CJ’s Back, but What Will his Production Be?
If you had to pick the MVP of the Titans 2009 season, you’d pick Chris Johnson (CJ) without blinking.
Johnson became just the sixth player in NFL history to rush for 2000 yards, as he accumulated 2006 rushing yards, and combined with his 503 receiving yards, he broke Marshall Faulk’s old record of yards from scrimmage with 2,509. (Faulk’s was 2,429).
For his efforts, Johnson was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year and some would argue he deserved the MVP award as well.
In this offseason, holdouts for new contracts were a running theme. Johnson was apart of this, as he skipped organized team activities (OTA’s) as he campaigned for a revised contract. He was set to be the lowest-paid player on offence and wanted to make what he felt he earned.
Johnson was still under his rookie contract, a contract in which he clearly outplayed in his first two seasons. After some of the major free-agency signings, CJ wanted a big payday himself. His goal was to be the highest paid offensive player in the league, but CBA rules prevented a raise of more than 30% on a rookie contract.
As a compromise, the Titans moved the $2.5 million he was scheduled to make in 2012 under this year. The raise was enough for Johnson to report to training camp on time.
Traditionally, the Titans have never restructured a contract to satisfy a player, but this was an exception when you look at how valuable Chris Johnson is to the organization.
Remember though that Johnson was only given a raise for this season, and not an extension, meaning he’ll have to keep performing at a high level to eventually get the expensive long-term contract he wants.
It will be difficult for CJ to rush for 2000 yards again, but he has plenty of incentive this season as he searches for a big payday and to lead the Titans to more success.
Johnson’s holdout will unlikely affect his season, considering he will be in training camp and has worked out by himself all offseason.
Offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger is looking for new creative ways to utilize Johnson this season and all plans will be mapped out in training camp.
This is good for Vince Young as well, as the two made a dangerous duo in the backfield last season. Their speed complemented each other so well, as both are threats to run. Young’s mobility took defenders’ attention and allowed CJ to make some significant gains, while CJ’s breakaway speed allowed Young to take advantage of defenders expecting handoffs. Young led the Titans to an 8-8 finish, going 8-2 in his ten starts as the team started 0-6 behind veteran Kerry Collins.
Both players were huge factors in the others success. With Kerry Collins as the starter in the first six games, Johnson averaged 99 yards rushing a game.
When Young took over as the starter in the final ten games, Johnson never missed out on the century mark in a game and averaged 117.5 yards per game.
Johnson’s success this season will depend somewhat on Vince Young. Young has lost his starting job before, in 2008. If Young underperforms or gets injured and Collins has to take over, Johnson will be the main thing on every defender’s mind and gaining yards will become more difficult.
But realistically, if Young is healthy – mentally, that is – then there is no reason why Johnson can’t lead the league in rushing. The three defenses in the AFC South are weak and contests against Oakland, Kansas City and Washington should allow him to run freely.
No player has ever rushed for back-to-back 2000 yard seasons, but out of those other five players, O.J Simpson, Eric Dickerson, Barry Sanders, Terrell Davis and Jamal Lewis, several of them were well into their careers. Johnson is only entering his third season and has unparalleled speed and is amazingly durable. He may have the best chance of that elite bunch to pull off another remarkable season. He is also explosive, and in any given play, he can take it all the way.
Johnson was the breakout star of the year in the NFL and will no longer surprise any defenses this year. It may not matter though because the real question is whether any defender will be able to catch him. Period.
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