Chris Johnson Officially Becomes a Member of the Green and White

Newly Acquired Running Back Chris Johnson

As long anticipated by most of us, former Tennessee Titans' running back, Chris Johnson signed with the New York Jets.  After an incredibly effective career in Tennessee where he was the feature back and work-horse in the team's offense, Johnson now moves onto the next stage of his career with the Jets.  Don't expect the Chris Johnson you saw in 2009 who rushed for over 2,000 yards in a magical season, but don't sell Johnson short.  Although Johnson may be a different player at this stage in his career, he can, and will be extremely successful with the Jets if he accepts his role.

What exactly will be CJ2K's role with the Jets?  

Jets' Workhorse Running Back Chris Ivory

Look for Johnson to be a platoon back in the Jets' backfield, along with incumbent starter Chris Ivory.  Ivory, a north-and-south punishing runner, will benefit greatly from a compliment back such a Johnson.  At this point in his career Johnson will benefit greatly from no longer being asked to be an offenses' feature back.  The same for Ivory who has faced many injury issues throughout his career and could use a legitimate compliment back to help take the load off his shoulders.  Expect CJ2K to receive between 15 to 17 carries a game and add a major new dimension to the Jets' passing game out of the backfield.  Let's be honest, the main reason Johnson was brought to New York was to add a legitimate home run threat to the offense, which the team has lacked greatly for many years now.  Johnson is behind only Minnesota Viking's running back Adrian Peterson in runs of 20 yards or more since Johnson entered the league.  Adding a home run threat like Johnson should add much improvement in the passing game by forcing opposing defenses to bring an 8th man into the box, most likely a safety.  This opens up more room for the receivers to run, get open, and create big plays against an under-manned secondary.

Health Concerns?

Many critiques have expressed "some concern" in Chris Johnson's surgically repaired knee.  Reports have also surfaced of Johnson having arthritis in his knee.  Although he denies the claim it is still something to keep in the back of your mind as the offseason and regular season begins.  Johnson tore his meniscus in the third week of the season, and he pointed to the injury as the main contributing factor to his declining production in his final season with Tennessee.  Johnson was quoted as saying, "If the Jets had any concerns, pretty sure I wouldn't have passed the physical."