Titans Over-Under Poll: 35 Carries for Chris Johnson, Shonn Greene
Aug 8, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Shonn Greene (23) follows a block by guard Chance Warmack (70) against the Washington Redskins during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
When Mike Munchak talked today about Shonn Greene ideally getting 15 carries, he said he'd like for Chris Johnson to get 20 #Titans
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) October 30, 2013
A re-dedication to the Tennessee Titans ground game? Supposedly, Mike Munchak wants Chris Johnson and Shonn Greene to split 35 carries during the Week 9 matchup vs the St. Louis Rams. This would serve as Greene’s first significant action since he injured his knee during the regular-season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It’s a pretty high number when one considers that Week 2 was the last time when Johnson had more than 19 carries in a game. Throughout the first seven weeks, Johnson’s rushing attempt totals are as follows: 25-25-19-15-10-12-9. Those numbers have declined because of Johnson’s lackluster productivity that includes 110 rushing yards on his last 46 attempts.
Now that Greene has returned to get his share of carries, Johnson will suddenly return to the 20-carries range? Maybe, although it’s hard to see a 20-15 split unless this offense jumps out to an early lead and never looks back. Seems more like a coach blowing smoke because, you know, why give out that type of information during the middle of the week? Let the Rams figure out those intentions themselves.
A run-heavy offense would serve two major purposes. The Rams have the NFL’s 22nd-ranked run-defense, surrendering 116.1 yards per game. A steady diet of Johnson and Greene would keep the talented duo of Robert Quinn and Chris Long on their heels. Offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains must figure a way to neutralize the pass-rushing talents of these two defensive ends who combine for 15.5 sacks after eight games. The Titans can’t afford to have Locker take a consistent pounding, not this quickly following his knee and hip injuries.
Titan Sized wants to ask you: Will Johnson and Greene combine to have over-or-under 35 carries? If it’s under, then how much under? Thirty-five carries would indicate an extremely effective rushing attack. That, or a quarterback dilemma.
SOURCES: ESPN