I have a tough football question which I am not sure of the answer. This is applicable to the Jets with regards to Cedric Houston running the ball last year. The question is "Is it easier or harder to run the ball in garbage time?" Some would say it is easier because all the defensive players are backups. Some would say it is harder because the other team knows you are going to run the ball. Which do you think is more accurate?
Definitely easier. Teams may know you're going to run the ball, but when they know they are beaten, they very often don't care and play soft. This leads to a lot of broken tackles and big runs. READ: LaMont Jordan when he was on the Jets.
It really depends on the game, IMO. Jordan actually got a fairly surprising number of carries at the end of second halves when he was a Jet... something like 40% of his carries came in "other than the 4th quarter" if I recall correctly. It depneds I think, on how worn down the defense is. If they have been on the field a lot, and are tired, it's easier. If the TOP is about equal, they know the run is coming, and it's more difficult. When Jordan was brought in at the goal line, early in games, he had no chance... the defense knew he would get the ball. When Martin was in, they had to be ready for anything... fade passes, etc. That's why Jordan got an unfair rap as not being a good goal line guy. Herm made sure that the offense was predictable based on the players he had out there.
Why is this specifically focused on Cedric? He started the final 4 or so games last year, which means he was running during both garbage and non-garbage time. Also, the context is important. If a team is up by 20 or down by 20 one of the sides is going to be demoralized, which may effect the motivation to perform. Therefore the ability to rush the ball depends on the situation.
Its a toss up, but I kinda tend to agree it might be easier. Not to say teams always dog it in garbage time, but the normal intensity of a close game is by no means there. Frankly, I really wasn't that impressed with Houston last year, or this. I think he's a capable backup, but by no means ever a feature back.
no one knows what Barlowe can really do behind a good O line. He's got size, and decent speed. Not to say we have a good O line ourselves, because its a work in progress, but I'm hoping its not as bad as the ones he's run behind in SF.
