Julius' Rookie Year to Now: A Theory

[YosemiteSam]

Upper body strength is more important. Look at Barber and Emmitt Smith stiffarms where as both have toothpicks for legs.

You're psycho. Emmitt's legs were huge. Emmitt was 5'9 215lbs. I'm several inches taller and weight over 20lbs less and I'm not small. 215lbs is damn thick for being 5'9. Several places claim he was 5'10, but my brother is 5'9 and they were the same height when standing next to each other.

 

[THEHEREAFTER]

Didn't read the whole thread but I'm not buying the OP's "theory" although it deserves merit. It doesn't explain JJ's lack of vision. That's his main issue. I still see a burst and explosion every now and then. I think he still runs like a robot and does not have instinctive vision and "feel." When MBII gets the ball, watch the split second that transpires the minute he gets it. As impressive as barbers "barbarian" punishing style is, I'm moreso impressed with his vision and the way he reads the hole which is something JJ lacks. I don't think JJ's problems are physical. They're mental/instinctive issues in hitting the whole or bouncing to daylight. What's so frustrating is that I thought this was one of his best attributes his rookie year. JJ was simply sick especially off the draw in reading the whole.

 

[StanleySpadowski]

Here's a theory - Both Barber and Jones are pretty good NFL running backs.

Jones isn't putting up spectacular numbers because he isn't getting the carries that the premier running backs are and he's not getting the easy fourth quarter yards.


If Jones was toting the rock in the fourth quarter of games, he'd probably be leading the league in rushing and everyone would be shouting what a steal he was from the roof tops.

Jones also leads the league in yardage lost by penalty on a percentage basis of all the major backs in the league.

 

[theogt]

Jones isn't putting up spectacular numbers because he isn't getting the carries that the premier running backs are and he's not getting the easy fourth quarter yards.


If Jones was toting the rock in the fourth quarter of games, he'd probably be leading the league in rushing and everyone would be shouting what a steal he was from the roof tops.

They're not playing "situational" roles anymore. So, they're both getting carries in the 4th quarter. Actually, Jones has had more drives (in which he's either had a reception or rush) than Barber in the 4th quarter.

4th Quarter Drives:
Barber - 10
Jones - 11

4th Quarter YPC:
Barber - 7.4
Jones - 3.7

 

[silverblue]

Here's a theory - Both Barber and Jones are pretty good NFL running backs.

Jones isn't putting up spectacular numbers because he isn't getting the carries that the premier running backs are and he's not getting the easy fourth quarter yards.


If Jones was toting the rock in the fourth quarter of games, he'd probably be leading the league in rushing and everyone would be shouting what a steal he was from the roof tops.

Jones also leads the league in yardage lost by penalty on a percentage basis of all the major backs in the league.

Agree totally. Jones has had 54 yards of rushing called back on 4 carries and Barber has had 9 yards called back on 3 carries. It doesn't even out the average yards all the way, but considering when they are running, Jones is doing pretty well and I am happy with our dual attack for over 100 yards of rushing per game.

I think if Jones and Barbers roles were flip-flopped, the numbers would probably flip flop too. Of course the style of runner that barber is will always appeal more to the average fan.

 

[adamknite]

Jones also leads the league in yardage lost by penalty on a percentage basis of all the major backs in the league.

no joke, seems like everytime the poor guy busts a long run or long reception.... "HOLDING DALLAS" it must be frustrating. I wonder if it'd be possible for somebody to calculate how many more yards he'd have if it wasn't for penalties.

 

[silverblue]

no joke, seems like everytime the poor guy busts a long run or long reception.... "HOLDING DALLAS" it must be frustrating. I wonder if it'd be possible for somebody to calculate how many more yards he'd have if it wasn't for penalties.

54 yards from a quick tally from play by plays on nfl.com. might be a little more or less but considering he only has 296 yards rushing this year, that is huge.

 

[adamknite]

54 yards from a quick tally from play by plays on nfl.com. might be a little more or less but considering he only has 296 yards rushing this year, that is huge.

it's enough to take his average from 3.8 to a 4.3 YPC if those 54 yards are all rushing yards that is.

 

[Rack]

it's enough to take his average from 3.8 to a 4.3 YPC if those 54 yards are all rushing yards that is.

Nevermind that he likely got those yards in the first place BECAUSE of the holding penalty...

 

[adamknite]

Nevermind that he likely got those yards in the first place BECAUSE of the holding penalty...

True, also have to take that into consideration. good point.

 

[Doomsday101]

If we added stats to every player whose play was called back because of a penalty a lot more guys stats would look much better. It is a bit of a reach using plays called back as could have been yards for Jones. Does Barber get those yards as well? Bottom line Barber has 84 carries for 479 and a 5.7 avg and Jones has 78 carries for 296 and a 3.8. Last year all I heard was well Jones has more carries which is why his avg is less than Barber well that is no longer the case. The coaches may keep things as is with Jones as the starter but right now Jones is only the starter in name only.

 

[Rack]

True, also have to take that into consideration. good point.

If anything, the fact that it seems the OL gets called for more penalties when JuJo gets the ball shows that they OL feels they have to do a little extra for him in order to get positive yards.

It's a possibility.

 

[YosemiteSam]

Agree totally. Jones has had 54 yards of rushing called back on 4 carries and Barber has had 9 yards called back on 3 carries. It doesn't even out the average yards all the way, but considering when they are running, Jones is doing pretty well and I am happy with our dual attack for over 100 yards of rushing per game.

The question is, did he get those 54 yards because of the penalty called? Holding on rushing plays is generally because a defender is in position to make the tackle.

 

[adamknite]

If we added stats to every player whose play was called back because of a penalty a lot more guys stats would look much better. It is a bit of a reach using plays called back as could have been yards for Jones. Does Barber get those yards as well? Bottom line Barber has 84 carries for 479 and a 5.7 avg and Jones has 78 carries for 296 and a 3.8. Last year all I heard was well Jones has more carries which is why his avg is less than Barber well that is no longer the case. The coaches may keep things as is with Jones as the starter but right now Jones is only the starter in name only.

hey.... I'm on your side, lolZ.

I was just saying it's sad that every time he makes a big play it gets called back. I just thought it'd be interesting to see just how many yards he had that got wiped off the boards.... I completely believe MB3 is the better back at this point.

 

[adamknite]

If anything, the fact that it seems the OL gets called for more penalties when JuJo gets the ball shows that they OL feels they have to do a little extra for him in order to get positive yards.

It's a possibility.

Yeah, but it could be a possibility that the penalty (holding or otherwise) had nothing to do with the run at all, maybe it happened somewhere that had no effect on the yards Julius gained or maybe they were all just terrible calls

That's a bit more of a stretch though..... lolZ

I just feel sorry for the guy, even if the only reason he got the yards was because of the penalty, it still has to be disheartening to have every big play you make called back.

 

[khiladi]

I don't think it has anything to do with his whole running style going in the toilet, but I do agree about his legs. It's kind of a clue when he's wearing all the sleeveless t-shirts in camp. Why? His teammates don't give a crap how big his arms are. But I guess he's proud of them.

Vinny Testaverde I believe squats over 400 lbs, and look how long his career has lasted. Guy looks like he just doesn't want to stop playing football...

 

[silverblue]

The question is, did he get those 54 yards because of the penalty called? Holding on rushing plays is generally because a defender is in position to make the tackle.

so far this year, holding calls against us have seemed pretty random whether they had much to do with the play or not We all know the refs can call holding on pretty much any play they want to inthe nfl.

Most of these were in the chicago game, but I don't remember the actual holds whether they were to spring a run or not.

 

[Spectre]

Sorry but this isn't correct.


So yeah, your chicken leg theory is incorrect.

Actually, you supported my theory exactly, IMO.

Everyone of those guys has thin, but VERY cut legs.

The difference is, I must be referring more to the lower leg where as you are referring to the upper.
All those guys have huge upper legs with big thighs but vey skinny lower legs with small calves/ankles.

 

[jackrussell]

I believe it was me. I think this is the part your talking about.
From NFL.com on Julius Jones' negatives coming out of Notre Dame:

Not really a self-motivated player and does not take well to hard coaching … Is just a little too lazy digesting the playbook … Has adequate power, but not enough to take on defenders one-on-one … Not mentally tough, letting minor injuries linger … Just used on screens, as he is a marginal route runner who looks late for the ball … Needs to protect the ball better and show better anticipation for contact … Will sometimes run up the back of the offensive lineman, but has enough pick-and-slide agility to gain yards inside … Prone to go down from the initial tackle, especially when defenders attack his feet … Has good foot quickness and change-of-direction agility, but is not sudden off cuts, gathering himself before accelerating.

That was it.

And I don't see any difference between now and then.

 

[Rack]

Actually, you supported my theory exactly, IMO.

Everyone of those guys has thin, but VERY cut legs.

The difference is, I must be referring more to the lower leg where as you are referring to the upper.
All those guys have huge upper legs with big thighs but vey skinny lower legs with small calves/ankles.

Either you're in denial or you need to get your eyes checked cuz not a single one of those guys had "chicken legs". Not even freakin' CLOSE.