Jets experimenting with CJ at WR

[slats]

All along, I've said that I expect CJ's major contributions to the offense to be catching the ball, looks like the team is thinking along the same lines...

CJ-WR? Jets Experiment with Chris Johnson at Wideout - http://nypost.com/2014/07/24/johnson-catches-on-quickly-during-his-first-jets-practice/
By Brian Costello

CORTLAND — The Jets offense looked a whole lot faster Thursday as speedy running back Chris Johnson practiced fully with the team for the first time.

Johnson had been sidelined this spring after undergoing surgery on his right knee following last season. The Jets signed Johnson in April to a two-year, $8 million contract, hoping he could give their offense a new dimension.

The 28-year-old looked to be at full strength Thursday and he practiced without any restrictions.
“I felt good,” Johnson said. “I felt no pain or anything like that.”

Johnson played most of last season for Tennessee with a torn meniscus. He still managed to rush for 1,077 yards and six touchdowns. The Jets don’t expect Johnson to recapture his 2009 form, when he rushed for more than 2,000 yards, but they would be thrilled to get 1,000 yards out of him after not having a 1,000-yard rusher last season.

The most interesting part of Johnson’s day was how the Jets utilized him. They put him in motion and flexed him out as a wide receiver quite a few times, perhaps showing one of their plans for him.
“Having that kind of game-breaker out of the backfield certainly will get your attention,” coach Rex Ryan said. “The kid at Buffalo, [C.J.] Spiller, is one of those guys that has that kind of speed. Chris, obviously, your antenna is up every time he comes out of that backfield. If he motions out, the DBs know, like wait a second, here’s a 4.2. You’ll approach him differently than you would most halfbacks.”

Johnson has 272 catches over his six seasons. He said he has been used as a receiver by the Titans and even in college. “I’m ready to go do whatever they ask me to do,” he said.

Wide receiver David Nelson said having Johnson running pass patterns will open things up for other receivers. With Johnson’s speed, defenses have to pay attention to him. “When you see Chris Johnson in the flat, they’re going to have to be mindful of that,” Nelson said. “They’re going to have to jump to that. When they do that, it opens up a lot of spaces and a lot of spots in the middle of the field. If they don’t, he’s going to take it to the house. It opens up a whole different dimension for us, especially in the passing game.”

[faba]

Having another option to catch out of the backfield should be a big help to Geno

[Jetsfan80]

I forgot that he's only 28.  I know he's had more mileage than just about any RB at that age (and some that are older) but 28 is 28.  His wheels can help us, and I like the idea of occasionally having him out there the same time that Ivory or Powell is in the game.

[#27TheDominator]

Good.

 

Chris Johnson in motion out of the backfield > Tony Richardson in motion out of the backfield

[ZachEY]

Good.

 

Chris Johnson in motion out of the backfield > Tony Richardson in motion out of the backfield

 

> Chris Johnson

[Drums]

Me gusta

[jgb]

like david nelson more and more

[Jetlife33]

> Chris Johnson

I try and wipe the Tebow season out of my memory as much as possible. Wtf were they doing. It was a sh*t show.

[pointman]

> Chris Johnson

 

Can't throw, can't catch.. what can he do?

[Lupz27]

I forgot that he's only 28.  I know he's had more mileage than just about any RB at that age (and some that are older) but 28 is 28.  His wheels can help us, and I like the idea of occasionally having him out there the same time that Ivory or Powell is in the game.

 

Yup, J Charles is 27, and A Peterson is 29, there is no reason when healthy (he wasn't last year, and still produced above average) he can't perform like a top 5 dual threat RB, maybe even slot in right behind AP, Charles, and McCoy as most dangerous RB in the league.  Something like 1200 yards rushing, and 600 yards recieving isn't really a stretch with this guy if he plays all 16 games healthy, TBH it might be conservative.  Throw in a leg injury somewhere along the way these numbers will obviously be tough to achieve, but that is where Ivory, Powell, and possibly Richardson can pick up the slack.  It's really on the Oline this year to open some holes the stable of quality backs is in place, and then just a game manager role for Geno should get this team to 10 wins, look at the 49ers last year, they were 30th in Passing, and fell 1 play short of the Super Bowl.

 

Dominate upfront on both sides of the ball every game no taking games off, and the Jets will challenge the Pats this year for the division.  We all know we should have no problem on the D front, now its all on the Oline IMO!

[JetsFanInDenver]

Circus.

[GREENBEAN]

The CJ signing is going to be one of the biggest of the off season IMO. We have weapons man. Decker, Kerley, Cumberland, Amaro, Saunders, Ivory, Ford, Nelson and even Powell are a pretty good group of skill players. Add to that Chris Johnson and it can really end up being a problem for a lot of defenses to handle. It's all about the O line and Geno….. and Clyde gates of course. 

[Jetsfan80]

The CJ signing is going to be one of the biggest of the off season IMO. We have weapons man. Decker, Kerley, Cumberland, Amaro, Saunders, Ivory, Ford, Nelson and even Powell are a pretty good group of skill players. Add to that Chris Johnson and it can really end up being a problem for a lot of defenses to handle. It's all about the O line and Geno….. and Clyde gates of course. 

 

THANKS IDZIK

[jgb]

Yup, J Charles is 27, and A Peterson is 29, there is no reason when healthy (he wasn't last year, and still produced above average) he can't perform like a top 5 dual threat RB, maybe even slot in right behind AP, Charles, and McCoy as most dangerous RB in the league.  Something like 1200 yards rushing, and 600 yards recieving isn't really a stretch with this guy if he plays all 16 games healthy, TBH it might be conservative.  Throw in a leg injury somewhere along the way these numbers will obviously be tough to achieve, but that is where Ivory, Powell, and possibly Richardson can pick up the slack.  It's really on the Oline this year to open some holes the stable of quality backs is in place, and then just a game manager role for Geno should get this team to 10 wins, look at the 49ers last year, they were 30th in Passing, and fell 1 play short of the Super Bowl.

 

Dominate upfront on both sides of the ball every game no taking games off, and the Jets will challenge the Pats this year for the division.  We all know we should have no problem on the D front, now its all on the Oline IMO!

 

remember this is the guy who was publicly blaming the titans Oline for his lack of production last year--all the while playing on a bum knee that wasn't disclosed until after the season. it could get ugly real quick if our Oline doesn't get it done.

[Matt39]

remember this is the guy who was publicly blaming the titans Oline for his lack of production last year--all the while playing on a bum knee that wasn't disclosed until after the season. it could get ugly real quick if our Oline doesn't get it done.

 

That is my worry. If we're not getting CJ in space he wont be on the field. Ivory's going to be getting the ball if the line struggles.

[Il Mostro]

Me gusta

 

 

Yo tambien!

[jgb]

That is my worry. If we're not getting CJ in space he wont be on the field. Ivory's going to be getting the ball if the line struggles.

 

probably true. i also don't like the fact that a guy who is now saying his knee held him back last year was blaming his oline publicly at the time.

[#27TheDominator]

Can't throw, can't catch.. what can he do?

 

Punt protect.

[SenorGato]

I get that they didn't sign prime Chris Johnson, but I'm stunned at how often I see this move panned. I get that it's the NFL's script just being played out, but I think any football fan who pays some attention to the game would get that he will not be a full time RB here (there's what...2-3 of those a year now?). He's a piece of the puzzle rather than the guy, even more so than Decker.

 

They're basically doing with him what they did with late career Tomlinson. Tomlison was a historically great pass catching back and just a better player, but Ivory >>>>>>>>> Greene.

[stoicsentry]

THANKS IDZIK

 

Stop it. "THANKS IDZIK" is to be used only in a sarcastic manner.

[Blackout]

I forgot that he's only 28.  I know he's had more mileage than just about any RB at that age (and some that are older) but 28 is 28.  His wheels can help us, and I like the idea of occasionally having him out there the same time that Ivory or Powell is in the game.

 

 

he's going to be a beast with us next year

[TnT]

Can't throw, can't catch.. what can he do?

Circumcisions?

[slats]

I get that they didn't sign prime Chris Johnson, but I'm stunned at how often I see this move panned. I get that it's the NFL's script just being played out, but I think any football fan who pays some attention to the game would get that he will not be a full time RB here (there's what...2-3 of those a year now?). He's a piece of the puzzle rather than the guy, even more so than Decker.

 

They're basically doing with him what they did with late career Tomlinson. Tomlison was a historically great pass catching back and just a better player, but Ivory >>>>>>>>> Greene.

Right, I agree. It seems like the reactions to this move are to the Jets expecting a 2000 yard season out of the guy. I think he has the potential to be the Jets' primary back, but that's a spot he'll have to earn (doesn't hurt that he's participating in camp while Ivory nurses a hamstring, again). In the meantime, Chris Johnson is still really fast, and the Jets needed the addition of speed. He's a reliable pass catcher out of the backfield.

Bottom line, he may not be a superstar here, but he's going to see a lot of touches.

[Lizard King]

Right, I agree. It seems like the reactions to this move are to the Jets expecting a 2000 yard season out of the guy. I think he has the potential to be the Jets' primary back, but that's a spot he'll have to earn (doesn't hurt that he's participating in camp while Ivory nurses a hamstring, again). In the meantime, Chris Johnson is still really fast, and the Jets needed the addition of speed. He's a reliable pass catcher out of the backfield.

Bottom line, he may not be a superstar here, but he's going to see a lot of touches.

Bold prediction

[slats]

Bold prediction

I'm not generally in the prediction business. For argument's sake, I'd guess about 750 yards rushing and another 500 receiving on 40 catches or so. When I say a lot of touches, it wouldn't surprise me if his rushes + catches > Ivory's rushes.

[Lizard King]

I'm not generally in the prediction business. For argument's sake, I'd guess about 750 yards rushing and another 500 receiving on 40 catches or so. When I say a lot of touches, it wouldn't surprise me if his rushes + catches > Ivory's rushes.

So basically, you feel that his presence in the Jets offense will be the point in his career where he finally stops rushing for 1,000 yards, and starts putting up more like Ivory/Powell type numbers. Sadly I'm inclined to agree. Something about this place just gets the best out of offensive talent.

[slats]

So basically, you feel that his presence in the Jets offense will be the point in his career where he finally stops rushing for 1,000 yards, and starts putting up more like Ivory/Powell type numbers. Sadly I'm inclined to agree. Something about this place just gets the best out of offensive talent.

He's going from being the guy to being a committee member, so of course I expect his rushing totals to drop. I don't think it's a bad thing, though. I'd rather the team lean on Ivory running the ball, to keep Johnson fresher for more potential home runs.

[Larz]

I think having him outside is mostly a decoy,  and I don't think I want geno throwing bubble screens, lol

[Smashmouth]

I forgot that he's only 28.  I know he's had more mileage than just about any RB at that age (and some that are older) but 28 is 28.  His wheels can help us, and I like the idea of occasionally having him out there the same time that Ivory or Powell is in the game.

Hes not a bruising RB so that Mileage is not anything like some other backs endure . Surely a guy like Ivory at that age would be a different story.

[Smashmouth]

He's going from being the guy to being a committee member, so of course I expect his rushing totals to drop. I don't think it's a bad thing, though. I'd rather the team lean on Ivory running the ball, to keep Johnson fresher for more potential home runs.

Home runs don't win football games ...... Grinding the ball down teams throats in the 4th Quarter wins football games. Sure its nice to have an 80 yard TD but those happen maybe once or twice a year nothing to get excited about IMHO

[Larz]

saw a stat that for the last 3 seasons, CJ has the third most carries by an NFL RB

 

beast mode was #1

 

considering CJ's size, he is a tough SOB

[Jetsfan80]

Home runs don't win football games ...... Grinding the ball down teams throats in the 4th Quarter wins football games. Sure its nice to have an 80 yard TD but those happen maybe once or twice a year nothing to get excited about IMHO

 

Well CJ isn't a grinder.  And I don't know what you're talking about here.  An 80-yard TD absolutely could win us games, and it is definitely something to get excited about.  Pretty sure an 80-yarder would set our franchise record or something. 

[Smashmouth]

Well CJ isn't a grinder.  And I don't know what you're talking about here.  An 80-yard TD absolutely could win us games, and it is definitely something to get excited about.  Pretty sure an 80-yarder would set our franchise record or something. 

So yeah its 3rd and 2 with 1:30 left in the game vs Tom Brady and your up by 6 is running to get that first down just as Important as an 80 yard run ? Yep it certainly is and I would be willing to bet the Jets find themselves in more of those situations than Chris Johnson taking it 80 yards to the house.

[AVM]

Well CJ isn't a grinder.  And I don't know what you're talking about here.  An 80-yard TD absolutely could win us games, and it is definitely something to get excited about.  Pretty sure an 80-yarder would set our franchise record or something. 

 

 

+1.  

 

So yeah its 3rd and 2 with 1:30 left in the game vs Tom Brady and your up by 6 is running to get that first down just as Important as an 80 yard run ? Yep it certainly is and I would be willing to bet the Jets find themselves in more of those situations than Chris Johnson taking it 80 yards to the house.

 

Eh, that's a different argument though.  Home runs certainly DO win you football games and you can give plenty of examples of situations we'd be in that it would benefit as well.

 

Jets are grinding out a game late in the third/early fourth -- offense hasn't been able to do much but defense has been stifling the opposing O.  CJ breaks an 80 yard run and breaks the game open.

 

or...

 

Jets take a "big" early lead with a mix of big defensive plays and a couple of solid offensive drives only to have the opponent come marching back to tie it up late in the game.  Momentum is completely on their side and Jets fans everywhere are crying SOJ.  CJ breaks a long TD run and the opponent is left forced to mount yet another drive while the D is energized that the offense retook the lead.

 

We could go on and on -- but his abilities are CERTAINLY valuable and could without a doubt win us games.  Doesn't mean they will, but they certainly could.

[AVM]

And how many times have we seen the 2nd option?  Get a 2 plus score lead thanks to a couple of turnovers only to watch our offense go conservative and die the rest of the game while whoever we play starts inching closer.

 

What is the common post in the game thread each time?  "Someone needs to make a play"

 

CJ is the kind of guy that makes that play.