Earlier during the offseason, I penned a piece that took a look at LenDale White’s newfound commitment to being slim. Showing up to mini-camps at an impressive twenty pounds lighter compared to the previous year, White’s dieting prompted me to speculate about the prospects of him having a breakout season of sorts in ’09.
A few months later, White’s recent weigh-in of 229 pounds has added additional fuel to the fire regarding his chances of having his best year as a Tennessee Titan in 2009.
There is no doubt that White’s recent infatuation with his waistline can be at least partially attributed to his contract status. Heading into a contract season (under a new CBA), White’s desire to get thinner is definitely motivated by his aspirations of getting a fat (pun-intended) new contract next year.
Regardless of his intentions, it’s definitely a pleasure to see a motivated White. He’s a guy who has plenty of talent but as a result of his lack of a commitment to staying in tip-top shape, he’s been a bit of an underachiever so far during his tenure as a Titan.
His underachieving led to the team’s decision to draft Chris Johnson in 2008, who stepped in and replaced White as the Titans’ primary runner in his rookie season. With CJ poised to become one of the league’s best backs, White’s opportunities to shine in ’09 will be limited to an at-best part-time role as a ball-carrier.
However, even if he’s getting less carries, a fitter LenDale White is indeed a good thing for the Tennessee Titans. Despite the team’s offseason moves related to improving the passing game, the running game still remains as the Titans’ bread-and-butter on offense. Therefore, White will still get his opportunity to run the football this year.
A rushing attack consisting of CJ and a new-and-improved White should cause many headaches for the opposition this season.
Your turn, Titan fans… Any of you getting excited about what a slimmer LenDale can accomplish in 2009?
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