Why has there been so much chatter about Larry Johnson signing with the Bengals? This is a story about a backup-level running back signing on to be……a backup running back. The only interesting angle is that Johnson has major character flaws and happens to be joining a team that .a.) Has a history of off-field problems and b.) Is in first place in its division and doesn’t need any distractions. (Johnson, of course, won’t be a distraction because any issue from here on out is a career killer.)

But people aren’t talking much about the character side of things. Instead, they’re talking about how Johnson’s power running could help Cincinnati. The Bengals deserve the benefit of the doubt because of the success of the Cedric Benson move. But Johnson deserves only doubt. Everything Johnson has shown on film as a Chief this season indicates he can no longer play at a high level. The explosive first and second steps that always compensated for his mediocre speed are gone. This has compromised his power. Johnson’s change-of-direction seems to take days to execute. And his agility and acceleration were never great.

Perhaps Johnson will find a spark now that he’s out of Kansas City. But as a workhorse type running back, how will he adjust to coming off the bench and getting only four or five carries a game?

A lot of running backs have hit their wall this season. It’s remarkable, really. LaDainian Tomlinson is nowhere near his top level. The lateral quickness that once defined him has all but evaporated. Clinton Portis has decent numbers, but watch the film and you see he has the same issues as Johnson. Willie Parker can’t stay healthy and is no longer lightning quick or super fast. Brian Westbrook has fought chronic knee problems and now concussions. He’ll never be the same. And finally, Jamal Lewis has already announced his intention to retire.

It will be interesting to see how Ricky Williams holds up now that Ronnie Brown is out and Williams is the feature back in Miami. Same goes for the Jets’ Thomas Jones, who will continue to play without the luxury of sharing snaps with Leon Washington.