A Response to PFW on Larry Johnson
Pro Football Weekly put out a recent column on the Larry Johnson scenario, ultimately suggesting there's no market for the running back. In it, writer Michael Blunda makes the assertion that a release is needed sooner than later to send a message to the rest of the clubhouse and to serve as "the final nail in the coffin" of the old Chiefs.
While I appreciate the coverage and thoughtfulness of the article, it's clearly not the correct direction for Pioli and Co.
"Keen GMs will notice how much Johnson’s numbers dropped off once K.C.’s offensive line began to deteriorate; without All-Pro linemen creating gaping holes for him, L.J. hasn’t been anywhere near the same caliber of player. Since the club would be lucky to acquire even a late-round draft pick for the Penn State product, granting him a release appears to be its only option."
I'm not sure that I agree the Chiefs have exhausted all trade leads. Certainly Johnson is showing some good signs of remorse and being able to put this behind him just in time before the draft. With Pioli's ability to shift the proverbial shell game of the draft, I would think some value could be found here.
"Considering the team’s extreme lack of backfield depth, cutting Johnson might not excite Chiefs fans hoping to see their team win right away, since a platoon of Kolby Smith and Jamaal Charles isn’t likely to set the world on fire. But true Chiefs supporters interested in the organization’s long-term success should realize this is the right move."
Again, the right move would be to receive some level of compensation for a RB who just might register 1,000+ one or two more times in his career.
"Sometimes it’s just better to cut your losses and move forward. The Chiefs will be able to sign or draft another capable running back prior to the season, so it’s not like ridding themselves of L.J. would devastate their offense. In fact, in an attack that’s expected to focus heavily on the pass, he might not have had a significant role to begin with."
Doubt it. What other back is available with the clear ability to run at LJ's level? Sure you could make a case for Deuce McAllister but the obvious injury risk is there and, in my opinion, he's clearly not at LJ's level. And after that, it's a nightmare of a downfall in talent - to Michael Pittman, Ahman Green, Warrick Dunn and Rudi Johnson among others. In other words, it's not pretty.
"Ironically enough, the charges Johnson recently pleaded guilty to were for disturbing the peace. Keeping the peace in the Chiefs’ locker room is going to be critical if they hope to reshape their image as dysfunctional losers, and they don’t need Johnson around to disturb it. On and off the field, he already has done plenty of that in Kansas City."
Agreed. But let's get something in return or guarantee that our man is completely on board with the new regime. A simple release in this case is a bit too costly
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.
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22 comments
Comments
i have to agree with you on this
and altough johnson is closing in on 30 he doesnt have near the mileage of a typical 30
RB
with only 140 carries total for his first 2 years also missing the last half of the 2007 season and 4 games last year. And he still average 4.5 YPC and ran for 874 yards. I can still see Larry being very productive for a couple years if he gets his act together.
by DT58forever on Apr 1, 2009 12:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
These guys think LJ is that easily replaced?
FPW is out of their fucking minds. The only way to replace him is to draft a RB in the first round. There is noone in FA that can replace LJ. We cannot afford to spend picks on a RB with so many holes to fill. Especially since we already have a good RB who can get the job done.
Pioli will put him on a short leash and if he fucks up one time. He will be riding the pine. We will see a new/improved attitude from LJ this year. He will be a good teammate and a productive player.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Apr 1, 2009 12:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
LJ could have easily ran 1000 yards if we hadn't abandoned the run game so often
And that’s taking into consideration that he also was suspended four of those games. 4.5 yards a carry is quite productive, especially for an RB who is almost 30 and behind a crappy O-line. LJ is worth way too much to release him. We should run him as much as possible while he’s still got a few years left in the tank.
by Vince D on Apr 1, 2009 1:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure LJ isn't diminshing
but I AM sure that if he release him, he would IMMEDIATELY be signed.
We may not get much out of a trade, but we’d get SOMETHING.
Marley will be walking soon...she could probably play Linebacker better than some of the guys we had.
by PVChiefsfan on Apr 1, 2009 1:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Good points, no way I just release him…………. PFW must be spies for the Donkeys!! We would take a big cap hit, also, would have to rely on Kolby Smith to be our feature back(always injured), then he signs with Donkeys making our lives a living hell!!
No way, he still under contract, I’d ride him ’til the wheels fell off, at least get sum use out of him!!
And when did we become “dysfunctional losers”?
by T MO 5 on Apr 1, 2009 2:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
ifs and buts
IF LJ hadn’t been arrested 5 times for assaulting women at bars, he COULD have been a more valuable part of the team…. that’s like saying if Hitler hadn’t killed all those people, he would have been a good leader. (I know, that’s an extreme comparison… just making a point, though)
But, he did, and he isn’t.
I agree with Blunda. Fresh start, clean break.
Go with the “right 53” that WANT to be here and put the team first.
LJ can easily be replaced with a rookie, or a veteran.
Pioli and Haley teams tend to be able to do well without a superstar RB… this one will be able to as well.
by stagdsp on Apr 1, 2009 2:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
IMO.........
L.J is a good RB, when he get’s thru the OL with no contact! If he get’s hit in the back field he’s done! Without that pro-bowl o-line L.J is just average. I’d like to see L.J traded or gone, but i dont think we can get anything for him.I like Jamaal Charles and he fit’s the scat back mold to a"T".
by CPT.Caveman on Apr 1, 2009 2:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
LJ wants to win and get yards......
His motivation is not always in the right place but with good coaching, and using him in the right situations, he could still be a big producer. Haley really knows how to run a good offensive scheme and having a powerful running back means they have to cover the run, if they don’t, give it to Larry and he’ll have another 1200-1500 yard season.
by jcox31mc on Apr 1, 2009 2:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Agree
He is still a top calibur RB. Sure he does have personality issues and a big head to go along with that, but put him on a winning team and give him a fair share of running opportunities and I’m sure his attitude would change. Remember he was not the only Chiefs to ask for a trade after 2 losing seasons. TG and Waters were both unhappy. Not to put them in the same personality category as LJ, but they all wanted out of the Edwards regime since it was not working. I truely believe Haley and Pioli will have this team turned around. We will win at least 6-8 games this year. Scrip that in stone!
by dj_hindle on Apr 1, 2009 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am thinking more like 8-10 games.
I hope… Next year is one nasty schedule though…On second thought, 6-8 sounds pretty good.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Apr 1, 2009 3:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we don't have LJ, we may as well abandon the run now.
Noone will respect our rushing attack…and they shouldnt. They drop everybody back into coverage and play pass all day long. I like Charles but, he is no bruiser. Kolby Smith has shown some flashes of ability but, we cant feed him the ball 20 times a game.
A guy like LJ is an important part of a good offense. he can keep defenses guessing and they KNOW they have to respect him. No team wants Larry Johnson running free on their defense. He will kill them. Or spit on them as he is running past the safeties for a TD.
GO CHIEFS!
by Chiefsfan1970 on Apr 1, 2009 3:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Enough of the doom and gloom concerning LJ
If the Chiefs release / trade LJ they would see a slight drop off in run production.
They have 3 other guys that could run the ball (don’t forget the fullback).
Look at Denver and the “hand it to whoever the fuck isn’t currently injured” running system from last year.
Todd Haley is going to run a pass oriented spread style offense. If everyone wants to drop back into dime coverage or play quarters coverage on us it would ASSIST us in using the runners we already have to produce.
Arizona did just fine with about 80 yards a game on the ground, and between Cox, Smith, and Charles we can get 80 yards on the ground. We don’t “need” LJ. If they we can get a plug nickel and 7th rounder for him I’d take it in a heartbeat.
The Powers Of Astute Observation Are Often Mistaken As Cynacism By Those That Do Not Posses Them -- G.B. Shaw
by Texas Chief on Apr 1, 2009 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shonn Greene
If we can make some trades to pick up a few extra draft picks I would like to see us grab Greene. He is a power back just like LJ and he has great character.
by ComeSackMyQB on Apr 1, 2009 3:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I don't buy it.
I know they ran a spread style offense in Arizona but, if they were planning to run a spread offense all season, why would they bother trading off our second round pick for Cassel when Thiggy runs the spread pretty effectively?
I think we will see a pro-set offense with some shotgun formations on passing downs.
I understand how Denver has had a plug N play scheme for their running game but let’s face it, were not Denver. Shanahan is the only coach I have seen who could pull that off and… they chop block… or cheat in other words.
I don’t know about Cox. I have not seen him carry the ball enough to know if he is a legitimate runner. Seems to be pretty good at blocking though.
by Chiefsfan1970 on Apr 1, 2009 3:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
Comparing Shanahan’s offensive scheme to our situation is weak.
There's always next week,,, and when we run out of weeks, there's always next year!
by Spiderwomn69 on Apr 1, 2009 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What to do with Johnson is this
Keep him and run him…he can only gain some trade value from where he is now if he gets his game together, then trade him later
by Turkeyleg on Apr 1, 2009 7:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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