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4:38:00 PM EST
Pelzman: Get Jones More Involved
Jones is averaging 17.8 carries over the first nine games after averaging 18.5 last year in his final season with the Bears. And while one less carry per game might not seem that significant, consider how that figure has come about.
In some games, Jones has gotten 24 or 25 carries. In other games, he's gotten 12 or 13. Primary running backs are called "featured" backs for a reason. So why not feature Jones more often?
It's also interesting to note that Jones' only two 100-yard games of 2007 have come with blocking back Darian Barnes active and in the lineup. Barnes also blocked for Jones in 2003, when both were with Tampa Bay. Jones recorded a career-high 4.6 yards per carry that season. Yet Barnes has been inactive for four games.
Pelzman might have had a point earlier in the season. At that point, 2007 was still salvageable and Chad Pennington was struggling mightily. It made sense to rely more on the run. At this point, the offense should open things up. The team might as well build the offense around Kellen Clemens in the upcoming meaningless games to see what it has in the Oregon product. Now is the time to experiment and find out his strengths and limitations.
Jones is an aging running back. His body can only take so much of a pounding before he goes downhill. The Jets should save Thomas some wear and tear by lightening his load in preparation for next season. Then the Jets can utilize Jones more when the games might actually mean something.
Written by georgecoztanza Blog about this entry |
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