Raiders' Jordan admits not studying blocking schemes NAPA, Calif. (AP) -- Coming off the most productive season of his NFL career, Oakland Raiders running back LaMont Jordan made a startling admission this week when he acknowledged he hadn't even studied the team's blocking schemes in 2005. That Jordan still managed to rush for 1,025 yards while finishing second on the team with 70 receptions was noteworthy, but the numbers weren't nearly enough to push him into the class of elite running backs. Neither did it do much to help an anemic offense that was 29th in the NFL in rushing, 23rd in scoring and 28th in time of possession. Jordan vows that won't happen again. "I'm a lot more focused this year," said Jordan, who led Oakland with 11 touchdowns last season. "Last year I was ready for them to put in a certain type of run game (and) I never really did make the adjustment and say, 'Hey, this is what they're going to do so this is what I have to do."' That certainly wasn't what the Raiders had in mind when they signed Jordan as a free agent to a five-year, $27.5 million contract in March 2005. A backup to Curtis Martin in New York, Jordan jumped at the opportunity to become a full-time starter in the NFL and vowed to breathe life back into the Raiders' moribund running game. That plan never came to fruition, though Jordan had varying degrees of success throughout the season. He was the only player in the NFL to rank in the top 20 in rushing yards, receptions, total yards from scrimmage, first downs and in scoring. Jordan had three 100-yard games and nearly doubled his career rushing total before a turf toe injury sidelined him for the final two games of the regular season. Had he spent more time in the film room, Jordan admits, he might have been able to do more. What also should help Jordan and the rest of the Raiders offense is a renewed commitment to the running game by coach Art Shell and offensive coordinator Tom Walsh. Under previous coach Norv Turner, Oakland's offense sputtered and frequently misfired. As a team, the Raiders ran the ball fewer than 18 times in seven games during the 2005 season; in three others they had 23 rushing attempts or less. Conversely, the Raiders had 29 attempts or more in three of the team's four wins. "I think this offense is definitely geared more toward my running style," Jordan said. "Last year we did a lot more running sideways which I didn't like nor did the linemen like. This year you can tell Coach Shell's mentality is downhill power football." Jordan spent the offseason recovering from the turf toe injury while dealing with the reality that he was sitting out the postseason for only the second time in his five NFL seasons. In an attempt to get stronger and more durable to handle the rigors of a 16-game season, Jordan also renovated his workout regimen, adding yoga and boxing to his list. The Raiders also plan to give Justin Fargas more playing time in an effort to keep Jordan healthy. Getting better acquainted with the playbook should help Jordan even more. "He admitted that there were some things that he didn't understand about what (linemen) were doing blocking-wise," Shell said. "It's important for the back to know exactly what the scheme is on each particular play so that he can make adjustments and know where the point of attack is, and he'll adjust off of what he sees as he's moving toward the point of attack."
It's kind of funny how he acts like he just figured this out. He did spend four seasons backing up Curtis Martin a future HOFer with a legendary work ethic.
Maybe he was just used to holding up the gatorade jug in practice and games when he was with us. Why would he need to study when he isn't sniffing the field.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/specials/preview/2005/scout.report/raiders.html During his four years with the Jets, LaMont Jordan learned everything he could from fellow running back Curtis Martin. When coaches counseled Martin during games, Jordan eavesdropped on the conversations. When Martin carried the ball, Jordan studied how the five-time Pro Bowl player read blocks and found running lanes. There were even nights when Jordan watched how Martin handled his celebrity at swank New York City nightspots. Jordan wanted to know how to deal with the spotlight because he believed his time was coming -- and he wanted to be ready. Though excited about his new opportunity, Jordan won't go easy on himself. He says he's a perfectionist and won't tolerate dropping a pass or missing his assignment on a blitz. Having to sit behind a perennial 1,000-yard rusher for four years will do that to a man. Yet Jordan maintains he wouldn't trade that experience. A second-round draft selection out of Maryland with a questionable work ethic, he says he grew up during his time in New York with help from Martin and Richie Anderson, then a fullback with the team. "If it wasn't for guys like Curtis and Richie, I wouldn't still be in the league," Jordan says. "They taught me how to be a professional."
Jeez, I was just trying to be a smart-ass, but you have to go and bold it for me. So now, Jordan is just some lazy ass who made his money and doesn't care. Slacker! :smile:
The headline is deceiving, he never said he didn't study, he said he didn't understand it. It was probably like, "I don't understand why Adam Treu and Brad Badger are getting pushed into the backfield every time I try to carry the ball!"
Shell has come out and said that he doesnt know if he will be able to give lamont the 23-29 carries per game that Lamont wants. Raiders coach Art Shell isn't so sure he'll get LaMont Jordan's desired "23-26" carries a game. Jordan is obsessed with those numbers, saying the exact same ones were needed last year for him to be effective. Shell said he was going to get Justin Fargas more carries this season. Source: San Francisco Chronicle
I saw a video of the conversation when Shell said that. By the same token he said he expects Jordan to be in the 1300-1400 yard range. He just didn't want to commit to a number of carries per game. He thinks it's important for a team to have at least two backs so you can keep the main guy fresh. Whether or not Fargas can fill that role is one of the Raiders' major question marks going into the season...
yea but even with that said im glad we didnt pay him.. the guy looks sluggish everytime i see a raider game including last night. i like the 3 backs we have now better than jordan..and if they dont workout we will be in the market for a premier prospect (ala draft).
Shit happens. If he had to run behind a beat up line he wouldn't have as many yards as he did. Nice sig by the way.
