[sbramfan]

I don't think Jackson's durability will be an issue, however, I do think this offense needs a running back who can catch out of the backfield. Not NEEDS, but would run more efficiently with. Jackson is mediocre at catching the ball, as most RB's are.

I felt having Faulk last season was great for passing downs, to block and/or slip out for a pass, or even go up to the line of scrimmage as a receiver.

I think that announcing Jackson as the starter is because they need to start negotiating with Faulk NOW on re-structuring his contract so they know where they stand in getting FA's. To have Faulk think he is the starter next year would probably lead him to believe that he still deserves starter money. (And I would HOPE Martz told Faulk before he announced it publicly). I guess you have to look at the NFL as a business, and if you can't afford to keep the 30+ year old RB at a high salary, you announce that the other guy is going to start, and hope the old guy will stick around for less money. I didn't like the way Martz/the Rams handled the Warner scenario, and I'm probably not going to like the way this Faulk situation pans out, but this is the era of Free Agency and it's dog eat dog.

I just hope that somehow Faulk realizes that he could either play 2 more seasons for a losing team for the money the Rams owe him (Jacksonville or Frisco or Chicago, or somewhere) or he can take a bit less and end his career as a Ram, and as the backup to Jackson. - knowing that being a backup to Jackson in this offense means that you still see a lot of action, not just your typical backup, meaning you sit on the bench. Not to mention that he could find himself back in the starting lineup for a Playoff bound team and continue to break Ram records.

RB by committee again in 2005 is my battle cry. Jackson on the run, and Faulk on the fly. (And mix in Faulk to spell Jackson in general as well.)