One of the highlights of 2009 Tennessee Titans training camp was the suddenly thin appearance of the new and improved LenDale White. Helped out by his decision to give up the Patron, White’s Jaredesque weight loss led some to believe that an impressive season was in store for #25. With his status as an unrestricted free agent in 2010 (pending the signing of a new collective bargaining agreement), LW was dedicated towards having a big (pun intended) year in 2009. Unfortunately, ’09 has been anything but a spectacular season for White, who has all but vanished from the Tennessee Titan ground game. Of course, we can attribute the emergence of Chris Johnson as an all-world back as one of the primary reasons for the absence of opportunities for LW. CJ is within striking distance of the 2,000 yard rushing mark and in only his second season, has proven that despite his relatively small stature, he is more than capable of carrying the load as the Titans’ primary back. Unfortunately for LenDale, CJ’s gain in opportunities has resulted in a loss of chances for #25. In 2009, White has only carried the ball over 10 times in a game twice. After toting the rock a season-high 13 times for 47 yards in the Titans’ first victory of the season against Jacksonville, LenDale has ran the ball a total 11 times for 26 yards in the last six games. White didn’t help his cause for more carries by being late to a practice prior to that Sunday’s matchup against the Cardinals. As we all know, his tardiness led to him being deactivated the following day. Unlike CJ, White is a guy who needs the ball constantly in order to be successful. He’s a workhorse type back, the kind of runner who relies heavily on wearing on tired, opposing defenses in the 3rd and 4th quarter to attain success. Due to the presence of Johnson, White’s only chance to become that type of player again will probably come in another NFL city. It’s pretty clear that judging by this year’s trend of White going from “Smash” to being stashed on the Titan bench, his days in Nashville are probably numbered. Ok…time for the audience to chime in: What are your thoughts towards LenDale White no longer being a consistent part of the team’s running game? Does he have a future in a Titan uniform beyond 2009?
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