(http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2008/10/large_LARRYJOHNSON.jpg)
Following a few days of speculation, the Bengals officially signed former Kansas City Pro-Bowl running back Larry Johnson to a one year deal. Basically, this deal boils down to a seven game contract since the team's plans with the running back is unclear after this year.
There have been arguments on both sides of the fence for this signing. On one hand, the Bengals have sured up their running back position. Starting running back, and MVP candidate, Cedric Benson left the game Sunday in Pittsburgh with a hip injury. The injury shouldn't keep Benson out of the lineup for too long, if at all, but Johnson provides some security at the position.
On the other hand, Johnson adds another player to the roster that has been trouble in the locker room in the past. It is no secret that Johnson had problems in Kansas City and was run out of town following a gay slur directed toward his former coach. Luckily, the Bengals have not had the personnel problems they have had in the past, so maybe Marvin Lewis and the front office feel that they can handle bringing Johnson into the mix.
I'm interested to hear what the Bengals' fans in cyberspace think about this signing. Personally, I'm split on this decision. Johnson is a former Pro-Bowler who the Bengals are getting at a huge discount (the Bengals will only pay him $255,290 for the remainder of the season). However, I am a big believer locker room chemistry and how it can affect the team, so I don't know if this was the best decision for the Bengals to make.
What do you all think?
Posts
Great move. He's not the same player he was three years ago and can't give you a good 20 or 30 carries a game anymore, but that is not what the Bengals are asking him to do. He'll be a fantastic 2nd running back and the second he begins to be a problem...then just cut him.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I don't expect him to be a problem, because a winning locker room usually makes everybody happy (examples- Corey Dillon from Cincinnati to New England and Randy Moss to New England). He's coming from Kansas City to a team that could win him his first Super Bowl Ring. He know's he's the back up RB. He already has had an awesome individual career but it sounds to me the guy is just looking for a ring to end his career with. Why not?
I actually do think LJ is still a top 15 back in the league. I think he is just as good as Ceddy, but KC has no line whatsoever. He will fit perfectly here if he can swallow his ego, which he will due to the face his team will finally be winning.
ReplyDeletewhy are the Bearcats tagged in this?
ReplyDeleteObviously it was suppose to be the Bengals, Wilmhoff
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