When Chris Johnson was asked Thursday if he would take a paycut in order to stay with the Titans, Johnson did not hold back by letting reporters know that there would be “no way” that he would accept less money. Johnson still feels like he is an elite runner, but at 28 years of age, the evidence of runners hitting their late 20’s s and their decrease in production suggests that Johnson’s best days have probably already happened. There have been rumors saying that the Titans are looking to do a cleaning of house much like the Browns, and the management in Tennessee will have to evaluate if C.J. will still be there guy.
Here is a look at Johnson’s production since 2008
2008- 1,228 rushing yards, 4.9 yards a carry, 9 rushing touchdowns, 260 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
2009- 2,006 rushing yards, 5.6 yards a carry, 14 rushing touchdowns, 503 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns
2010- 1,364 rushing yards, 4.3 yards a carry, 11 rushing touchdowns, 245 receiving yards, 1 receiving touchdown
2011- 1047 rushing yards, 4.0 yards a carry, 4 rushing touchdowns, 418 receiving yards, 0 receiving touchdowns
2012- 1243 rushing yards, 4.5 yards a carry, 6 rushing touchdowns, 232 receiving yards, 0 receiving touchdowns
While the numbers are somewhat all over the place, Johnson has maintained a pretty strong level of production. The problem that most fantasy owners have with Johnson is that they drafted him every year expecting him to put up numbers from his 2009 campaign, but he ends up as more of a RB2 or a flex option. Johnson is currently the 9th highest scoring running back in standard scoring ESPN leagues, and with an average draft position of 26.9(in a 12 team league that would mean that he was generally picked in the beginning of the third round), it appears that the perception of the Titan’s running back not producing may be more an issue of unrealistic expectations from the fantasy community.
It will be interesting to see where Johnson would find himself next year, and that should be a factor in your decision to draft him. I would not reach for Johnson in the third round next year, but if I can pick him up in the 5th round? Absolutely!
Related articles
- Chris Johnson: “No way” I’m taking a pay cut (profootballtalk.nbcsports.com)
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