Will Larry Johnson go the Shaun Alexander path? (1 Viewer)

[biggamer3]

There is only a two year age difference between the two

Alexander went from being the most overused back to the most overrated real fast:

Alexanders 04 stats: Carries 353 ,yards 1696, YPC 4.8 , TD's 16

05 stats: Carries 370 , yards 1880, YPC 5.1, TD's 27

06 stats: Carries 252, yards 896 , YPC 3.6 TD's 7

07 stats, Carries 207, yards 716, YCP 3.5, TD's 4

Larry Johnson 05 stats: Carries 336, yards 1750 , YPC 5.2, TD's 20

06 stats: Carries 416, yards 1789, YPC 4.3, TD's 17

07 stats: Carries 158, yards 559, YPC 3.5, TD's 3

I see very similar career trends for these two, once they got to the point of being overused they were never the same the following year.

LJ has looked robust last year when he was healthy and yesterday, he will be out of the league in a year or two, thats scary to think because he was a god just a year and a half ago

 

[bjabrad]

LJ is a big back that requires a good offensive line blowing up holes that allow him to get into the secondary and blow up the smaller defensive backs.

LJ had a good OL two and three years ago (as well as a good QB in Trent Green). Last year and probably this year, LJ's offensive line is poor although there is some hope that they will improve later in the year thanks to Branden Albert.

I don't believe that the number of carries from two years ago has anything to do with LJ's performance.

It is possible that LJ is fat, dumb and happy now that he got his big contract prior to last season.

I would not compare him to Shaun Alexander who couldn't hit holes and who couldn't keep his balance after the first hit.

Jamal Charles had the better yards per carry yesterday and I think that he'd have a better chance of being successful by running around a bad offensive line rather than LJ trying to run through it and not having the speed to run around it.

 

[ShadowMaster]

Herminated

 

[Ned]

LJ is a big back that requires a good offensive line blowing up holes that allow him to get into the secondary and blow up the smaller defensive backs.

LJ had a good OL two and three years ago (as well as a good QB in Trent Green). Last year and probably this year, LJ's offensive line is poor although there is some hope that they will improve later in the year thanks to Branden Albert.

I don't believe that the number of carries from two years ago has anything to do with LJ's performance.

It is possible that LJ is fat, dumb and happy now that he got his big contract prior to last season.

I would not compare him to Shaun Alexander who couldn't hit holes and who couldn't keep his balance after the first hit.

Jamal Charles had the better yards per carry yesterday and I think that he'd have a better chance of being successful by running around a bad offensive line rather than LJ trying to run through it and not having the speed to run around it.

based on what? his stat line?you do realize most of his rush yards came from passing situations, right?

 

[bjabrad]

based on what? his stat line?

you do realize most of his rush yards came from passing situations, right?

So your argument is that because Jamal Charles was utilized in mostly passing situations that we can't assume that we can't infer that he'd be a better option for KC than LJ? Good point, I agree that it's too early to accurately predict how good Charles can be but not just because his opportunities were in passing situations but also because he only got 5 carries to LJ's 22 so the sample size is obviously too small to make any bold predictions.

However, it is my opinion that a speed back can be more successful than a power back when working without an OL.

 

[kremenull]

Not as long as he keeps running like a Mac Truck......ShAlex ran like my daughter....and she's just 4 yrs old....

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

I am starting to think LJ is going to be pretty good this year actually. Their Oline is just now getting healthy fwiw, and with Huard at QB rather than Croyle they may actually have some semblance of a passing offense. Add in a schedule that looks pretty good and a coach committed to the run, and I think LJ is likely to finish as a low RB1.

Charles will be a change of pace guy. Nothing more. That offense is centered around LJ.

 

[DrJamesAndrews Fan]

I am starting to think LJ is going to be pretty good this year actually. Their Oline is just now getting healthy fwiw, and with Huard at QB rather than Croyle they may actually have some semblance of a passing offense. Add in a schedule that looks pretty good and a coach committed to the run, and I think LJ is likely to finish as a low RB1. Charles will be a change of pace guy. Nothing more. That offense is centered around LJ.

Agree. Not a bad showing against the Patriots playing in Foxboro. LJ historically get's stronger as the year goes on and he get's to face Denver and Oakland 2x's.

 

[The Jacket]

I'm encouraged by Branden Albert's play. He might be the next great young LT. He was really good against a Pro Bowl big guy in Richard Seymour. LJ's only worthwhile run of the day (22 yards)? Off left tackle, Albert sealed the edge.

As DrJA said, this was never going to be a 150-2 game for LJ. Patriots, road, first game of the season for a young team, etc. He'll get better. 85 total yards isn't terrible. I would expect a 30-40% increase of that next week in a home game against a much inferior defensive front, and he's much more likely to score, too. AND I'd expect his receptions to go up with Huard at QB.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

There is only a two year age difference between the twoAlexander went from being the most overused back to the most overrated real fast:

Those two years are a HUGE difference. I don't see anything in common. LJ looks great when you consider the line. Alexander looked done and pretty much is.

 

[Banger]

There is only a two year age difference between the twoAlexander went from being the most overused back to the most overrated real fast:

Those two years are a HUGE difference. I don't see anything in common. LJ looks great when you consider the line. Alexander looked done and pretty much is.

Agree. There's also a ray of hope from the KC side in that their QB situation may improve slightly now and Albert apparently looked good vs. Seymour yesterday despite missing the entire preseason as a rookie.

 

[NYCGangGreen]

If Charles keeps whiffing on blitz pick-ups and allows yet another of his QB's to get hurt, I doubt he will be on the field much.

Usual over-reaction to LJ's normal slow start. He will be just fine, and will be running angry in a few weeks time, and possibly linked to terms suchs as "S.O.D." and "top 10 RB".

Plus, Kolby Smith was out, and he is the #2 Let Charles stay where he is on reserve fantasy rosters and just let LJ do his thing.

 

[Banger]

If Charles keeps whiffing on blitz pick-ups and allows yet another of his QB's to get hurt, I doubt he will be on the field much.Usual over-reaction to LJ's normal slow start. He will be just fine, and will be running angry in a few weeks time, and possibly linked to terms suchs as "S.O.D." and "top 10 RB".Plus, Kolby Smith was out, and he is the #2 Let Charles stay where he is on reserve fantasy rosters and just let LJ do his thing.

It's funny because I didn't think that he was that bad. He played the Pats who have a nice run D on the road. He did better than I expected.

 

[az_prof]

I have never been a big fan of LJ even in his hey day--always felt it was more the OL than him partly because Derrick Blaylock also did well in that system and then crashed when he left. Now that the KC OL is less than average we can see this. LJ just doesn't have the ability to bust tackles at the line of scrimmage (he is much better at breaking tackles in the open field, once he has built up his speed) and he doesn't have the hip wiggle to get through tight places and create his own holes. Unless you think Kansas City is going to improve their line signficantly, then you can't hope for too many big days from LJ.

I would sell him now before he loses more value.

 

[biggamer3]

There is only a two year age difference between the twoAlexander went from being the most overused back to the most overrated real fast:

Those two years are a HUGE difference. I don't see anything in common. LJ looks great when you consider the line. Alexander looked done and pretty much is.

LJ's YPC have been below average for more than two straight seasons, you cant blame an Oline when a RB deteriorates

 

[Banger]

There is only a two year age difference between the twoAlexander went from being the most overused back to the most overrated real fast:

Those two years are a HUGE difference. I don't see anything in common. LJ looks great when you consider the line. Alexander looked done and pretty much is.

LJ's YPC have been below average for more than two straight seasons, you cant blame an Oline when a RB deteriorates

LOL, you don't think QB play and O-line impact a RB's YPC? Also, I didn't realize a 4.3 ypc for a starting RB with over 400 carries is below avg. He was the #2 RB that 1st year of big decline and would have been #1 by 30 points with those stats last year.

 

[biggamer3]

There is only a two year age difference between the twoAlexander went from being the most overused back to the most overrated real fast:

Those two years are a HUGE difference. I don't see anything in common. LJ looks great when you consider the line. Alexander looked done and pretty much is.

LJ's YPC have been below average for more than two straight seasons, you cant blame an Oline when a RB deteriorates

LOL, you don't think QB play and O-line impact a RB's YPC? Also, I didn't realize a 4.3 ypc for a starting RB with over 400 carries is below avg. He was the #2 RB that 1st year of big decline and would have been #1 by 30 points with those stats last year.

From 5.2 to 4.3 to 3.6 = steady decline

 

[maxwelledison]

I think it's funny that some posters think LJ was either better that SA, had a better career or both. I know SA went to seed quickly but in terms of being a natural runner LJ can't hold SA's jock. LJ is a bruiser with a decent burst that played behind one of the great O-lines of all time.

 

[comfortably numb]

I think it's funny that some posters think LJ was either better that SA, had a better career or both. I know SA went to seed quickly but in terms of being a natural runner LJ can't hold SA's jock. LJ is a bruiser with a decent burst that played behind one of the great O-lines of all time.

Agreed.Whether you like SA or not, think he is soft or what have you.He put together 5 consecutive seasons that are matched by only a few in history.Finishing (from a FF perspective anyway)45611

 

[biggamer3]

Lj with another porous week

22 yards ZERO receptions

 

[fasteddie_21]

http://www.kansascity.com/sports/chiefs/story/796901.html

Frustrated Larry Johnson says he’s being phased out of Chiefs’ offense

By ADAM TEICHER

The Kansas City Star

DAVID EULITT | The Star

Larry Johnson (27) didn't have the ball in his hands much Sunday against Oakland.

NBC Action News | LJ talks

More on the Chiefs

Slideshow | Chiefs vs. Raiders

Are the Chiefs the worst team in the NFL?

Yes

No

Your vote has been counted, thank you for voting.

After sharing the backfield workload for the second straight week, Larry Johnson couldn’t contain his frustration any longer.

Johnson said after the Chiefs’ 23-8 loss to Oakland at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday that he was obviously being phased out of the offense. Johnson had the second-lowest rushing total during his time as the Chiefs’ featured back, with 22 yards in 12 carries.

“I’ve got to sit back and figure that the writing is on the wall, that this season or next season could be my last season as a Chief,” Johnson said. “I don’t know. But obviously if they’re making personnel changes now and I’m not even in for any of the snaps to (try to) help win this game, then that pretty much says it for all.

“I’m not dumb. I know what’s going on. I sense what’s going on. Nobody should run the ball if it isn’t me. I always felt that way. If I’m not getting the ball, then I should be tired. If I’m not tired and I’m not getting the ball, then there’s something going on. I’ve just got to deal with it.”

Specifically, Johnson said he was most upset at being removed from the game when the Chiefs were near the opponent’s end zone. He was in for only one of the final four plays in last week’s game in New England and was replaced by either Jamaal Charles or Kolby Smith on the Chiefs’ only touchdown drive on Sunday.

He stood near the offensive coaches on the sideline waiting for word to enter the game, but that call didn’t come until after the Chiefs scored their touchdown and were trying for a two-point conversion.

“I’m trying to help win games, and this is the second time where I’m not in there when it’s time to win a game,” Johnson said.

Johnson, who averaged only 3.5 yards per carry last season, acknowledged he is trying too hard to make long runs.

“You’re forcing yourself to try to make plays because you know that changes that are going on are fighting against you,” he said.

In 38 career starts for the Chiefs, Johnson had fewer than 12 carries only twice. But neither Charles (three carries) nor Smith (one) was busy, either.

The Chiefs wound up throwing 38 passes, and Johnson is no longer part of their lineup when the Chiefs throw.

“It had nothing to do with the offensive line,” Johnson said of his inability to find running room. “You’re not getting any momentum when you’re coming in and you’re coming out, coming in and coming out. It’s kind of tough in my position as a running back. I need to warm up to get going, and it didn’t happen because of personnel changes and things we’re doing on offense.

“I need 20 or 30 carries. Things are going in a different direction than I thought. Maybe it will turn around for next week or the week after that. As of right now, it’s tough not to be able to get into a rhythm and gain momentum.

“I don’t want to complain about not getting the ball. It’s (about) whatever’s best for the team. That’s where I kind of leave it. Whatever the team needs and whatever the team has to do to win, either with me or without me, then that’s what they have to do.”

The Chiefs take Johnson out of the game in passing situations because they believe he is not as proficient as Charles or Smith as a pass receiver or blocker. Johnson was late to block the blitzing linebacker Thomas Howard in the first quarter, and Howard sacked Damon Huard for an 8-yard loss.

“I’m 7 yards back,” Johnson said. “I can’t fly up there. It’s just not going to happen.”

 

[Tanner9919]

Lj with another porous week22 yards ZERO receptions

I hear ya. I was certain he'd turn things around this season, but from the looks of it, that isn't going to happen..in fact, he might be WORSE than he was in 2007,if that is possible.

 

[thehornet]

Lj with another porous week22 yards ZERO receptions

I hear ya. I was certain he'd turn things around this season, but from the looks of it, that isn't going to happen..in fact, he might be WORSE than he was in 2007,if that is possible.

 

[moderated]

Not many RB's in the NFL who get the huge majority of the carries and the goal line looks.

KC is pretty bad, but in close games LJ is going to get a ton of touches.

 

[biggamer3]

LJ is back to his former self, this thread forced him to do that, i am a genius

 

[Coach3K]

It's too bad he doesn't get to play Denver every game the rest of the year.

If that were the case, I *might* consider agreeing with you that he's "back" to his old self.

 

[The Jacket]

I'm encouraged by Branden Albert's play. He might be the next great young LT. He was really good against a Pro Bowl big guy in Richard Seymour. LJ's only worthwhile run of the day (22 yards)? Off left tackle, Albert sealed the edge.

As DrJA said, this was never going to be a 150-2 game for LJ. Patriots, road, first game of the season for a young team, etc. He'll get better. 85 total yards isn't terrible. I would expect a 30-40% increase of that next week in a home game against a much inferior defensive front, and he's much more likely to score, too. AND I'd expect his receptions to go up with Huard at QB.

Five catches with Huard, although there was no yardage. But he's taken screens to the house before that should've gone for only five or six yards. They could come if Huard remains under center.It's a shame Albert went down; he was starting to look really good. Obviously he missed pre-season so it's a learning process for him. Herb Taylor looked decent and he was talked up in the pre-season by Mike Lombardi who claimed he looked really good based on the coaching tape, but he's certainly not as powerful as Albert is in the running game.

All-in-all, I think LJ's got a good outlook for the next couple seasons. KC's O-line is young and improving, and the passing game can only get better (hopefully as early as next season). LJ looks hungry and I think all the negative talk really inspired him to come out and have a big game/season. Four games - 450 yards, three TDs, and a decent YPC average. I'm sure he'll have some more stinkers this season -- maybe even next week in Carolina -- but I'll also be surprised if he doesn't have another big game (150+ yards, score) or two as well.

 

[The Jacket]

It's too bad he doesn't get to play Denver every game the rest of the year.If that were the case, I *might* consider agreeing with you that he's "back" to his old self.

Tore Atlanta apart, too, and his game against New England was hardly terrible. That's a stellar defense, and they were jacked in their home-opener. One bad game (mostly because he only got 12 carries; everyone knows LJ is a second half back, often dominant after he's already had 20 carries) out of three isn't so bad. Patience.

 

[Todem]

LJ is still a hass.

 

[thatguy]

He looked damn good today. Denver's run d is not very good, but it isn't as bad as LJ made them look either.

Two straight good weeks... I'm starting to get excited about him again.

 

[puckalicious]

Lj with another porous week22 yards ZERO receptions

I hear ya. I was certain he'd turn things around this season, but from the looks of it, that isn't going to happen..in fact, he might be WORSE than he was in 2007,if that is possible.

Did you miss the last 2 games? LJ is back in top 5 form. Hopefully he can remain there the rest of the season and lead me to a championship again.

 

[thehornet]

Lj with another porous week22 yards ZERO receptions

I hear ya. I was certain he'd turn things around this season, but from the looks of it, that isn't going to happen..in fact, he might be WORSE than he was in 2007,if that is possible.

Did you miss the last 2 games? LJ is back in top 5 form. Hopefully he can remain there the rest of the season and lead me to a championship again.

He ran for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns today. I thought the sarcasm was pretty obvious.

 

[3C's]

It's too bad he doesn't get to play Denver every game the rest of the year.If that were the case, I *might* consider agreeing with you that he's "back" to his old self.

Tore Atlanta apart, too, and his game against New England was hardly terrible. That's a stellar defense, and they were jacked in their home-opener. One bad game (mostly because he only got 12 carries; everyone knows LJ is a second half back, often dominant after he's already had 20 carries) out of three isn't so bad. Patience.

Pretty tough stretch coming up. If he's still doing it against the likes of the Panthers, Bucs, Chargers, Jets, Titans and Bills I'll be impressed. Also, when they're behind, which they usually will be, they'll run less. Today, they didn't fall behind.

 

[p00h]

It's too bad he doesn't get to play Denver every game the rest of the year.If that were the case, I *might* consider agreeing with you that he's "back" to his old self.

Tore Atlanta apart, too, and his game against New England was hardly terrible. That's a stellar defense, and they were jacked in their home-opener. One bad game (mostly because he only got 12 carries; everyone knows LJ is a second half back, often dominant after he's already had 20 carries) out of three isn't so bad. Patience.

Pretty tough stretch coming up. If he's still doing it against the likes of the Panthers, Bucs, Chargers, Jets, Titans and Bills I'll be impressed. Also, when they're behind, which they usually will be, they'll run less. Today, they didn't fall behind.

I don't think they're as terrible as everyone is making them out to be. Played tough against the pats, now the explosive Broncos. I think at home they will consistently be in the game, which means lots of touches for LJ. Schedule doesn't look too easy, no doubt about that, but I don't think they're Detroit mode, meaning down 21 by the end of the 1st quarter...

 

[p00h]

I would like to add thought that having Herm at the helm in and of itself makes them worse than they really should be, but even with that detriment, they're not a terrible team, on either side of the ball...

 

[Banger]

It's too bad he doesn't get to play Denver every game the rest of the year.If that were the case, I *might* consider agreeing with you that he's "back" to his old self.

Tore Atlanta apart, too, and his game against New England was hardly terrible. That's a stellar defense, and they were jacked in their home-opener. One bad game (mostly because he only got 12 carries; everyone knows LJ is a second half back, often dominant after he's already had 20 carries) out of three isn't so bad. Patience.

Pretty tough stretch coming up. If he's still doing it against the likes of the Panthers, Bucs, Chargers, Jets, Titans and Bills I'll be impressed. Also, when they're behind, which they usually will be, they'll run less. Today, they didn't fall behind.

I don't think they're as terrible as everyone is making them out to be. Played tough against the pats, now the explosive Broncos. I think at home they will consistently be in the game, which means lots of touches for LJ. Schedule doesn't look too easy, no doubt about that, but I don't think they're Detroit mode, meaning down 21 by the end of the 1st quarter...

He's had 3 good games out of 4. If Huard can stay in there for a while it's huge because they can actually complete a pass and sustain a drive with him in there. He's not going to single handedly win them any games but he's not completely horrible.

 

[thehornet]

It's too bad he doesn't get to play Denver every game the rest of the year.If that were the case, I *might* consider agreeing with you that he's "back" to his old self.

Tore Atlanta apart, too, and his game against New England was hardly terrible. That's a stellar defense, and they were jacked in their home-opener. One bad game (mostly because he only got 12 carries; everyone knows LJ is a second half back, often dominant after he's already had 20 carries) out of three isn't so bad. Patience.

Pretty tough stretch coming up. If he's still doing it against the likes of the Panthers, Bucs, Chargers, Jets, Titans and Bills I'll be impressed. Also, when they're behind, which they usually will be, they'll run less. Today, they didn't fall behind.

I don't think they're as terrible as everyone is making them out to be. Played tough against the pats, now the explosive Broncos. I think at home they will consistently be in the game, which means lots of touches for LJ. Schedule doesn't look too easy, no doubt about that, but I don't think they're Detroit mode, meaning down 21 by the end of the 1st quarter...

He's had 3 good games out of 4. If Huard can stay in there for a while it's huge because they can actually complete a pass and sustain a drive with him in there. He's not going to single handedly win them any games but he's not completely horrible.

 

[puckalicious]

Lj with another porous week22 yards ZERO receptions

I hear ya. I was certain he'd turn things around this season, but from the looks of it, that isn't going to happen..in fact, he might be WORSE than he was in 2007,if that is possible.

Did you miss the last 2 games? LJ is back in top 5 form. Hopefully he can remain there the rest of the season and lead me to a championship again.

He ran for 200 yards and 2 touchdowns today. I thought the sarcasm was pretty obvious.

My bad! Sometimes I need captain obvious to point things out -->