Chris Johnson Eyes MVP Award
How do you possibly top a season in which you ran for 2000 yards and won NFL Offensive Player of the Year? It’s simple, according to Chris Johnson. Shatter the rushing record and win MVP. Of course, that’s easier said than done, but it’s Johnson’s goal heading into this season, along with helping his team win.
Of the six players in NFL history who have rushed for at least 2000 yards in a season, none of them have ever repeated the act, but that doesn’t faze Johnson. The other five along with Johnson were Eric Dickerson, who set the record with 2,105 yards in a season, Jamal Lewis, Terrell Davis, O.J Simpson and Barry Sanders.
Johnson fell short of claiming MVP honours last year and breaking Dickerson’s record. He rushed for 2006 yards and added 503 receiving yards to break the yards from scrimmage record set by Marshall Faulk, but fell short of both his goals now set for this year.
The man who claims he’s the best running back in the NFL (and who makes a strong case for that claim) wants more. Not only does he want to break Dickerson’s record, but he wants to shatter it: “I'm shooting for 2,500, but I'll be happy with anything over the record," Johnson said.
Johnson was very upset that he didn’t receive a single vote for the MVP award last year as the votes were divided amongst four quarterbacks, but Johnson believes that going into the record books will force the voters to look his way.
"A player never did it twice, back-to-back," Johnson said of topping 2,000 yards rushing. "I don't think they would have a choice."
No one has ever even come close to matching a 2000 yard season, but Johnson is only entering his third season, and only his second as the starting running back, so he will receive plenty of chances to accomplish his goal.
Something that many felt had a two-pronged affect last season was having Chris Johnson (CJ) and Vince Young in the same backfield; two players at different positions who can both run. Young’s 10-game-season was impressive and defenders had a hard time dividing their attention between the two. The duo certainly complements each other very well.
Defences will be more prepared for Chris Johnson this year, but the question is, if anyone will be able to catch him.
Johnson will also be working with a new running backs coach, as Kennedy Pola left to be the new offensive coordinator at USC, while Craig Johnson was promoted to Assistant Head Coach and running backs coach.
CJ's new coach sees room for improvement in the elusive, speedy, deceptively powerful 5 foot 11, 191 pound back.
"Maybe if he made a quicker cut here or a slower cut there. Again, we're being critical. When you get to the level he is at, you're talking about the small things, but the small things make a big difference. That is my charge for him ... to find those small things, and even if it's 2 percent better, that will make a difference," Craig Johnson said.
That really is nitpicking for Johnson, but the NFL is all about improving every day and CJ is clear about what his goals are.
Johnson also may be looking to add incentive for the team to grant him that new long term deal he was after this offseason. Johnson was looking for a deal with $30 million guaranteed and wanted to be the highest paid offensive player in the league. The Titans wouldn’t do that this year with the current labour situation, but would have no choice if Johnson reaches his goals.
There’s ongoing debate as to who is the best running back in the league. Some say CJ, others say Adrian Peterson. Both have respect for each other but maintain they are the best at their position.
Coach Jeff Fisher noted that many scoffed when Johnson said last year his goal was to rush for 2000 yards and win the MVP award. While he is hopeful of Johnson reaching his goals, he pointed out some more important goals.
"Help us win more games would be very realistic," Fisher said.
Something that was missing from last year was a playoff berth and Johnson and the team see that as the collective goal.
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