Sportsline on LJ

**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.

**Bob Dole** · 12-09-2005, 04:28 AM

If Bob Dole was Lawrence Johnson, he'd be pretty pissed off after reading this.

**007** · 12-09-2005, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheXtremeDole

If Bob Dole was Lawrence Johnson, he'd be pretty pissed off after reading this.

That was my thought. I hope he sees this article and just trashes the Dallas D.

Ultra Peanut · 12-09-2005, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheXtremeDole

If Bob Dole was Lawrence Johnson, he'd be pretty pissed off after reading this.

Good...

LJ is special. I doubted him when we drafted him, and I was completely ****ing wrong.

beer bacon · 12-09-2005, 04:37 AM

LJ tore it up last year too. Nobody seems to remember that.

tk13 · 12-09-2005, 04:38 AM

Larry's going to be a really good back, but he still doesn't have that many starts. I can see why people aren't going ga-ga over him yet. Which is fine by me, I hope they keep doubting him, we don't need people kissing his butt yet. DV needs to come out the week before the San Diego game during his press conference and say Larry Johnson makes Richard Simmons look like a real man. Then the playoffs will be ours.

Ultra Peanut · 12-09-2005, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tk13

Larry's going to be a really good back, but he still doesn't have that many starts. I can see why people aren't going ga-ga over him yet. Which is fine by me, I hope they keep doubting him, we don't need people kissing his butt yet. DV needs to come out the week before the San Diego game during his press conference and say Larry Johnson makes Richard Simmons look like a real man. Then the playoffs will be ours.

LJ is like the poster child for ChiefsPlanet; keep fucking doubting him.

**007** · 12-09-2005, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tk13

Larry's going to be a really good back, but he still doesn't have that many starts. I can see why people aren't going ga-ga over him yet. Which is fine by me, I hope they keep doubting him, we don't need people kissing his butt yet. DV needs to come out the week before the San Diego game during his press conference and say Larry Johnson makes Richard Simmons look like a real man. Then the playoffs will be ours.

Ouch, LJ might come after you for that one.

**Bob Dole** · 12-09-2005, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beer bacon

LJ tore it up last year too. Nobody seems to remember that.

Lawrence Johnson hasn't proven anything in this league.

**007** · 12-09-2005, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheXtremeDole

Lawrence Johnson hasn't proven anything in this league.

Not one damn thing. He needs to take of the diapers.

**Skip Towne** · 12-09-2005, 05:37 AM

I'll need to see him run for another 8 or 9 years before I can be sure.

huskerdooz · 12-09-2005, 05:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tk13

Larry's going to be a really good back, but he still doesn't have that many starts. I can see why people aren't going ga-ga over him yet. Which is fine by me, I hope they keep doubting him, we don't need people kissing his butt yet. DV needs to come out the week before the San Diego game during his press conference and say Larry Johnson makes Richard Simmons look like a real man. Then the playoffs will be ours.

Coach Dick Vermiel's Wed 12/21/05 Press Conference:

Elizabeth Merrill: What are your thoughts about LJ and the SD Defense, Coach?

DV: Marty and Wade have them playing at a very high level we'll have to be on top our game to be successful.

Adam Teicher: What about LJ's role in this game?

DV: Well we're going to have to count a great deal on the young man. Heck we're going to have to have all of our kids playing well. Trent, (Gawd I just have so much man love for him), will have to make some plays for us to win.

EM: But what about LJ?

DV: Well, if those big guys up front can control the line of scrimmage and give our QB (Gawd I just have so much man love for him), enough time to survey the field, I just feel he's going to be able to make some big plays.

AT: How important is it that LJ has a big game?

DV: Well it's important of course, but it's important that all our players play well. You know we need all of our players on our roster, even the practice squad players are important. Since you brought it up I think the NFL needs to do away with this inactive list BS. How can you develop your young players if you can't get them any minutes on the field. We've got several players that would benefit from getting into the game for just a little, even if it was for just a few plays at the end of a game. But the way....

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.

4th and Long · 12-09-2005, 05:44 AM

Articles like this make Mr. Johnson run angry. Nifty.

**007** · 12-09-2005, 05:47 AM

We need this every week right on up to the SB. LOL

MadMax · 12-09-2005, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip Towne

I'll need to see him run for another 8 or 9 years before I can be sure.

yes me too bro, thanks for interrupting my Larrybation..

And to all the haters I just say thanks!! You show the reasons I take your opinions so lightly.....

And also sorry Skip, I shoulda stayed and fought the hard fight earlier lol God bless the Priest, But long live da king!!!

Now attack like you lil post whores like to do....

12-09-2005, 04:22 AM
007 Shaken. Not stirred. Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: London Casino cash: $13950126 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: 65,557

12-09-2005, 04:28 AM	#2
Bob Dole King Shit of **** Mountain Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Texarkana, Texas Casino cash: $2334497	If Bob Dole was Lawrence Johnson, he'd be pretty pissed off after reading this.
Posts: 48,651

12-09-2005, 04:37 AM	#5
beer bacon WHAT Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Kansas City, MO Casino cash: $10019545	LJ tore it up last year too. Nobody seems to remember that.
Posts: 9,301

12-09-2005, 04:38 AM	#6
tk13 ... Join Date: Nov 2001 Casino cash: $1752500	Larry's going to be a really good back, but he still doesn't have that many starts. I can see why people aren't going ga-ga over him yet. Which is fine by me, I hope they keep doubting him, we don't need people kissing his butt yet. DV needs to come out the week before the San Diego game during his press conference and say Larry Johnson makes Richard Simmons look like a real man. Then the playoffs will be ours.
Posts: 54,983

12-09-2005, 05:37 AM	#11
Skip Towne Supporter Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: T-Town Casino cash: $10004900	I'll need to see him run for another 8 or 9 years before I can be sure.
Posts: 69,689

12-09-2005, 05:44 AM	#13
4th and Long Wheeeeee!!! Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: In a house Casino cash: $9234925	Articles like this make Mr. Johnson run angry. Nifty. __________________
Posts: 19,795

12-09-2005, 05:47 AM	#14
007 Shaken. Not stirred. Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: London Casino cash: $13950126 VARSITY	We need this every week right on up to the SB. LOL __________________ My dear girl, there are some things that just aren’t done. Such as, drinking Dom Perignon ’53 above the temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit. That’s just as bad as listening to the Beatles without earmuffs.
Posts: 65,557