Chad Johnson's struggles was more than just a change at quarterback
by Josh Kirkendall on Apr 29, 2009 10:06 AM EDT
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Print+ I agree with Bleacher Report's assessment that Chad Johnson's struggles is related to the difference in the team's quarterback. With Carson Palmer between 2004-2007, Johnson averaged 93 receptions, 1,378.8 yards receiving and 8.3 touchdowns. Against those averages, with Palmer playing some in 2008, Johnson missed his averages by 30 receptions, 838 yards receiving and four touchdowns.
However, I also don't think it was that simple; there's other things to take into account.
Even though Ryan Fitzpatrick isn't Carson Palmer, the Bengals offense struggled early. Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh stayed away from Cincinnati during voluntary workouts where quarterback and receiver can establish their timing and get comfortable with each other. Even Houshmandzadeh struggled with six receptions and 70 yards receiving through the first two regular season games. Johnson slowly returned to camp after rehabilitating a procedure on his ankle in which delayed his participation during Training Camp. Then he tore up his shoulder during pre-season against Green Bay. Plus, he didn't want to be a Bengals receiver anymore; so it's feasible to assume that his effort just wasn't there like before.
You have to also consider the Bengals offensive line struggles. Even though Bengals quarterbacks were sacked 51 times, they were constantly pressured to throw before the developed route, causing inaccurate passes hoping to avoid the sack. In fact, having Fitzpatrick benefited us at times with his crazy legs sustaining drives.
Then there's the rushing offense early in the season. Terrible. Just terrible. When you keep the secondary back because there's no threat of a rushing offense, it tends to challenge the entire passing game.
By the time the Bengals established some momentum in the second half of the season, Johnson went inactive due to injury. All I'm pointing out is that Johnson's 2008 struggles was far from a simple quarterback change. No matter how you spin it, nothing came together in 2008.
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Agreed about many points here but...
…Chad just flat out dropped many catchable balls last year. There seemed to be a disproportionale number of times where he was in the right spot and the ball was right where it needed to be, he just didn’t catch it. It always seemed to happen at the worst time too. A drive would get some movement going, and then he’d missed a 3rd and 5 and we’d be punting.
He lacked focus, concentration and a desire to win. He should have been traded and TJ signed.
RE:
Agreed. I’m in no way deflecting blame that’s rightfully his also.
Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.
by Josh Kirkendall on Apr 29, 2009 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Blame
Chad certainly should shoulder some of the blame for losing focus but remember, the guy played hurt on a team that was going nowhere fast last year. Chad is an emotional powder keg, always has been and that is why it is a lot fo fun watching him when things are going right. Just as it is ugly as hell watching him when things are going wrong. On a scale of what could go the wrong way for a footballl team last year from 1-10, the Bengals come in at at least a 9! I’m excited about what he will do for us in 2009, new blood on the team, better defense, healthy Carson. That being said if we get out of the gate slow, ohhh the humanity!
Chad Johnson
He did not do anything to try to help Palmer and him changing his name like he did is just crazy.
he got hurt against Detroit, Brian Kelly ripped the ball from his hands in mid air
but the offense was terrible in the 2st pre season game, remember the 1st team offense out ther euntil they could score a TD in like the 2nd Quarter? ben Utecht if im not mistaken
Lost a step?
Chad’s numbers were down last year due to a number of reasons list above. I believe the order of importance goes:
1. lack of opportunity due to poor QB play and o-line play which made the chance of anyone catching a deep ball next to none,
2. motivation, over the contract and general poor play of the team,
3. The injured shoulder,
4. A distance 4th, a permanent deterioration of athletic ability.
The important question is, how will be play next year. My belief is, if things start to go well, Chad will dominate. If we struggle, he doesn’t have the mental strength to drag us back up.
Not ideal, but I still expect a lot out of Chad. Especially if we are able to run the ball and draw a safety into the box, so he gets some single coverage.
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