"DeAngelo Williams and Chris Johnson got paid. Now the two running backs are dealing with higher expectations than ever in their respective cities.

Williams signed a $43 million extension ($21 million guaranteed) with the Panthers, and so far this season he has 363 rushing yards and a touchdown. Johnson received a $53.5 million extension ($30 million guaranteed) from the Titans, but has only 366 yards and a touchdown.

The two friends will be on the same field Sunday when Tennessee (4-4) visits Carolina (2-6).

"With more money comes more responsibility," Williams, a former Memphis star, said Wednesday. "(Fans) … want you to come out and they want you to basically be on the field by yourself and score every time you touch the ball or pick up a first down, but they fail to realize that other people get paid too.""