Continuing the position-by-position look at the Chiefs, we turn our attention to the running backs.
Larry Johnson
To say the 2007 campaign didn't go well for the two-time Pro Bowler would probably be something of an understatement.
After missing most of the preseason thanks to his contract holdout, Johnson never did seem to get into a groove once the season began. Not only was his production far below his normal output, he often seemed frustrated with Mike Solari's overly conservative play calling, the lack of holes his offensive line was providing him, or a combination of the two.
Still, Johnson did show flashes of what people had come to expect from him, with big days on the ground against the Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders prior to Kansas City's bye week.
In the team's first game after the break, Johnson turned in what might have been his best all-around effort of the season in a contest against the Green Bay Packers, running and catching the ball very effectively.
Unfortunately that game marked not only the end of Johnson's season, but the starting point of a losing streak that the Chiefs have yet to snap. Just when it seemed like he was starting to overcome his slow start to 2007, Johnson was injured in the fourth quarter when Packers linebacker AJ Hawk rolled up on his foot while making a tackle. With a small broken bone in his foot, Johnson didn't play again for the rest of 2007.
Without their star running back on the field, the Chiefs' record plummeted from 4-3 to 4-12.
Johnson should come back healthy and has already expressed excitement about the hiring of new offensive coordinator Chan Gailey. When Jerome Bettis was traded to Pittsburgh in 1996, his role in Gailey's run-heavy offense not only took him to the Pro Bowl in two consecutive years, but also netted him the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year award. Perhaps Johnson has similar goals in mind for 2008.
But there is concern among Chiefs fans that the moody running back who ran roughshod in 2005 and 2006 might not be returning to the team. Sure, Johnson the man will be back, but what about the player? Does the anger persist after getting his big contract last summer? And after setting the league record for carries in a single season, can his body still hold up to the physical pounding?
It remains to be seen how effective Johnson will be going forward, but the frustrating efforts of 2007 should be all the motivation he needs to succeed.
Kolby Smith
A fifth-round pick from Louisville last April, Smith became the Chiefs' starter after both Johnson's injury and the retirement of Priest Holmes. In his first start, the rookie exploded onto the NFL stage with 150 yards rushing and two touchdowns. While he didn't see the same high level of success in his subsequent action, Smith proved to be more than capable of running the ball at the pro level.
He enters 2008 as the Chiefs' primary backup, and because of his style—Smith is more of an elusive cutback runner—is distinct from Johnson's power rushing attack, he provides the team with a nice change of pace.
10 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Erric Martin about 1 year ago
Larry Johnston was supposed to make them forget about retired priest holmes bbut did not so give one more season and then trade him.
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Andrew Kneeland about 1 year ago
I don't know why I'm saying this, but here's an (illogical) thought: what if the Chiefs drafted McFadden, then shopped Johnson around? I'm sure some teams would love to have Larry in their backfield, and the Chiefs could fill a few holes in return.
Why am I saying this when they could just fill there holes during draft day...I don't know...just a thought.
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jeremy turner about 1 year ago
you heard it here first... mcfadden will be better than adrian peterson (given that he goes to a team that doesnt already have a stud rb) so yea draft him and shop lj lots of teams owuld love lj.
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Bill Luellen about 1 year ago
before drafting Mcfaden may be you should watch the missouri game he didnt do anything but they the KC chiefs should look at the mo ball carrier toney temple good speed and hard to tackle
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kevin wall about 1 year ago
Personally I would love for the Chiefs to get FB Owen Schmidt. When looking at previous seasons where a Chiefs RB had a good season a FB was involved ie; Kimble Anders and Tony Richardson. Schmidt is the FB to have bruising blocker, good hands, and has good open field speed and agility.
I know alot of Chiefs fans are probably unfamiliar with him, but he's the "runaway beer truck" in the Fiesta Bowl when WVU crushed the Sooners.
I am betting he will be availabe when the Chiefs go after the second pick
Semper Fi
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jeremy turner about 1 year ago
you cant in all seriousness consider drafting a fullback in the first round.
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kevin wall about 1 year ago
didn't realize kc had 2 1st rd picks, but yes very serious, name me one time the chiefs have had a exceptional running attack w/o good fullback. LJ is worthless at picking up a blitz on pass plays. Having Schmidt is like having 3 positions at once. have you ever seen him play? If not go to utube.
Semper Fi
maybe should have read "after their 1st pick"
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jeremy turner about 1 year ago
ok kevin, name one time kc has had a successful running game without a good running. if you are going to make a moronic statement so can I.
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jeremy turner about 1 year ago
...without a good running back.
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Cayce Mautino about 1 year ago
Draft McFadden? You have lost your mind. There is no way the Chiefs draft McFadden without off loading Larry Johnson, and considering the cap hit I dont see that as any kind of an option. The smartest move they can make would be to trade back and get more picks. They have a lot of holes in their team and drafting one lineman will not fix the problem.
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