Feeling Down on Julius Jones lately... Here's the something for you

[JakeCamp12]

If our TE's learn to seal the backside of the play, JJ would be even more explosive. Witten is not a good blocker, and a lot of times does not engage his man long enough. I am hoping our run blocking improves dramatically this year...

 

[BlueWave]

I hope jones bounces back to have a great season. Although I am a Domer on the Ranch, I can't help but love the way Barber runs as well. He is much better at short yardage.

 

[burmafrd]

short yardage is a limited gig. And after watching that JJ video, its hard to claim that he is not good at short ydg as well.

 

[RiggoForever]

Didn't he rush for over 190 yards against the Panthers?

The Panthers defensive line certainly doesn't look very formidable in this video.

 

[TheSkaven]

Yep. Our offense could get scary. Has a WR ever averaged 20 yards per catch because Terry Glenn might have an offensive explosion

Agreed. Anyone watching this kid play last year when he was healthy could easily see that he is a special back. I think it is equally clear that he'll never stand up to the pounding of 35 carries per game. Thankfully, we have Marion Barber backing him up. 20 carries per game for Julius is the right number, 15 for Barber and maybe 3-5 for Tyson Thompson.

 

[TheHustler]

The season can't start soon enough..... I can't wait to see this kid run again.

 

[Qwickdraw]

Courtesy of DCC.........

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YISVfi_V-vY

I was a bit discouraged by the Julius Jones rumours during the draft. Even Parcells "Julius wasn't involved in a trade remark" didn't ease the feeling until I saw this highlight video this morning.

I also read Julius has added bulk/muscle to his legs( as per JJT), with the hopes it increase his durability.

Notice how we ran out of the single back.....2TEs set in most of Julius big runs. It appeared Jones had more success with Darian Barnes at the FB position. Barnes got injured early in training camp last year and Polite won by default. Polite seized the opportunity.


Anyway.......check-out how Julius juked Sean Taylor out of his kleats. Taylor wore #36 his rookie season. He tried to rip Jones face mask off.

Same thing... every year.
You know, I've learned this statement isn't necessarily a good thing... when you have a RB who's best weapon is his speed.

 

[RCowboyFan]

I posted a while back an article I read about Tiki Barber. In many ways Tiki and Julius are very, very similar.

In the article, Tiki talked about how he wasn't a complete back when he came in the league and he had to learn what it took to be one. That included his physical training, film study, everything. The past couple of seasons it's all come together for him and the results speak for themselves.

I see JJ the same way. He has fantastic ability, but he needs to grow and mature...mentally and physically.

I am glad we aren't giving up on him, because if he matures, (as Tiki has done), we will have a fantastic combo with him and MB3.

I have the exact same thoughts, considering how Tiki used to be injured often early in his career and wasn't considered a full time back, till last 3-4 years now.

 

[adbutcher]

I have the exact same thoughts, considering how Tiki used to be injured often early in his career and wasn't considered a full time back, till last 3-4 years now.

And like Tiki, Julius has the same ability to attack and threaten the LOS on his first two steps. Some of those runs were simply beautiful. With improved blocking he could have a truly special year, imo.

 

[zalik22]

Personally, I am not too high on Jones. He always seems to be hurt, he only runs if he has a whole, and a lot of times he rather try to break a long run vs. getting the guaranteed 4-5 yards. I think Barber should be starting because he's more consistent. Jones only had one 100 yard game last year, which is way below anybody's expectations. Barber is a more determined runner and a better blocker. He also has better hands. Ever since Jones had a strong finish at the end of his rookie year, his head has gotten a little bit bigger.

 

[InDakWeTrust]

And like Tiki, Julius has the same ability to attack and threaten the LOS on his first two steps. Some of those runs were simply beautiful. With improved blocking he could have a truly special year, imo.

Watching Flo in that video showed why he was such a pivotal point of our offense. Flo would either seal his guy off on the backside or dominate him at the point of attack, he isnt as bad as some may say.

 

[LeonDixson]

YR, I somewhat agree on the early success thing - Julius seems to get frustrated, when the holes aren't there. The frustration seems to cause him to try TOO hard, hitting where the hole is supposed to be at top speed, whether it's there or not. In short, he loses his patience. Stops looking for the holes, and the cutbacks, and just tries to hammer it. At least that's how it seems.

I agree with you, but I think it's been drilled into his head by Parcells and the other coaches to "trust your blockers and run the play as it was designed".

Have you noticed how many of our top draft choices (Roy Williams is another example) have come in and had a fantastic 1st year doing what they do best and then once they are harnessed into the "system" they are not as effective.

 

[NextGenBoys]

Same thing... every year.
You know, I've learned this statement isn't necessarily a good thing... when you have a RB who's best weapon is his speed.

Exactly, if anything he needs to lose the bulk. He is more of a shifty runner who needs his quickness and agile feet more than he needs an extra 10 pounds. Also if you notice, most of those highlights came from 04. IMO Parcells overcoached Jones in 05 on constantly preaching "No negative yards" and that got in Jones head, and he would never take a chance and just run into a wall. If we can get him to work on his speed and quickness and just let him play the game, (as well as a little improvement to the Oline) I think he will be our back for years to come.

 

[stealth]

jujo is the most over rated guy on our team.

he has one friggin move he almost alway runs left and he will do that stupid stutter move three times in one run.

If he added a spin or somethign to his skill set maybe I could feel better but the guy still runs like he is in college and that just won't fly in the nfl.

I was so happy at the trade rumors too bad it never happened.

one thing I foudn wierd or funny is that underarmor commercial during the draft where it was all rookies(i think) and then julius. the click clack commercial. anyone else notice that?

 

[CrazyCowboy]

JJ will be the real deal for us when it is all said and done.

 

[RCowboyFan]

Personally, I am not too high on Jones. He always seems to be hurt, he only runs if he has a whole, and a lot of times he rather try to break a long run vs. getting the guaranteed 4-5 yards. I think Barber should be starting because he's more consistent. Jones only had one 100 yard game last year, which is way below anybody's expectations. Barber is a more determined runner and a better blocker. He also has better hands. Ever since Jones had a strong finish at the end of his rookie year, his head has gotten a little bit bigger.

Sorry but really not true at all. If thats your personal opinion then, I guess thats fine. But no way that is a fact or true statement regarding Julius in his second year.

Now part about being hurt, well that he has to prove you and other doubters wrong. Including me somewhat. But having seen few other Runners overcome their initial injury woes, I have hopes for Julius. Since first two years, heck three years Clinton Portis had injury issues. I think it was first time in four years that Portis played a complete season, last year?

 

[burmafrd]

Love to know why so many want to claim Barber is better yet he has never come close to doing what JJ has already done. Has Barber comewithin 2 yds of 200? Has he carried the ball 30+ times in 3 consecutive games to tie an NFL record held by Earl Campbell? If he was such a threat, woudn't other teams be trying to get him instead of JJ? Just makes me laugh.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Julius Jones barring injury (big sigh) is the least of my worries, we all know the kid can be special. I think the offensive line will be much improved and I wouldn't be shocked if Gerode beats out Johnson for the starting center spot, he's nasty and a lot stronger.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Love to know why so many want to claim Barber is better yet he has never come close to doing what JJ has already done. Has Barber comewithin 2 yds of 200? Has he carried the ball 30+ times in 3 consecutive games to tie an NFL record held by Earl Campbell? If he was such a threat, woudn't other teams be trying to get him instead of JJ? Just makes me laugh.

Agreed!!!!!

 

[Mash]

Julius still has lot to prove...

There have been many football players come and go because they could never stay heathy

Does he have talent?....sure....he looks like he could be a very effective runner.

Does he have talent to be special?......too early to tell seeing how we really haven't seen much of him. IMHO...I dont think he has that "special" trait.

But that doesn't mean he can't be effective and rush over 1000 yrds.