Mike MunchakNASHVILLE — Coach Mike Munchak is hoping the Titans soon work out a deal with Chris Johnson so the running back can get back to work and bolster a running game that is showing early promise.
“We’re three weeks away from starting … it’s getting to be important that we get this thing worked out,” Munchak said Sunday. “As coaches, we don’t have any control over all that. But you get anxious. You’re trying to make decisions on how we move forward so we’re all hoping it’s done soon so we can move forward and quit having to do these kind of questions.”
The Titans open the season Sept. 11 at Jacksonville, and Munchak, a Hall of Fame offensive lineman, is making it clear that whatever Tennessee does offensively will develop from the running game.
Tennessee rolled up 198 yards rushing in a 17-16 loss at St. Louis on Saturday night without Johnson. Rookie Jamie Harper started in place of Johnson’s backup, Javon Ringer, and the fourth-round pick from Clemson ran 11 times for 83 yards and a touchdown.
Stafon Johnson added 68 yards rushing and the Titans outgained the Rams 198-44 on the ground.