Leon Washington making case to be Jets' RB of present -- and future By DENNIS WASZAK Jr., AP Sports Writer October 25, 2006 HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) -- Leon Washington can no longer walk into the locker room anonymously, put on his uniform and pads and head out to the practice field the way he did at the beginning of the season. The New York Jets rookie running back with the flashy moves and the big, bright smile draws crowds to his locker these days. "Football is fun," said a beaming Washington, surrounded by nearly a dozen reporters and a handful of cameras Wednesday. Washington has rushed for over 100 yards in two of the last three games and, more importantly, might have established himself as the Jets' running back of the present -- and future. The urgency for Curtis Martin to recover from his knee injury and get back on the field lessens with each productive game by Washington. "It's been pretty good," he said, "but at the same time, I have to remain humble in my approach and realize that I'm still a young guy and there's still a lot of places I can improve my game on the field." That's an ongoing process, helped in part by Martin, who in some ways is passing the baton to Washington. The two constantly talk, and Martin has told him to be more patient with his runs and use the entire field, not just instinctively bounce to the outside. "Thank God I am blessed with Curtis Martin in the locker room," Washington said recently. "He has been a big help in our running game and he has also taught the offensive line and helped them out. It's just one of those things that having him in the locker room has been a big help, especially to me in my rookie year." That's saying a mouthful, especially since Washington has single-handedly sparked a running game that was stagnant during the first few weeks. Since Martin's season ended in Week 12 last year and his career was thrown into uncertainty, the Jets have been looking for someone to step up. First, it was Cedric Houston, then Derrick Blaylock. The Jets, knowing Martin wouldn't be ready for this season, traded for Lee Suggs but voided the deal when he failed a physical. Kevan Barlow was the next to come in, but hasn't been as productive as New York hoped. The answer has come in a small, shifty and powerful fourth-round draft pick from Florida State. "That young guy, he's great," safety Kerry Rhodes said. "The thing about him, he's all about football. He's always here late studying, he's got all the moves and he's a quick guy. It's good for him -- it's good for us." The 5-foot-8, 202-pound Washington was initially considered little more than a change-of-pace back who could return kicks and punts, similar to how Tiki Barber was labeled early in his career. Washington is already turning into a lot more for the Jets. He rushed for 101 yards against Jacksonville in Week 5, had 58 yards on 11 carries against Miami the following week and a career-high 129 yards -- the most by a Jets rookie since Matt Snell had 180 in 1964 -- and his first two NFL touchdowns in New York's victory over Detroit on Sunday. "My job is to do whatever's needed: running the ball, making tackles on kickoffs and just improving each week," Washington said. "And if my name is called, just take advantage of the opportunity and give our team a chance to win." He's certainly doing that. His 346 yards rushing are third among NFL rookies, behind only New England's Laurence Maroney (361) and Indianapolis' Joseph Addai (354). Not bad considering he was used mostly on kickoffs in the first two games. Washington is an intriguing mix of Barry Sanders and Terrell Davis. He uses his shifty hips to throw off defenders and zips by them with terrific speed on some plays. And, despite his size, he's tough to tackle because of his strong upper body and powerful legs. Rarely does he go down on a first hit, and he keeps his legs churning. "For me, the most impressive thing is his physicality," Pennington said after the Detroit game. "People are learning about his speed, but he's very physical between the tackles." The Jets must have seen that when they made him the 117th pick in the draft, despite a generally unspectacular college career. He rushed for 951 yards and seven touchdowns in nine games as a sophomore, but had just 660 yards and two TDs the next two seasons. Still, the 2004 Gator Bowl MVP became the only player under Bobby Bowden to score a touchdown five different ways, getting into the end zone last season on a run, reception, punt return, kickoff return and fumble recovery. In maybe the surest sign that Washington has arrived as a big-time NFL player, fantasy football fanatics have been furiously clamoring to add him to their teams -- a thought that amuses the rookie. "Some of my friends are big into fantasy football, and I really didn't know too much about it until earlier this year," Washington said, again flashing that familiar smile. "It feels good. For those fantasy guys who go out there and play me, I guess it's good for them."
Nice read. Leon seems like a great person to have in the lockerroom. And it doesn't hurt he runs the ball well.
i hav'nt seen a jet rb turn the corner as fast as he does in years. kudos to the offensive line as well.
nice article. I agree that Leon is the future of this team. Him, Brad Smith, Kerry Rhodes, Vilma, and Pennington will lead our team years to come
I like the kid. But I want to see a little more than a few good games before I label him the "RB of the Future."
Agreed. Just like alot of other things about this team, most of our questions will be answered by season's end! I'm sure gonna enjoy watching the kid the rest of this season!! :beer:
I agree. I like watching Washington, but after just a few games, we want to compare him to a Sanders/Davis clone? that's a little over the top. He may be, but let's see him do it and let's see him get bigger so he can take on an entire NFL season of 20+ carries. He's not ready for that now.
This is where I am now, too. Totally rooting for him. Really like what I see. Has incredible potential. I need to see some more before I say he is the real deal. I want to see how he does against the Pats and the Bears. If he is the difference maker in either one of these 2 games, I really think he is our guy. I hope it works out because it puts us leaps and bounds ahead going into the draft in the off-season.
Too early to say IF L Washington is the Jets longterm answer at RB. ONe game does not make a career. Also wasn't Lions missing one of their DT for this game. Lets give the Kid a couple weeks at least, before you start over hyping him.
Over hyping? Hmm, from a Raider fan that is pretty funny. By the way, how is that Randy Moss experiment working out?
RandY Moss Experiment?????? Don't know what your talking about. The fact is Randys number are direct reflection of starting a young QB(A walter) and letting him find his mark under fire. AS Andrew Walter gets more comfortable(every week gets better) R Moss numbers will go up. Hence you see R Moss numbers last week 7 recptions for 129 yards. (all honestly should have easily been over 200 yards last week as moss dropped two long passes) There 10 games left and we will examine moss numbers at then end.
HEY WHO DID WE TRADE TO GET Leon Washington. OH WAIT was that HERM. THANKS SO SO MUCH HERM. We think we got something special for you.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the locker room... Kevan thinks outside run Would follow Leon's steps http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/465351p-391577c.html BY RICH CIMINI DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER Former Niner Kevan Barlow would like to get his Jet career off and running like a certain rookie's. When Kevan Barlow arrived from the 49ers in August, it was widely assumed he would emerge as the Jets' featured back, filling the Curtis Martin void. So far, Barlow has been upstaged by a rookie, Leon Washington, who became a back-page star in last week's breakout game. Well, Barlow has a message for those who may have forgotten about him: My day is coming. "He's shining right now," Barlow said of Washington yesterday, "but K.B. is going to get his shine, too." Barlow is happy for Washington, who is well-liked among the veterans because of his studious approach, but the sixth-year running back believes he is capable of putting up big numbers - given the right opportunities. In Eric Mangini's tag-team backfield, Barlow has emerged as Mr. Inside, with the elusive Washington as Mr. Outside. In last week's win over the Lions, Washington busted two long runs on the edge, a 23-yarder on his first carry and a 16-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter. He finished with 129 yards, the most by a Jets rookie since Matt Snell gained 180 against the Oilers in 1964. Barlow would like a day like that. He wasn't complaining, but he also doesn't want to be stereotyped as a between-the-tackles back. "I'm a guy who can be physical, but I also feel like I can make you miss, too," said Barlow (6-1, 234). "And once I get by you, I'm gone, baby." At one point, he seemed to be lobbying for more chances to show what he can do in the open field. "I'm pounding the ball up there and he's getting the pitches and the draws," Barlow said, referring to Washington. "Shoot, I'd like some of those, too." Early in his career, Barlow showed breakaway ability, but he averaged only 3.3 yards per carry in 2004 and 2005, one of the lowest marks in the league. This season, he's gaining 3.0 per rush, but he has a team-high five touchdowns, plus a number of important short-yardage conversions. Mangini is a proponent of package-based game plans, using players in specific roles, and he evidently believes Barlow is better suited to the power runs. But Barlow likes to think that will change, once he gets more comfortable in the system. Because of the trade, Barlow got a late start. He thinks that's the reason why he hasn't been used in single-back sets, a formation that stresses pass-protection responsibilities. When the Jets employ a single back, it's usually Washington, who has an impressive 4.9 average and a team-high 346 yards. Mangini sounded like he's not planning any shake ups for Sunday's game in Cleveland. "It will be game-plan specific or package specific," he said, referring to the week-to-week roles of the two backs. "(Leon) has certain plays and Kevan has certain plays, and there is some flexibility within those plays for both guys." Barlow is trying to distance himself from his reputation as a malcontent. At the same time, he'd like a chance to expand his repertoire. "I'm not a third-and-1 back like Jerome Bettis was in his career," he said. "That's not me. I'm a guy who can play the whole game. Right now, it's helping us win and it's productive. You can't complain about something that's not negative." CHAD WRAP: QB Chad Pennington showed up wearing a wrap on his throwing hand. He said it was just a "turf burn" from diving for a first down in the last game. He's listed on the injury report, but with the calf injury he suffered in Week 2. ... FB B.J. Askew (foot), RB Cedric Houston (knee), CB David Barrett (hip) and WR Tim Dwight (thigh) are questionable. ... Mangini on rookie C Nick Mangold (6-4, 300) blocking 365-pound NT Ted Washington: "He might have to spend a little time in the cafeteria with Brick, and carbo load" - reference to undersized LT D'Brickashaw Ferguson.
hopefully he does well enough this season for the Jets to wory more about building a rushing O-line as opposed to being lured to draft a "franchise" back, which a dominating O-line can make out of Washington.
