We need a new runningback.

[adamc91115]

this has already been responded to.

statistically our YPC and yards were 13th. I normally consider people that dont want to upgrade mediocrity losers.

OK, but I'm still looking for the upgrade?

And besides, we were right where we should be in YPC... With an average O-line I would expect the YPC to be average, and they are. In fact, a little above average, so I'll take it.

 

[burmafrd]

the two teams in the SB had a lower YPC and fewer rushing yds then Dallas did. Of the 4 teams at the Conference Championship, only NE had a higher ranking then Dallas- they were one spot higher then we were.

 

[ENGCowboy]

barber just wasnt given a shot and alexander took three years to go from a being a good back to mvp. and anyway despite exceptions to the rule normally past performance is the best indicator of future performance.

Exceptions to the rule doesnt disprove it I agree however is 1 more year so much to ask with limited 1st round talent this year and money spent on the OL and a new coaching staff? Giving JJ a chance to be another exception to the rule IMO is the right thing to do. How pissed would you be if he turned into a Pro-Bowler next year with different coaches, system and OL on another team. Yes you cant cling onto players in hope but we wont get a 2nd for him anyway.

 

[lspain1]

This is actually an interesting thread. If you knew next year was going to be about the same at RB would you make a change? Our red zone efforts at running were better last season and we ran the ball well in spots and not so good in others. When you get spotty performances from the same two backs, it means that teams are putting more (or less) emphasis on stopping the run.

I disagree that teams did not stack the box last season. They did...in spots. There were also a lot of run blitzes against us late in the season that could transition to a pass rush quickly.

My biggest complaint about Julius Jones is that he is weak catching passes out of the backfield. For a back that likes the open field, this is a serious weakness and will keep him out of the "elite" back status unless he can improve.

That being said, I'm reluctant to make a change for the sake of change right now. Can we find someone better? Maybe, but not without using a high first day pick, and even that will be "iffy". Barring injury, our OL should be better this season and that should help production some.

 

[Doomsday101]

ive seen enough to already know MB3 isnt an every down back, those who think he is, you are out of your mind.

in 01 when the Patriots won their Superbowl, Antoine Smith was better than JJ and in 04 Corey Dillon rushed for nearly 1700 yards. Again, like i said awesom defense comes to mind.

You have seen enough? Well I guess that is the same as he proved it. I don't know if Barber could carry more of the load or not by the simple fact he has never been given the oppertunity and without that you can't prove jack. He was given a start aginst the Cards and put up 127 yards on 27 carries and that has been about the extent of the chance he has had as a starter.