Al Johnson will not get any stronger

[Zaxor]

Can anyone intelligently (so that rules out a bunch of you) explain how Johnson went from folks shouting "future pro-bowler" to "bust" over the course of a single season?

I can't do it... if you look at my posts I was complaining about him last year too

 

[Clove]

I don't know when 6'5" 295 lbs. became small for a center. He's the same size as D'Brickshaw Fergesuon, who's going to be an Top 5 pick left tackle. I also don't think Parcells necessarily likes big center. Parcells signed Kevin Mawae who is about 6'4" 285 with the Jets and he drafted Dave Wohlabaugh at about 6'2" 290 with the Patriots. He likes his centers mobile and able to pull and trap. Al Johnson isn't too small to play with any coach. He needs to get more technically precise.

Yeah I think his problem might be talent. His point of attack is not good. His transition from the snap to the block is bad from what I can see.

I don't know why he get's over powered, I don't know if his leverage is bad or he's just not strong enough, but I can't believe that most of the players in this league can just out muscle him.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

I don't know when 6'5" 295 lbs. became small for a center. He's the same size as D'Brickshaw Fergesuon, who's going to be an Top 5 pick left tackle. I also don't think Parcells necessarily likes big center. Parcells signed Kevin Mawae who is about 6'4" 285 with the Jets and he drafted Dave Wohlabaugh at about 6'2" 290 with the Patriots. He likes his centers mobile and able to pull and trap. Al Johnson isn't too small to play with any coach. He needs to get more technically precise.

yep, and that comes with experience, which Al is severly lacking in

blame it on everything you guys want, but keep leaving out inexperience

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Can anyone intelligently (so that rules out a bunch of you) explain how Johnson went from folks shouting "future pro-bowler" to "bust" over the course of a single season?

I can

knee-jerk

 

[Clove]

Can anyone intelligently (so that rules out a bunch of you) explain how Johnson went from folks shouting "future pro-bowler" to "bust" over the course of a single season?

Never once did I think that. I never commented on him until this year. It was just so noticable this year after replaying down after down. I don't know how this line got this bad so fast.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Never once did I think that. I never commented on him until this year. It was just so noticable this year after replaying down after down. I don't know how this line got this bad so fast.

you or Xavor may not have said that, but that was a large sentiment on here, and every Cowboy board

 

[Zaxor]

yep, and that comes with experience, which Al is severly lacking in

blame it on everything you guys want, but keep leaving out inexperience

It maybe the the lack of experience...but from what it looks to me is he is built wrong for Center...the power needs to come from the butt and the thighs...he seems to be more top heavy..and it makes him easier to push around...jmho....I think Al gives everything he has on every play.. so its not like it is not that he doesn't try...its just that I don't think he can

 

[CrazyCowboy]

Seriods may help......

 

[Bob Sacamano]

It maybe the the lack of experience...but from what it looks to me is he is built wrong for Center...the power needs to come from the butt and the thighs...he seems to be more top heavy..and it makes him easier to push around...jmho....I think Al gives everything he has on every play.. so its not like it is not that he doesn't try...its just that I don't think he can

it could be a combination of everything said in this thread

 

[burmafrd]

Bottom line is that since more teams are going to the 3-4, he is going to be running up against more NT's; and he cannot handle them. And the 4-3 teams are constantly getting bigger DT's, which he cannot handle either. So the problem is going to get worse. New center is required.

 

[FLcowboy]

I don't know when 6'5" 295 lbs. became small for a center. He's the same size as D'Brickshaw Fergesuon, who's going to be an Top 5 pick left tackle. I also don't think Parcells necessarily likes big center. Parcells signed Kevin Mawae who is about 6'4" 285 with the Jets and he drafted Dave Wohlabaugh at about 6'2" 290 with the Patriots. He likes his centers mobile and able to pull and trap. Al Johnson isn't too small to play with any coach. He needs to get more technically precise.

I did notice during the year that Johnson can pull either way and be effective, very effective. Perhaps his troubles at center were magnified by Rivera's inability to hold his own position. Rivere really didn't play well at all most the year.

 

[JackMagist]

Can anyone intelligently (so that rules out a bunch of you) explain how Johnson went from folks shouting "future pro-bowler" to "bust" over the course of a single season?

Poor or Below Expected performance level will do it every time.

 

[Billy Bullocks]

This was his 2nd season with the boys, the first he was injured, then he came back. 2 seasons and 1 upcoming offseason and next season will be his 3rd.

Thats beside that point. I do agree with you however.

The leg injury no doubt hindered hs ability to work on his leg strength, which is alot more important when it comes to driving an opponent back..

However, you can bench with a bum leg.

 

[Clove]

The leg injury no doubt hindered hs ability to work on his leg strength, which is alot more important when it comes to driving an opponent back..

However, you can bench with a bum leg.

Maybe real competition is all he needs. Bring in a FA, and we'll see what Johnson really has.

 

[AbeBeta]

Maybe real competition is all he needs. Bring in a FA, and we'll see what Johnson really has.

Funny thing is many folks thought that Gurode was that competition. Looked like Gurode lost that one.

 

[Clove]

Funny thing is many folks thought that Gurode was that competition. Looked like Gurode lost that one.

Those 2 can fight over a back up position next year. We have to get better at the center position, along with RT. I just can't see going into another year seeing a BP coached team getting pushed around on the DLine or the Oline.

 

[AbeBeta]

Those 2 can fight over a back up position next year.

There is no fight -- BP likes smart. The one thing Johnson has going is that he is a smart center who makes all the correct calls.

 

[Clove]

There is no fight -- BP likes smart. The one thing Johnson has going is that he is a smart center who makes all the correct calls.

Problem is, for all of his smarts, he gets his butt pushed back into the back field way to often causing running plays and some passing plays to blow up.

Outstanding pulling center, he's a stud when it comes to that. But if you can't take the guy in front of you and move him around or atleast keep him from moving you, you need to start practicing on your deep snapping.

 

[ddh33]

The play at center is an interesting topic to me. It wasn't very long ago that folks were bragging about Al Johnson's toughness, work ethic, and technique. Folks felt like he was going to be a borderline pro bowler.

A year later, many seem to think that he's a bust and that he needs to be replaced in order for the team to be better. What happened?

1. Al Johnson could have had a rough sophomore slump. It happens. And even though this is his third year, it was only his second year on the field.
2. Johnson may not have the strength and technique to play the position as well as everyone thought. After watching him on film, a lot of teams may have found weaknesses to exploit.
3. Johnson suffered from subpar play on both sides of him with the guards. It was pretty obvious to me that Marco Rivera wasn't at his best. He really struggled at times this season, and understandably so. That back injury kept him from even being able to lift weights. Larry Allen, on the other hand, has all of the brute strength in the world, but Larry struggles with quickness. He struggles in space more. He seems to struggle with some of the stunts that teams use from time to time.

I'm just not quite ready to give up on Johnson. I don't think he's as bad as he's been made out to be. I think that with a better supporting cast and more cohesion, he can still be a very good player for this team.