McKnight's perfomrance reminded me of what Woodhead did against Philly two years in a row in preseason games. Playing against lower level talent, they both shined and put up impressive numbers. You can spin that, saying Philly had 2nd and 3rd stringers in, but Woodhead was running behind 2nd and 3rd stringers too. McKnight had a better O line in front of him at Buffalo. Having said that, he did look very good. As good as Woodhead did. Woodhead has gone on to prove those Philly games were not flukes. After seeing McKnight, I don't think his performance was a fluke either. There was a lot of McKnight hate here, me included, after he showed up out of shape and seemed to have a less than endearing work ethic early on. That was never ever a question with Woodhead. McKnight wasn't alone, Greene showed up out of shape, maybe thinking his playoff run was some sort of given he had arrived. He still doesn't have the burst he had last year. He was never a fast RB, but he was quicker last year. Why mention Woodhead at all? Because they will always be compared. I had concerns about McKnight, legit ones. Being the most highly recruited football player out of high school, he did have a little bit of "silver spoon" attitude, as proven by how out of shape he was at mini camp. Based on his play last week, and comments from Rex, it seems he has decided to get motivated. McKnight carried risk as a high draft pick and he dropped. Apparently a lot of teams questioned his desire, maybe talent as well. In that respect, while McKnight's ceiling is higher than Woodhead's, Woodhead was a known, a kid who would do ANYTHING to play in the NFL. That made him a lower risk. It's far too early to declare that McKnight has arrived and will develop to his full potential based on one game against a gawd awful team, but it does appear that he has made the committment to be an NFL RB. That is a good thing. I still have some doubts, but not as much as before. He still has much to prove.
It was a great coming out game for Joe, but face it I could run behind our offensive line and against that Bills D line and hit 100+ ..I want to see him do great things and succeed but am not taking this game as what his potential is. I want to see him play a better defense or hvae a big run in the playoffs or show us something more before I say he's going to be a good NFL RB
First the McKnight haters complained about his conditioning.....then, when his number is called...and shows considerable improvement.....the competition wasn't good enough. Guys....he's made considerable improvements over the course of the year.....he's obviously not ready to be a featured back....but the potential is certainly there, imo. Give the kid some props....he deserves it.
He had one friggin good game against a team that had packed it in! I'd say the jury is still out on this guy.
obviously 1 game isn't a true measure, but the point is you can see he has something to offer and was more then worth a 4th rounder. it was amazing how everyone wrote him off for no reason
McKnight still has plenty to prove. I never said he didn't. This thread is for everyone that said he was a wasted pick.
Man I really wanted Blount in the draft. And when he went undrafted I was praying the Jets would sign him. I know he had character issues but his talent was VERY GOOD. A LT, Greene, Blount, and Mcknight trio would have been amazing and when LT was gone we could have had Greene and Blount being the punishers and Mcknight a change of pace back and a receiveing threat
On McKnight I tend to agree with Mr. E. Not sure how some people form their expectations, but I've seen a lot of exagerated comments. To each their own, but I think Joe gets his share. It is kinda like when I see the Jets defense sucks comments. Sure there are holes, and places to improve, but if Jets D sucks I kinda feel sorry for brand X. The rookie I wanted to watch on this list was Ben Tate... oh well. And I don't feel like I could cheer on Blount.
When you compare a player's lack of production to other players' lack of production you are making excuses. Right now he is a valuable special teams player, which is not unreasonable for a 1st yr 4th rounder. I think it is a little early to even fantasize about using the word "steal" though. As WSW has been saying, just wait until he has actually done something more than have one productive game in the best possible circumstances before you begin this conversation.
Danny Woodhead would've gained 300 yards and scored 8 TDs vs. the Bills and cured cancer at halftime.
Come on, if McKnight busted 2 big runs we'd be hearing "if you take away his 2 best runs he only averaged 2.6 ypc." Why, because he punched somebody?
I find it amazing that almost every back in the entire class is injured, already labeled injury prone or has had durability concerns at some point since leaving HS.
Does anyone know how to hold up a piece of paper to a screen and block out the defense and just look at what McKnight did by himself? Forget the fact that he was running behind the Jets 2nd string OL, or that he was playing the Bills shit run defense. Just look at what he was doing alone, and tell me he doesn't have potential to kick ass. And if he was a small white dude he'd already be the second coming. Chrebet Syndrome has a lot of people by the fucking balls.
