Chiefs Teicher: LJ feels he's being phased out

**OnTheWarpath15** · 09-14-2008, 09:21 PM

http://www.kansascity.com/385/story/796791.html

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 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 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.”

L.A. Chieffan · 09-14-2008, 09:22 PM

I think you know what needs to be said.

**OnTheWarpath15** · 09-14-2008, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L.A.Chieffan

I think you know what needs to be said.

**CosmicPal** · 09-14-2008, 09:24 PM

Maybe if he actually tried running the ball past the line of scrimmage he wouldn't be worried about being phased out of his fuggen job.

Chiefnj2 · 09-14-2008, 09:24 PM

After failing with pull-ups, the diapers are back on LJ.

Marty Mac Ver 2.0 · 09-14-2008, 09:24 PM

You're a dick?

Cosmos · 09-14-2008, 09:25 PM

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.”

Nice can do attitude there, big guy.

**Skip Towne** · 09-14-2008, 09:27 PM

Get over it, LJ. Your refusal to block has caught up with you. You deserve what you are getting.

**the Talking Can** · 09-14-2008, 09:28 PM

Quote:

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.”

PastorMikH · 09-14-2008, 09:31 PM

Probably the best thing that could happen is LJ getting an attitude again. Bench him and start Kolby. Then when he comes off the bench, maybe we'll see the Pro-bowl LJ and not the fat-wallet LJ on the field again.

It's taken Herm 3 years to figure out what DV knew, LJ isn't any good unless he's mad. 'Course Herm's probably making LJ mad by accident and won't ever really realize the difference.

ping2000 · 09-14-2008, 09:31 PM

**** you Larry. Learn to block.

**BigRedChief** · 09-14-2008, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip Towne

Get over it, LJ. Your refusal to block has caught up with you. You deserve what you are getting.

I was so pissed at the guy today.

He's the poster boy for the risks of giving a RB a bunch of money in the NFL.

tk13 · 09-14-2008, 09:43 PM

Dick Vermeil's not quite as stupid as people thought, eh, haha...

No, but really, it does feel like we're going in the other direction. With DV sometimes the coaching staff did a really poor job evaluating talent. But at least for the most part, and there's always exceptions, they seemed to get the maximum ability out of the players we did have. Didn't always work, because we had some really untalented hacks on defense... but at least the guys were trying, and playing to the best of their ability (Waters, Weigmann, Tait, Blaylock, LJ, Priest, Kennison, Dante, Trent, Fujita, etc.) Not that they were good, or great, just that we were getting their best effort they could give.

Right now it feels like we're evaluating talent better, but we don't have very many guys playing to their potential at all. Which is probably more deflating to see. I'm not sure.

**Buehler445** · 09-14-2008, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tk13

Dick Vermeil's not quite as stupid as people thought, eh, haha...

No, but really, it does feel like we're going in the other direction. With DV sometimes the coaching staff did a really poor job evaluating talent. But at least for the most part, and there's always exceptions, they seemed to get the maximum ability out of the players we did have. Didn't always work, because we had some really untalented hacks on defense... but at least the guys were trying, and playing to the best of their ability (Waters, Weigmann, Tait, Blaylock, LJ, Priest, Kennison, Dante, Trent, Fujita, etc.) Not that they were good, or great, just that we were getting their best effort they could give.

Right now it feels like we're evaluating talent better, but we don't have very many guys playing to their potential at all. Which is probably more deflating to see. I'm not sure.

That's a pretty good thought there. I don't think it is arguable that the effort put out today was WAYYYYYY below the level of talent on this football team.

Mecca · 09-15-2008, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PastorMikH

Probably the best thing that could happen is LJ getting an attitude again. Bench him and start Kolby. Then when he comes off the bench, maybe we'll see the Pro-bowl LJ and not the fat-wallet LJ on the field again.

It's taken Herm 3 years to figure out what DV knew, LJ isn't any good unless he's mad. 'Course Herm's probably making LJ mad by accident and won't ever really realize the difference.

This is more of a sulking, get me out of here attitude than a I'll show them attitude...

Also his 20-30 carry statement is a load of shit, tons of teams from college to the NFL employ 2 or sometimes more backs and guys excel in it and never bitch. I don't see Marion Barber going nuts that Felix Jones is stealing his carries.

Does USC have a problem on offense because they rotate 4 RB's?

09-14-2008, 09:21 PM
OnTheWarpath15 MVP Join Date: Sep 2005 Casino cash: $4931115	Teicher: LJ feels he's being phased out http://www.kansascity.com/385/story/796791.html 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 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 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.”
Posts: 60,167

09-14-2008, 09:22 PM	#2
L.A. Chieffan PLAY GOOD FOOTBALL Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: American Gardens Building Casino cash: $4088654	I think you know what needs to be said.
Posts: 17,367

09-14-2008, 09:24 PM	#4
CosmicPal Learn it. Know it. Live it. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: St. Petersburg, FL Casino cash: $10004900	Maybe if he actually tried running the ball past the line of scrimmage he wouldn't be worried about being phased out of his fuggen job. __________________ - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - * - Four blessings upon my fellow planeteers: Older whiskey, younger women, faster horses, and more money.
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09-14-2008, 09:24 PM	#5
Chiefnj2 In Search of a Life Join Date: Mar 2007 Casino cash: $7883688	After failing with pull-ups, the diapers are back on LJ. __________________ Mismanaging the clock.
Posts: 22,381

09-14-2008, 09:24 PM	#6
Marty Mac Ver 2.0 SaveOurChiefs.com Join Date: Sep 2004 Casino cash: $10005625	You're a dick? __________________ It's not the number of years in your life but the amount of life in your years!
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09-14-2008, 09:25 PM	#7
Cosmos Veteran Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: California Casino cash: $4404900	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.” Nice can do attitude there, big guy.
Posts: 3,622

09-14-2008, 09:27 PM	#8
Skip Towne Supporter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: T-Town Casino cash: $10004900	Get over it, LJ. Your refusal to block has caught up with you. You deserve what you are getting.
Posts: 69,689

09-14-2008, 09:31 PM	#10
PastorMikH Will KC ever be better? Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Land of Red Dirt & Necks Casino cash: $9955087	Probably the best thing that could happen is LJ getting an attitude again. Bench him and start Kolby. Then when he comes off the bench, maybe we'll see the Pro-bowl LJ and not the fat-wallet LJ on the field again. It's taken Herm 3 years to figure out what DV knew, LJ isn't any good unless he's mad. 'Course Herm's probably making LJ mad by accident and won't ever really realize the difference. __________________
Posts: 20,453

09-14-2008, 09:31 PM	#11
ping2000 Changes pants while driving Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Washington D.C. Casino cash: $5930495	**** you Larry. Learn to block.
Posts: 15,769

09-14-2008, 09:43 PM	#13
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $2012500	Dick Vermeil's not quite as stupid as people thought, eh, haha... No, but really, it does feel like we're going in the other direction. With DV sometimes the coaching staff did a really poor job evaluating talent. But at least for the most part, and there's always exceptions, they seemed to get the maximum ability out of the players we did have. Didn't always work, because we had some really untalented hacks on defense... but at least the guys were trying, and playing to the best of their ability (Waters, Weigmann, Tait, Blaylock, LJ, Priest, Kennison, Dante, Trent, Fujita, etc.) Not that they were good, or great, just that we were getting their best effort they could give. Right now it feels like we're evaluating talent better, but we don't have very many guys playing to their potential at all. Which is probably more deflating to see. I'm not sure.
Posts: 54,921