Tennessee Titans: Knowshon Moreno Would Be Solid Replacement for CJ2K

It seems that Chris Johnson's days as a member of the Tennessee Titans are numbered. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, through a league source, reported that teams are starting to think about a move to acquire the star running back.

There would be several details to work through with any trade partner, mostly keeping Johnson happy, but it seems that a move could be imminent.

If and when a deal takes place, how should the Titans move forward? Shonn Greene, Jackie Battle and Leon Washington would be the only running backs on the roster.

Recently signed free agent Dexter McCluster can also play running back, but he's more of a wide receiver. Washington is only there for his abilities as a kick returner.

This would force the Titans to find at least one more running back through free agency or the upcoming NFL draft.

Lucky for them, a great option is out there—at least for now.

Knowshon Moreno is coming off a career year with the Denver Broncos, where he helped the team reach the Super Bowl. In an offense that threw the ball 68.2 percent of the time, Moreno still cracked the 1,000-yard rushing mark.

He would be able to come in and be a terrific complement to the power-running style of Greene.

In 2010 as a member of the New York Jets, Greene combined with LaDainian Tomlinson to run for nearly 1,700 yards. Behind what is becoming a strong offensive line, the Titans could adopt this same kind of style with he and Moreno.

The following season, Greene was given more of a workload, and the team didn't have nearly the same success running the ball. This points to Greene being more suited to working in a multiple-back system, rather than being the focus of the running game.

Player	Rush Attempts	Rushing Yards	Yards Per Carry	Rushing TD	Receptions	Receiving Yards
Chris Johnson	279	1,077	3.9	6	42	345
Knowshon Moreno	241	1,038	4.3	10	60	548

Though the NFL has become a fast-paced passing game, there is something to be said for teams that can control time of possession with a physical style. This is how the Titans should operate moving forward.

Moreover, Ken Whisenhunt has come in as the new head coach of the team. As offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers last year, his offense was able to play that brand of football.

Moreno is also a good receiver out of the backfield, catching 60 passes a year ago. Whisenhunt would take full advantage of this.

Last season, San Diego running backs collected 110 receptions, including 76 by Danny Woodhead. Moreno would create an additional threat in the passing game.

In addition, Moreno is an excellent pass-blocker and proved this past season that he was very capable of taking on blitzing defenders gunning for Peyton Manning.

Tennessee quarterback Jake Locker missed nine games last season due to injury. With the recent release of Ryan Fitzpatrick, there isn't much behind him on the depth chart. It's in the Titans' best interests to keep him upright.

The fact that Moreno is still out on the market shows he's probably not going to get the deal he was looking for in free agency. Possible suitors may be scared off by his history of injuries.

Tennessee will be looking for a running back. Moreno will be out there and should come at a reasonable price. With him being a great fit for Whisenhunt's offense, it would make too much sense for it not to happen.