Larry Johnson has had his fair share of off-the-field troubles. But, when healthy, he was a pretty amazing running back just a couple years ago. So what’s the reaction? Allow a “Pragmatic Bengals Fan” from Cincy Jungle to offer his opinions.
A Pragmatic Bengals Fan Weighs In
... I’m torn.
I think for me personally, I’m not entirely opposed to this move for a couple of reasons. Larry Johnson is a very similar runner to the Cincinnati version of Cedric Benson, the Cedric Benson who was a world-beater at Texas. Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard are not that guy. Perhaps in the spirit of “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” mentality, LJ would be a good addition until Cedric Benson is right and ready for a playoff run. That said, I liked what I saw out of Bernard Scott yesterday and I was hoping he would have a good chance to keep developing and growing over the next two or three weeks before hopefully getting Benson back for the last four weeks of the season and a playoff push.
If I had anything to say about it, I would absolutely make sure that Marvin Lewis got to Larry Johnson in the negotiating room and let him know exactly why he was here. Let him know exactly what they want from him, and let him know his place with this team. Marvin has been exceptional at getting the guys to realize that many of them weren’t wanted elsewhere and that this was a home for them if they played to their ability, and I would give him that shot before any documents are signed today.
This could actually work out well, in my opinion. Johnson could be a great addition and have the kind of impact that Benson, Dhani Jones, Tank Johnson and Roy Williams have had here.
Just please heed these words, Bengals. Talk to Larry Johnson long and hard before anything is signed.
Also, talk to Cedric Benson and let him know why Larry Johnson is here.
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