UPDATE: CJ says Moss gives advice, leadership

Chris Johnson did not know Randy Moss before the veteran wide receiver was picked up off waivers by the Titans on Nov. 3.

But since Moss' arrival nearly a month ago, the two players have seemingly become fast friends, with lockers next to each other in the locker room.

Johnson said he and Moss actually share more in common than the same agent, Joel Segal. He said both had their share of early success, and that he relates well to Moss in that regard.

“He's just a good guy, a veteran guy to look up to,” Johnson said of Moss. “He's the kind of guy in my same situation. He came into the league and was very productive very early, becoming a star very early. He's a guy you go to for advice and leadership, and things like that.”

Moss acknowledged on Thursday that he has an admiration for CJ's talents as well, But says there is one thing he has not been able to get Johnson to buy into - or jump into.

"CJ is a special player. Before I came here, that's all I heard was you get to play along with Chris Johnson. It's nothing big. He's the youngster and I'm the old vet," Moss said. "The one thing I cannot get him to do is get in that cold tub. That's the one thing I can't get him to do. I'm in the cold tub every single day, resting these old legs of mine. He's young, and hopefully it doesn't, but Father Time is undefeated. I'm just trying to get him in the cold tub to take care of those legs, because they can run any given Sunday. I just have fun with these guys, and with a guy like Chris Johnson, as talented as he is, it's a pleasure to play with him. Simple as that."

What wasn't so simple in Houston was getting the Titans offense going, especially Johnson, who was held to a career-low five yards on just seven rushes.

“It was really kind of embarrassing, just to look up in the third quarter and have zero yards rushing,” Johnson said. “It was something I couldn't control. I just had to run whatever play was called and just try and execute it, and at the end of the day, try to win the game.”

Johnson admitted he was very frustrated to only have so few carries and yards.

“One of my goals is to be the best running back in the league. When you don't have the opportunity to showcase what you want to do, it's very frustrating,” he said. “And it's even more frustrating in a loss. If it had happened in a win, it's not going to be as frustrating. But when you have zero points, not being able to run the ball is frustrating.”
Johnson tweeted after the game that there would be “payback” after the poor performance.

“It'll be a different situation. I can assure you I'll have more than seven carries and more than five yards. It was just a situation where I didn't have the chance to do anything,” Johnson said.

For now, he will have to turn his attention to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are tied for the AFC South lead with Indianapolis at 6-5. The Titans and Texans are game back in the bunched-up division at 5-6.

“It's very important. Every game is do or die,” Johnson said. “It's like a playoff game.”