After a long awaited return, here I am, back again to fuel your sports world with my own witty thoughts. I would like to thank all of you have been following me on twitter, and those of you who have even sent me e-mails of support. After a long hiatus, I am returning to Pinto’s Sports with sports writing that only I can lay down (Don’t think that I am arrogant, you all know that it is true). But seriously, thank you all for the support. I have been checking in on the blog during my absence, and I have still had daily views almost every day, and for that, I commend all of you who have stuck by my side.
Thank you for your support.
Now down to business. I wanted to start out with a softie column to get my self back into the game, but look forward for more to come.
So, what is wrong with Chris Johnson? To be honest, I do not think that anything is wrong. He is still the impact player that he has always been, but it is hard to see.
He has certainly had a rough time running the ball through the first half of the season, and I think that there are a few big reasons for that.
Who was the head coach of the Tennessee Titans last season? It was not Mike Munchak. Who was the QB of the Titans last year? It was not Matt Hasselbeck. These are two huge changes that have effected Johnson’s game. Even their offensive coordinator has changed.
Why has coaching effected him this much? The key is the lockout. Yes, they have mainly a very similar system under Munchak as it was under Fisher, however, every coach has a different strategy. During the shortened training camp, and subsequently, Johnson’s holdout, the new Titans staff had to work in an offensive plan for the season.
They have been running the ball a little bit differently than we have seen them run the ball in the past. With Javon Ringer being the back around for training camp, you see that they had the idea that they would be running the ball in between the tackles more. Of course, Johnson certainly has the ability to run the ball between the tackles, but he is a lot more dangerous on a sweep, pitch, or even catching the ball out of the back field in the flat (which is something that they had been doing less of at the beginning of the season.)
I think the quick change in scheme when Johnson came back at the beginning of the season definitely had an effect on the offensive line. They have not been nearly as effective run blocking and setting up screens as they did last year.
The quarterback situation is also different. Any team in the NFL is going to run a different defense against a team with Vince Young at Quarterback than Matt Hasselbeck under center.
Also, let us not forget the new big contract. It would hard to run as hard when you just got a new contract, and one of your best friends (Vince Young) was sent packing. Do not forget that Young and Johnson were very close friends.
I do not think it would be a good idea for Munchak to bench Johnson. At this point, if they bench Johnson, they will not only be waisting that huge contract, but they will also be putting into the head of a player like Johnson (who has already held out) that he is not needed. I doubt that will make him run harder. He already has the money. at that point he will probably just ask for a trade.
Trust me Johnson still has passion for this game. He still plays with a smile on his face, and I have not seen him give up on a run yet, even though I have often seen him being met two or three yards in the backfield.
You almost have to stick with him. At 4-3 in the AFC South, the Titans are still in the hunt, why in the world would you take your most dangerous player off the field?
Do not even tell me, ‘because Javon Ringer is averaging 3.5 YPC compared to Johnson’s 2.8′. Look throughout the NFL. Ben Tate is averaging 5.2 and Arian Foster is only averaging 3.9. Ricky Williams is averaging 4.7 over Ray Rice’s 4.3. Lots of change of pace backs get more yards per carry, because they have less carries, and more chances on third and long where they will gouge a defense for eight or ten yards without even getting a first down. That is just how it goes.
I am not saying that Chris Johnson will even return to form this year (especially if they bench him), but trust me, he will be back. He is still the most talented player on the offense by far.
You cannot bench him
