Chris Johnson: Tennessee Titans Running Back Needs to Start Earning His Contract

Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson made it sound like he was the second coming during the offseason, sitting out the entire preseason due to a contract dispute.

That's exactly where the franchise should have left him—sitting out.

Through three games of the 2011 NFL regular season, the former East Carolina star has gained 98 yards on 46 carries, which translates into 2.1 yards per carry.

I'm pretty sure owner Bud Adams was expecting at least 4.3 in that category, which was the lowest per-carry average in Johnson's first three seasons in the league.

Oakland Raiders star Darren McFadden has gained 393 yards through three games, but has managed to triple Johnson's output when touching the football, gaining an incredible 6.4 yards per carry.

I guess when inking a revised six-year, $56 million deal, Johnson was expected to be the 38th-best rusher in the league.

The poor performance can't be pointed at the passing game anymore now that Kerry Collins and Vince Young have left town, as veteran Matt Hasselbeck has thrown for 310.7 yards per game, which ranks seventh in the league.

A hall pass was handed out by fans after a poor performance in the opener, as a slow start was expected after time was missed.

Gaining 53 yards on 24 carries against the vaunted Baltimore Ravens defense was seen as a step in the right direction, even though the 2.2 yards-per-carry average dropped from the previous week.

What's not acceptable is a 21-yard performance in Week 3.

Another athlete in another sport went through a high-profile contract situation in the offseason and decided to shelve the talk once spring training started.

His name? Albert Pujols.

The St. Louis Cardinals' first baseman is hitting .301 with 37 home runs and 98 RBI with two regular-season games remaining.

What are you going to do, Chris Johnson, with 13 games remaining?

It's time to prove everybody that says to rip up your big, fat contract wrong.