Chris Johnson will have the biggest sophomore slump. With so many rookie running backs having big...

Chris Johnson will have the biggest sophomore slump. With so many rookie running backs having big years in 2008, there are plenty of candidates for the title of biggest sophomore slump. It says here that there won't be any doubt that Tennessee's second-year RB takes the crown. Johnson rushed for 1,228 yards and nine TDs in 15 games for the Titans last season. He might have scored more, but LenDale White had a big year as Tennessee's short-yardage/goal-line back. White is still in the picture. What's more troubling is that I don't think Tennessee has done enough to improve the receiving corps. Meanwhile, in the tough AFC South, all three of Tennessee's division rivals have made improvements to the run defense. Johnson's blazing speed makes him a home-run threat almost anytime he touches the ball, but consistency was not a part of his game last year -- he rushed for fewer than 75 yards in eight of his 14 starts. With teams focused on stopping him, Johnson will be a major disappointment for anyone who drafts him high in fantasy.

The delusional Craig Ellenport. His other predictions are that LT, Darren Mcfadden, and Ricky Williams will have a good season, and Matt Cassel won't

5 months ago smashville 5 comments 0 recs |

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I kind of agree, but for different reasons.

I don’t think he’ll have a slump in terms of impact. In that respect, I think he could improve. But, with Lendale’s contract year coming up, I think he’ll get more touches.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see CJ’s YPC go up, but total yardage and TD’s go down.

by SuperHorn on Jun 11, 2009 12:16 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

I thought about arguing this...

But I kind of agree with SuperHorn here. I don’t know if the numbers will go down significantly to qualify as a “sophomore slump”, but I don’t think he’ll get enough reps to improve on his numbers. We also have a much tougher schedule this year in terms of good run defenses.

I disagree with the guy saying we didn’t improve our WR corps enough. I think they’re improved enough to see a bit more passing (not a lot, obviously) and I also think we’ll HAVE to pass more this year because of better run defenses, and I doubt we’ll be playing with the lead as much as in 2008.

T-Rac's Posse - Just do it. T-Rac wants you to.

by T--Rac's Posse on Jun 11, 2009 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right.

I don’t think it’ll be a “sophomore slump” either. But, from a fantasy perspective, I’ve seen him as high as 5th in the draft. Taking him that high will set people up for disappointment, IMO, because of Lendale, slightly more passing, and a tougher schedule.

by SuperHorn on Jun 11, 2009 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You also have to consider what his impact on the passing game may be this year too.

now with less meyton panning.

by Pride of the Southland on Jun 11, 2009 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

tough to say

the offense will evolve a bit this year, parallel to the defenses of the AFC south. CJ’s total rush yards may decline, but I agree that YPC may improve and he’ll get more touches in terms of passes in the flat.

by moonshine on Jun 11, 2009 1:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs