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MARSHALL VS. JOHNSON by Jon Rascon
11 Feb 2008
 VS 
Marshall Johnson
383.70 pts. 382.70 pts.
Ht: 6'4" Ht. 6'1"
Wt: 230 lbs Wt: 192 lbs.
This is an absolutely golden age for WRs. With more teams utilizing wide-open passing schemes, stud WRs can be found anywhere and everywhere.
I can name 12 wideouts that I would be comfortable with as my franchise WR. Brandon Marshall and Chad Johnson are two of these elite WR's.
Marshall took a minute to establish himself, but once Javon Walker went down, he took advantage of the opportunity and is now the clear #1 receiving option in the Broncos offense, not to mention that he is entering his magical 3rd year in the league. Chad Johnson, by all accounts, had a "down" year, and still had over 1,400 yds.
So which WR should you target as your franchise WR if given the choice?
Lets take a quick look.
One of the most telling stats for WRs that I take stock in is "targets", the number of passes that are thrown to a particular WR. Last year Brandon Marshall ranked third in targets with 165 (behind only Randy Moss and Reggie Wayne). He parlayed that into 102 catches for 1325 yards. However, Marshall will likely give a few of those targets back to Javon Walker, who should be back at 100% next season. If everything goes to plan, Walker will likely be the deep threat option for the Broncos with Marshall continuing to work the shorter routes.
Chad Johnson on the other hand, had 151 targets, of which he nabbed 93 for 1,440 yards. However, because the Bengals struggled running the ball this past season, they were forced to shorten their passing game which allowed TJ Houshmandzadeh to become the focal point of the passing game (as Housh excels in the shorter routes). But next year, with a healthy Rudi Johnson and Kenny Irons running the ball more effectively (how can they not?), Chad Johnson could once again become Carson Palmer's go to guy as he will have more time/room to work the longer routes which he excels at.
KEEPER/DYNASTY CONSIDERATIONS
In dynasty leagues there is very little to suggest that Marshall isn't the better choice. Marshall will be 24 years old.
Assuming continued development alongside fellow 3rd year teammate, QB Jay Cutler, who is fast becoming one of the best young QBs in the game.
Johnson, on the other hand, just turned 30 a few weeks ago. Even though he has a top 5 QB in Carson Palmer throwing to him one wonders if that will continue to be the case. There have been whispers that Johnson may be traded at some point.
Coach Marvin Lewis has stated that Johnson will not be traded, but if he were, his new QB would likely be a step down from Palmer, and building rapport with a new QB takes time. Time is something that isn't on Ocho Cinco's side at this stage of his career.
SITUATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
C.J. has excelled the past few seasons while sharing targets with Housh. In fact in '07, Housh had 164 targets to Johnson's 151.
Marshall's closest competition for targets on the Broncos last season was Brandon Stokely (71 targets). Javon Walker had only 48 targets due to lost time to unjury.
If healthy, expect Walker's targets to easily approach 100, if not exceed it. And that will eat into Marshall's looks.
BOTTOM LINE
I can see 2008 as a changing of the guard, because this will likely be the season where fantasy stalwarts such as Randy Moss, Reggie Wayne, Torry Holt and Chad Johnson begin giving way to the new crop of "elite" WRs such as Andre Johnson, Larry Fitzgerald, Marques Colston, Braylon Edwards, and of course, Marshall.
In redraft leagues, there is very little to separate these WR's, especially Johnson and Marshall.
Due to the more frequent big play potential that he will bring, Chad Johnson gets the slightest of all nods. If for any reason Johnson is traded, then Marshall would get the nod.
However, in dynasty leagues, there is no doubt that Marshall is the pick, His youth combined with stabile envirornment in Denver, makes him the clear choice.
REDRAFT EDGE: Johnson
+++++
DYNASTY EDGE: Marshall
+++++
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