Larry Johnson: Love Him Or Hate Him?

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larry-johnson_nc1 Things can change in the blink of an eye. After Mr. Larry Johnson lost his contract appeal I was certain he was a goner. I was pretty sure of it when the official KC Chiefs website was selling his jersey for close to seven bucks. Now anything is possible, but I would be completely shocked if he is traded or released at this point. He is virtually certain to be our opening day starter, and I am glad, except for missing out on that seven dollar jersey (At present you can only buy his authentic home jersey for $245.00).

Larry Johnson, whether his attitude was good or bad, has always been a beast. At 29 years old he still has some gas left. A wonderful yard stick for measuring the effectiveness and talent of a running back has always been his yards per carry. Despite a decrease in his carries, being phased out of the run game, his suspension, and a suspect line, Larry’s yards per carry last year was 4.5. For those of you keeping track 4.5 yards per carry was better than Matt Forte (3.9), Maurice Jones Drew (4.2), Steven Jackson (4.1), Brian Westbrook (4.0), Frank Gore (4.3), Marion Barber (3.7), Clinton Portis (4.3) and Ladainian Tomlinson (3.8). Of the top running backs in the league, only Adrian Petersen (4.8) Michael Turner (4.5), Deangelo Williams (5.5), Chris Johnson (4.9) and Steve Slaton (4.8) had better or equal yards per carry averages. Larry still ranks upon the leagues’ best when he gets his totes.

Larry Johnson has been, by my count, to every off season practice, and has drawn the praise of the head coach. We no longer hear him complaining, and whether that is because he wants his money or not, this is good news for the Chiefs. I can see Larry Johnson returning to form in 2009. Losing obviously affects Larry Johnson. He hates losing and I am sure that the constant losing over the last couple of years lead to his malcontent. I think Larry Johnson now realizes that he has gone about things entirely wrong in KC, and has changed his tune. There is a new regime to go with his new attitude. Even if this is his last year in KC, he must show the world that he is still a gamer and he will. One thing is for certain: whether Larry loves the Chiefs or not; or whether the Chiefs love Larry, or not; he loves to run the ball and the Chiefs love when he runs the ball too.

Of those who wished him gone, what do you think about Larry Johnson now? Have your feelings changed? Love him or hate him? Sound off Addicts.

hmills110

CA Gonzo:

I'm trying to place Will Shields' retirement in all this. My take on LJ is that he's a fierce runner with below-average vision, when a split-second change of plan is called for. Lots of folks have said "his heart wasn't in it," but that's b.s. When he runs up the back of his o-lineman and doesn't see the lane, it's totally a lack of vision and instincts - not attitude.

He's really good about waiting behind his blocker, seeing where the hats are, and accelerating through the slow-developing holes, like on the sweep. But you need o-linemen who can pull and lead consistently, so LJ can predict how things will develop and how he's going to attack, and you need the guts to CALL those kinds of plays.

I'm not sure the current o-line can do that, so a runner who's quicker to see the hole and make a cut is going to be better than LJ. Kolby Smith was that kind of runner. Don't know if he can be, again, after a patellar tendon rupture. Don't remember him getting surgery and you tend to lose some of the tendon's use if it's a serious rupture.

Bottom line: If the o-line is dominant, LJ will be a beast, but he's no substitute for o-line. That's why I don't like his price tag. If the o-line is dominant, a deep corps of across-the-board GOOD RBs would get it done.

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CA Gonzo Fan

Jeremy: My point about YPC was more about the Two LJs we know - ore contract and post contract. Since he signed, it seems like he would bounce up againts the line and then fall down (series after series). At the end of the game he might have 80-90 yards, but only because of a couple of runs. YPC may be similar to earlier seasons, but just not productive. Maybe it is a weaker O-line, but I want to see him run like he did picking up after Priest was hurt.

Whir

I've always liked LJ. Hell, maybe his pissy attitude makes me like him a little bit more sometimes. I won't condone his off-field behavior and it made me feel a little ashamed to wear my red #27 jersey last year. However, I'd love to see him tear it up for the Chiefs and not see him get into any trouble off the field.

Jeremy Hanson

jda868: Good Point, Haley does seem to be the coach who can control Larry. Sounds like he already has.

CA Gonzo Fan: YPC is still a good measuring stick. Almost every RB will take some negative runs and then pop a big one for 65 plus.

Hammer: Larry most certainly has something to prove, and I feel a big year coming on for him.

parrottheadluke

Its like having a girl that annoys the hell out of people at the party but is super good in the sack. Its hard to claim the annoying biotch but, you'll be wearing your RED # 27 after the party if you know what I mean!

I have been bashing Larry just like everyone else, I am not a big fan of Rich NFL players spitting on chicks. But truth be told, I love to watch him run! And last year during the Denver game when he broke out a 60 + yard-er, I was dancing around my house in my boxer briefs and LJ jersey chanting: LJ, LJ, LJ, (my wife thought I was nuts).

The fact is, despite what he does off the field, I don't pay to watch him drink 2.50 margaritas, and don't CARE!! I pay to watch him run the ball and for the most part he does a damn good job. Go Larry! I hope he does have a break out season!!!

Parrothead, does your wife know about that anonoying chick at the party? lol.... just kidding, good analogy though.

jda868

When we speculate on Larry, we must ask if his actions will have an affect on the team. Todd Haley appears to be a coach that can control how Larry interacts with the team. I believe Haley will be able to put some distance between Larry and the team if his actions become negative.

the hammer formerly known as g.l.

Maybe having that pussy posse in a big city market didn't seem so real to Mr. Johnson once he realized he could be out on his ear. Johnson has a contract, and he has something to prove. Johnson runs best with a chip on his shoulder. This could be Johnson's biggest year. The Chiefs will need every contribution they can get especially from their more talented players such as Johnson.

chieflonghair

okay,,,now that he has actually shown up for volunteer practice,, I'm not as pissed at LJ as I was---- and at the time the jersey was 7 bucks I wouldn't have gave the shipping alone for it,,, so now, I guess that was stupid,,, but it will take time to forgive the ignorant brutality, arrogance and anti CHIEFS statements,,,, I suppose "time" equals positive yards, first downs and touchdowns so now I feel a little like a sell out....but I really want to win and I still have faith in the coaching staff and management..........

goshootergo

I still want Larry on the team!!

4.5 YPC sounds good on the surface, but how was that avg compiled last year? Eight runs for minus yardage then pop one for 65? It would be telling if someone got behind the numbers game by game to see how productive that kind of running really is. You can't score if you can't get first downs from your running game. LJ has to prove he can be effective again.