percysnow
08-27-2007, 11:04 AM
Larry Johnson, RB KC
News: The Kansas City Star reports that Chiefs RB Larry Johnson will play a few snaps in the team's last preseason game at St. Louis. Johnson expressed an interest in playing the whole game and plans on pushing his body this week to be ready for this game as if it meant something. "It will be real fast," coach Herm Edwards said. "Don't blink." Edwards added that Johnson's reps will be monitored in the team's first few regular season games until they feel comfortable with his physical state and stamina.
Analysis: Johnson should end up being OK for the Chiefs and a candidate to total 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns -- if he stays healthy. That's a big if, since he clearly isn't ready to be leaned on like the Chiefs need him to be (that's what happens when you hold out of training camp). Johnson will run behind a very average offensive line this season and could struggle with opposing teams' run defenses since the Chiefs' passing game will only be so threatening with Damon Huard under center. He's still a first-round pick, but we wouldn't recommend him being yours unless you pick fourth or later in your draft. Beware: The last three NFL running backs who had over 400 carries in a season fell off in their following season, and Johnson is coming off of a 416-carry campaign.
News: The Kansas City Star reports that Chiefs RB Larry Johnson will play a few snaps in the team's last preseason game at St. Louis. Johnson expressed an interest in playing the whole game and plans on pushing his body this week to be ready for this game as if it meant something. "It will be real fast," coach Herm Edwards said. "Don't blink." Edwards added that Johnson's reps will be monitored in the team's first few regular season games until they feel comfortable with his physical state and stamina.
Analysis: Johnson should end up being OK for the Chiefs and a candidate to total 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns -- if he stays healthy. That's a big if, since he clearly isn't ready to be leaned on like the Chiefs need him to be (that's what happens when you hold out of training camp). Johnson will run behind a very average offensive line this season and could struggle with opposing teams' run defenses since the Chiefs' passing game will only be so threatening with Damon Huard under center. He's still a first-round pick, but we wouldn't recommend him being yours unless you pick fourth or later in your draft. Beware: The last three NFL running backs who had over 400 carries in a season fell off in their following season, and Johnson is coming off of a 416-carry campaign.