Chris Johnson: The Greatest Tennessee Titan
By Carlos Beard
Dec 30, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) breaks away from Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman D.J. Mosley (99) during the second half at LP Field. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Johnson is the greatest player to ever have the word Titans across his chest. This isn’t a debate. Some fans will say it’s Steve McNair, Eddie George, or even Keith Bulluck (I think we can all agree Randy Moss shouldn’t be included), but none of them ever achieved the greatness that the player known as “CJ2K” already has. Johnson has already had one of the greatest careers of any running back in NFL history and is still in his prime. Yet, when fans talk about the all-time great Titans a lot don’t mention #28. Here’s why Johnson deserves the title “Greatest Titan Ever”.
The Season
During 2009-2010 Johnson had arguably the best season of any current or former NFL running back. What he accomplished in just his 2nd year in the league was awe-inspiring. During Johnson’s sophomore campaign he became just the 6th player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards, broke 5 NFL records, and averaged 5.6 yards a carry. Oh, let’s not forget Johnson’s 14 TDs and Offensive Player of The Year award.
Speed
If speed kills, Johnson deserves prison time for the opposing defenses he’s torched. CJ made a statement by running the fastest ever electronically recorded 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine. That boosted his draft stock from what most analysts thought would be a 2nd or 3rd-round pick, all the way to the 24th pick in the 1st round.
Playmaking Ability
Explosive. Game-changer. Playmaker. However you want to describe him, there’s no denying Johnson’s game-breaking capabilities. He has the talent to take the ball to the end zone on any given play. Even when defenses are loading up the box all game long, he finds ways to break off huge runs. Johnson is patient when running. He will wait for the play to set up and is good at making the correct reads. When CJ makes it to the 2nd level you see why the Titans selected him in the 1st round. If opposing defenses get in a foot race with Johnson you might as well put 6 points on the scoreboard.
At the end of his career, Chris Johnson should not only be known as the greatest Tennessee Titans player of all-time, he should get serious consideration for the Hall of Fame. When all is said and done, he will be mentioned among the all-time greats like Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith , and Gale Sayers.