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Redskins training camp report Date published: 8/18/2010
BY RICH CAMPBELL ASHBURN --There have been moments during training camp the last three weeks when Larry Johnson has looked more like the All-Pro running back from 2006 than the castoff who is with his third team in the last year.Take yesterday morning's practice, for example. Late in the two-hour session, Johnson took a handoff and ran straight toward the line of scrimmage. After two steps, though, he saw tight end Logan Paulsen seal the defender on the left edge of the line. In an instant, Johnson changed direction and burst through the opening. He scampered about 30 yards before he was stopped. This is the version of Johnson that the Washington Redskins are counting on this season. Even at age 30--which history shows is not kind to a running back's physical skills--the club believes Johnson can team with incumbent Clinton Portis to comprise a running attack worthy of a playoff contender. "I think everybody knows how Larry has played in the past and what he is capable of doing," coach Mike Shanahan said. "I like what I saw in film last year, and that is one of the reasons of why he is here." Shanahan saw Johnson up close at his very best. Back in 2006, when life was quite different for both men, they were part of a rivalry that is about as far removed as possible from the Redskins' sphere in the NFL. As head coach of the Denver Broncos, Shanahan had to contend with Johnson twice during Johnson's record-setting season for the Kansas City Chiefs. En route to an NFL single-season record 416 carries, Johnson averaged 4.6 yards on 61 carries in two games against Denver. Fast forward to March, then, when Shanahan hit the free-agent market in search of a running back to pair with Portis, who is coming off an injury-shortened 2009. Johnson was available, but only after a prolonged downfall that resulted from injury, behavioral problems and multiple assault-related arrests. A contract holdout and a foot injury marred his 2007 season. He was suspended separately by the Chiefs and the NFL for a total of four games during the 2008 season for behavioral issues. And Kansas City finally released him last fall after a public blowup at new coach Todd Haley.
Date published: 8/18/2010
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