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Chris Johnson Wins NFL Offensive Player of the Year

Jan 13, 2010 – 10:40 AM
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Matt Snyder

Matt Snyder %BloggerTitle%

Chris Johnson Offensive Player of the YearIn a bit of news that is hardly surprising, star Titans running back Chris Johnson has won the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He received 38 1/2 of the 50 total votes. New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees finished second with nine votes.

Johnson teamed his vision, agility and cutting ability with blazing speed to compile one of the greatest seasons an individual has ever had in the NFL. He set an NFL record with 2,509 yards from scrimmage, breaking a mark Marshall Faulk had held since 1999. Johnson also became just the sixth man to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season, posting the fifth-highest mark of all-time (2,006 yards).

"I kind of realize what I did and I feel like I had a dream season," Johnson said.

More than simply compiling massive numbers, Johnson was amazing both with consistency and explosiveness. He ran for over 100 yards in 11 consecutive games to close the season, which tied
him with Marcus Allen for the second-best streak in NFL history during one season (Barry Sanders holds the record with 14). Of Johnson's 14 touchdowns, seven were for more than 50 yards and three were longer than 85 yards.

Perhaps most impressive was Johnson's aid to his team. His team went 8-4 in games in which he gained more than 100 yards and 10 of his 14 touchdowns came in wins. The Titans started the season with an abysmal 0-6 start, but they closed by winning eight of their final 10 games -- a time in which Johnson never rushed for less than 113 yards and scored 11 of his 14 touchdowns.

Chris Johnson truly was the complete package in 2009. For that, he has earned the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.
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