Larry Johnson Still on Pace to Break Chiefs Franchise Rushing Mark
by Joel Thorman on Oct 12, 2009 10:15 AM CDT
in 2009 Kansas City Chiefs Campaign
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PrintDespite a fairly miserable start to the 2009 season, Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson is still on pace to break the franchise rushing record previously held by Priest Holmes. Entering the season, LJ was 432 yards away.
At his current pace, LJ will break the record in week 11 against the Pittsburgh Steelers (game is in Kansas City). He's averaging about 45 yards per game, which over the course of an entire season, comes out to about 730 yards.
At only 2.4 yards per carry, I think this question has to be asked: Will LJ actually make it through the season to break the record?
At some point, I think Chiefs head coach Todd Haley has to recognize when something isn't working. He's tried his darndest to create an identity for this team but it's becoming clear that running LJ 20+ times a game is not that identity. I understand Haley's thinking, that running the ball is a necessity, especially with this offense, but it's starting to turn into fitting square pegs into round holes.
LJ's yards per carry this season: 1.8, 3.3, 2.0, 2.9 and 1.8. Isn't that a pretty solid trend that either he's not getting it done or the offensive line's not getting it done? I'm not trying to place blame on anyone here because I think there's plenty of blame to go around but it's clear as day, through five games this year, and 12 games last year, that the running game with LJ in there simply does not work.
In 12 games last season, LJ average over four yards per carry on four occasions. That means, in his last 17 games, LJ has a four yards per carry in four total games.
When asked during training camp, LJ acknowledged that the record is a goal of his, but ultimately he was focused on the team goals.
"This year I'm coming up on that mark to possibly break the all time Chiefs rushing record," he said back in early August. "It's a lot of things as far as getting back to the playoffs, a Super Bowl. There's a lot of things on my plate that I'm trying to achieve, not only for myself, but most importantly for the team."
With that said, I think it's a fair question whether LJ will get those final 206 yards to break the franchise rushing mark. And whether that record will become a factor in Haley's decision.
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I Don't Know That He'll Break It
Only because I don’t know if he’ll be the starter much longer, and if once he loses his starting job he’ll get many other opportunities to get on the field. I suppose the odds favor it since all he’s got to do is get another 93 attempts at his current pace (which isn’t going to be difficult if one of the other backs goes down for 3-4 games) and that would put him somewhere around week 9 or 10 for breaking the record. But if he’s the starter for that much longer and doesn’t improve his production, I suspect the fans won’t be happy about it.
You just can’t give 180 carries to a guy getting 2.4 ypc and expect to be competitive in very many games. At that point, you’re better off scouring the waiver wire.
Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West. Revision: We go 5-11 and finish behind Oakland.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
8. The Chiefs will have a bottom 10 defense this year.
9. RB will be a problem area this season on offense.
Haley has not been shy about benching guys not performing.
However that rule seems to take exception with LJ. Even as a backup I cannot imagine how he could not get 206 rushing yards in 11 games
A man who says he can, and a man who says he can't are both right. Which one are you?
One more thing
I do get the feeling though, that LJ wont be here next year so if he wants a rushing record before he goes then he had better get it this year because he will probably be traded for a 5th or 6th rounder during the 2010 draft
A man who says he can, and a man who says he can't are both right. Which one are you?
Nobody's Going To Give Up A Draft Pick
For a 31 year old RB with a history of off-field problems who’s getting 2.4 yards per carry. If Johnson doesn’t pick up his game, this will be not just his last season here but likely his last season playing in the NFL.
Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West. Revision: We go 5-11 and finish behind Oakland.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
8. The Chiefs will have a bottom 10 defense this year.
9. RB will be a problem area this season on offense.
I Agree With You About The Record
It seems unlikely that he wouldn’t get it, even as a backup.
But if Haley keeps him as a starter for the rest of the year at this level of production, I think we should seriously question whether Haley should be following Johnson out the door at season’s end. I suspect what will happen, though, is that Johnson gets the record and then we don’t see him on the field much at all, in any role.
Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West. Revision: We go 5-11 and finish behind Oakland.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
8. The Chiefs will have a bottom 10 defense this year.
9. RB will be a problem area this season on offense.
So you think Haley WANTS LJ to get the record?
I don’t think he cares about any of that.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Oct 12, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
We'll See
Maybe they do…after all, fans need to take something out of this season and seeing players break a franchise record is something.
Not that I’d particularly care to see it…I really can’t stand Larry Johnson and would love to see Priest Holmes stay the franchise rusher if Johnson’s going to achieve the mark at his current level of production (especially considering how much Johnson hates Holmes).
Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West. Revision: We go 5-11 and finish behind Oakland.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
8. The Chiefs will have a bottom 10 defense this year.
9. RB will be a problem area this season on offense.
i know you dont like Larry
But you have got to see that his terrible averages have little to do with him. This is undoubtedly an offensive line problem.
Now, I will agree that Larry is a down hill runner who requires an initial hole to hit and not a slashing, stop and go guy like Addai or something. And Larry has not been getting that initial hole because our offensive line is so horrid that it can’t even execute a simple dive play.
When LJ has had a hole or gotten to the edge, which is about as rare as seeing Haley’s comet, he has shown the same burst and explosiveness he has always had. But if he can’t get going into the 2nd level he is worthless. Which is true for most RB’s in the NFL.
LJ is running hard and not complaining…which is what I wanted out of him. So if we get the OL patched up, that’s all we can hope for this year, LJ will be moderatly effective. And is still our best chance of a running game on the team.
"A good plan violently executed now is better than a perfect plan executed next week."
by bigbe on Oct 12, 2009 10:41 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions
I've been in favor of LJ staying in KC but...
My opinion has changed somewhat. It’s hard for me to put all of the rushing woes on the line alone. LJ is definitely NOT doing the things he needs to to be successful anymore.
I will definitely agree that the O-line is not doing a sufficient job creating holes for him and yes, he can still be dangerous when he has a good hole to run through. At this point, I think it’s time to try something different. Lj could still be useful as a short yardage back but, Savage or Charles should be the every down ball carriers. They have the quickness and the moves to make things happen that LJ cannot do anymore. If the Chiefs have a goal line situation and need to pound it in, I still think Larry is the best back in that situation.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Oct 12, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Javarris Williams
Was drafted for a reason. He’s still on the PS last I checked so if LJ keeps throwing up such terrible numbers I wouldn’t be surprised to see JW activated at some point this season.
Bask in the glory that is Kwame Harris. Poor Alex...
LJ is not our problem Haley is...
Haley’s play calling has been a complete joke thus far. He is putting players in situations were they cant excel. Cassel is getting sacked constantly b/c Haley calls long developing routes that Cassel just isnt going 2 have enough time 2 execute them. LJ seems 2 get a dive call 70% of the game, why not run him on the edge or run counter plays? Every game I’m thinking “Ok Haley and Pendergrast is going 2 show us all something different this time” But no same thing every game. Atleast Haley has kept his word on 1 thing…he promised we would see the same thing we saw in the preseason game against Minn.
by clockinoncloud09 on Oct 12, 2009 10:58 AM CDT reply actions
You have no idea what you are talking about
Cassel is getting sacked constantly b/c Haley calls long developing routes that Cassel just isnt going 2 have enough time 2 execute them.
What? Haley is calling a numberof screens and short routes over the middle to the TE. A lot of people are complaining that Haley doesn’t call enough down field throws. Matt Cassel is getting sacked for 2 reasons. #1. His offensive line is the worst in football. #2. See #1.
L.J. is not doing well for two reasons. #1. He is running behind a terrible line. #2. He is old.
Haley isn’t sending Larry outside because that isn’t the type of runner Larry is. Larry isn’t fast. If Larry breaks away he usually get’s caught from behind.
I think Haley should start trying to use Charles and Savage and Battle more. I think he will.
Haley is not the problem. The lack of talent and execution is the problem.
Be sure to check out the Arrowhead Pride weekly Power Rankings
by Patrick Allen on Oct 12, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Watch The Personal Attacks
You have no idea what you are talking about
But I agree with your comments for the most part…I don’t think it’s playcalling as much as it is lack of talent on the o-line and Johnson’s declining abilities. Watching the game yesterday, I thought the playcalling was markedly better than what the team’s been dealing with under Herm, even if Haley still can’t get the plays called in on time.
But he needs to bench Johnson if he ever wants to win a game.
Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West. Revision: We go 5-11 and finish behind Oakland.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
8. The Chiefs will have a bottom 10 defense this year.
9. RB will be a problem area this season on offense.
Playcalling was alright
But what’s with the need to get so cute early on in games? (End arounds, Wildcat formations, flea flickers?)
He does it the first couple snaps then goes back to concervative playcalling the rest of the game.
RIP Bodhi - Not tragic to die doing what you love. You want the ultimate thrill, you gotta be willing to pay the ultimate price.
by craig in calgary on Oct 12, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
I Missed The First Quarter Yesterday
So I didn’t see a lot of it.
I guess they were trying to give different looks to maybe confuse Phillips (which isn’t that hard), but yeah, it seems kind of stupid considering the problems the team has overall.
Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West. Revision: We go 5-11 and finish behind Oakland.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
8. The Chiefs will have a bottom 10 defense this year.
9. RB will be a problem area this season on offense.
It was not pretty to watch.
The flea was almost flicked over Cassel’s head and into the endzone for a safety/ Cowboys’ TD. Cassel’s pass seemed off. The whole play was awkward.
Early in the game, I was very disappointed in the D. They forced a punt, but there was no passion or drive in the tackling. It got better later, but they were flat to start out.
by NJ Chiefs Fan on Oct 12, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Not only this game
They started one game in the wildcat, and another with a reverse end-around…and I’m sure I’m forgetting something. Why try gadget plays right out of the gate, if you are going to try them, wait until the players get into the flow of the game. Plus if when they don’t work, you make an early 3 and out likely which is killer
RIP Bodhi - Not tragic to die doing what you love. You want the ultimate thrill, you gotta be willing to pay the ultimate price.
by craig in calgary on Oct 12, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Larry's run to the outside was his longest run of the day yesterday...
Just sayin.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Oct 12, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Stupid reply button never works for me.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Oct 12, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
It's Working
It just nested the comment beneath the one you were replying to, but several other people had replied to that comment.
And yes, his run to the outside was his longest, but he also hasn’t demonstrated any ability to do that consistently. If they’re going to be running outside, Charles has shown himself to be a far better bet for yardage.
Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West. Revision: We go 5-11 and finish behind Oakland.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
8. The Chiefs will have a bottom 10 defense this year.
9. RB will be a problem area this season on offense.
I totally agree. I just thought I should point that out.
I’m actually pulling for Savage. I have been impressed with his play. Unforunately, I guess Haley isn’t because he keeps deactivating him…I don’t get it.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Oct 12, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions
I Don't Get A Lot Of His Lineup Choices
He may turn out to be a good coach or he may not, but honestly a lot of what he’s doing makes me think he’s in way over his head.
Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West. Revision: We go 5-11 and finish behind Oakland.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
8. The Chiefs will have a bottom 10 defense this year.
9. RB will be a problem area this season on offense.
Of Course, That Can Change
Sometimes good coaches do screw up a lot in their first year. If he improves over the course of the season, then I’ll try to acknowledge that and keep an open mind.
But if he ever quits on a game at halftime again down by only 17…
Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West. Revision: We go 5-11 and finish behind Oakland.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
8. The Chiefs will have a bottom 10 defense this year.
9. RB will be a problem area this season on offense.
yep, he may have bitten off more than he can chew.
He may realize that, but what can he do about it now?
Yeah, let's just keep matriculatin' the ball down the field, boys! ...
by oldchiefsfan on Oct 12, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions
Not Much
Once he fired Gailey, I think he’d pretty much tied his own hands for the year. I guess he could give Carthon more responsibility, but I really don’t think that’s something any of us will ever want to watch considering how he performed the last time he was in charge of an offense.
Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West. Revision: We go 5-11 and finish behind Oakland.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
8. The Chiefs will have a bottom 10 defense this year.
9. RB will be a problem area this season on offense.
Haley is Fine, Did you see any quit yesterday?
Guys, while I agree that I dont like ALL his play-calling, you can only do so much when your QB is getting hit on a 3 step drop. I mean we try WR screens, RB swing passes, play-action off the terrifying LJ 2.4 YPC and slants. Outside of some more sprint outs and bootlegs I dont know what else you want Haley to call. Bottom line, there isn’t much talent on this team. Dallas tried to give us this game and we still couldn’t take advantage.
by Ryan in Nixa on Oct 12, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
agreed
Yeah, let's just keep matriculatin' the ball down the field, boys! ...
by oldchiefsfan on Oct 12, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions
I could go on and on about that.
The lineup could be much more effective w/o really acquiring any more players. Put Ndukwe in at RG, O’ Call should have been at RT weeks ago. Lance long or Lawrence need to be more involved to give us some speed and LJ needs to ride the pine for a while, possibly forever. Savage and Charles as the 1-2 punch at RB.
On defense, DJ should be playing a lot more.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Oct 12, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions
It's almost as if he doesn't expect there to be a hole or seam for him to run through
so he half asses the attempt.
Yeah, let's just keep matriculatin' the ball down the field, boys! ...
by oldchiefsfan on Oct 12, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
I Thought It Was Half-Assing At First
Now after three years of that play, I’m just convinced he’s got no initial burst. Like someone else said, his top-end speed is okay, but he hasn’t got that first step to be able to hit a hole and explode through…and that’s what RBs need even more than top-end speed. Can’t run in the open field if you can’t get to the open field.
Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West. Revision: We go 5-11 and finish behind Oakland.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
8. The Chiefs will have a bottom 10 defense this year.
9. RB will be a problem area this season on offense.
makes sense, I didn't think of that.
Yeah, let's just keep matriculatin' the ball down the field, boys! ...
by oldchiefsfan on Oct 12, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions
What was funny about that...
Was most of the things I read said that’s where we should run it.
by idahochieffan on Oct 12, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions
I was hoping LJ had something left
but even with a bad O-line a RB still should be doing better than he is.
Chiefs set an NFL record,most roster changes in 1 season.
by bringbacktheglory on Oct 12, 2009 11:04 AM CDT reply actions
LJ Lacks Vision and Burst
LJ is not seeing any cutbacks, yesterday he got tackled by one arm on their DT. His burst is flat gone, he’s ok top end speed but his ability to hit a hole is just gone.
by Ryan in Nixa on Oct 12, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree
there is no attack left. He just runs to the hole and thats it. Hes not looking for anything and at first contact he seems to fall. Hes a decent rb but the more I watch him the more I think hes not good for this team
A man who says he can, and a man who says he can't are both right. Which one are you?
Change we can believe in
Kolby, Jackie, Dantrell and Charles should be able to get 50 yards per game. Don’t really need the other guy as much as somebody else might.
Its a distinct possibility
that given our personnel we have right now, that using Charles and Savage as our primary rbs could help us be more productive. If the o-line cannot create adequate holes up the middle, why not use our faster pass catching rbs on the outside?
A man who says he can, and a man who says he can't are both right. Which one are you?
LJ should just be a goal line back
A man who says he can, and a man who says he can't are both right. Which one are you?
I Think It's a Fact
If Charles didnt have fumble-itis I think he would already be starting.
by Ryan in Nixa on Oct 12, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions
I Suspect That's Right
And fumbles are a legitimate reason to bench the guy. Teams just don’t win very often if they can’t hold onto the ball.
But considering how terrible the running game’s been, he should still be starting if he can get rid of the fumbles.
Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West. Revision: We go 5-11 and finish behind Oakland.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
8. The Chiefs will have a bottom 10 defense this year.
9. RB will be a problem area this season on offense.
That's exactly why I keep calling for Savage.
He has a nice combination of speed, moves, and he seems to play like he’s always got something to prove…AND he holds on to the ball.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Oct 12, 2009 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Might As Well Give Him A Shot
I think he’s earned one.
Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West. Revision: We go 5-11 and finish behind Oakland.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
8. The Chiefs will have a bottom 10 defense this year.
9. RB will be a problem area this season on offense.
that kid needs to get his shit together.
I guess college defenses dont strip as often and hes not used to it. It can be hard to focus when you are in the flow of the game. It can be hard to remember the little things like keeping that arm in tight. Thats why Haley is a good coach imo: he seems to drill stuff in so hopefully it starts to pay dividends
A man who says he can, and a man who says he can't are both right. Which one are you?
It seem almost a certainty
that we bring someone in during the offseason or through the draft
A man who says he can, and a man who says he can't are both right. Which one are you?
100% Chance
You know there is this “back-up” in Minnesota that reminds me a lot of Priest Holmes name Chester Taylor. I’m usually a guy that would prefer a younger back but Taylor is a talented back and would start on some teams in the NFL if he wasnt backing up “All Day”.
by Ryan in Nixa on Oct 12, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
Nope
Can’t stay healthy and he’ll be 31 next season (the age where RBs die). We might get one good year out of him, but that’ll be about it. He’s a terrible guy to give a free agent contract to considering the state of this team.
Moderator - Arrowhead Pride
Predictions for 2009
1. Todd Haley's going to struggle with managing his staff in his rookie year as head coach.
6. The Chiefs will go 7-9 in 2009, good for 2nd in the AFC West. Revision: We go 5-11 and finish behind Oakland.
7. Ryan Succop will not perform better in 2009 than Connor Barth did in 2008.
8. The Chiefs will have a bottom 10 defense this year.
9. RB will be a problem area this season on offense.
Bench LJ!
I 150% agree that the true issue is the O-line. However, look at Barry Sanders, he ran behind terrible O-lines. I know it is apples and oranges to compare LJ and Sanders, However, Charles is shifty like Sanders. While some of the play calling pissed me off with the delayed hand off’s, LJ is so slow to the line of scrimmage. Put LJ on the shelf except for goal line situations.
We will be a better team with backs who can make something happen on their own, just like Cassel has to do as well.
by casselreadychiefs on Oct 12, 2009 12:23 PM CDT reply actions
how about this...
NE is having LB problems with them being thin there and RB problems with Taylor going down. This is obviously just speculation at this point but can you see DJ and LJ going to the Pats for a pick or picks of some sort?
by MountainManMike on Oct 12, 2009 3:13 PM CDT reply actions
One of my favorite parts of the game was from Larry.
I found it amusing when he was forced out and ended up sitting down on the Cowboys bench to get stopped. It was funny to see a red uniform in the middle of a line of blue. Talk about being out of place.
Then it makes me sad when one of my favorite parts of the game happened after a player was forced OOB and wasn’t something that actually involved the game.
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