´s see him in real NFL action before discounting Len Dale.

 

[BigTex]

I'm a Titans fan and follow them closely, and before training camp I was saying that Lendale would still be the main guy. But after camp and the preseason games, it is abundantly clear to anyone paying any attention that Lendale is not the better option to have over CJ. Lendale's upside is holding on to about 50% of the carries and goalline work, his downside is becoming the back-up with little fantasy value. CJ's upside is taking over the full RB duties and making Lendale your basic RB backup, his downside is 50% of the touches without much goalline work.

My point is that CJ is clearly the better fantasy pick right now IMO, and I think it won't be long before he's getting 70-80% of the RB touches, especially in close games or games where Tenn is trailing. Bottom line is CJ is the only real playmaker the Titans have on offense besides maybe Vince and Crumpler. Everyone else, including Lendale and the horde of mediocre WR's, are just not all that good. Passable maybe (hopefully), but nothing special. The Titans OC is not a moron, he will find every way possible to get the ball into CJ's hands with CJ in a position to make a play. From reading some of these posts, I think Lendale owners are in serious denial.

 

[BigTex]

I have a hard time discounting a guy who ran the ball 300+ times last year at 3.7 a clip while putting up 7TDs vs. a hyped up rookie who has looked good in preseason (and I own CJ). This is a run first offense and I´ll be happy with the 50/50, 60/40 splits I´ve been reading about. kid looks like he´s got home run ability every time he touches the ball, but let´s see him in real NFL action before discounting Len Dale.

69.4 rushing yards a game.......................................LOL

 

[corpcow]

I really don't get what Lendale has done to warrant so much love.

It's pretty simple from an NFL standpoint - he moves the chains. He usually gets positive yards and keeps the team moving forward on a consistent basis. That kind of thing gets no respect in FF, but it's huge in real football. If he gains a rock solid 3.7 ypc, you can run him all day and be picking up 1st downs all the while chewing up the clock and the other team's defense. At worst running him on 1st and 2nd leaves you with manageable 3rd downs, which is crucial when you've got a QB like Vince Young.LenDale isn't to be mistaken for Walter Payton, but he's not useless either - some of the more extreme Johnson fans might want to take stock of that before reality hits them repeatedly on Sundays when LenDale continues to get plenty of work even though Johnson catches lightning in a bottle every now and then.

I agree... but as I said earlier in the thread, I think they are perfect complements to each other - both benefit from having the other guy in there. LenDale lacks the breakaway speed, so it's easier to stack the box against him. You have to respect Chris Johnson's playmaking ability, so especially when they're in together it's going to open things up for Lendale to have even better YPC. Conversely, Lendale can wear down the defense with bruising inside running and then smack them with 4.24 speed.Everyone gets so caught up in how the pie is divided... instead we should look at how this can grow the pie for everyone. It's not about a straight division of touches - it's about making everyone more effective even with less touches. I think the Pittsburgh backfield with Bettis and FWP showed this approach can be very effective.

 

[greenline]

Not that anyone cares but the original Chris Johnson owner in my big money league dropped him so I just scooped him up. He was a 12th rd pick in this league and if he pans out, I'll be pumped for two years.

 

[brednbuddah]

I have a hard time discounting a guy who ran the ball 300+ times last year at 3.7 a clip while putting up 7TDs vs. a hyped up rookie who has looked good in preseason (and I own CJ). This is a run first offense and I´ll be happy with the 50/50, 60/40 splits I´ve been reading about. kid looks like he´s got home run ability every time he touches the ball, but let´s see him in real NFL action before discounting Len Dale.

69.4 rushing yards a game.......................................LOL

1110 yards was good enough for 12th among 08 rushing leaders like Addai (1072), Gore (1102), Lynch (1115) and T.Jones (1119).

 

[[icon]]

Not that anyone cares but the original Chris Johnson owner in my big money league dropped him so I just scooped him up. He was a 12th rd pick in this league and if he pans out, I'll be pumped for two years.

WTF?

 

[BigTex]

I have a hard time discounting a guy who ran the ball 300+ times last year at 3.7 a clip while putting up 7TDs vs. a hyped up rookie who has looked good in preseason (and I own CJ). This is a run first offense and I´ll be happy with the 50/50, 60/40 splits I´ve been reading about. kid looks like he´s got home run ability every time he touches the ball, but let´s see him in real NFL action before discounting Len Dale.

69.4 rushing yards a game.......................................LOL

1110 yards was good enough for 12th among 08 rushing leaders like Addai (1072), Gore (1102), Lynch (1115) and T.Jones (1119).

He finished #20 were it really counts............when the game is finished how did he produce?#8 Lynch (1115) 85.8#15 Gore (1102) 73.5#17 Addai (1072) 71.5#18 T.Jones (1119) 69.9#20 Fatdale (1110) 69.4Average Yards Per Game.........bottom of the barrel, this clearly explains why they brought in a homerun hitter like CJ3.

 

[Diamond]

I agree... but as I said earlier in the thread, I think they are perfect complements to each other - both benefit from having the other guy in there. LenDale lacks the breakaway speed, so it's easier to stack the box against him. You have to respect Chris Johnson's playmaking ability, so especially when they're in together it's going to open things up for Lendale to have even better YPC. Conversely, Lendale can wear down the defense with bruising inside running and then smack them with 4.24 speed.Everyone gets so caught up in how the pie is divided... instead we should look at how this can grow the pie for everyone. It's not about a straight division of touches - it's about making everyone more effective even with less touches. I think the Pittsburgh backfield with Bettis and FWP showed this approach can be very effective.

 

[Buck Bradcanon]

Not that anyone cares but the original Chris Johnson owner in my big money league dropped him so I just scooped him up. He was a 12th rd pick in this league and if he pans out, I'll be pumped for two years.

WTF?

This owner should be hung in public.

 

[greenline]

Not that anyone cares but the original Chris Johnson owner in my big money league dropped him so I just scooped him up. He was a 12th rd pick in this league and if he pans out, I'll be pumped for two years.

WTF?

Well it's a 2QB-2RB-3WR league with return yardage. Johnson was dropped for Kurt Warner.

 

[Dexter Manley]

Not that anyone cares but the original Chris Johnson owner in my big money league dropped him so I just scooped him up. He was a 12th rd pick in this league and if he pans out, I'll be pumped for two years.

WTF?

This owner should be hung in public.

I'm normally against public boilings, but that is definitely an appropriate punishment for an offense this eggregious.

 

[baconisgood]

I have a hard time discounting a guy who ran the ball 300+ times last year at 3.7 a clip while putting up 7TDs vs. a hyped up rookie who has looked good in preseason (and I own CJ). This is a run first offense and I´ll be happy with the 50/50, 60/40 splits I´ve been reading about. kid looks like he´s got home run ability every time he touches the ball, but let´s see him in real NFL action before discounting Len Dale.

69.4 rushing yards a game.......................................LOL

1110 yards was good enough for 12th among 08 rushing leaders like Addai (1072), Gore (1102), Lynch (1115) and T.Jones (1119).

Lendale had 120 receiving yards, Addai 350 (played in 15 games, half of two more), Gore 436 receiving yards (also played in 15 games), Lynch played in 13 games and averaged 24 more total yards a game. Thomas Jones is recognized as having a bad season last year. Simply being decent at accumulating rushing yards in the NFL isn't enough to hold onto your starting spot, you have to either do it at a good rate (a big no for Lendale) add receptions (another no) or have no competition for the job (looks like another no).

 

[hotlanta]

I have a hard time discounting a guy who ran the ball 300+ times last year at 3.7 a clip while putting up 7TDs vs. a hyped up rookie who has looked good in preseason (and I own CJ). This is a run first offense and I´ll be happy with the 50/50, 60/40 splits I´ve been reading about. kid looks like he´s got home run ability every time he touches the ball, but let´s see him in real NFL action before discounting Len Dale.

69.4 rushing yards a game.......................................LOL

Here's some food for thought. In the preseason, CJ had 33 carries for 182 yards (5.5YPC). Take away his 66 yard run and he averaged 3.6 YPC in his other 32 carries.So is all his hype based on that one long run?

 

[Dexter Manley]

Just grabbed him again in my last draft, a 16 teamer last Sunday at 6.08. There was much hooting and hollering that I reached. I started audibilizing much of the hype in this thread and that shut them up (sort of).

Guy in my division took Fatdale as his RB2 in the 3rd round (start 2 league). He won the SB last year and was bragging about how good his draft was on Sunday. Then yesterday he calls me and says he's been trying to trade Bulger for Ricky Williams with another owner (< 24 hours after the draft). I'm guessing he did a little research and just figured out that he drafted the 2nd best RB on Tennessee.

 

[TheDirtyWord]

I have a hard time discounting a guy who ran the ball 300+ times last year at 3.7 a clip while putting up 7TDs vs. a hyped up rookie who has looked good in preseason (and I own CJ). This is a run first offense and I´ll be happy with the 50/50, 60/40 splits I´ve been reading about. kid looks like he´s got home run ability every time he touches the ball, but let´s see him in real NFL action before discounting Len Dale.

69.4 rushing yards a game.......................................LOL

Here's some food for thought. In the preseason, CJ had 33 carries for 182 yards (5.5YPC). Take away his 66 yard run and he averaged 3.6 YPC in his other 32 carries.So is all his hype based on that one long run?

So his YPC is in the Lendale area without taking into account his ability to break 66 yard runs? I guess the fact that his backfield partner is ripe for usurping also plays into this...White didn't impress anyone his rookie year, and appeared to be last man standing last year.

 

[Dexter Manley]

I have a hard time discounting a guy who ran the ball 300+ times last year at 3.7 a clip while putting up 7TDs vs. a hyped up rookie who has looked good in preseason (and I own CJ). This is a run first offense and I´ll be happy with the 50/50, 60/40 splits I´ve been reading about. kid looks like he´s got home run ability every time he touches the ball, but let´s see him in real NFL action before discounting Len Dale.

69.4 rushing yards a game.......................................LOL

Here's some food for thought. In the preseason, CJ had 33 carries for 182 yards (5.5YPC). Take away his 66 yard run and he averaged 3.6 YPC in his other 32 carries.So is all his hype based on that one long run?

Oh, 2 can play this game. Take away those 2 desperate ankle tackles that barely got CJ down, and he would have 90+ more yards rushing and 2 more TD's.

 

[Banger]

I have a hard time discounting a guy who ran the ball 300+ times last year at 3.7 a clip while putting up 7TDs vs. a hyped up rookie who has looked good in preseason (and I own CJ). This is a run first offense and I´ll be happy with the 50/50, 60/40 splits I´ve been reading about. kid looks like he´s got home run ability every time he touches the ball, but let´s see him in real NFL action before discounting Len Dale.

69.4 rushing yards a game.......................................LOL

Here's some food for thought. In the preseason, CJ had 33 carries for 182 yards (5.5YPC). Take away his 66 yard run and he averaged 3.6 YPC in his other 32 carries.So is all his hype based on that one long run?

absolutely!! Seriously though...the situation, talent, competition, praise from the coaching staff and increased role are some of the reasons. Funny thing is that White hasn't had a carry over 30 yards in his career (let alone 66) and averaged 3.6 ypc last year. So even if those numbers are pedestrian they are still better than his competition.

 

[packersfan]

I'm thinking this could be similar to the McAllister-Bush combo of two seasons ago. Deuce did all the dirty work and finished 13th in standard scoring leagues. Bush was a disappointment for much of the season in those leagues but was huge all season long in PPR formats. I could see a similar situation evolving this year with White and Johnson. White gets most of the rushing attempts and the TDs while Johnson carves out his role in PPR formats. The question is whether he'll be a monster like Bush was. Can he catch 88 passes in his first season? I'm not so sure. Vince Young isn't anywhere close to the caliber of QB that Drew Brees is.

 

[Milwaukees_best]

I'm not so sure. Vince Young isn't anywhere close to the caliber of QB that Drew Brees is.

Thats exactly why he CAN catch 88 passes - That might be the one throw that VY Can make with accuracy.

 

[packersfan]

I'm not so sure. Vince Young isn't anywhere close to the caliber of QB that Drew Brees is.

Thats exactly why he CAN catch 88 passes - That might be the one throw that VY Can make with accuracy.

You'd like to think so and all of us Johnson owners certainly hope so. But the guy is an absolutely brutal passing QB. He could turn a 5-yard dumpoff into an adventure.

 

[LOCO]

pretty simple.

non ppr - lendale

ppr - johnson.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

pretty simple.non ppr - lendaleppr - johnson.

No, really, it's not that simple.Don't bank on LenDale White as a RB2/RB3 if you want to win your league.

 

[LOCO]

pretty simple.

non ppr - lendale

ppr - johnson.

No, really, it's not that simple.Don't bank on LenDale White as a RB2/RB3 if you want to win your league.

i would take lendale as my RB3, this year. he will get most of the goal line love, which in non ppr makes him more valuable.now in a keeper/dynasty league....forget it.....chris johnson is the one i want.

 

[Fear & Loathing]

Here's some food for thought. In the preseason, CJ had 33 carries for 182 yards (5.5YPC). Take away his 66 yard run and he averaged 3.6 YPC in his other 32 carries.

So is all his hype based on that one long run?

Food for thought? More like empty calories.

That logic worked very well for the Adrian Peterson pooh-poohers last preseason as well: "meh. take away the big run and his ypc is 3.85.."

So we punish playmakers for making plays? Now I've heard it all. . . .

 

[ImTheScientist]

Here's some food for thought. In the preseason, CJ had 33 carries for 182 yards (5.5YPC). Take away his 66 yard run and he averaged 3.6 YPC in his other 32 carries.

So is all his hype based on that one long run?

Food for thought? More like empty calories.

That logic worked very well for the Adrian Peterson pooh-poohers last preseason as well: "meh. take away the big run and his ypc is 3.85.."

So we punish playmakers for making plays? Now I've heard it all. . . .

 

[Aaronstory]

Here's some food for thought. In the preseason, CJ had 33 carries for 182 yards (5.5YPC). Take away his 66 yard run and he averaged 3.6 YPC in his other 32 carries.

So is all his hype based on that one long run?

Food for thought? More like empty calories.

That logic worked very well for the Adrian Peterson pooh-poohers last preseason as well: "meh. take away the big run and his ypc is 3.85.."

So we punish playmakers for making plays? Now I've heard it all. . . .

Damn