The Facts:
It's natural to wonder whether Johnson may have become worn out at times last season, especially with the increased attention defenses were placing on him following the 2,000-yard season of 2009. But even though new OC Chris Palmer acknowledges he'll keep an eye on the situation, he also noted that Johnson kept his weight steady last season and that he was second in the league with 41 broken tackles - which could be interpreted as two signs that overuse was not a big problem. "I think there are a lot of factors," Palmer said of the perception that Johnson wore down. "When you're in the hunt for the playoffs, you stay a little sharper and there's a little more bounce in your step. Things start going bad and all of a sudden those hits start adding up."
Reported by the Nashville Tennessean
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
Johnson has carried the ball 674 times over the past two seasons, more than any other back in the NFL during that time and the notion that fewer carries might keep him fresher is something the Titans will consider. "Again, it's something we'll have to look at," Palmer said. "We've talked about different personnel groups, and some of those personnel groups would have Chris out. But Chris Johnson is one of our playmakers and we'd like to get as much out of him as we could. ..." According to Tennessean staffer John Glennon, one of those different personnel groups could feature fourth-round draft pick Jamie Harper, the 5-11, 233-pound power back out of Clemson. But Glennon doesn't believe Fantasy Football owners should worry about Johnson losing touches -- especially with the questions the Titans will have at QB after the shortened offseason. Palmer seems to agree. "Just watching Chris run, when he's not on the field, I think we're hurting ourselves. Anytime he touches the ball, he has the ability to go the distance."
Profile
Home
