I would have to do an internet search to find what the issue was at Arizona. Was it an academic matter or some hijinks at a campus party? I truly do not recall. There was definitely something, though, and it probably was the reason he was not drafted. You are right that Mike Bell won the starting job in '06 training camp. What happened, though, is that Shanahan changed his mind by Kickoff Weekend and Tatum Bell started the opener and all the other 12 games in which he played. In 2007, Denver picked up Travis Henry and Selvin Young. This made Bell expendable. Apparently, the Jets were interested in trading for Bell in 2007. Well, Denver kept Bell and moved him to fullback. He found himself in Shanahan's doghouse and had a bad season. Earlier I wrote that Bell resurfaced in New Orleans in 2008, but he was with Houston in between. The Texans cut him in training camp in 2008. I think Bell is a good player for depth. I think money is going to be the issue. The Saints still might tender him, but it would likely be the lowest tender.
I think he's been a model citizen in the NFL. Seems to accept his role in NO, which would be the same role with us.
I understand football is a business, but I REALLY hate to see TJ go. Without a doubt, he is worth the salary he had coming for one more season: 3rd-leading rusher in the AFC, a solid yards-per-carry average, and not prone to injury. I guess TJ's pending release means the front office thinks LW's leg will be at 100% and that SG will be durable enought to be their #1 back? Either way, I say we let T-Rich go and find a younger back who can get those short-yard gains and block like a mofo...
Oh yeah, I think maybe he finally grew up this past season. I know Saints fans liked him and he was well-received by his teammates as far as I know. I was shocked he didn't get drafted in '06 as I had him pegged as a 3rd round type of talent. If it's not going to be too cost-prohibitive I would be all for the Jets bringing Bell aboard for the 2010 season.
Probably the best "veteran" option possible. Cost effective, he's done it before, and he's still relatively young (As opposed to our other veteran options).
I'm with you on this. Greene and Washington are getting the bulk of the work. Another back can be our third option.
Let's be perfectly honest, here. Thomas Jones has been great for us, but if the postseason was any indication, the wheels are starting to come off. No small part of his success also needs to be attributed to the strength of our offensive line. If Greene moves up to the #1 back spot and our line stays healthy, there's no reason why a lesser back can't adequately pick up the slack. We're not looking for someone to replace TJ's numbers; we're looking for someone to fill in the extra yards from our total rushing attack as Greene picks up more carries and Leon returns. If LT truly does just want to win a ring, he still has a nose for the end zone and would do well as a GL back. If he wants PT (and I'm sure Westbrook does), we'd be better off looking elsewhere. Someone will get cut late, Chauncey Washington will get a shot in TC, and there's always a chance we lose a RFA and have an extra draft pick to spend on a RB. I just hope that RFA isn't Leon at this point.
The dirty part of the business is letting go of veteran players who had made solid contributions to the team. It is more likely that Jones will fall apart in 2010 than maintain the level of play that he showed from 2004 to November 2009. The Steelers, Colts, and Patriots are three of the model franchises. They were known for making good decisions with veteran players. For the most part, all three of them knew when to part ways with vets who had been good for them. If the Jets can figure out when to move on from the Jones type of players, they'll be better for it. The Tony Richardson thing you bring up is interesting. He is so good at such an advanced age. Because he doesn't carry the ball too much and hasn't shown signs of slowing down as a blocker, the Jets might be able to squeeze another solid year out of him.
I don't like this move. If Greene goes down, and Leon isnt the same, we are up shits creek without a paddle.
Can Greene step right into Jones shoes? Greene 108 carries Jones 331 carries Jones never got injured...except for late in the season which he played through...Greene got injured, on way less carries...Not to mention he had fumbalitis in the beginning. And leon im not even gonna consider legitimate as we have know idea what he will bring to the table next year...He broke his leg in one of the worst possible ways...I dont think he will ever be as quick as he was. Jones played a vital role to the offense. He got criticized because of his short gains, but he kept defenses honest and he protected the football. I think losing jones is a pretty big blow to our offense. We definitely need another legitimate back. Im gonna vote LT (if the moneys right) Not a playoff guy, but someone who can get us to the playoffs and Greene will take us the rest of the way.
The same can be said for most NFL teams. If thier top back goes down thier offense suffers. If thier top two go down they are screwed. Leon should be fine and all reports are that he is ahead of schedule. Remember he did not tear a ligament, but break a bone. This is easier to come back from compared to knee surgery. Greene showed some injury trouble and fumble problems. He also showed great power, quickness into the hole, and great speed once he hits the secodn level. We are blessed to have these two guys in our backfeild and its a long offseason to go to add some depth. Good teams cut the aging vets before they become a burden, not after. Its not a happy side to the game but it has to be done.
I agree, but I still say we should sign another RB as an insurance policy. Someone that is serviceable for a fair price, doesn't have to be a Pro Bowler. Although I guess you could do that last minute if needed during the year.
i voted other:chauncey washington.unless someone gives up the 2nd for leon,i don't see the need to waste a draft pick on someone who is only gonna get 100 carries a season tops
I'm just going to go ahead and say it: I'm happy Tannenbaum made this move. I have loved every yard that Thomas Jones got for the Jets but if you look at his post season production, his time was coming to an end. Better to cut him now while he can still get a contract he likes better than what the Jets were going to give him and move on before the position becomes a weakness. Bring in a younger back, and let Thomas Jones get paid one more time. Greene took his job as the starter, Jones still wants to start, his home is no longer in the Meadowlands.
None of those. TJ is better than WestBrook, and LT, but we got rid of TJ. Draft somebody. I think Tanny is going to be cutting some people to make room for $$$ to do something insane.
i wouldnt be opposed to bringing in a back that gets cut during the preseason. I just hope we bring Trich back now that we cut jones. Greene could def benefit from his veteran leadership.
TRich seems to be ageless right now. Give him another one year contract but keep another FB behind him, at least on the practice squad.
I'm pretty sure that UDFA don't count against the top 4 rule, so have a battle for the 3rd spot between UDFA, Woodhead, and C. Washington. I'm pulling for Woodhead, so his WR experiment comes to and end and that a WR like Britt Davis gets a shot at the roster.
You think 2 shifty small backs in the backfield is the way to go? Or, do you just pull for the underdog? I really can't see Woodhead in the backfield. Aside from that Eagles pre-season game, all he does is get smothered in the back field.
you need a good third option...if Greene gets hurt, like in the posteason, or leons leg is great at the beginning of the seaon, you need a good player...I personall would love to see them draft Blount
