Julius Jones- what's your take

[mr.jameswoods]

Some analysts believe that Jones could be gone next season or the one after because BP likes Barber better. I remember 3 years ago that I called Julius Jones a bust because he wouldn't be a tough inside runner. Well, I had to eat my words that season because he was amazing at times. However, I may have to spit out that crow because those earlier comments are looking true.

My question to you is do think JJ has the talent but hasn't been used properly or is truly a "bust" in the sense that he will never a full time starter and consistent 1000 yard rusher in the league. Do you regret not taking Stephen Jackson when we had the chance or do you think Julius Jones will blossom next season if we get a new coach.

 

[TexasAce]

I don't trade him, I keep him until his contract runs out.

I make Barber the starter, and let JJ be the change of pace back.

When it comes time to sign a back to an extension, Barber is the guy to sign.

 

[wileedog]

I think he is what he is. A 2nd round RB who would probably flourish behind a very good O-line, but not a premiere back who can make a line better.

 

[mr.jameswoods]

I think he is what he is. A 2nd round RB who would probably flourish behind a very good O-line, but not a premiere back who can make a line better.

Do you think he has the capability to be a poor mans Barry Sanders because he has quickness and elusive speed. Or do you think he is too injury prone to carry the ball 300+ times and reach that 1500 yard mark?

 

[heavyg]

IMO Jones is good when he runs with a purpose. But most of the time he looks for the whole and if its not there he goes down on first contact. I have seen him at time power through and gain tough yards. But most of the time he seems to avoid that type of running. Of course like I said this is all my opinion.

 

[Doomsday]

I think he is what he is. A 2nd round RB who would probably flourish behind a very good O-line, but not a premiere back who can make a line better.

 

[TexasAce]

Do you think he has the capability to be a poor mans Barry Sanders because he has quickness and elusive speed. Or do you think he is too injury prone to carry the ball 300+ times and reach that 1500 yard mark?

No he's not a poor man's Barry Sanders.

His biggest flaw to me is his lack of vision, for all this "homerun speed" he sure doesn't break very man big runs.

How many times do you watch Barber make something out of nothing with this crazy quick cut ?

JJ doesn't have the vision, and you can't teach that.

 

[Yeagermeister]

A good back that's been overcoached and won't bounce it outside anymore

 

[wileedog]

Do you think he has the capability to be a poor mans Barry Sanders because he has quickness and elusive speed. Or do you think he is too injury prone to carry the ball 300+ times and reach that 1500 yard mark?

I don't think he has anywhere near Barry's balance or vision, which is why he will always be a 2nd tier back.

If you can open up large holes for him, great - he can accellerate through them just fine. But other than that he doesn't create well and he goes down far too easy on contact. People always think about speed and quickness with Barry, but his balance was just amazing - despite his size you couldn't knock him down with a 2x4.

 

[lcharles]

A good back that's been overcoached and won't bounce it outside anymore

:yathink: :fact:

 

[Cbz40]

A good back that's been overcoached and won't bounce it outside anymore

Man you are on the money today.....

 

[Yeagermeister]

Man you are on the money today.....

the sun shines on a dogs arse every once in a while

 

[Cliff]

Do you think he has the capability to be a poor mans Barry Sanders because he has quickness and elusive speed. Or do you think he is too injury prone to carry the ball 300+ times and reach that 1500 yard mark?

he has trouble hittin' 1k a season much less 1500.... regretfully, i, too, thought jj would just need time - that said farrrr toooo inconsistent - not at all reliable.... a failed experiment

 

[Ashwynn]

I truely think Jones could be a special little back. But I think hes timid and afraid to improvise. Not sure if you can get that out of him. As is hes nothing more then a straight ahead runner. Point to a hole and thats where hes going, wether its open of not. More often then not its not open. Thats not good. If he cant get the swivel and juke that we saw in 04 back, we might as well trade him for whatever we can and find a back up/change up to Barber.

I really liked Jones a lor, being a Notre Dame fan, he held a special pride for me personally. But as he is, hes average and needs to be upgraded, wether thats him getting better or getting a better back in here.

edit. I think with a damn good Oline that can open his target hole, even just a little, he could hit the second level of defense and display the swivel and ukes we fell in love with. But he cant juke past the line when they have his ankles 2 yards behind the LOS. If we could massively upgrade the Oline, Jones could blossom into a rich mans Barry sanders.

 

[JohnnyHopkins]

A good back that's been overcoached and won't bounce it outside anymore

That's spot on, dude!

 

[Yeagermeister]

I truely think Jones could be a special little back. But I think hes timid and afraid to improvise. Not sure if you can get that out of him. As is hes nothing more then a straight ahead runner. Point to a hole and thats where hes going, wether its open of not. More often then not its not open. Thats not good. If he cant get the swivel and juke that we saw in 04 back, we might as well trade him for whatever we can and find a back up/change up to Barber.

I really liked Jones a lor, being a Notre Dame fan, he held a special pride for me personally. But as he is, hes average and needs to be upgraded, wether thats him getting better or getting a better back in here.

edit. I think with a damn good Oline that can open his target hole, even just a little, he could hit the second level of defense and display the swivel and ukes we fell in love with. But he cant juke past the line when they have his ankles 2 yards behind the LOS. If we could massively upgrade the Oline, Jones could blossom into a rich mans Barry sanders.

He did those things his rookie year but he also made some negative plays. He's been so overcoached to not make negative plays he won't follow his intincts.

 

[Clove]

3 things that made Emmitt Emmitt. Durability, vision, tackle breaking ability. Jones has none of those.

 

[TexasAce]

He did those things his rookie year but he also made some negative plays. He's been so overcoached to not make negative plays he won't follow his intincts.

Apparently Barber must ignore Parcells when he tries to overcoach him too.

 

[Ashwynn]

He did those things his rookie year but he also made some negative plays. He's been so overcoached to not make negative plays he won't follow his intincts.

Exactly. Thats what I am saying, I dont know if you can get him back to being instinctive. If you cant, you can open a hole and let him play with the LBers and corners 5 yards downfield. Hes good at that, but he cant get past the line as he is. Cause of Parcells. But even with sanders, he had negitive plays. If you want rewards, you gotta take risks. Parcells wont. A new coach might take his blinders off, if thats possible. I just dont know what to do with him now that hes screwed up. Can he be fixed or can you fix the Oline to allow him to operate effectively as he is?

 

[Yeagermeister]

Apparently Barber must ignore Parcells when he tries to overcoach him too.

I have wondered that myself. If you look at JJ in his rookie year you see a cut back, improv, and exciting player. It's either been coached out of him or he can't do those things anymore. IMO it's coaching.