The Chris Johnson Hype machine (2 Viewers)

[humpback]

Still a great contract for both sides IMO.

It's a contract for CJ but wouldn't say it's a good, let alone great, one. No signing bonus and essentially the vet min with no guarantees is as risk free and bare bones as it gets. Definitely a great, no risk deal for the Cards.

Total no risk for the Cards.

He has one season 3 weeks now to prove he can still be a productive role player make an NFL roster. Great signing for the Cards.

Oh....he will make the roster LOL.

I think he will too, but it's certainly not a lock.

 

[Todem]

Still a great contract for both sides IMO.

It's a contract for CJ but wouldn't say it's a good, let alone great, one. No signing bonus and essentially the vet min with no guarantees is as risk free and bare bones as it gets. Definitely a great, no risk deal for the Cards.

Total no risk for the Cards.

He has one season 3 weeks now to prove he can still be a productive role player make an NFL roster. Great signing for the Cards.

Oh....he will make the roster LOL.

I think he will too, but it's certainly not a lock.

Agreed.

 

[LittlePhatty]

His successful period in Tennessee was entirely based around him avoiding contact. I'm not sure he'll be able to do that at age 30 in Arizona.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

The Cardinals' website expects Chris Johnson to be "part of the rotation" in Arizona's backfield.

Beat writer Darren Urban confirms Andre Ellington remains the "starter," but expects the Cards to keep five running backs. They'll be Ellington, Chris and David Johnson, short-yardage back Robert Hughes, and possibly Kerwynn Williams (or Stepfan Taylor). Urban did not guess at the carry distribution, but the Johnsons are clear and present threats to Ellington's workload.

Source: azcardinals.com
Aug 18 - 2:01 PM

 

[3optic]

I had no idea that CJ is still a productive RB. For FF purposes, I see him having little impact except to help prevent Ellington from wearing down. For NFL purposes, this is a good signing considering the dollar figure.

Seems like adding him was more for the purpose of having quality depth. If they get something more out of him than that, it's a bonus.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Cardinals coach Bruce Arians says Chris Johnson hasn't been promised a roster spot, and that his role will be determined by how he fares in the preseason.

The Cardinals' website expects CJ?K to be a "part of the rotation" at running back, but the ever-blunt Arians isn't willing to issue any public assurances. Johnson's 2014 play certainly doesn't warrant an automatic roster spot, but Andre Ellington's fragility and David Johnson's rawness means CJ will almost certainly make the team.

Source: Darren Urban on Twitter
Aug 18 - 2:18 PM

 

[pizzatyme]

I had no idea that CJ is still a productive RB. For FF purposes, I see him having little impact except to help prevent Ellington from wearing down. For NFL purposes, this is a good signing considering the dollar figure.

Seems like adding him was more for the purpose of having quality depth. If they get something more out of him than that, it's a bonus.

Maybe, but why put the bonus clause in unless they're going to give him a chance to compete. Maybe not??

 

[Freelove]

I had no idea that CJ is still a productive RB. For FF purposes, I see him having little impact except to help prevent Ellington from wearing down. For NFL purposes, this is a good signing considering the dollar figure.

Seems like adding him was more for the purpose of having quality depth. If they get something more out of him than that, it's a bonus.

Maybe, but why put the bonus clause in unless they're going to give him a chance to compete. Maybe not??

Agent: "You and I both know Andre Ellington is a china doll. We'll sign for the min, but put this clause in there because if/when my guy has to come in and rescue you by acting like a real NFL RB for most of the year, we'll expect him to be paid a little bit more like one."

 

[Kenny Powers]

Cardinals | Chris Johnson could still start Tue Aug 18, 03:18 PMArizona Cardinals RB Chris Johnson hasn't been ruled out as being the starting running back over RB Andre Ellington, according to head coach Bruce Arians.

Definitely a situation to keep an eye on. I doubt he is announced as the week 1 starter, but if he locks up the backup role at least, he's a good 10th round+ flier to me.

 

[Shutout]

It's hard to be excited about a guy, who let's face it, if David Johnson had one additional healthy hamstring, would still be on the streets.

He COULD be useful in RL and FF but I'm going in eyes wide open and realizing this margin for error is much thinner than it appears.

 

[Faust]

Arians on Chris Johnson's physical: Nothing except a 'bullet in his trap'

 

[Faust]

New Cards RB Chris Johnson says shooting changed perspective on life:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13464001/chris-johnson-arizona-cardinals-says-shooting-changed-perspective

 

[cstu]

New Cards RB Chris Johnson says shooting changed perspective on life:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13464001/chris-johnson-arizona-cardinals-says-shooting-changed-perspective

CJ.22

 

[scothawk]

Mess in both redraft and dynasty. I own CJ in the latter and have been dragged into this. He was on my final cut list but this gives him a chance of making it through. That said, the whole situation is a mess this year and in all probability next.

I dont want any further part of it.

 

[Madden Curse]

Still a great contract for both sides IMO.

It's a contract for CJ but wouldn't say it's a good, let alone great, one. No signing bonus and essentially the vet min with no guarantees is as risk free and bare bones as it gets. Definitely a great, no risk deal for the Cards.

Total no risk for the Cards.

He has one season now to prove he can still be a productive role player. Great signing for the Cards.

ARI obviously knows that a team featuring Palmer and Fitz has a pretty short window to compete anyway. Had Palmer not gone down last season, the stars were lined up for a serious title run. As a no-risk, win-now move, adding CJ for a year makes plenty of sense.

 

[Faust]

Cardinals' Chris Johnson set to prove something to himself:

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2015/08/18/chris-johnson-happy-playing-football-again/31936177/

 

[kface]

Honestly i can't even understand why discussing him is relevant at this point...

 

[Todem]

Honestly i can't even understand why discussing him is relevant at this point...

Seriously?

When he was unsigned and un employed I can maybe understand that. But now?

He has a golden opportunity in front of him to supplant a gimpy, injury prone starting RB in Andre Ellington, and at the very least compete for some serious playing time on an offense looking for play makers.

He was signed for a reason. They are not convinced their current stable is enough. No risk look at a former All-Pro who still has some game left in the tank. It's a story right now and if he does well in his pre-season opportunities.....it will be an even bigger story.

If he does not it will fade like a fart in the wind.

 

[ourmanflint]

Honestly i can't even understand why discussing him is relevant at this point...

Seriously?

When he was unsigned and un employed I can maybe understand that. But now?

He has a golden opportunity in front of him to supplant a gimpy, injury prone starting RB in Andre Ellington, and at the very least compete for some serious playing time on an offense looking for play makers.

He was signed for a reason. They are not convinced their current stable is enough. No risk look at a former All-Pro who still has some game left in the tank. It's a story right now and if he does well in his pre-season opportunities.....it will be an even bigger story.

If he does not it will fade like a fart in the wind.

Ellington is gimpy? What did I miss?

 

[Todem]

Honestly i can't even understand why discussing him is relevant at this point...

Seriously?

When he was unsigned and un employed I can maybe understand that. But now?

He has a golden opportunity in front of him to supplant a gimpy, injury prone starting RB in Andre Ellington, and at the very least compete for some serious playing time on an offense looking for play makers.

He was signed for a reason. They are not convinced their current stable is enough. No risk look at a former All-Pro who still has some game left in the tank. It's a story right now and if he does well in his pre-season opportunities.....it will be an even bigger story.

If he does not it will fade like a fart in the wind.

Ellington is gimpy? What did I miss?

He had nagging injuries all of last season. I am an Ellington owner.

I don't trust him to carry the load. IMO he is a 15 touch max player at this level. I rather he be used like his rookie season and break big play after big play for me...then get train wrecked running between the tackles.

 

[Banger]

Honestly i can't even understand why discussing him is relevant at this point...

Seriously?

When he was unsigned and un employed I can maybe understand that. But now?

He has a golden opportunity in front of him to supplant a gimpy, injury prone starting RB in Andre Ellington, and at the very least compete for some serious playing time on an offense looking for play makers.

He was signed for a reason. They are not convinced their current stable is enough. No risk look at a former All-Pro who still has some game left in the tank. It's a story right now and if he does well in his pre-season opportunities.....it will be an even bigger story.

If he does not it will fade like a fart in the wind.

Ellington is gimpy? What did I miss?

He had nagging injuries all of last season. I am an Ellington owner.

I don't trust him to carry the load. IMO he is a 15 touch max player at this level. I rather he be used like his rookie season and break big play after big play for me...then get train wrecked running between the tackles.

he was hurt in the preseason and barely practiced all year as a result until they finally shut him down. He was literally in a boot for parts of the week for the first month and a half of the season. He was injured and it didn't matter if he got 25 touches a game or 2, he would've been equally ineffective. His workload had absolutely nothing to do with it since he was injured before the season even began. I'm not sure why people keep parroting that he can't handle the workload and that he broke down because it's simply not true. It may or may not be proven true in the future but last year proved nothing.

If they had any kind of depth whatsoever last year he would've been shutdown much sooner. The lack of depth was idiotic for a team built for a playoff run. They realized that this year and drafted a RB and signed a vet to the league min to give them better depth. Look at the Bills, Clev, Dallas, Houston backfields...RBs get injured all the time.

http://www.si.com/nfl/2014/10/22/arizona-cardinals-andre-ellington-foot-injury-boot

 

[matttyl]

Honestly i can't even understand why discussing him is relevant at this point...

Seriously?

When he was unsigned and un employed I can maybe understand that. But now?

He has a golden opportunity in front of him to supplant a gimpy, injury prone starting RB in Andre Ellington, and at the very least compete for some serious playing time on an offense looking for play makers.

He was signed for a reason. They are not convinced their current stable is enough. No risk look at a former All-Pro who still has some game left in the tank. It's a story right now and if he does well in his pre-season opportunities.....it will be an even bigger story.

If he does not it will fade like a fart in the wind.

Ellington is gimpy? What did I miss?

He had a "P", "I", or "O" next to his name in 13 of the Card's 16 games last year. He was out for the entirety of the fantasy playoffs and title game.

 

[Todem]

Honestly i can't even understand why discussing him is relevant at this point...

Seriously?

When he was unsigned and un employed I can maybe understand that. But now?

He has a golden opportunity in front of him to supplant a gimpy, injury prone starting RB in Andre Ellington, and at the very least compete for some serious playing time on an offense looking for play makers.

He was signed for a reason. They are not convinced their current stable is enough. No risk look at a former All-Pro who still has some game left in the tank. It's a story right now and if he does well in his pre-season opportunities.....it will be an even bigger story.

If he does not it will fade like a fart in the wind.

Ellington is gimpy? What did I miss?

He had nagging injuries all of last season. I am an Ellington owner.

I don't trust him to carry the load. IMO he is a 15 touch max player at this level. I rather he be used like his rookie season and break big play after big play for me...then get train wrecked running between the tackles.

he was hurt in the preseason and barely practiced all year as a result until they finally shut him down. He was literally in a boot for parts of the week for the first month and a half of the season. He was injured and it didn't matter if he got 25 touches a game or 2, he would've been equally ineffective. His workload had absolutely nothing to do with it since he was injured before the season even began. I'm not sure why people keep parroting that he can't handle the workload and that he broke down because it's simply not true. It may or may not be proven true in the future but last year proved nothing.

If they had any kind of depth whatsoever last year he would've been shutdown much sooner. The lack of depth was idiotic for a team built for a playoff run. They realized that this year and drafted a RB and signed a vet to the league min to give them better depth. Look at the Bills, Clev, Dallas, Houston backfields...RBs get injured all the time.

http://www.si.com/nfl/2014/10/22/arizona-cardinals-andre-ellington-foot-injury-boot

He is not a between the tackles runner. That much is obvious to me. And while Chris Johnson is not an ideal between the tackles runner....he is certainly a tougher runner between the tackles.

I think the combo of Ellington and CJ has high potential for them as a team.

Fantasy wise it might create a huge mess though, and knowing Arians.....a nightmare.

 

[Banger]

Honestly i can't even understand why discussing him is relevant at this point...

Seriously?

When he was unsigned and un employed I can maybe understand that. But now?

He has a golden opportunity in front of him to supplant a gimpy, injury prone starting RB in Andre Ellington, and at the very least compete for some serious playing time on an offense looking for play makers.

He was signed for a reason. They are not convinced their current stable is enough. No risk look at a former All-Pro who still has some game left in the tank. It's a story right now and if he does well in his pre-season opportunities.....it will be an even bigger story.

If he does not it will fade like a fart in the wind.

Ellington is gimpy? What did I miss?

He had nagging injuries all of last season. I am an Ellington owner.

I don't trust him to carry the load. IMO he is a 15 touch max player at this level. I rather he be used like his rookie season and break big play after big play for me...then get train wrecked running between the tackles.

he was hurt in the preseason and barely practiced all year as a result until they finally shut him down. He was literally in a boot for parts of the week for the first month and a half of the season. He was injured and it didn't matter if he got 25 touches a game or 2, he would've been equally ineffective. His workload had absolutely nothing to do with it since he was injured before the season even began. I'm not sure why people keep parroting that he can't handle the workload and that he broke down because it's simply not true. It may or may not be proven true in the future but last year proved nothing.

If they had any kind of depth whatsoever last year he would've been shutdown much sooner. The lack of depth was idiotic for a team built for a playoff run. They realized that this year and drafted a RB and signed a vet to the league min to give them better depth. Look at the Bills, Clev, Dallas, Houston backfields...RBs get injured all the time.

http://www.si.com/nfl/2014/10/22/arizona-cardinals-andre-ellington-foot-injury-boot

He is not a between the tackles runner. That much is obvious to me. And while Chris Johnson is not an ideal between the tackles runner....he is certainly a tougher runner between the tackles.

I think the combo of Ellington and CJ has high potential for them as a team.

Fantasy wise it might create a huge mess though, and knowing Arians.....a nightmare.

Arians is usally a pretty straight shooter when it comes to coach speak. At this point CJ is on the roster but Arians is a stubborn coach and 2 years ago when it was clear to everyone on the planet that Ellington was running circles around Mendenhall and was 5 times the back he stuck with Mendy and kept giving him his 15-20 carries game. Mendy was so bad that he hasn't played since that year and is retired.

So even if you can argue that CJ is as good as Ellington it doesn't really mean anything when it comes to Arians. He will use his RBs how he wants to use them and doesn't really care what anyone else says or thinks. We'll have to wait and see and listen to see how they'll use CJ. If David Johnson isn't hurt than it's likely CJ isn't on the roster. So I'll wait to make any judgements on any kind of role CJ will have. He has to make the team and the roster cut first.

 

[3optic]

Just reposting

Honestly i can't even understand why discussing him is relevant at this point...

Seriously?

When he was unsigned and un employed I can maybe understand that. But now?

He has a golden opportunity in front of him to supplant a gimpy, injury prone starting RB in Andre Ellington, and at the very least compete for some serious playing time on an offense looking for play makers.

He was signed for a reason. They are not convinced their current stable is enough. No risk look at a former All-Pro who still has some game left in the tank. It's a story right now and if he does well in his pre-season opportunities.....it will be an even bigger story.

If he does not it will fade like a fart in the wind.

Ellington is gimpy? What did I miss?

He had nagging injuries all of last season. I am an Ellington owner.

I don't trust him to carry the load. IMO he is a 15 touch max player at this level. I rather he be used like his rookie season and break big play after big play for me...then get train wrecked running between the tackles.

he was hurt in the preseason and barely practiced all year as a result until they finally shut him down. He was literally in a boot for parts of the week for the first month and a half of the season. He was injured and it didn't matter if he got 25 touches a game or 2, he would've been equally ineffective. His workload had absolutely nothing to do with it since he was injured before the season even began. I'm not sure why people keep parroting that he can't handle the workload and that he broke down because it's simply not true. It may or may not be proven true in the future but last year proved nothing.

If they had any kind of depth whatsoever last year he would've been shutdown much sooner. The lack of depth was idiotic for a team built for a playoff run. They realized that this year and drafted a RB and signed a vet to the league min to give them better depth. Look at the Bills, Clev, Dallas, Houston backfields...RBs get injured all the time.

http://www.si.com/nfl/2014/10/22/arizona-cardinals-andre-ellington-foot-injury-boot

Just reposting what I posted in AE thread in regards to his willingness to play through injury...

Arians noted that Ellington had multiple drops against Oakland and wasn't always lined up in the right position during the game. More reps would likely help on that end, but Arians ruled out the idea of practicing on Wednesdays.

Said Arians: "No, he can't hardly walk."

Andre Ellington performing at historic clip for Cardinals

 

[Van Dyman]

Mike Iupati injury could hurt all AZ runners.

 

[Bri]

We've all seen CJ so much over the years, I want to see him play in preseason (specifically his speed) before I jump here.

 

[Faust]

Arizona Cardinals’ Carson Palmer: Chris Johnson a really good fit

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2015/08/19/arizona-cardinals-carson-palmer-chris-johnson-bruce-arians-nfl/32012979/

 

[humpback]

We've all seen CJ so much over the years, I want to see him play in preseason (specifically his speed) before I jump here.

That might not happen:

Cardinals’ Chris Johnson out a week or two with pulled hamstring

 

[Gopher State]

D Johnson looked great last night, I wonder if CJ even makes the team now

 

[jurb26]

Johnson was already on the roster bubble. This hammy means he's in serious jeopardy of getting cut IMO.

 

[Bri]

We've all seen CJ so much over the years, I want to see him play in preseason (specifically his speed) before I jump here.

That might not happen:

Cardinals’ Chris Johnson out a week or two with pulled hamstring

well geesh

I guess I'll be hoping for tweets and vines from practice now...this stinks for FF. I can't not draft him if "every" Arizona back continues to get injured but that's the feel I have...gonna be stuck here. They seem like a good team and I wouldn't mind a sneaky late RB pick

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Chris Johnson - RB - Cardinals

NFL.com reports Chris Johnson is expected to make the Cardinals' 53-man roster.

Andie Hagemann reports CJ?K has "made a positive impression on his new teammates overall," and that he'll eventually "share the workload behind starter Andre Ellington." Johnson does seem likely to make the roster as veteran insurance for a young, injury prone running back corps, but David Johnson could send CJ to No. 3 status with another big game this weekend. CJ is missing Arizona's regular season dress rehearsal with a hamstring injury.

Source: NFL.com

Aug 27 - 5:08 PM

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Chris Johnson rushed 11 times for 45 yards and caught one pass for 10 yards in the Cardinals' fourth preseason game.

He ripped off several chain-moving runs against the Broncos' second- and third-team defenses, showing nice cutback vision and acceleration. Johnson put a move on a defender and gained 10 yards on a swing pass early in the game, and busted through the line on a draw play to pick up 16 yards on a 3rd-and-11. Johnson should be expected to look good against second-team talent, but his acceleration appeared to be intact after an offseason away from football. Johnson should put pressure on Andre Ellington and David Johnson for snaps.

Sep 3 - 10:22 PM

 

[Todem]

I think David Johnson is the real deal. After watching him get some extensive time in the pre-season, I think he is the best back overall on the team.

Ellington is an explosive talent. But not a work horse back. He simply needs to be used in space and on obvious passing downs. David Johnson though has shown me he has WR hands as well.

That brings us to Chris. I still believe he has juice left and will be a positive addition to the Cardinals. For fantasy purposes this is not a team I would be drafting anyone before the 8th - 9th round.

Ellington poses the least value (as he will be taken far too early for my taste). I think his role will diminish as a primary back as the season wears on and David Jonson establishes himself. Ellington will be a great change of pace type of back long term for the team.

Chris Johnson is the wild card as he is a proven big time back who can have a swan song season on a team like the Cardinals.

Chris Johnson or David Johnson as a very late round flier gives you the best potential value this season.

David Johnson is the future of this team at RB. It was very clear to me watching him this pre-season.

 

[Bruce Hammond]

I think Chris Johnson will have the most rushing yards for this team at the end of the season. I don't have a load of comfort about how high that number will be, but it'll likely be under 900 yards.

 

[Todem]

Took at 13th round flier on CJ2K.

Why not?

 

[Faust]

Cardinals' Chris Johnson still aims for 2,000 yards, but doesn't like to talk about it:

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/178686/cardinals-chris-johnson-still-aims-for-2000-yards-but-doesnt-like-to-talk-about-it

 

[Todem]

Well that 13th round flier is looking good due to an unfortunate injury. But like i said above....David Johnson will assert himself each week more and more. But if Ellingtons injury is serious CJ will have plenty of value going forward as a flex player.

 

[Bri]

I think David Johnson is the real deal. After watching him get some extensive time in the pre-season, I think he is the best back overall on the team.

me too

 

[Faust]

Chris Johnson preparing for '20, 25 touches a game'

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000531152/article/chris-johnson-preparing-for-20-25-touches-a-game

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Meanwhile over in the DJ thread they are still in denial.

 

[The Man With No Name]

Going against a less than stellar Bears defense this week. Anybody dare start him?

 

[codyj123_321]

I picked CJ up once he signed with the Arizona but I've been burned by him before. I traded him today in a PPR league for Joique Bell. I feel the Lions just wanted to make sure he was 100% before really using him much. Bell said he feels alot better this week and should get his workload back up to normal in the coming weeks.

I just don't see Chris Johnson doing much more than the occasional big run here and there.

 

[Bri]

Meanwhile over in the DJ thread they are still in denial.

CJ said he's always ready for 20-25 the coach didn't. Coach said 1-2 punch

CJ is in the same spot as he was with the Jets. Will the coach understand he's going to run into a wall a few times before he breaks one, will he be patient?

I really like David and think this is a good problem.

The coach saying he doesn't want to overwhelm the rook I'm not buying. To a point, but it can be frustrating with CJ.

 

[groin pains]

Assuming Ellington does sit week 2, what do you guys think the split will be between C. Johnson and D. Johnson? Should we expect CJ to get the majority of the touches??

 

[undercover]

I picked up CJ this morning (I have Ellington...and DJ is all ready rostered). Long term dynasty would rather have DJ (duh), but short term I think CJ is the better play. Arians will want to protect Palmer at all costs so unless he has full confidence that DJ can pick up a blitz, etc I think CJ will get the most opportunity.

 

[Bri]

Assuming Ellington does sit week 2, what do you guys think the split will be between C. Johnson and D. Johnson? Should we expect CJ to get the majority of the touches??

I don't.

By quarter 3, I think coach has "had it" and David becomes work horse.

I've watched him so much over the years, I'm not sure if any coach other than Fish can be that patient and Fish never really had a great 2nd option.

nothing, nothing, 8 yards is not typical. People like the 3 yard each time struggles more, it's more common or familiar.

CJ is outstanding with a screen pass. I don't think he'll be out of the game; just more of a focus to get him in space when he does get in

 

[Faust]

Fantasy mailbag: Chris Johnson is clear No. 1 for Cardinals

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Chris Johnson - RB - Cardinals

Coach Bruce Arians said he expects Chris Johnson to get 15-20 touches per game, even with Andre Ellington (knee) set to return Week 4.

Arians has always been a bit of a wishful thinker when it comes to getting his running backs touches, especially since taking over as Arizona's head coach. But the takeaway here is that Johnson, coming off a 110-yard, two-touchdown, 22-carry rushing game against the 49ers, is going to remain a key cog in the Cardinals' offense. CJ2K has looked rejuvenated in Arizona through three weeks, flashing his early-career playmaking ability. Ellington has been a disappointment since his 2013 rookie season. He and David Johnson will mix in behind CJ2K.

Source: Alex Marvez on Twitter

Sep 29 - 11:01 PM