Exhibitionist: Change of pace

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If you haven't seen the clip of Chris Johnson's second-quarter touchdown against the Rams, you can find it here, via NFL.com.

One shrug in the backfield and he's gone. Soon Mike Heimerdinger is exchanging terrorist sideline fist bumps with other coaches. Johnson has 4.24 speed, and clearly the Rams' second-string defensive backs do not. Eric Bassey is a fast dude, but not fast enough to close on the Titans' rookie.

This is what Jeff Fisher had to say about Johnson:

“That’s why he’s here. It’s nice to have that talent as a weapon on offense when you have someone who can just go like he can. I would like to think this is not just an isolated play. I’d like to think we’re going to see more of those out of him.”

And these were Heimerdinger's comments to the Nashville Tennessean a few weeks ago:

"I've never had a guy that can do (things Johnson can) … You need to be able to take advantage of the guy because he can do so many things."

Johnson finished his first exhibition game with six carries for 77 yards and one catch for 13. He's going to get plenty of touches, that much is clear. Many of them are expected to be receptions, so PPR owners should be particularly interested.

Does one long run against a group of non-starters change Johnson's rank among the running backs? No, not significantly...but only because we were already high on him. Our enthusiasm for the rookie had affected LenDale White's rank, too. Johnson is our No. 40 running back, and White is No. 26.

You can expect the gap between their ADPs to close in the weeks ahead. Johnson's current average draft position is 138.7 at Mock Draft Central, and White's is 54.3. But this is not a typical feature back/handcuff situation. Johnson and White will redefine "change of pace" this year.

Andy Behrens has written for ESPN.com, the Chicago Sports Review, NBA.com, the Chicago Reader and various other publications. In all likelihood, Andy owns more Artis Gilmore memorabilia than you. Send Andy a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast. Send Andy a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.

Updated on Monday, Aug 11, 2008 11:34 am, EDT

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