NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Chris Johnson has the big-money contract extension. Now he knows he must get into his groove.
The Tennessee Titans' three-time Pro Bowl running back had just nine carries for 24 yards in the season opener as he works his way back into shape from his holdout, which ended Sept. 2. Titans coach Mike Munchak is ready to give the ball to Johnson, saying he believes the running back could have as many as 25 touches Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.
Johnson said Wednesday that he needs more carries than he had in the 16-14 season-opening loss at Jacksonville.
"You could blame it on the whole offense," Johnson said. "We didn't stay out there on the field and do what we were supposed to do and keep the drive going. I'm sure if we had kept the drive going and stayed out there longer, I would've had more carries and things like that."
Johnson had 16 touches against the Jaguars, along with six catches for 25 yards.
"I wasn't as tired as I thought I'd be," Johnson said. "I can do more carries and things like that. I actually felt good out there."
The Titans certainly need Johnson up to speed immediately, and not just because they gave him a four-year contract extension worth $53 million with $30 million guaranteed. They are 17-7 when he runs for 100 yards or more and 18-5 when he runs for a touchdown.
Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press