Running backs need to get a rhythm going just like a quarterback. If you give a running back the ball enough, things are going to happen for him. Some backs have good days and others don't. Just for the sake of an example, was Barry Sanders a scrub because Green Bay held him to -2 yards in the playoffs? So, with that being said, once again, I stress patience. Leon is going to be the franchise, some of you can already see it, some refuse to. I guess we'll all know better when he can show us rather than me telling you all.
here we go again ... complaints about the running game... we won the game ... the rb commitee is fine ... there are 2 young players out there... give them a chance to grow
That's the point I'm trying to make! Let the 2 young backs grow, and get the useless Barlow out of there. We have a fine running game if we just let Leon and Cedric handle the carries, Barlow is trash.
I don't know if size is the biggest concern with Leon becoming the franchise RB. Although that is a major concern I think the bigger concern is the ball security issue he seems to have. He seems to be a fumbler & we know Mangini won't stand for fumbling from the RB position. I think Leon will have a nice future with the Jets but not as our franchise RB. I agree with the crowd who believes RB will be a top priority in the offseason.
If we are ever going to go any where in the playoff's they have to decide on a running back or running back tandem that will put up yards and eat clock when needed. We all suffered through times when Curtis couldn?t seem to get past the line of scrimmage and was always getting blasted and going side ways at first contact, it happens, but they committed to the run and eventually Curtis and the run game broke it loose and I am referring the year Curtis had 1094 yard rushing. Just like Mangini is committed to Chad they need to commit to a running back and stick with him any one of those backs could have put up 27 yards with continuous hand off's but id have to say there would have been more rushing yards if they stuck with one back during the game.
I agree. I haven't seen anything out of our backfield that says we don't draft a bluechip RB if one comes available this offseason. No more retreads like Barlow. I think another poster pointed out that they feed Barlow early on to shut him up, then they bring in the Houston/Washington Combo. BTW, who's #44? He reminds me of Riggins somewhat and I'd like to see him get a shot as well since we're doing RBC.
I agree...3 running backs is too much. When Barlow is in you know the run is going up the gut, with Leon it is (usually) outside and Cedric is off-tackle. I am not sure what Barlow has done to be in the mix (except for one decent game in NE). From the news reports he is a big Mangini supporter so he is probably getting some extra chances. Either that or he looks good in practice, but can't get it going in the games. I think Ced and Leon can make a good combo for this year. Next year I'd like to see a feature back or at worst and Dallas Situation where one guy gets most of the carries between the 10s (Jones) and then another guy is strictly the hammer (Barber).
I think the offensive line is more important than a blue chip RB. Only a few RBs are truly difference-makers (LT2, LJ, T.Barber, Alexander). Most successful RBs have good vision and a good offensive line.
i like leon and cedric more than barlow...i think all 3 should be on audition for next year...im hoping leon and cedric are the ones around in 07. im a fan of these guys.
