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You’re Killing Me, Chris Johnson

Published: 26th Oct 11 10:33 pm
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by Tony Piraro
NBA Network Manager & Featured Columnist
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You’re Killing Me, Chris Johnson
Jim Brown-US PRESSWIRE

So how do you feel about spending a first round pick on Chris Johnson? Sorry, I am not trying to rub it in. I made the same mistake. Maybe you watched Johnson fall past the first round due to his holdout and/or your league’s draft date, consider yourself lucky. The emergency lights were actually going off four weeks ago, when most backs who don’t participate in the pre-season, start to get it rolling. You have been warned. He is well beyond due.

As I’ve witnessed in the past with elite backs, some don’t play in meaningless pre-season games. However, this has a lasting effect on them and their teams heading into the regular season. From what I have noticed on most occasions, it takes these running backs at least three to four weeks to get into prime, football shape. Being in shape is one thing, but being in “football shape” is something completely different.

For years, Steven Jackson skipped the pre-season entirely, and for years he struggled to get out the gates. However, once week four or five rolled around, Jackson was back to his rare form. I have been waiting patiently now for seven weeks to see Johnson start to get back to his normal self….It has not happened, and does not seem like it will happen anytime soon.

Chris Johnson is running tentively on most occasions. He is not running with the same ferocity that had made him an NFL superstar running back. Where is the 4.2 40-yard dash track athlete that fantasy owners know and love? This week’s game against the Colts should be your best indication of what you’re going to get from Johnson the rest of 2011. Inidianapolis has the 31st worst rush defense in the league, allowing 151 yards on the ground weekly. That is embarrassing. It will be Johnson who is embarrassed however, if he can’t bust loose on Sunday against the terrible Colts defense.

If Johnson doesn’t produce Sunday, you have to trade him and get what you can for him before he gets any worse. You are not going to draw the same value for him as years past, but get what you can for him, if anything. Even if you can grab a top-notch wide receiver or player at a different position for Johnson, pull the trigger. It’s better to trade running backs like Johnson who are not living up to expectations for another skill position player like a QB, WR or elite TE. Most owners, when considering a trade involving a running back, weigh their current stats to heavily. Therefore, the head to head comparisons with other running back in the league will make Johnson’s dismal numbers look even more pedestrian.

Watch Sunday’s game carefully and decide your fate with him. Maybe he explodes all over the Colts, enabling you the ability to trade him for someone you covet. Maybe he plays like the CJ of old, restoring your faith in him to ride out the season with the Titans workhorse. Or maybe he continues his 2011 trend of worthlessness. Either way, his ability and game-breaking ability is too great to ignore, drop or just give away for nothing. Eventually, it will all come back to normal for Johnson. Unfortunately, that may not be until the 2012 season. It’s now your responsibility to decide which version of Chris Johnson is going to appear for the rest of the 2011 season, and what you’re going to do with him.

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