In 2008, the Tennessee Titan running backs smashed and dashed their way to frequent success. Led by the exploits of rookie Chris Johnson and third-year pro LenDale White, the Titans ended the regular season as the league’s 7th ranked rushing attack, averaging an impressive 137.4 yards per contest.
As the seemingly eternal abyss a.k.a. the offseason continues its slow and steady march, let’s proceed with our positional analyses by taking a look at the current state of affairs at RB.
Chris Johnson
From his sensational 66-yard preseason touchdown run against the Rams to his performance in only one half of action against the Ravens, Chris Johnson’s playmaking abilities were a godsend to the Titan offense.
As impressed as I was with his top-level jets, I was just as appreciative of CJ’s desire to mix it up between the tackles. Despite his small stature, CJ proved to be much more than a jack-of-all-trades back. Following in the footsteps of smaller backs such as Brian Westbrook and Willie Parker before him, Johnson has emerged as a premier primary back in this league.
LenDale White
Despite being upstaged by the new kid on the block, White was a TD scoring machine for the Titans in 2008. Undoubtedly aided by his offseason meniscus surgery, White rumbled for 15 touchdowns, including a memorable 80-yarder against the Chiefs.
White often catches a lot of flack as a result of his penchant for running too softly for a man of his size. However, I’ve learned to accept LenDale’s limitations and to appreciate him for what he is: a guy who has a nose for reaching the endzone.
Of course, as indicated by the playoff loss to the Ravens, color me not too enthused about White being the team’s featured runner. As long as CJ is the primary RB, I have no problems with LenDale as the number two option in the running game.
Chris Henry
Contrary to Smash and Dash, Henry was often stashed on the Titans’ bench in 2008. The former second-round draft choice only carried the ball once last year: a three-yarder in the meaningless regular-season finale against the Colts.
Even Stevie Wonder can see that Henry’s future in Tennessee is cloudy at best. With Johnson and White entrenched as the first two options in the running game, now would be a great time for the Titans to try and get something in return for Henry.
How about this trade scenario: trade Henry to Washington so he can reunite with former Titan running backs coach Sherman Smith. Since C-Hen isn’t being used in Tennessee, let’s see if the Redskins would be willing to give up a late-round draft pick to acquire Mr. Invisible.
Quinton Ganther
I like Ganther. Despite his lack of size (5’9, 214 lbs) he packs a powerful punch when he runs the football. Who can forget his 115 yards on only 8 carries against the Rams last August?
Whether or not the Titans decide to move Henry, I’m very comfortable with Ganther as the team’s #3 running back in 2009.
Rafael Little
Despite injuring his knee in last year’s Senior Bowl, the Titans picked up Little as an undrafted free agent last spring. Now healthy, Little will get his chance to make an impression on the football field in 2009.
During his days at Kentucky, Rafael was an all-purpose back who contributed in a multitude of ways. He is one of only three players in SEC history to attain 2,500 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving.
I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on him during training camp.
What are your thoughts on the Titans’ running back situation? Should the team stay the course at RB, or upgrade the position via free agency and/or the draft?
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