Sportsline on LJ - Page 2

**007** · 12-09-2005, 04:22 AM

Where does Larry Johnson now rank among the NFL's top backs?

Pete Prisco

It's tough to say because the Chiefs have had so much success running the ball, no matter who's carrying it. Priest Holmes has been one of the best backs in the league the past couple of seasons, but when he goes out, the Chiefs don't miss a beat. Derrick Blaylock rushed for 186 yards last year against the Saints when he replaced Holmes, and now Johnson is putting up big numbers. Johnson runs hard and tough, something his doubters questioned. But he also plays behind a quality line, catered to run blocking. His numbers after taking over as a starter would say he's one of the five best in the game. But that's too high. Is he a top 10 back? He is now, but he's not quite among the elite. Funny thing is, a year ago the Chiefs were peddling him around the league in trade talks. And there weren't a lot of takers. You can bet some personnel guys are kicking themselves for not making a deal to get him last year.

Clark Judge

Larry Johnson is a promising back, but he's not an elite back. Not now. Not with a year-and-a-half of significant experience. Johnson has a bright future in Kansas City, and you can't ignore his past -- with five straight 100-yard games this season and 13 touchdowns in eight starts. But let's not get ahead of ourselves here. Timmy Smith set a Super Bowl rushing record and wound up in the discard pile. Icky Woods helped lead the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl before disappearing. Young running backs have flashed before us before, only to disappear. I don't think that happens here. Johnson is good enough that, if and when Priest Holmes returns, Johnson stays the starter -- and that's strong. But let's wait before anointing him the next ... well, the next Priest Holmes. The signs are encouraging, with Johnson last week showing atypical patience on that 4-yard touchdown run. Frankly, it reminded me of Holmes. Johnson is good. He could be great. But give me another four or five years before making that judgment.

Extra Point · 12-09-2005, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huskerdooz

Bob Fescoe: BUT COACH VERMIEL, WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING OUT OF LJ IN THIS GAME AGAINST THE CHARGERS?

DV: DAMMIT! you people are all the same trying to stir up shit in the media and in this locker room.

BF: WELL?

DV: OK well sure, it's time LJ took the ballet slippers and tutu off and strapped on some pads and cleats. Time to become a man, I mean this for damn sure isn't a game for Richard Simmons types now is it. See there you have it, you made me say it. I didn't want to do it, you know what kind of shit you guys stirred up last time.

BF: Coach, did you just compare LJ to Richard Simmons?

Bob Moore (stepping in between the microphone and DV): That will be all the questions for now. Coach Vermiel is a busy man and he needs to help his team prepare for what we're confident will be a resounding victory for the Kansas City Chiefs. If any of you are unsure and aren't quite clear about Coach Vermiel's responses, you will find a typed and laminated printout that was prepared prior to the press conference. I'm sure all of your questions will be answered by the information provided there.

Is this for real?

If so, Fescoe's name is now Fescue, 'cause DV made his a$$ grass!

**the Talking Can** · 12-09-2005, 06:52 AM

not resigning Blaylock was a big mistake...

**Bob Dole** · 12-09-2005, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the Talking Can

not resigning Blaylock was a big mistake...

It was a mistake, but not because Johnson is a big fat crybaby who hasn't proven anything.

**chefsos** · 12-09-2005, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clark Judge

Johnson is good. He could be great. But give me another four or five years before making that judgment.

Gawdam, Judge, in four or five years you'll be telling us that Johnson is past his prime at 30. You might want to make up your mind sometime before then. We'll all be holding our collective breath waiting for your blessing. Yeah we will.

**Skip Towne** · 12-09-2005, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chefsos

Gawdam, Judge, in four or five years you'll be telling us that Johnson is past his prime at 30. You might want to make up your mind sometime before then. We'll all be holding our collective breath waiting for your blessing. Yeah we will.

Judge is and idiot.

KevB · 12-09-2005, 08:15 AM

Timmy Smith? Give me a fricken' break. Not only has LJ lit everyone up everytime he gets significant carries, he also has the pedigree to suggest he's a very good back. 2000 yard season at Penn St., first round pick.....c'mon Sportsline, you're better than that (ok, maybe not).

**Bob Dole** · 12-09-2005, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevB

Timmy Smith? Give me a fricken' break. Not only has LJ lit everyone up everytime he gets significant carries, he also has the pedigree to suggest he's a very good back. 2000 yard season at Penn St., first round pick.....c'mon Sportsline, you're better than that (ok, maybe not).

Is Penn State even a Division I school?

Johnson hasn't proven anything.

KC Jones · 12-09-2005, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheXtremeDole

Is Penn State even a Division I school?

Johnson hasn't proven anything.

He's not even good enough to play for Penn State anymore. That kid needs to be a man and learn to play football. He's still just a jellyfish. I doubt he'll even get 10 yards against the great Cowboys defense.

**Bob Dole** · 12-09-2005, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC Jones

He's not even good enough to play for Penn State anymore. That kid needs to be a man and learn to play football. He's still just a jellyfish. I doubt he'll even get 10 yards against the great Cowboys defense.

Pretty-boy, fashion model pussy.

stumppy · 12-09-2005, 08:32 AM

Larry who ?

htismaqe · 12-09-2005, 08:48 AM

I wonder how Derrick Blaylock faired without Willie Roaf in the lineup? I wonder how Priest Holmes faired without Roaf in the lineup?

Say what you want about the line - even without Roaf, Johnson makes his own holes sometimes...

**Bob Dole** · 12-09-2005, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by htismaqe

I wonder how Derrick Blaylock faired without Willie Roaf in the lineup? I wonder how Priest Holmes faired without Roaf in the lineup?

Say what you want about the line - even without Roaf, Johnson makes his own holes sometimes...

Beginners luck. He hasn't proven that it's not just a fluke.

Hoover · 12-09-2005, 09:16 AM

Yeah, and first round draft pick, rushed for 2k his senior year in college, and does nothing but get 100 yard games when he starts a game. So yeah, he might be a top 10 back....

I'm not saying he is Edge, LT, or Alexander, but I say he's right after that group and gaining ground...FAST

**Bob Dole** · 12-09-2005, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoover

Yeah, and first round draft pick, rushed for 2k his senior year in college, and does nothing but get 100 yard games when he starts a game. So yeah, he might be a top 10 back....

I'm not saying he is Edge, LT, or Alexander, but I say he's right after that group and gaining ground...FAST

So you're just spouting off about his potential...

irishjayhawk · 12-09-2005, 10:06 AM

I found it kinda annoying that every back Denver plugs into their system is automatically an elite back but when we do the same thing ours aren't immediately elite because we have an offensive line.

I mirror Hoover's sentiments as well.

12-09-2005, 04:22 AM
007 Shaken. Not stirred. Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: London Casino cash: $14030126 VARSITY	Sportsline on LJ Where does Larry Johnson now rank among the NFL's top backs? Pete Prisco It's tough to say because the Chiefs have had so much success running the ball, no matter who's carrying it. Priest Holmes has been one of the best backs in the league the past couple of seasons, but when he goes out, the Chiefs don't miss a beat. Derrick Blaylock rushed for 186 yards last year against the Saints when he replaced Holmes, and now Johnson is putting up big numbers. Johnson runs hard and tough, something his doubters questioned. But he also plays behind a quality line, catered to run blocking. His numbers after taking over as a starter would say he's one of the five best in the game. But that's too high. Is he a top 10 back? He is now, but he's not quite among the elite. Funny thing is, a year ago the Chiefs were peddling him around the league in trade talks. And there weren't a lot of takers. You can bet some personnel guys are kicking themselves for not making a deal to get him last year. Clark Judge Larry Johnson is a promising back, but he's not an elite back. Not now. Not with a year-and-a-half of significant experience. Johnson has a bright future in Kansas City, and you can't ignore his past -- with five straight 100-yard games this season and 13 touchdowns in eight starts. But let's not get ahead of ourselves here. Timmy Smith set a Super Bowl rushing record and wound up in the discard pile. Icky Woods helped lead the Cincinnati Bengals to the Super Bowl before disappearing. Young running backs have flashed before us before, only to disappear. I don't think that happens here. Johnson is good enough that, if and when Priest Holmes returns, Johnson stays the starter -- and that's strong. But let's wait before anointing him the next ... well, the next Priest Holmes. The signs are encouraging, with Johnson last week showing atypical patience on that 4-yard touchdown run. Frankly, it reminded me of Holmes. Johnson is good. He could be great. But give me another four or five years before making that judgment.
Posts: 65,555

12-09-2005, 06:52 AM	#17
the Talking Can Supporter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: street Casino cash: $10022208	not resigning Blaylock was a big mistake... __________________ Clark Hunt: "Thank god for the Dominican pool boy"
Posts: 51,585

12-09-2005, 08:15 AM	#21
KevB Agree to Disagree Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: The State of Euphoria Casino cash: $10026612	Timmy Smith? Give me a fricken' break. Not only has LJ lit everyone up everytime he gets significant carries, he also has the pedigree to suggest he's a very good back. 2000 yard season at Penn St., first round pick.....c'mon Sportsline, you're better than that (ok, maybe not).
Posts: 14,446

12-09-2005, 08:32 AM	#25
stumppy New and Improved Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, Mo. Casino cash: $1358590	Larry who ?
Posts: 21,156

12-09-2005, 08:48 AM	#26
htismaqe 'Tis my eye! Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Chiefsplanet Casino cash: $10269900	I wonder how Derrick Blaylock faired without Willie Roaf in the lineup? I wonder how Priest Holmes faired without Roaf in the lineup? Say what you want about the line - even without Roaf, Johnson makes his own holes sometimes...
Posts: 100,022

12-09-2005, 09:16 AM	#28
Hoover Rufus Dawes Jr. Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $1528179	Yeah, and first round draft pick, rushed for 2k his senior year in college, and does nothing but get 100 yard games when he starts a game. So yeah, he might be a top 10 back.... I'm not saying he is Edge, LT, or Alexander, but I say he's right after that group and gaining ground...FAST
Posts: 17,375

12-09-2005, 10:06 AM	#30
irishjayhawk Feelin' Alright Join Date: Aug 2004 Casino cash: $10004900	I found it kinda annoying that every back Denver plugs into their system is automatically an elite back but when we do the same thing ours aren't immediately elite because we have an offensive line. I mirror Hoover's sentiments as well. __________________ "Think about how stupid the average person is. Then remember that half the people in the world are stupider than that." --George Carlin
Posts: 16,887