Rookie turns on the Jets Posted 9/26/2006 9:52 PM ET Jets' rookie running back Leon Washington rushed for 25 yards on seven carries and caught two passes for 52 yards on Sunday. He spent the first two games of the year being used primarily as a kick returner. By Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. ? Leon Washington zigzagged all over the field and eluded would-be tacklers with some shifty moves, leaving opponents on the ground completely frustrated.That was back when he was just a pesky little kid growing up in Jacksonville. Now, the New York Jets rookie running back is showing the same kind of elusiveness in the NFL. "I was pretty good at that," Washington said with a big grin. "I also still have some tapes from Little League football because my coach, he put them on DVDs. It's kind of amazing, man, some of the cuts I've been making since I was 9, 10, 11 years old."It's no surprise, considering the highlight show he put on against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. After being used mostly on kickoff returns in the Jets' first two games, Washington had 25 yards on seven carries and caught two passes for 52 yards. Modest numbers, indeed, but it was the way he appeared straight out of a video game that caught everyone's eye."It's all instinctive," the 5-foot-8, 202-pound Washington said. "I just try to set up guys with my eyes and make a cut, and whatever happens after that is instinctive."In the second quarter, Washington took a dump-off pass from Chad Pennington and turned it into a 47-yard play, using a series of cuts and fakes to get downfield and spark the Jets' offense."I just try to use the ability that I've been blessed with and go out there and try to treat it, not necessarily like sandlot, but just go out there and have fun and just try to make plays with my legs," Washington said. He's been doing that even before his days as a star running back and Gator Bowl MVP at Florida State. He often played with his older brother's friends and was usually one of the youngest kids on the field ? and one of the fastest."I look back at it and it helps me out a lot now because when you have a chance out there in the open field and you've got all these linebackers and DBs running around, it looks like 20 guys, so you're trying to avoid them the best you can," Washington said with a chuckle.The Jets saw that ability in the undersized Washington when they drafted him in the fourth round with the pick they got from Kansas City as compensation for the Chiefs' hiring of Herman Edwards. Washington was considered a change-of-pace back who could return kickoffs and punts. He may end up being much more for a running game that has been stagnant so far. > http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/jets/2006-09-26-washington_x.htm
I wasn't too fond of Leon Washington during the game. It may have just been me, but it definately seemed like he couldn't go right to the hole for the life of him. Danced a little bit too much behind the LOS
im not sure exaclty where the term SCAT BACK came from, but he certainly that. Unfortuantly, another example of a scat back is warrick dunn and he certainly doesnt have the strength or ability that dunn has. for now he may be a nice compliment to houston as a 3rd down back as i see zero potential in either barlow or blaylock, though barlow can get the tough yards and has a nose for the end zone. Washington is definitly not a starter in this league though. look at other undersized running backs, how many of them have been succesful for a long period of time? If washington and houston gets more carries thats fine with me, as long as our running game as a identity or lack thereof to evaluate during the off season.
Let this kid start, he's much better than barlow and fast as hell. Let houston split carries with him.
I like Leon, but I still don't trust him to be a full-time starter. He couldn't pass block for shit during preseason, and the last thing we need is for Chad to go down again. It's not worth the risk, IMO. I'd prefer keeping things the way they are...let him get his touches in certain situations, but don't overburden him with carrying the full load. It'll keep both him and Chad much healthier.
all this "neon leon is the next marshall faulk" talk has to stop...definatly a good change of pace back, a 3rd down back, but not an every down back...we can't afford for him to wear and break down...if the offensive line can start run blocking, i think that barlow as a starter, with washington as a 3rd down back and houston in the 4th quarter can be an effective 3 headed monster running back...i like the idea of saving houston for later in the game, when the defense has been softened up and he can pound pound pound
Were we watching the same game ? You have him confused with blaylock. The minute this guy gets the ball its full steam ahead.
i would love to see some thunder & lightning in the Jets backfield.. Thunder = Cedric Houston (or Barlow) Lightning = Leon Washington I would love for them to split carries, or maybe even line up in a split back set together with Brad Smtih at QB and really confuse the Defensive Coordinator... Even without Brad Smith; i would love to see Houston & Washington in the backfield at the same time
I noticed it too. Actually made a comment about that in the game thread. But still, he showed some flashes that bring on some optimism about his potential.
if we use him correctly & give him some blocking; he has the " moves " to be productive . . . :breakdance:
He's exactly that....a change of pace back. I really don't think he'll be an every down back in the NFL but truth is...I really don't know much about him. All I know is he's fast in Madden 2007 and I use him on misdirection plays.
blasphemy! leon has potential to be more than a 3rd down back. im not saying definitely. but how about our line actually run blocks first.
I think Houston and Barlow should get equal carries, similar to how it was set up with Blaylock and Barlow earlier in the year. Barlow hasn't really shown enough to be given the starter job outright. As for Washington, he should be mixed in more than he was last week, particularly to keep the defense honest, but I don't believe at this point that I can christen him a starter based on a few plays. We'll see how he looks the rest of the way. -X-
Leon is a legitimate threat to take it to the house if blocking can get him past the line of scrimmage and into the secondary. We haven't had that in quite some time.
I think Leon has a shot to be a starter, but he has to prove he can pick up the blitz. Nobody has really set themselves apart in this backfield and if he continues to work hard and impress Mangini, then he could be the guy. Barlow will probably still see carries, and Houston is a question. I like Cedric as well, but he wasnt even on the field for the first 2 weeks, so the CS must have some thoughts on him. Blaylock has got to be the odd man out. He has shown me nothing. I think we will see a lot of all of these guys as the year goes on to see if we need to address RB with our 1st pick.
What are you smoking i want some. Barlow is atrocious you could stick a monkey in there and get three yards pc. Why not let the kid start he might bring the kick in the ass the jets running game needs.
