Chiefs RB Larry Johnson: New Attitude?

[Coachnorm]

Larry Johnson has been "well behaved" and "almost invisible" as far as being in the spotlight at Chiefs offseason workouts. L.J. fully participated at voluntary OTAs and ran with the starters at this week's mandatory camp, maybe his attitude has taken a turn for the good. Even if he has his head on straight the new Chiefs O (Haley/Arizona) may not be as RB friendly.

 

[ExperiencedRookie]

Regardless of the coaching, it is certainly nice to hear that LJ is recommitting himself.

We as KC fans are sure of one thing, and it's that Jamaal Charles is NOT the answer.

 

[Coachnorm]

He could have a nice season. The renewed decication is great.

Might be a much more pass happy O.

Chiefs coach Todd Haley says he's been very impressed with Matt Cassels' attention to detail and work ethic this offseason. Analysis: "When he's done working out, he's upstairs bugging us. He's making drawings, coming up with ideas, wanting to talk football all the time," Haley said. "He's lost some weight, has his body in shape. We want our quarterback to be one of the hardest workers on the team. He's clearly shown me that."

But that could be a good thing for LJ. For a long time the Chiefs had a spectacular line and ran a lot. It was total running domination but then they stated to let parts of that line go and still tried to run like it was all the parts were still there. An O that passes first might be just the tonic for LJ.

 

[efactor]

For a long time the Chiefs had a spectacular line and ran a lot. It was total running domination but then they stated to let parts of that line go and still tried to run like it was all the parts were still there. An O that passes first might be just the tonic for LJ.

This is my thought. A balanced offense will open some space for LJ and instead of 25-35 carries a game, more in the 20-22 range will keep him fresh and allow him to put up some nice numbers. He hasn't had a lot of work the last couple years, so he should be in pretty good health.

I was able to steal him in the 5th round in an early draft league when everyone was down on him. Looks like he's climbing into the 3rd round in recent mocks I have seen and this type of news will move him up. Will be a tough call if he starts to move into the mid to late 2nd rounds.

 

[Miller]

I'm with e and coach. If this offense can be more balanced LJ will benefit. He just gets beat up against the 8 man fronts. If they can make offenses play them honest than LJ may have some more room to run.

However, wanted to be more balanced and doing it is another thing. other than Bowe, this offense may struggle to find pass catching play makers. LJ's success may ultimately depend on this.

 

[ExperiencedRookie]

No doubt that the loss of Gonzo was huge to LJs value. Linebackers can really run commit now without the beast breaking them apart across the middle.

 

[Coachnorm]

No doubt that the loss of Gonzo was huge to LJs value. Linebackers can really run commit now without the beast breaking them apart across the middle.

This is what makes LJ pretty hard to put a value tag on. The more balanced O on one hand is a potential benefit the loss of Gonzo is a hit at the same time.

 

[Sgt John]

Johnson is a decent option in most leagues in the 3rd round.

 

[Coachnorm]

I have to agree with Sarge here LJ wil get a majority of the carries which makes him solid even if it is the low 20's per game. The Chiefs RB problems used to start with LJ being a head case but it sounds like LJ might have grown up a bit.

 

[Sgt John]

Ranking RBs is so hard because lets be honest, we can scheme and plot and look at "mock draft" ADPs all day, and they dont really add up.

Its one thing to have nothing on the line and gauge the true value of a back. Its a whole other story when its you sitting there in the mid second and the fear of the unknown makes you pull the trigger early on LJ.

"Not me" you say? Most teams are running 12-16 guys. Only takes one to panic.

 

[Bull]

I'm not writing off Jam. Charles. I think he could get alot more looks this year. I'm not saying Charles will get 15 carries a game or anything, but he's fast as hell and can catch. They could use him alot like Reggie Bush or Leon Washington. LJ is a tough call for me. I think he suffers from less opportunities but I'm not sure how much Cassell benefits him. Will the passing game really be better without Gonzo? I know we're thinking Haley likes to throw, but honestly, Haley's not out there catching the ball. They have Bowe who is a stud, but losing Gonzo is alot to overcome.

 

[Phicinfan]

I am at a loss here with the expectations of a pass happy KC offense. Who exactly will be the beneficiary? Other than Bowe that is. Last I checked they still did not have a solid #2 wr...and they just traded away the top Te. More passes to rbs is a possibility...but I just don't see that great a passing game.

So I also believe that is why LJ is still there.
I also think LJ will surprise alot of folks....and I think you will see some RBBC with Charles as well.

 

[Bull]

I am at a loss here with the expectations of a pass happy KC offense. Who exactly will be the beneficiary? Other than Bowe that is. Last I checked they still did not have a solid #2 wr...and they just traded away the top Te. More passes to rbs is a possibility...but I just don't see that great a passing game.

So I also believe that is why LJ is still there.
I also think LJ will surprise alot of folks....and I think you will see some RBBC with Charles as well.

This is where I'm at as well. Just because you have a HC that likes to pass, doesn't mean they'll be able to.

 

[RLLD]

I would be interested in hearing some of the reasons why Charles is being negated.

 

[ExperiencedRookie]

I would be interested in hearing some of the reasons why Charles is being negated.

For the same reasons he was last year.

1. Bad defense leads to chasing in the 2nd half. Less running plays called.

2. He's #2 on the depth chart on a team forced to pass alot. (see #1).

3. Situation is even worse now because the new HC is a pass happy maniac.

4. He sucks

 

[Bull]

For the same reasons he was last year.

1. Bad defense leads to chasing in the 2nd half. Less running plays called.

2. He's #2 on the depth chart on a team forced to pass alot. (see #1).

3. Situation is even worse now because the new HC is a pass happy maniac.

4. He sucks

1. he's a good pass catcher. could play on passing downs.
2. he's #2 runner on a team forced to pass alot. could play on passing downs.
3. pass happy is good for Charles. Without Gonzo, they don't have alot of proven options other than Bowe, could be alot of check downs.
4. he doesn't suck.