Four victories -- tied for series-best -- gives the appearance everything was business as usual for Johnson, the six-time Cup Series champion. Looks can be deceiving, however. The No. 48 team labored through most races lacking speed and wouldn't have won at Kansas and Dover without gambling on track position late.
As it is every season, Johnson is judged by whether he wins the championship. That's the lofty standard he and crew chief Chad Knaus have created by capturing more wins and titles than anyone else since they teamed up in 2002.
Anything short of Johnson tying Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr. with seven championships would essentially make the Chase a lost campaign.
There are numerous reasons why Johnson will likely not be a factor, but he and Knaus are simply too great to disregard. Johnson gets a win, maybe two, before falling short in the Round 3 elimination race at Phoenix.