Titans vs Colts: Why Chris Johnson Will Run Wild on Indianapolis' Porous Defense

Once one of the NFL's elite running backs, Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans has become one of the most inconsistent backs in the 2011-12 regular season.

Johnson, known for his flashy cuts and incredible burst en route to mammoth touchdown runs has been held in check for the majority of the season. Despite a pitiful beginning to the season, Johnson looked to be rounding into shape after three games over 100 yards, including two consecutive over 150 yards.

Tennessee expected to ride CJ's long runs and explosive first downs to a victory in Week 14 against the New Orleans Saints, but were treated to a performance reminiscent of the tentative Chris Johnson that appeared early in the season.

Johnson rushed the ball only 11 times for 23 yards, averaging just over two yards per carry. The quintessential play for Johnson was with the Titans trailing by just five points late in the fourth quarter. Rookie Jake Locker had been just knocked out of the game and veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who had exited the game earlier with a strained calf, hobbled back onto the field.

Hasselbeck took the snap in the shotgun on a key 2nd-and-10 at the New Orleans 33 and lobbed the ball over to a wide-open Johnson in the flat. Johnson took the ball and ran nine yards toward the sideline, but instead of taking the extra yard and stepping out of bounds, he attempted to stutter-step defensive back Malcolm Jenkins, before being bowled backwards. 

If Johnson had taken the extra yard, instead of attempting to turn it into a touchdown the Titans might be tied for the final Wild Card spot with the New York Jets, instead of sitting one game back.

Week 15 is when the Titans need Johnson to step up. He seems more motivated than ever, with his team in the playoff hunt and both of Tennessee's quarterbacks banged up. The Indianapolis Colts rank No. 30 in run defense, but only allowed 34 yards on 14 carries to the Titans standout back in Week 8.

With a motivated Chris Johnson in the backfield, expect the $56-million man to lead his Tennessee squad into the playoffs starting with strong performance against Indianapolis.

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