I've always been a fan of Houston's and thought he had a bit of potential and Washington has been a nice surprise so after today's game and after what I've seen of both this season I have to wonder if we really do need to draft a running back. Personally I think these two could be a pretty good duo and tough to defend since they compliment each other so well. Now I'm not saying we shouldn't consider drafting a RB but just wondering aloud if we need to. If we can improve the line more and continue the progress with the passing game that should help the running game quite a bit too. I know there are people out here with a bit more knowledge on the RB's we might be able to get in the draft so I'd be interested in hearing other thoughts on the subject.
I like both of them, Houston's block on the blitzing linebacker for Bakers touchdown was a thing of beauty. I just think they dont get any love on here due to the fact that Ced was a 6th round pick and Leon a 4th rounder. I mean Terrel Davis was a 6th round pick and look where he ended up. On this board you have to have been a 1st round pick at RB to get any love. The thing for me is complete the o-line with a big RT like Blalock and Ced and Leon could be pretty damn good
There have been a number of threads started on this recently - even yesterday. But anyway, I think if the tandem continues to play the way they are, it is more about putting better personnel around them as opposed to drafting a front line RB. I would bet Mangini goes for putting better people around what we have. I think Blaylock and possibly Barlow will be unloaded after this year; hopefully in a package deal that includes JMac - this way we can sell it as "Here's a JMac to go with our Arbees." We would likely draft a RB in the third or forth round as backup and depth, at least in the rookie year, then play him more as he earns time.
They both showed some nice blitz pickups in yesterdays game as pointed out by Vassel. That was nice to see, as it has been a weak point for both in the past. My concern with Houston has always been his style. He seems to run often times straight up and looks to punish defenders rather than to make them miss. This is not always a bad thing, but it is a good way to get injured (which we have seen from him the last two years). I have high hopes for him but I'd like to see a bit more work from him before annointing him the next coming. My fingers are crossed though. As for Washington, I do not yet see the every down back that others do. I like his speed and he seems to see the holes well but seems to go down rather easily. With all of that said, I saw improvements in both guys yesterday, so maybe I'm full of s**t and they'll both in Canton..... hmy:
I don't really see Washington as an every down back either though I don't have any real basis to make that statement . I also don't necessarily see Houston being a hall of famer but a nice solid RB.. I do think there styles blend together nicely and that using them together we might get a "complete" RB.
I forgot about the "check" feature before I clicked submit but I did go back four pages in checking out the posts and didn't really see anything. I agree that Blaylock and Barlow are probably on their way out. I'd actually would like to see JMac stay and see what the trio of him, Cotchery, and Coles can do. JMac does have more ability then people give him credit for at times but he does seem to not be as aggressive a receive in going for the ball as Coles and Cotchery. If he continues to play STs and make plays when his number is called he will be tough call but his cap number might dictate his worth.
Keep Barlow inactive! PLEASE! I don't think the Jets need to draft RB with Houston and Leon around but I wouldn't be surprised to see them take one, even in the first round. I think the next draft is just gonna be best player available throughout.
They do make a nice tandem. I'd be surprised if Tangini goes for an RB early though. We still have some big needs.... better run blocking at RT and RG, still a true NT would be nice, as would a true 3-4 DE.... Kimo and Hamilton are old as the hills. I'd be thrilled if Blalock fell to us, but he'll be a top ten pick when it's all said and done. Woodley would be nice too... I think the FO will look for a later round RB, and get rid of Balylock and Barlow. Leon and Ced have really gotten better at protecting Pennington... the impact of what good coaching combined with good kids, coachable players.... so far I see this team being built the same way the Pats were built. Quietly, efficiently.
I would love to see them do what you've suggested. So far they do seem to have a pretty good plan for trying to build the team but then again I always thought this team had a bit more talent then last year's record showed.
i will admit and say that we needed a runningback a couple of weeks ago b/c our running game just wasnt working but now i am 100% behind houston and i think that neon is a good compliment to houstons running style as well
Combine both of their skill sets & you would have a pretty good RB. I don't really believe either one of them has the ability to be an every down franchise RB though. I've never been a big fan of the RBBC approach, I suppose it can work but I would rather have the one RB than can do it all. I do believe that RB remains a high priority for the offseason & depending how the draft breaks very well might be our first round pick or the very latest on of our seconds..
