Position Defended:
Why compare Jones and Stewart?
Felix Jones has much more value than some think, and I used the 3-year Jonathan Stewart comparison to statistically show that. Jonathan Stewart is a very good back, and Felix Jones' numbers during the past three seasons are right there with Stewart. That is a legitimate comparison, and the numbers take any potential bias out of the equation. If people don't want to acknowledge it, they have the right to do so.
Why use the past three years (2009-2011) for the comparison?
Why do you count Felix Jones' 2 playoff games?
Felix Jones only played 6 games in 2008, and he was a leader for Rookie of the Year before he missed the final 10 games. Jones put up 30-266-3 (8.9 YPC; LG 60T). Stewart played that entire year, so comparing the past 3 years (for Jones and Stewart) makes the comparison fair to Felix Jones. Furthermore, it is the most recent 3 years, and that should matter.
In 2009, Stewart rushed the football 221 times (16 games). In 2009, Jones rushed the football 146 times during the regular and post-season (16/18 games). Adding those 2 playoff games, against 2 playoff caliber defenses, gives Felix 16 games for 2009, just like Stewart accrued. That makes the comparison for that year more fair. Jones was the 3rd leading rusher in the playoffs (30-217-1) (7.2 YPC; LG 73T). Again, those 2 games, for Felix, were played against playoff caliber defenses (Eagles and Vikings). I think any team wanting to sign Jones in free agency should acknowledge the 16/18 games. With all due respect, those games were not played against the 2011 Rams or 2011 Bills.
146-902-4 (6.2 YPC) (LG 73T)
169-1073-4 (6.3 YPT) (LG 73T)
202-1799-4 (All-Purpose Yards) (8.9 YPT)
Those are Felix Jones' real 2009 statistics (16/18 games; including 2 playoff games). If playoff performance isn't a good measure for player value, something is wrong. I'm pretty confident that Felix's agent knows those real 2009 statistics, and I'm pretty sure NFL teams will be reminded of those 2 playoff games.
Why didn't you list touchdowns?
As far as the touchdowns go, I think you fail to acknowledge Marion Barber's big contract and Tashard Choice. Moreover, how many offensive linemen were replaced after 2010? How many new offensive line positions do the Cowboys have this year? Obviously, Marion Barber was the primary red-zone back for quite a while. In 2010, Barber and Choice took a significant number of those carries; but Jones was statistically Dallas' best red-zone back. The short yardage/red-zone run blocking has been an issue for a long time. How many TDs did Murray get last year? Jones is certainly capable of punching it in if given some better red-zone run blocking. His first NFL carry was a red-zone TD (11 yards), right up the middle. That was a 9-62 game for Jones. The 2008 offensive line was significantly better than the significantly deteriorated, old 2010 line, too.
Doesn't Jonathan Stewart have a poor team or supporting cast?
The Panthers have one of the best LT and C in the NFL. Their life has been the run, so they have to be good at it. Their guard play couldn't have been worse than 2010 Davis and Kosier or 2011 Nagy/Dockery and Kosier. Plus, they didn't have a done 2010 Colombo at RT. Now, Cam Newton is there, and I expect him to become the best player in the NFL in a short time. The Panthers made the playoffs in 2008, but Stewart was a non-factor in their one game.
2010 was perhaps Jones' best year. While Felix was doing the vast majority of his damage (during the second half of the season), Jon Kitna and Stephen McGee were at QB. Miles Austin dropped 11 passes. Roy Williams was on the road to being re-leased. Dez Bryant was a rookie and was hurt in the Colts game. Again, the 2010 offensive line was significantly deteriorated and old (Davis, Colombo, and Gurode were re-leased in the off-season). Kosier could have been easily re-placed as well.
On Felix Jones' durability:
Felix has only missed 6 games during the past 3 seasons, and he has certainly proven to be more durable than given credit for. Recent history shows that. Just look at how many games some of the other high-profile running backs have missed, especially last year. It's primarily a two back league for a reason. It's a violent game, and RB is a very physically demanding position. Having said that, Felix has missed 16 games; but he has a fifth year on his contract. Before Jones hits the open market, he has an opportunity to play another season.
Production, Demand, Other Contracts, and Potential (Free Agency)
Contracts in the NFL are based off other contracts. Production plays a part in that. Felix's last three seasons compare very favorably with Stewart's last three seasons. That is a plus for Felix right now. Both players have shared carries with their respective teams. Importantly, potential is certainly a part of that evaluation, too. Again, Hudson Houck called Felix Jones a "solid starter".
I'm sure teams like Green Bay, New England, Denver, and Detroit would heavily value a player like Felix Jones. Cut Jones now, and watch those teams go after him, now. You sure can't rule out the Giants or Commanders, either.
Felix Jones sure has more value than the extremely biased Dallas media and some biased, delusional fans try to portray. Cutting one of your best players is beyond stupid, especially when the team is desperate to win now.
The football has been withheld from Jones every year in Dallas, so we shall see how many opportunities he gets this season. I think Bill Callahan could be an x-factor in Jones' favor. Certainly, that is going to be important for him before he hits the open market. Felix is certainly capable of doing extreme damage in the 150-170 rush range, and that should bolster his value in free agency. Furthermore, it keeps his already very low mileage, low.
