RealGM Football: The Red Zone - Be The GM: Johnson Vs. Peterson

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Be The GM: Johnson Vs. Peterson

Authored by Andrew Perna - 31st August, 2009 - 8:58 am

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Many have predicted that Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will be the last man standing in our 'Be The GM' contest, but Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson could give him a run for his money.

How They Got Here

Johnson edged past Bears quarterback Jay Cutler with 55% of the vote, while Peterson sprinted past Packers defensive tackle B.J. Raji with an amazing 85% of the vote in the first round.

Why Peterson Is A Franchise Player

A small essay could be written about why you should choose Peterson, but I don't think a lengthy explanation is needed. He's one of the game's best players, and just two years into his career many believe that he will go down in history as one of the greatest to ever take the field.

Peterson is a powerful runner, but also possesses an extra gear that allows him to break off exceptionally long runs. Watching him break one is similar to listening to your band's favorite song -- no matter how many times you hear it, it never gets old.

He sees developing holes well, cutting in and out of spots without losing much speed. There were questions about his durability heading into his second season, but he appeared in all sixteen regular-season contests in 2008. He carried the ball at least 17 times in each of those games en route to 1,760 yards and ten touchdowns.

Why Johnson Is A Franchise Player

It's scary to think about the numbers Johnson might have put up in 2008 with better quarterbacks throwing him the football. He hauled in 78 catches for 1,331 yards and 12 touchdowns with Dan Orlovsky, Daunte Culpepper, Jon Kitna and Drew Stanton behind center in Detroit.

At the very least, his quarterback should be a stable one with Stafford coming in to be the team's leader of the future. When you look at the Lions' roster, it makes Johnson's numbers even more impressive. Opposing defenses had no qualms about tag-teaming him, but he persevered without so much as a one-catch game.

He has all the tools you can ask for in a wide receiver, but doesn't appear to have the large head that so many develop at his position. If you don't believe grabbing a running back is the best way to ensure an effective offense, Johnson is the picture of why a wide receiver is viable alternative.

The soon-to-be 24-year-old proved that a truly talented receiver can be effective and productive no matter who is throwing him the football.

Click here to cast your vote and here to read the opening article

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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