NFL Free Agency: Braylon Edwards Would Trigger Chris Johnson Return to Form

Braylon Edwards could be the difference between Chris Johnson rushing for 1,300 yards and 2,000 yards. He would not only give Johnson more room to run, but CJ would also be more inclined to end his potentially lengthy holdout. Right now, the Tennessee Titans offense is solid, but with the former Michigan standout, they would without a doubt have a top-10 scoring attack.

There were two key differences between Johnson’s 2,000-yard rushing season and his 1,300-yard year.

Instead of the wise old general Kevin Mawae at center leading the offensive line like in 2009, the mediocre Eugene Amano, who was fine at guard in between two Pro Bowlers, was forced into playing the center position last season and he failed fill the veteran's shoes. The young Leroy Harris then had to step in for Amano at left guard and he had his share of struggles as well. 

After the loss of the 38-year old Mawae, the Titans O-line went from being top-five in the league to middle of the pack.

The other huge change was the loss of Alge Crumpler. No longer was Crumpler a Pro Bowl receiving threat, but he transformed himself into an elite blocking tight end. The inexperienced Craig Stevens was unable to fill the hole left by the veteran in his first year as a starter.

Those two issues will most likely be solved in 2011. 

After the firing of Jeff Fisher, Bud Adams promoted offensive line coach Mike Munchak to head coach. Munchak then brought in Hall of Famer Bruce Matthews to coach the line. Coaching can’t be underestimated; having two great blocking minds on the same team should do wonders for Tennessee’s line even if they fail to upgrade Amano and Harris.

The benefit of the chemistry developed from playing a full season together can’t be forgotten as well, but the Titans did manage to bring in one blocking upgrade in Denver Broncos tight end Daniel Graham.

At 32 years old, Graham is nothing more than a designated blocker, but he’s one of the best in the league at his position at creating running lanes.  He will fill the hole left by Crumpler without taking away any of the emerging Jared Cook’s opportunities in the passing game.

With those two problems solved, you may believe Johnson should be back to dominating opposing defenses once again, but not so fast. Besides the fact that they must either re-sign or replace Ahmad Hall at fullback, the Titans loss of Vince Young will affect the running game much more than it will the passing game. With Young’s athletic ability, defenses were forced to account for the bootleg on every running play, but there is no such threat with Matt Hasselbeck.

To make up for the loss of Young, the Titans must bring in another wideout that can stretch the field, and that’s where Braylon Edwards comes in. Starting Edwards across from Kenny Britt, CJ would never see another eight-man front again. The two receivers are big, fast and would be one of the most feared deep-threat duos in the entire league.

Johnson wants Edwards, you know Hasselbeck would love him and adding another dangerous weapon to Jake Locker’s arsenal for when he eventually takes over definitely won’t hurt. With the physical freak on the outside, the Titans would have a high-powered offense and are serious playoff contenders, but without him, their playoff chances are slim to none and they’ll most likely be stuck in rebuilding mode.

David Daniels is an NFL Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report and a Syndicated Writer. Follow him on Twitter.