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Originally Posted by Wallcrawler
He may have an attitude, but I think I probably would have developed a shitty attitude if I had his talent, was drafted in the first round, and only got to suit up for 5 freaking games in my rookie season.
Thats a bigtime slap in the face to a guy with his ability. Riding the bench and playing backup is one thing, being completely inactive is a whole other ballgame.
Dick's little "rebellion" against Carl Peterson, not activating Johnson for most of the season did quite a bit of damage to the player/organization relationship. Vermiel was just pissed he didnt get his way, and instead of taking it up with Carl, he took it out on Larry Johnson.
Its not like he was an unknown either. He played well in pre-season, he took a kickoff back for a TD, he showed that he was deserving of a spot on the active roster. The only flaw in his game seemed to be his pass protections.
Then Vermiel running his mouth in the media with the diapers comment just made things worse.
If I were Johnson, Id probably have a bit of a chip on my shoulder as well after being fed a gigantic shitburger for my first two seasons. He was out to prove he could play, and when he did, he had every right to come out and say something equivalent to "I f'ing told you so."
I find it hard to fault Johnson for having a bit of ill will towards Vermiel and Saunders.
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I agree, though I think you're underplaying the importance of being a good pass blocker, especially when you have an aging QB and an offense like we do. I remember LJ then Trent getting blown up on a play when they let LJ in earlier in the season. And hell, we really don't know. LJ might have been acting like he didn't care about blocking in practice. He might have been refusing the tips he was being given. He might have been supremely uncoachable. Dick and Saunders definitely came out looking like asses through their stupid public comments, but I'm not sure that LJ was exactly sunshine and sweetness with the organization either.