Why the big game for Julius?

[VoR]

I think it's 2 reasons:

1. Parcells finally let him start and finish a game as the starter for the first time since he came back from injury. No looking over his shoulder at ,and getting less carries because of Barber.

2. Gurode over Rivera. Gurode, despite his other shortcomings, is a roadgrader. Even if they're not running to his side he's still pushing guys forward. Rivera is a finesse type guard who would fit well in San Francisco.

 

[goshan]

He ran totally different from the start. Had the quickness, vision and burst. Didn't hold the ball with two hands all the time and wasn't afraid to make a cut back.

Oline was a little better but it was mostly Julius.

His ankle felt better and his confidence is up is my guess.

 

[Alexander]

Let the coach answer you:

Did Julius look different?
I’ve kind of seen that in practice the last 2-3 weeks. Everyone can keep blaming his ankle from 12 weeks ago, but I stopped doing that a long time ago. He needed to get his confidence up and get going, and he got a little good fortune getting loose and then you play with a little more confidence.

But he did look like a different back.

Trust me, he’s been able to run like that for the last month, he just wasn’t doing it. Whether its confidence or whatever it is, its hard to get your finger on it. I never lost confidence in him.