JJ what happen

[Jimz31]

I still think that it is more O-line than anything. Not only the fact that Barber is getting the draw play that JJ got last year.

 

[burmafrd]

A healthy JJ running HIS way is a better back then MB at running the ball. As it is right now, MB seems to be a little better. If JJ was completely healthy he would have a slight edge now. MB's main problem is that he does not have as high a top end speed- he will never break a 40-50 yd run.

 

[burmafrd]

When the O line is lousy. usually the quicker back has the edge. But this year JJ is not as quick as he was.

 

[Sarge]

I still think that it is more O-line than anything. Not only the fact that Barber is getting the draw play that JJ got last year.

The OL is indeed awful - but Barber runs with a fervor that is lacking this yr in JJ IMO/FWIW.

 

[Martice]

The ankle will probably not heal completely till the offseason. But I think bulking up like he did has affected his balance and quickness and flexibility- and add to that BP getting into his head like he has and intimidating him into not taking chances and playing it safe running the ball.

Hmm... I don't know burmafrd. In his short career, hasn't MBIII caused some to worry about his ability to hold on to the ball? I would think the one who should be looking tense and tight is MBIII based on his ball dropping episodes. Why would BP need to pulll in the reigns on JJ?

I don't buy this theory. Sorry.

 

[Jimz31]

A healthy JJ running HIS way is a better back then MB at running the ball. As it is right now, MB seems to be a little better. If JJ was completely healthy he would have a slight edge now. MB's main problem is that he does not have as high a top end speed- he will never break a 40-50 yd run.

I couldn't believe that he was caught from behind.....

 

[burmafrd]

BP spent all of training camp talking about not having negative runs and pushing JJ to not take chances and run where the play is designed to go. Then he yanked MB during a game for taking a chance and blowing it. I do not see EITHEr MB or JJ taking those kind of chances- and it is hurting the team.

 

[MinnesotaCowboy]

BP has so completely intimidated JJ that he is afraid of making a mistake. BP seems to finally be realizing that sometimes his mind games backfires- but JJ is still running without the abandon of last year. I think BP needs to have a sitdown with him and let him know that he is allowed to take some chances and will not be pulled if he does take a couple and it does not work out. I think that is the only way it will happen.

My sentiments exactly......I have said this in several threads over the past couple of months. BP's reverse psychology has certainly reduced him to a runner with no confidence. I think his ankle still bothers him a bit plus he is scared to death that he will fumble. If you have noticed he cradles the ball with both hands from the time he gets the ball until he gets hit. You can't run very fast or cut sharply when you have both hands on the ball so tightly! Just an old timer's opinion! :

 

[zagnut]

I agree, They need to give him more pitchouts and sweeps instead of all these slashes and dives up the middle. Plus the fact that he is probably a little banged up and has a OL that is below average...

I'm not sure we have the OTs to have good feelings about those types of plays. A pitchout with this group could be a disaster. The D is getting such a jump on nearly every snap some of those pitches would end up being interceptions.

But I do agree JJ has the capacity to excel on those kinds of runs. He has the ability to do well on runs anywhere.

 

[Concord]

Barber runs with fire in his eyes. Julius runs not to make mistakes.

If it hasn't happened this week, JJ is going to lose the starting job eventually.

Agreed...Remember when I think Bradshaw said this earlier in the season and people were pissed off at him?

Looks like he was right.

 

[zagnut]

How is it so many folks here have insight into Julius' psyche?

More so than the Marion-gets-all-the-Draws arguement, it's Marion gets the ball when the D is playing for the pass. The Draw is irrelevant. Julius (or any primary back) needs to be able to get 3-4 yards when the D is geared up for it. He did last year. He's not doing it this year consistently for whatever reason. The big plays aren't here like last year, but neither are the little or medium plays.

The fact that Marion is doing something with his opportunities is the bonus.

 

[Chuck 54]

Come on guys...it's much more simple than you are seeing. JJ is now a part time runner. He sometimes doesn't make his decisions fast enough while MBIII seems to make all the right decisions on the run.

Why isn't JJ getting more of the nice draws? Because unlike last season, he isn't in there on 3rd down or passing situations...Barber is a better receiver and blocker...thus he's in there more to run the draws.

Julius will either wimper away with his tail between his legs, or he'll come out fighting for his life in Dallas next year...maybe next week. Right now you can say whatever you want about ability, last year, the OL, the calls, whatever...it doesn't matter...right now MBIII is making more plays for us than Julius...No one can say that isn't so.

 

[Sarge]

How is it so many folks here have insight into Julius' psyche?

More so than the Marion-gets-all-the-Draws arguement, it's Marion gets the ball when the D is playing for the pass. The Draw is irrelevant. Julius (or any primary back) needs to be able to get 3-4 yards when the D is geared up for it. He did last year. He's not doing it this year consistently for whatever reason. The big plays aren't here like last year, but neither are the little or medium plays.

The fact that Marion is doing something with his opportunities is the bonus.

All I know is...I feel a lot more comfortable when MBIII is in there.

 

[Martice]

All I know is...I feel a lot more comfortable when MBIII is in there.

I feel a lot more comfortable when you are on the board Sarge.

:laugh2:

 

[BlueStar22]

Richie Anderson was on pre-game today and basically sttd that he believes JJ is not over that ankle and won't be until training camp next summer after it has had time to heal.

 

[wileedog]

It's so obvious that it is ridiculous. One would think that they would have gone back to look at last year and figured this out.

Give JJ his bread & butter play..... :bang2:

JJ could run just fine between the tackles last year, or on the stretch play to the outside. He wasn't a one trick pony last year.

He's clearly lacking a burst this year. I don't know if its the injury or if he bulked up too much in the offseason, but he is noticablely slower to the hole, and more importantly doesn't look nearly as dangerous those times when he does break into the 2nd level.

This isn't about play calling, JJ is clearly a different back.

 

[zack]

What happened to him? Nothing. He is not healthy. If you think he is even near a 100%, your fooling yourself. Have you watched his older brother lately? He looks a lot faster than JJ does today. Last year, it was a different story. JJ was way quicker.

It would have been better if he just broke the leg. High ankle sprains are nasty. wanna bet he has surgery in the off season.

Other than that, Barber is playing better and should get more time.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Barber runs with fire in his eyes. Julius runs not to make mistakes.

Drop a few pounds. Rehab the ankle. Next year, good as new.