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Be The GM: Jones-Drew Vs. Johnson
Authored by Andrew Perna - 27th August, 2009 - 12:45 pm
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The final matchup of the first round features a pair of AFC South running backs.

Chris Johnson had more yards (1,228) last season, but Maurice Jones-Drew scored more touchdowns (12) and has been handed the keys to the Jacksonville offense with Fred Taylor now calling New England home.

With the Sweet Sixteen just a day away, which running back would you rather build a team around?

Why Jones-Drew Is A Franchise Player

The Jaguars are obviously confident that Jones-Drew can handle a bulk of the carries, otherwise they wouldn't have allowed Taylor to skip town. There isn't much behind him on the depth chart, but he's been durable (47 of 48 games played) in his three-year career.

MJD has never carried the ball more than 197 times in a season, but he's a dual-threat and had 259 touches in 2009. He has scored 38 touchdowns in his career, which translates to one every 1.2 games played.

He's diminutive in height, but shakes off tacklers and is incredibly strong. His low center of gravity is a huge asset and he's shifty as well. He's dangerous as a kick returner, which showcases his ability to turn on the afterburners when needed.

Why Johnson Is A Franchise Player

Only seven players rushed for more yards than Johnson in 2008, while he shared time with LenDale White in Tennessee's backfield. That isn't likely to change with White entering the preseason slimmer than ever, but one mustn't forget that C.J. was a Pro Bowler in his rookie season.

Like Jones-Drew, Johnson can catch the ball when asked to. He's also incredibly fast, playing the 'lightning' role opposite White's 'thunder.' Johnson didn't touch the ball much more than MJD did last season (294 times), but that's rarely mentioned.

It would be interesting to see what he'd accomplish as the lone feature back in a run-heavy offense like that of the Titans, but that's unlikely to happen anytime soon. Of the seven players that rushed for more yards than Johnson in 2008, all carried the ball considerably more.


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Andrew Perna is Deputy Editor of RealGM.com and co-host of RealGM's Radio Show. Please feel free to contact him with comments or questions via e-mail: Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com
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