The Chris Johnson Hype machine (2 Viewers)

[Burning Sensation]

Because that would be insane production. White with 300 carries and 20 receptions and CJ with 150 carries would mean 170 receptions for CJ to have a 50/50 split.

I don't believe it will be a 50/50 split.

60/40 would be a more reasonable 70 reception, and is possible, but that is the max that White can get if there is a true 60/40 split.

70 receptions (4-5 per game) seems perfectly reasonable for CJ.

Of course since the rookie has already impressed enough to garner 40% or more of the touches, and Lendale is pedestrian (at best) at everything not short yardage related CJ could end up the season with the 60 end, not the 40.

Given how much the Titans like to pound the ball, I think it's a stretch to expect CJ to get 60% of the touches.

By pound the ball, do you mean average 3.6 yards per carry?

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Fisher said the carries and touches would be 60/40 or 50/50. He never said touches by itself.

I think the original hype could be worthy-- Sounds like he will get plenty of opportunities:

"We’re going to use them both (Johnson and LenDale White) depending on the game plans and it makes sense to take advantage of both of their abilities. I think we’ll have a better gauge once we get to the middle part of the season how the carries and the touches are going to work. Provided they’re healthy week in and week out I would assume it would be close to 50-50, maybe 60-40 (White)," Fisher said.

For what it's worth, the real problem is if CJ gets those carries and he makes a lot out of it. coaches can talk now, but if CJ impresses, even close to how this hype machine thinks he will, there is no way he will stay at 40-50%.

It seems pretty clear that Fisher is really talking about touches, not carries. Unless he plans to throw equal amounts to LW and CJ, otherwise it makes no sense to assume that he's referring to carries.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Because that would be insane production. White with 300 carries and 20 receptions and CJ with 150 carries would mean 170 receptions for CJ to have a 50/50 split.

I don't believe it will be a 50/50 split.

60/40 would be a more reasonable 70 reception, and is possible, but that is the max that White can get if there is a true 60/40 split.

70 receptions (4-5 per game) seems perfectly reasonable for CJ.

Of course since the rookie has already impressed enough to garner 40% or more of the touches, and Lendale is pedestrian (at best) at everything not short yardage related CJ could end up the season with the 60 end, not the 40.

Given how much the Titans like to pound the ball, I think it's a stretch to expect CJ to get 60% of the touches.

By pound the ball, do you mean average 3.6 yards per carry?

By pound the ball I mean "run straight up the middle and get 3.6 yards per carry force-feeding a guy with an injured knee". And given that they did it 453 times in 16 games, I'd say yeah, they seem inclined to keep "pounding the ball".

 

[flufhed]

I could EASILY see Lendale getting 300 touches and Johnson getting 200 in that offense. In fact, I think that's pretty reasonable. White with 280 carries and 20 receptions, Johnson with 160 carries and 40 receptions, Henry with about 20-30 carries, Hall with 5 or 10.

Like I said, if you are a Titans fan, you know a few things:(1) Fisher LOVES veterans and is very loyal2) Fisher loves workhorse backs that pound the ball between the tackles; and (3) Fish stuck with Eddie George when he was the worst starting RB in the league. For two years. And gave him 400 carries one year.I have White and Chris Johnson, and obviously could see Chris Johnson emerging and putting White on the bench, but my gut tells me it will not play out that way. The reason is the same reason I did not join in the chorus that almost universally panned the Chris Johnson pick. Chris Johnson was not picked nec to be the feature RB, this year. They plan on using him as a change of pace, third down guy, splitting him out, in the slot, and to return kicks if he can hold on to the #### ball. Not saying that he couldn't be a feature back, but he was not drafted with that in line, at least this year.

 

[Burning Sensation]

Because that would be insane production. White with 300 carries and 20 receptions and CJ with 150 carries would mean 170 receptions for CJ to have a 50/50 split.

I don't believe it will be a 50/50 split.

60/40 would be a more reasonable 70 reception, and is possible, but that is the max that White can get if there is a true 60/40 split.

70 receptions (4-5 per game) seems perfectly reasonable for CJ.

Of course since the rookie has already impressed enough to garner 40% or more of the touches, and Lendale is pedestrian (at best) at everything not short yardage related CJ could end up the season with the 60 end, not the 40.

Given how much the Titans like to pound the ball, I think it's a stretch to expect CJ to get 60% of the touches.

By pound the ball, do you mean average 3.6 yards per carry?

By pound the ball I mean "run straight up the middle and get 3.6 yards per carry force-feeding a guy with an injured knee". And given that they did it 453 times in 16 games, I'd say yeah, they seem inclined to keep "pounding the ball".

I think they did that last year because they had no choice. If i was forced to hand the ball off to a guy who only averaged 3.6 YPC, you know what i would do? Draft an explosive RB in the first round, and give him at least 50% of the touches.No Doubt White will get his share of the carries, but CJ will be the focal point of that offense.

 

[Vipers]

Because that would be insane production. White with 300 carries and 20 receptions and CJ with 150 carries would mean 170 receptions for CJ to have a 50/50 split.

I don't believe it will be a 50/50 split.

60/40 would be a more reasonable 70 reception, and is possible, but that is the max that White can get if there is a true 60/40 split.

70 receptions (4-5 per game) seems perfectly reasonable for CJ.

Of course since the rookie has already impressed enough to garner 40% or more of the touches, and Lendale is pedestrian (at best) at everything not short yardage related CJ could end up the season with the 60 end, not the 40.

Given how much the Titans like to pound the ball, I think it's a stretch to expect CJ to get 60% of the touches.

By pound the ball, do you mean average 3.6 yards per carry?

By pound the ball I mean "run straight up the middle and get 3.6 yards per carry force-feeding a guy with an injured knee". And given that they did it 453 times in 16 games, I'd say yeah, they seem inclined to keep "pounding the ball".

I think they did that last year because they had no choice. If i was forced to hand the ball off to a guy who only averaged 3.6 YPC, you know what i would do? Draft an explosive RB in the first round, and give him at least 50% of the touches.No Doubt White will get his share of the carries, but CJ will be the focal point of that offense.

WHAT?????? Am I missing something here? Everything I have read and the guys from the 5 minute drill have reinforced is that White is looking good this preseason. Barring injury LenDale White will get his touches, at least 15 a game. Johnson will get his looks as well but his best case scenario with a healthy LenDale White is something like 600/5 and not being the focal point of the offense.

 

[baconisgood]

(3) Fish stuck with Eddie George when he was the worst starting RB in the league. For two years. And gave him 400 carries one year.

The Titans didn't have another RB to compete with George those years, until they drafted Chris Brown in 2003 Robert Holcombe was the most (and I use this term loosely) recognizable name on the roster with him. Weather that was because they sucked at evaluating talent, or thought George was fine is fairly irrelevant, they drafted CJ and Fisher has stated that he plans to use them extensively.

 

[Burning Sensation]

Because that would be insane production. White with 300 carries and 20 receptions and CJ with 150 carries would mean 170 receptions for CJ to have a 50/50 split.

I don't believe it will be a 50/50 split.

60/40 would be a more reasonable 70 reception, and is possible, but that is the max that White can get if there is a true 60/40 split.

70 receptions (4-5 per game) seems perfectly reasonable for CJ.

Of course since the rookie has already impressed enough to garner 40% or more of the touches, and Lendale is pedestrian (at best) at everything not short yardage related CJ could end up the season with the 60 end, not the 40.

Given how much the Titans like to pound the ball, I think it's a stretch to expect CJ to get 60% of the touches.

By pound the ball, do you mean average 3.6 yards per carry?

By pound the ball I mean "run straight up the middle and get 3.6 yards per carry force-feeding a guy with an injured knee". And given that they did it 453 times in 16 games, I'd say yeah, they seem inclined to keep "pounding the ball".

I think they did that last year because they had no choice. If i was forced to hand the ball off to a guy who only averaged 3.6 YPC, you know what i would do? Draft an explosive RB in the first round, and give him at least 50% of the touches.No Doubt White will get his share of the carries, but CJ will be the focal point of that offense.

WHAT?????? Am I missing something here? Everything I have read and the guys from the 5 minute drill have reinforced is that White is looking good this preseason. Barring injury LenDale White will get his touches, at least 15 a game. Johnson will get his looks as well but his best case scenario with a healthy LenDale White is something like 600/5 and not being the focal point of the offense.

Would you disagree that CJ is the best offenseive weapon on the team?

 

[Abraham]

70 receptions for CJ is a pipe dream. The offense relies far too much on working the seam and the sidelines for Johnson to get the 100 targets necessary for 70 receptions. People like to say, "oh, 4 or 5 catches a game is reasonable." Yes, it is reasonable in any given game, but not for all 16 games in a 16 game season.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

70 receptions for CJ is a pipe dream. The offense relies far too much on working the seam and the sidelines for Johnson to get the 100 targets necessary for 70 receptions. People like to say, "oh, 4 or 5 catches a game is reasonable." Yes, it is reasonable in any given game, but not for all 16 games in a 16 game season.

Brian Westbrook has caught 60+ passes the past 4 seasons. He's caught 70+ passes in 3 of the last 4 seasons. It's not exactly impossible, though I understand your point - it isn't exactly easy.

 

[packersfan]

70 receptions for CJ is a pipe dream. The offense relies far too much on working the seam and the sidelines for Johnson to get the 100 targets necessary for 70 receptions. People like to say, "oh, 4 or 5 catches a game is reasonable." Yes, it is reasonable in any given game, but not for all 16 games in a 16 game season.

Brian Westbrook has caught 60+ passes the past 4 seasons. He's caught 70+ passes in 3 of the last 4 seasons. It's not exactly impossible, though I understand your point - it isn't exactly easy.

Donovan McNabb isn't always the smoothest QB around but he's Joe Montana compared to Vince Young. I like Chris Johnson a lot but I think it's a major reach to project 70 receptions for him this season. Hell, they may not have anybody on the team catch that many. Gage and Williams led the team last season with 55 each. This is not a passing offense and as long as Young continues to look like a homeless man's Michael Vick as a passer it never will be.

 

[Burning Sensation]

70 receptions for CJ is a pipe dream. The offense relies far too much on working the seam and the sidelines for Johnson to get the 100 targets necessary for 70 receptions. People like to say, "oh, 4 or 5 catches a game is reasonable." Yes, it is reasonable in any given game, but not for all 16 games in a 16 game season.

Brian Westbrook has caught 60+ passes the past 4 seasons. He's caught 70+ passes in 3 of the last 4 seasons. It's not exactly impossible, though I understand your point - it isn't exactly easy.

Donovan McNabb isn't always the smoothest QB around but he's Joe Montana compared to Vince Young. I like Chris Johnson a lot but I think it's a major reach to project 70 receptions for him this season. Hell, they may not have anybody on the team catch that many. Gage and Williams led the team last season with 55 each. This is not a passing offense and as long as Young continues to look like a homeless man's Michael Vick as a passer it never will be.

This is actually an advantage to CJ, inept QB's tend to like dumping the ball of to RB's and TE's. I think CJ has a pretty good shot at leading the Titans in receptions.

 

[Abraham]

70 receptions for CJ is a pipe dream. The offense relies far too much on working the seam and the sidelines for Johnson to get the 100 targets necessary for 70 receptions. People like to say, "oh, 4 or 5 catches a game is reasonable." Yes, it is reasonable in any given game, but not for all 16 games in a 16 game season.

Brian Westbrook has caught 60+ passes the past 4 seasons. He's caught 70+ passes in 3 of the last 4 seasons. It's not exactly impossible, though I understand your point - it isn't exactly easy.

1. Westbrook didn't have anyone else taking a substantial number of touches from him out of the backfield.2. The Eagles throw the ball a staggering amount of the time. The Titans run the ball a staggering amount of the time. Even if Johnson caught every screen pass and RB-running-a-route pass for the team this season, I still don't think that number approaches 70.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

70 receptions for CJ is a pipe dream. The offense relies far too much on working the seam and the sidelines for Johnson to get the 100 targets necessary for 70 receptions. People like to say, "oh, 4 or 5 catches a game is reasonable." Yes, it is reasonable in any given game, but not for all 16 games in a 16 game season.

Brian Westbrook has caught 60+ passes the past 4 seasons. He's caught 70+ passes in 3 of the last 4 seasons. It's not exactly impossible, though I understand your point - it isn't exactly easy.

1. Westbrook didn't have anyone else taking a substantial number of touches from him out of the backfield.2. The Eagles throw the ball a staggering amount of the time. The Titans run the ball a staggering amount of the time. Even if Johnson caught every screen pass and RB-running-a-route pass for the team this season, I still don't think that number approaches 70.

Ok, fair enough. How many touches - carries + catches - do you project for the Titans? And how do you see the split for LW vs CJ?

 

[packersfan]

70 receptions for CJ is a pipe dream. The offense relies far too much on working the seam and the sidelines for Johnson to get the 100 targets necessary for 70 receptions. People like to say, "oh, 4 or 5 catches a game is reasonable." Yes, it is reasonable in any given game, but not for all 16 games in a 16 game season.

Brian Westbrook has caught 60+ passes the past 4 seasons. He's caught 70+ passes in 3 of the last 4 seasons. It's not exactly impossible, though I understand your point - it isn't exactly easy.

Donovan McNabb isn't always the smoothest QB around but he's Joe Montana compared to Vince Young. I like Chris Johnson a lot but I think it's a major reach to project 70 receptions for him this season. Hell, they may not have anybody on the team catch that many. Gage and Williams led the team last season with 55 each. This is not a passing offense and as long as Young continues to look like a homeless man's Michael Vick as a passer it never will be.

This is actually an advantage to CJ, inept QB's tend to like dumping the ball of to RB's and TE's. I think CJ has a pretty good shot at leading the Titans in receptions.

It could happen but I don't see it - and again I'm very impressed with Johnson and I think he will make a big impact this season. I think Young is so inept as a passer it's difficult to project lofty reception totals for anyone on the Titans.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

70 receptions for CJ is a pipe dream. The offense relies far too much on working the seam and the sidelines for Johnson to get the 100 targets necessary for 70 receptions. People like to say, "oh, 4 or 5 catches a game is reasonable." Yes, it is reasonable in any given game, but not for all 16 games in a 16 game season.

Brian Westbrook has caught 60+ passes the past 4 seasons. He's caught 70+ passes in 3 of the last 4 seasons. It's not exactly impossible, though I understand your point - it isn't exactly easy.

Donovan McNabb isn't always the smoothest QB around but he's Joe Montana compared to Vince Young. I like Chris Johnson a lot but I think it's a major reach to project 70 receptions for him this season. Hell, they may not have anybody on the team catch that many. Gage and Williams led the team last season with 55 each. This is not a passing offense and as long as Young continues to look like a homeless man's Michael Vick as a passer it never will be.

This is actually an advantage to CJ, inept QB's tend to like dumping the ball of to RB's and TE's. I think CJ has a pretty good shot at leading the Titans in receptions.

It could happen but I don't see it - and again I'm very impressed with Johnson and I think he will make a big impact this season. I think Young is so inept as a passer it's difficult to project lofty reception totals for anyone on the Titans.

Don't you think even Young can throw the ball 3-5 yards?How many touches - carries + catches - do you project for the Titans? And how do you see the split for LW vs CJ?

 

[Abraham]

70 receptions for CJ is a pipe dream. The offense relies far too much on working the seam and the sidelines for Johnson to get the 100 targets necessary for 70 receptions. People like to say, "oh, 4 or 5 catches a game is reasonable." Yes, it is reasonable in any given game, but not for all 16 games in a 16 game season.

Brian Westbrook has caught 60+ passes the past 4 seasons. He's caught 70+ passes in 3 of the last 4 seasons. It's not exactly impossible, though I understand your point - it isn't exactly easy.

1. Westbrook didn't have anyone else taking a substantial number of touches from him out of the backfield.2. The Eagles throw the ball a staggering amount of the time. The Titans run the ball a staggering amount of the time. Even if Johnson caught every screen pass and RB-running-a-route pass for the team this season, I still don't think that number approaches 70.

Ok, fair enough. How many touches - carries + catches - do you project for the Titans? And how do you see the split for LW vs CJ?

Posted earlier on this page...

I could EASILY see Lendale getting 300 touches and Johnson getting 200 in that offense. In fact, I think that's pretty reasonable. White with 280 carries and 20 receptions, Johnson with 160 carries and 40 receptions, Henry with about 20-30 carries, Hall with 5 or 10.

Johnson's rushing will be held in check by the stone cold fact that Lendale White is going to be a big part of the gameplan. And his receiving will be kept in check by the stone cold fact that Heimerdinger is going to have Young throwing the ball in the flats and up the seam to the TE while using the WRs between the hashmarks and sidelines. his offense features LOTS of passes to the TE not just up the middle, but to the outside where many teams would be throwing to a RB. I think Johnson will probably exceed TD predictions just as White will exceed yardage numbers with disappointing TD. SO, just at a glance I'll go...White: 280 for 1200 and 5 TDs20 rec for 110 yardsJohnson 160 carries for 700 yards40 rec for 3605 rush TDs, 3 rec TDsHenry30 for 80 and 1Hall 8 for 16 and 1Vince 100 for 550 and 5~2500 rush yards, 17 rush TDs on ~580 carries.

 

[packersfan]

70 receptions for CJ is a pipe dream. The offense relies far too much on working the seam and the sidelines for Johnson to get the 100 targets necessary for 70 receptions. People like to say, "oh, 4 or 5 catches a game is reasonable." Yes, it is reasonable in any given game, but not for all 16 games in a 16 game season.

Brian Westbrook has caught 60+ passes the past 4 seasons. He's caught 70+ passes in 3 of the last 4 seasons. It's not exactly impossible, though I understand your point - it isn't exactly easy.

Donovan McNabb isn't always the smoothest QB around but he's Joe Montana compared to Vince Young. I like Chris Johnson a lot but I think it's a major reach to project 70 receptions for him this season. Hell, they may not have anybody on the team catch that many. Gage and Williams led the team last season with 55 each. This is not a passing offense and as long as Young continues to look like a homeless man's Michael Vick as a passer it never will be.

This is actually an advantage to CJ, inept QB's tend to like dumping the ball of to RB's and TE's. I think CJ has a pretty good shot at leading the Titans in receptions.

It could happen but I don't see it - and again I'm very impressed with Johnson and I think he will make a big impact this season. I think Young is so inept as a passer it's difficult to project lofty reception totals for anyone on the Titans.

Don't you think even Young can throw the ball 3-5 yards?

Sure, if the receiver is 10 yards away. Young is a horrible passer. And yes I realize dump-offs are not difficult but I still don't see him effectively getting the ball to anyone 70+ times this season.

How many touches - carries + catches - do you project for the Titans? And how do you see the split for LW vs CJ?

They ran the ball 543 times last season or an average of 34 times a game. That's including Young's carries which could go up this season. It's what they do best and I don't see them going away from that and trying to fit a square peg (Young's ability as a passer) into a round hole. I think when it comes to the rushing attempts, we'll see a 70/30 split between White and Johnson. White's power is a big part of what the Titans like to do offensively and barring an injury I don't think that will change. Overall touches could be somewhere in the 60/40 range, maybe 55/45 still in favor of White. I think Johnson's biggest impact will come in the passing game (White is a virtual non-factor there) but I don't see him catching 70+ passes. I think he could get 40-45, maybe 45-50.

 

[Burning Sensation]

70 receptions for CJ is a pipe dream. The offense relies far too much on working the seam and the sidelines for Johnson to get the 100 targets necessary for 70 receptions. People like to say, "oh, 4 or 5 catches a game is reasonable." Yes, it is reasonable in any given game, but not for all 16 games in a 16 game season.

Brian Westbrook has caught 60+ passes the past 4 seasons. He's caught 70+ passes in 3 of the last 4 seasons. It's not exactly impossible, though I understand your point - it isn't exactly easy.

Donovan McNabb isn't always the smoothest QB around but he's Joe Montana compared to Vince Young. I like Chris Johnson a lot but I think it's a major reach to project 70 receptions for him this season. Hell, they may not have anybody on the team catch that many. Gage and Williams led the team last season with 55 each. This is not a passing offense and as long as Young continues to look like a homeless man's Michael Vick as a passer it never will be.

This is actually an advantage to CJ, inept QB's tend to like dumping the ball of to RB's and TE's. I think CJ has a pretty good shot at leading the Titans in receptions.

It could happen but I don't see it - and again I'm very impressed with Johnson and I think he will make a big impact this season. I think Young is so inept as a passer it's difficult to project lofty reception totals for anyone on the Titans.

Don't you think even Young can throw the ball 3-5 yards?

Sure, if the receiver is 10 yards away. Young is a horrible passer. And yes I realize dump-offs are not difficult but I still don't see him effectively getting the ball to anyone 70+ times this season.

How many touches - carries + catches - do you project for the Titans? And how do you see the split for LW vs CJ?

They ran the ball 543 times last season or an average of 34 times a game. That's including Young's carries which could go up this season. It's what they do best and I don't see them going away from that and trying to fit a square peg (Young's ability as a passer) into a round hole. I think when it comes to the rushing attempts, we'll see a 70/30 split between White and Johnson. White's power is a big part of what the Titans like to do offensively and barring an injury I don't think that will change. Overall touches could be somewhere in the 60/40 range, maybe 55/45 still in favor of White. I think Johnson's biggest impact will come in the passing game (White is a virtual non-factor there) but I don't see him catching 70+ passes. I think he could get 40-45, maybe 45-50.

Unless the Titans have huge leads in most games by halftime, no way will White get 70% of the carries.

 

[packersfan]

Unless the Titans have huge leads in most games by halftime, no way will White get 70% of the carries.

I'm talking about the percentage between him and Johnson, not the overall carries.

 

[Burning Sensation]

Unless the Titans have huge leads in most games by halftime, no way will White get 70% of the carries.

I'm talking about the percentage between him and Johnson, not the overall carries.

Me too.

 

[packersfan]

Unless the Titans have huge leads in most games by halftime, no way will White get 70% of the carries.

I'm talking about the percentage between him and Johnson, not the overall carries.

Me too.

He got 70% of the carries that the primary RBs received last season (White, Brown and Henry). I could see that pattern remaining the same to start the season. I could see it dipping to the 60-65% range if Johnson really impresses. But even though I'm no great fan of White's, I do think the power element he brings is bring underrated given how important it is to the Titans' offensive approach.

 

[Burning Sensation]

Unless the Titans have huge leads in most games by halftime, no way will White get 70% of the carries.

I'm talking about the percentage between him and Johnson, not the overall carries.

Me too.

He got 70% of the carries that the primary RBs received last season (White, Brown and Henry). I could see that pattern remaining the same to start the season. I could see it dipping to the 60-65% range if Johnson really impresses. But even though I'm no great fan of White's, I do think the power element he brings is bring underrated given how important it is to the Titans' offensive approach.

Difference is CJohnson>>>>>Brown/HenryAgain, i believe White was used that much last year based on lack of better options.

 

[big0mar]

CJ was drafted to make plays. He was drafted to create more space for Young. The Titans need speed on that offense. You will see slot of 2 rb sets. But to say CJ will get less opportunity is a little naieve. It's obvious what this offense wants to do, and it's not pound the ball like they did last year.

 

[Gr00vus]

It's obvious what this offense wants to do, and it's not pound the ball like they did last year.

I'm going to go ahead and disagree with this.

 

[Abraham]

CJ was drafted to make plays. He was drafted to create more space for Young. The Titans need speed on that offense. You will see slot of 2 rb sets. But to say CJ will get less opportunity is a little naieve. It's obvious what this offense wants to do, and it's not pound the ball like they did last year.

No you won't, except when Hall is in blocking for White or Johnson. Lots of 2 TE sets, perhaps Johnson starting in the backfield before shifting to the slot, but the chances of White and Johnson being in the backfield together when the ball is snapped are very minimal. Maybe a gadget play here or there, but nothing substantial.

 

[packersfan]

Unless the Titans have huge leads in most games by halftime, no way will White get 70% of the carries.

I'm talking about the percentage between him and Johnson, not the overall carries.

Me too.

He got 70% of the carries that the primary RBs received last season (White, Brown and Henry). I could see that pattern remaining the same to start the season. I could see it dipping to the 60-65% range if Johnson really impresses. But even though I'm no great fan of White's, I do think the power element he brings is bring underrated given how important it is to the Titans' offensive approach.

Difference is CJohnson>>>>>Brown/HenryAgain, i believe White was used that much last year based on lack of better options.

I agree Johnson is much better than Brown & Henry. However, I'll state again that while I'm no big fan of White's I think his power dimension is something the Titans will rely on heavily because it's a big part of what they do. Fisher likes to utilize a power running game. White gives them that moreso (in my opinion) than Johnson can.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

The Titans need speed on that offense. You will see slot of 2 rb sets. But to say CJ will get less opportunity is a little naieve. It's obvious what this offense wants to do, and it's not pound the ball like they did last year.

Watching football for more than one year down? Pounding the ball is exactly what the Titans have done, and won doing, for Fisher's entire tenure, 14 seasons. They have a young QB, and nothing resembling a good receiver. They will want to shorten games, control the tempo, and win on defense. Expecting them to do anything different is really foolish.

 

[Burning Sensation]

The Titans need speed on that offense. You will see slot of 2 rb sets. But to say CJ will get less opportunity is a little naieve. It's obvious what this offense wants to do, and it's not pound the ball like they did last year.

Watching football for more than one year down? Pounding the ball is exactly what the Titans have done, and won doing, for Fisher's entire tenure, 14 seasons. They have a young QB, and nothing resembling a good receiver. They will want to shorten games, control the tempo, and win on defense. Expecting them to do anything different is really foolish.

While i partially agree with you, there is no need to be a tool. They were missing a playmaker on offense last year, and went out and spent a first round pick on one. To think they wont open the offense up a little more with Johnson is a bit naive.

 

[big0mar]

The Titans need speed on that offense. You will see slot of 2 rb sets. But to say CJ will get less opportunity is a little naieve. It's obvious what this offense wants to do, and it's not pound the ball like they did last year.

Watching football for more than one year down? Pounding the ball is exactly what the Titans have done, and won doing, for Fisher's entire tenure, 14 seasons. They have a young QB, and nothing resembling a good receiver. They will want to shorten games, control the tempo, and win on defense. Expecting them to do anything different is really foolish.

Yes, they have done it, but they were only successful when they had a QB that was marginally good as a pocket passer.What they are doing with Young is exactly what the Falcons did with Vick. Surround him with speed in the backfield. Vince Young will never be successful as a pocket passer. If they wanted Young to be a pocket passer, they would have drafted WRs, or atleast invested something in a WR. Instead, they got CJ to open running lanes for VY.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

The Titans need speed on that offense. You will see slot of 2 rb sets. But to say CJ will get less opportunity is a little naieve. It's obvious what this offense wants to do, and it's not pound the ball like they did last year.

Watching football for more than one year down? Pounding the ball is exactly what the Titans have done, and won doing, for Fisher's entire tenure, 14 seasons. They have a young QB, and nothing resembling a good receiver. They will want to shorten games, control the tempo, and win on defense. Expecting them to do anything different is really foolish.

While i partially agree with you, there is no need to be a tool. They were missing a playmaker on offense last year, and went out and spent a first round pick on one. To think they wont open the offense up a little more with Johnson is a bit naive.

So a guy that hasn't played a meaningful down of NFL football is going to make Jeff Fisher change the strategy with which he has won 115 regular season and five playoff games in the NFL? That what you guys are banking on here? Wow. Haven't seen Kool Aid this strong in a while.

 

[big0mar]

The Titans need speed on that offense. You will see slot of 2 rb sets. But to say CJ will get less opportunity is a little naieve. It's obvious what this offense wants to do, and it's not pound the ball like they did last year.

Watching football for more than one year down? Pounding the ball is exactly what the Titans have done, and won doing, for Fisher's entire tenure, 14 seasons. They have a young QB, and nothing resembling a good receiver. They will want to shorten games, control the tempo, and win on defense. Expecting them to do anything different is really foolish.

While i partially agree with you, there is no need to be a tool. They were missing a playmaker on offense last year, and went out and spent a first round pick on one. To think they wont open the offense up a little more with Johnson is a bit naive.

So a guy that hasn't played a meaningful down of NFL football is going to make Jeff Fisher change the strategy with which he has won 115 regular season and five playoff games in the NFL? That what you guys are banking on here? Wow. Haven't seen Kool Aid this strong in a while.

Yea, because the Tennessee offense was so potent last year, they decided to go draft a player in the first round that will be second-string.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

Yes, they have done it, but they were only successful when they had a QB that was marginally good as a pocket passer.

Just like they have now.

What they are doing with Young is exactly what the Falcons did with Vick. Surround him with speed in the backfield. Vince Young will never be successful as a pocket passer. If they wanted Young to be a pocket passer, they would have drafted WRs, or atleast invested something in a WR. Instead, they got CJ to open running lanes for VY.

A better comparison might be looking back at what the Titans did with Steve McNair, under a guy named Jeff Fisher. And how, exactly, can the Falcons offense be considered "opened up" under Vick. Thoughout those years they were among the league leaders in rushing attempts and right near the bottom in passing attempts.

 

[Burning Sensation]

The Titans need speed on that offense. You will see slot of 2 rb sets. But to say CJ will get less opportunity is a little naieve. It's obvious what this offense wants to do, and it's not pound the ball like they did last year.

Watching football for more than one year down? Pounding the ball is exactly what the Titans have done, and won doing, for Fisher's entire tenure, 14 seasons. They have a young QB, and nothing resembling a good receiver. They will want to shorten games, control the tempo, and win on defense. Expecting them to do anything different is really foolish.

While i partially agree with you, there is no need to be a tool. They were missing a playmaker on offense last year, and went out and spent a first round pick on one. To think they wont open the offense up a little more with Johnson is a bit naive.

So a guy that hasn't played a meaningful down of NFL football is going to make Jeff Fisher change the strategy with which he has won 115 regular season and five playoff games in the NFL? That what you guys are banking on here? Wow. Haven't seen Kool Aid this strong in a while.

He may not have played a regualr season down in the NFL, but i would bet good money he averages more than 3.6 YPC this year. Also, i didnt say anything about changing strategies, but adding another dimension to the current strategy. Teams dont usualy spend first round picks on RB's to sit on the bench behind an average starting RB. They can certainly continue to do what they have been, but giving the ball to CJ 50% of the time while doing it.

 

[Burning Sensation]

Yes, they have done it, but they were only successful when they had a QB that was marginally good as a pocket passer.

Just like they have now.

What they are doing with Young is exactly what the Falcons did with Vick. Surround him with speed in the backfield. Vince Young will never be successful as a pocket passer. If they wanted Young to be a pocket passer, they would have drafted WRs, or atleast invested something in a WR. Instead, they got CJ to open running lanes for VY.

A better comparison might be looking back at what the Titans did with Steve McNair, under a guy named Jeff Fisher. And how, exactly, can the Falcons offense be considered "opened up" under Vick. Thoughout those years they were among the league leaders in rushing attempts and right near the bottom in passing attempts.

Which RB was used more in that Falcons offense? The big, grind out the yards back, or the smaller, faster, more talented back?

 

[switz]

The Titans need speed on that offense. You will see slot of 2 rb sets. But to say CJ will get less opportunity is a little naieve. It's obvious what this offense wants to do, and it's not pound the ball like they did last year.

Watching football for more than one year down? Pounding the ball is exactly what the Titans have done, and won doing, for Fisher's entire tenure, 14 seasons. They have a young QB, and nothing resembling a good receiver. They will want to shorten games, control the tempo, and win on defense. Expecting them to do anything different is really foolish.

While i partially agree with you, there is no need to be a tool. They were missing a playmaker on offense last year, and went out and spent a first round pick on one. To think they wont open the offense up a little more with Johnson is a bit naive.

So a guy that hasn't played a meaningful down of NFL football is going to make Jeff Fisher change the strategy with which he has won 115 regular season and five playoff games in the NFL? That what you guys are banking on here? Wow. Haven't seen Kool Aid this strong in a while.

Yea, because the Tennessee offense was so potent last year, they decided to go draft a player in the first round that will be second-string.

Keep seeing this "thinking" tossed about re: Mendenhall, Stewart, and CJ - "first round picks are drafted to play"... by the SAME GUYS saying Felix Jones is "second string"And don't say it's because Barber is so much better... at least White has a 1k rushing season under his belt... Barber doesn't

 

[Coeur de Lion]

The Titans need speed on that offense. You will see slot of 2 rb sets. But to say CJ will get less opportunity is a little naieve. It's obvious what this offense wants to do, and it's not pound the ball like they did last year.

Watching football for more than one year down? Pounding the ball is exactly what the Titans have done, and won doing, for Fisher's entire tenure, 14 seasons. They have a young QB, and nothing resembling a good receiver. They will want to shorten games, control the tempo, and win on defense. Expecting them to do anything different is really foolish.

While i partially agree with you, there is no need to be a tool. They were missing a playmaker on offense last year, and went out and spent a first round pick on one. To think they wont open the offense up a little more with Johnson is a bit naive.

So a guy that hasn't played a meaningful down of NFL football is going to make Jeff Fisher change the strategy with which he has won 115 regular season and five playoff games in the NFL? That what you guys are banking on here? Wow. Haven't seen Kool Aid this strong in a while.

Yea, because the Tennessee offense was so potent last year, they decided to go draft a player in the first round that will be second-string.

This isn't about who is a better NFL player between LenDale and Johnson. I think that Johnson will be an impact player, too, in the NFL. He'll provide big plays running, receiving, and in the return game and help the Titans win games.The real issue for fantasy purposes, though, is whether Johnson has the skill set to fill the Eddie George role of pounding between the tackles in the Titans' game plan. The answer to that is pretty far from the emphatic "yes" that you seemo be assuming. Expecting the Titans to move away from their downhill running game in order to accomodate the type of run game that will play to Johnson's strengths (more draw based, more outside, more designed to get him in the open field) is asking quite a bit; that is what would need to happen for this to be anything more that a 2 : 1 split favoring White.Johnson wil have PPR value, but White has more value in standard leagues, redraft and dynasty.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

Which RB was used more in that Falcons offense? The big, grind out the yards back, or the smaller, faster, more talented back?

You are right. The Falcons with Vick are a much more valid indicator than Titans with McNair under the same coach.

 

[Avery]

The Titans need speed on that offense. You will see slot of 2 rb sets. But to say CJ will get less opportunity is a little naieve. It's obvious what this offense wants to do, and it's not pound the ball like they did last year.

Watching football for more than one year down? Pounding the ball is exactly what the Titans have done, and won doing, for Fisher's entire tenure, 14 seasons. They have a young QB, and nothing resembling a good receiver. They will want to shorten games, control the tempo, and win on defense. Expecting them to do anything different is really foolish.

While i partially agree with you, there is no need to be a tool. They were missing a playmaker on offense last year, and went out and spent a first round pick on one. To think they wont open the offense up a little more with Johnson is a bit naive.

So a guy that hasn't played a meaningful down of NFL football is going to make Jeff Fisher change the strategy with which he has won 115 regular season and five playoff games in the NFL? That what you guys are banking on here? Wow. Haven't seen Kool Aid this strong in a while.

Yea, because the Tennessee offense was so potent last year, they decided to go draft a player in the first round that will be second-string.

This isn't about who is a better NFL player between LenDale and Johnson. I think that Johnson will be an impact player, too, in the NFL. He'll provide big plays running, receiving, and in the return game and help the Titans win games.The real issue for fantasy purposes, though, is whether Johnson has the skill set to fill the Eddie George role of pounding between the tackles in the Titans' game plan. The answer to that is pretty far from the emphatic "yes" that you seemo be assuming. Expecting the Titans to move away from their downhill running game in order to accomodate the type of run game that will play to Johnson's strengths (more draw based, more outside, more designed to get him in the open field) is asking quite a bit; that is what would need to happen for this to be anything more that a 2 : 1 split favoring White.

Johnson wil have PPR value, but White has more value in standard leagues, redraft and dynasty.

I don't see how asking a professional NFL coaching staff to adjust their offensive game plan to suite their most explosive player is "asking quite a bit". It's not like asking their players to go put on skates and play hockey. It's still football and decent coaches can adjust their game plan to suite their players.As to the second bolded part, I disagree as I think White's role, and future, is limited by his skill set, or lack there of.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

The Titans need speed on that offense. You will see slot of 2 rb sets. But to say CJ will get less opportunity is a little naieve. It's obvious what this offense wants to do, and it's not pound the ball like they did last year.

Watching football for more than one year down? Pounding the ball is exactly what the Titans have done, and won doing, for Fisher's entire tenure, 14 seasons. They have a young QB, and nothing resembling a good receiver. They will want to shorten games, control the tempo, and win on defense. Expecting them to do anything different is really foolish.

While i partially agree with you, there is no need to be a tool. They were missing a playmaker on offense last year, and went out and spent a first round pick on one. To think they wont open the offense up a little more with Johnson is a bit naive.

So a guy that hasn't played a meaningful down of NFL football is going to make Jeff Fisher change the strategy with which he has won 115 regular season and five playoff games in the NFL? That what you guys are banking on here? Wow. Haven't seen Kool Aid this strong in a while.

He may not have played a regualr season down in the NFL, but i would bet good money he averages more than 3.6 YPC this year. Also, i didnt say anything about changing strategies, but adding another dimension to the current strategy. Teams dont usualy spend first round picks on RB's to sit on the bench behind an average starting RB. They can certainly continue to do what they have been, but giving the ball to CJ 50% of the time while doing it.

No they can't. Chris Johnson is not going to be banging away between the tackles, from deep in the I, behind a FB and 2 TEs.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

The entire team is built around power running: the line, the (lack of) WRs, the TEs, the entire offensive roster. They certainly don't want Vince Young throwing the ball more any time soon. Nothing about the Titans favors running the type of spread offense that would play to Chris Johnson's strengths, except Chris Johnson himself. Expecting him to outweigh the makeup of the rest of the roster is asking a bit much, IMO.

 

[baconisgood]

The entire team is built around power running: the line, the (lack of) WRs, the TEs, the entire offensive roster. They certainly don't want Vince Young throwing the ball more any time soon. Nothing about the Titans favors running the type of spread offense that would play to Chris Johnson's strengths, except Chris Johnson himself. Expecting him to outweigh the makeup of the rest of the roster is asking a bit much, IMO.

Warrick Dunn was productive in a somewhat similar situation. Vick > Vince and running, but there are similarities there.

 

[big0mar]

The Titans need speed on that offense. You will see slot of 2 rb sets. But to say CJ will get less opportunity is a little naieve. It's obvious what this offense wants to do, and it's not pound the ball like they did last year.

Watching football for more than one year down? Pounding the ball is exactly what the Titans have done, and won doing, for Fisher's entire tenure, 14 seasons. They have a young QB, and nothing resembling a good receiver. They will want to shorten games, control the tempo, and win on defense. Expecting them to do anything different is really foolish.

While i partially agree with you, there is no need to be a tool. They were missing a playmaker on offense last year, and went out and spent a first round pick on one. To think they wont open the offense up a little more with Johnson is a bit naive.

So a guy that hasn't played a meaningful down of NFL football is going to make Jeff Fisher change the strategy with which he has won 115 regular season and five playoff games in the NFL? That what you guys are banking on here? Wow. Haven't seen Kool Aid this strong in a while.

Yea, because the Tennessee offense was so potent last year, they decided to go draft a player in the first round that will be second-string.

Keep seeing this "thinking" tossed about re: Mendenhall, Stewart, and CJ - "first round picks are drafted to play"... by the SAME GUYS saying Felix Jones is "second string"And don't say it's because Barber is so much better... at least White has a 1k rushing season under his belt... Barber doesn't

Because Felix Jones is going to an offense that is one of the best in the league. CJ is going to an offense that was absolutely terrible last season.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

The entire team is built around power running: the line, the (lack of) WRs, the TEs, the entire offensive roster. They certainly don't want Vince Young throwing the ball more any time soon. Nothing about the Titans favors running the type of spread offense that would play to Chris Johnson's strengths, except Chris Johnson himself. Expecting him to outweigh the makeup of the rest of the roster is asking a bit much, IMO.

Warrick Dunn was productive in a somewhat similar situation. Vick > Vince and running, but there are similarities there.

Good info here re: blueprint for 2008 Titans under Jeff Fisher. The Falcons are less relevant.

 

[big0mar]

The entire team is built around power running: the line, the (lack of) WRs, the TEs, the entire offensive roster. They certainly don't want Vince Young throwing the ball more any time soon. Nothing about the Titans favors running the type of spread offense that would play to Chris Johnson's strengths, except Chris Johnson himself. Expecting him to outweigh the makeup of the rest of the roster is asking a bit much, IMO.

Then why draft him? I 100% agree that they don't want VY throwing, they want him running. And by feeding Lendale 20 times up the gut, you aren't giving Young much space to run with the ball. You aren't going to see a spread offense, but you are going to see a lot of shotgun, a lot of misdirection, and a lot of draws. Putting the LBs on skates, and letting VY and CJ get into open space.

 

[big0mar]

The entire team is built around power running: the line, the (lack of) WRs, the TEs, the entire offensive roster. They certainly don't want Vince Young throwing the ball more any time soon. Nothing about the Titans favors running the type of spread offense that would play to Chris Johnson's strengths, except Chris Johnson himself. Expecting him to outweigh the makeup of the rest of the roster is asking a bit much, IMO.

Warrick Dunn was productive in a somewhat similar situation. Vick > Vince and running, but there are similarities there.

Good info here re: blueprint for 2008 Titans under Jeff Fisher. The Falcons are less relevant.

And they spent a first round pick on CJ, so he can be their Rodney Thomas

 

[Coeur de Lion]

The entire team is built around power running: the line, the (lack of) WRs, the TEs, the entire offensive roster. They certainly don't want Vince Young throwing the ball more any time soon. Nothing about the Titans favors running the type of spread offense that would play to Chris Johnson's strengths, except Chris Johnson himself. Expecting him to outweigh the makeup of the rest of the roster is asking a bit much, IMO.

Then why draft him? I 100% agree that they don't want VY throwing, they want him running. And by feeding Lendale 20 times up the gut, you aren't giving Young much space to run with the ball. You aren't going to see a spread offense, but you are going to see a lot of shotgun, a lot of misdirection, and a lot of draws. Putting the LBs on skates, and letting VY and CJ get into open space.

They drafted him to complement their existing team by adding big plays to the tune of 100 carries, 50 catches, and a few return TDs.I'm not seeing VY in the gun as a good idea at this point.

 

[big0mar]

The entire team is built around power running: the line, the (lack of) WRs, the TEs, the entire offensive roster. They certainly don't want Vince Young throwing the ball more any time soon. Nothing about the Titans favors running the type of spread offense that would play to Chris Johnson's strengths, except Chris Johnson himself. Expecting him to outweigh the makeup of the rest of the roster is asking a bit much, IMO.

Then why draft him? I 100% agree that they don't want VY throwing, they want him running. And by feeding Lendale 20 times up the gut, you aren't giving Young much space to run with the ball. You aren't going to see a spread offense, but you are going to see a lot of shotgun, a lot of misdirection, and a lot of draws. Putting the LBs on skates, and letting VY and CJ get into open space.

They drafted him to complement their existing team by adding big plays to the tune of 100 carries, 50 catches, and a few return TDs.I'm not seeing VY in the gun as a good idea at this point.

You draft complementary players when you have a good offense. What is there for CJ to complement? They were absolutely pathetic offensively last year. VY will only be a successful QB out of the shotgun, give him a little extra time to make decisions. He just is not a pocket passer, and he never will be.

 

[Gr00vus]

So this is the guy this year huh?

Interesting.

 

[switz]

Yea, because the Tennessee offense was so potent last year, they decided to go draft a player in the first round that will be second-string.

Keep seeing this "thinking" tossed about re: Mendenhall, Stewart, and CJ - "first round picks are drafted to play"... by the SAME GUYS saying Felix Jones is "second string"And don't say it's because Barber is so much better... at least White has a 1k rushing season under his belt... Barber doesn't

Because Felix Jones is going to an offense that is one of the best in the league. CJ is going to an offense that was absolutely terrible last season.

And it was "one of the best" offenses because they had 2 RBs carrying the ball. To think Felix won't play a large role is probably not realistic.On the other hand, the Titans were terrible last season, and one player isn't going to change that. If they don't sustain drives, etc. there won't be a ton of plays for Chris Johnson.