Jackson is a humble MVP

Gives credit to his teammates
BY STEVE KORTE
News-Democrat

AP
The Rams' Steven Jackson (39) has been named the team's most valuable player for 2006 by his teammates.
ST. LOUIS - Being voted as the St. Louis Rams' Most Valuable Player by his teammates brought out running back Steven Jackson's humble side.

"It means a lot because your peers picked you, your teammates picked you," Jackson said. "It's kind of funny because without those guys I couldn't have put together the year that I did put together. It's very meaningful."

Cornerback Tye Hill is the Rams' Rookie of the Year, while strong safety Corey Chavous received the Carl Ekern Spirit of the Game Award given to the player who best exemplifies sportsmanship, work ethic and commitment to his teammates.

Jackson becomes the ninth running back chosen as the recipient of the Daniel F. Reeves Memorial Award as the team's MVP, joining Marshall Faulk (1999-2001), Amp Lee (1997), Jerome Bettis (1993), Robert Delpino (1991), Buford McGee (1990), Charles White (1987), Eric Dickerson (1983-84 and 1986) and Lawrence McCutcheon (1974 and 1977).

Jackson said he actually voted for quarterback Marc Bulger as MVP.

"There's a lot of guys who really deserving of the award," Jackson said. "I don't think it was a runaway."

Jackson has rushed for 1,386 yards, fifth most in Rams history. He also has 2,618 yards from scrimmage, fifth most in Rams history and the 22nd highest total in NFL history.

Jackson, who struggled to escape the long shadow of Faulk during his first two seasons with the Rams, made no secret about wanting the ball this season.

And, first-year coach Scott Linehan obliged by making Jackson the focal point of the Rams' offense.

"I don't think it was any secret that he wanted to take a big step as far as his ability to help our team," Linehan said. "It was nothing about personal satisfaction or awards. He felt like with a bigger load, he could help us achieve more, and I believe we are doing that."

Jackson already has set a team record for receptions by a running back with 88. It's also the sixth highest total for receptions for a running back in NFL history.

"He has been our primary ballcarrier, but he's also been a great threat coming out of the backfield as a receiver," Linehan said. "People around here have been accustomed to watching a running back who is able to do both. In Marshall's heyday, he was certainly a dominant player, and Steven has taken the challenge. He may be a different style, but it's a similar result in being a well-rounded running back. He's backed up everything he wanted to get done, I would say."

Jackson is coming off the biggest game of his career as he had 33 carries for 150 rushing yards and six receptions for 102 yards in the Rams' 37-31 win over the Washington Redskins on Sunday.

"Statistically, it may have been my best game of the season, but I just don't look at the numbers," Jackson said. "I make sure I protect Marc and do the intangible things my coach asks me to do."

Hill becomes the fifth cornerback to win the Carroll Rosenbloom Memorial Award as the Rams' Rookie of the Year.

Travis Fisher (2002), Todd Lyght (1991), Darryl Henley (1989) and Clifford Hicks (1987) are the other cornerbacks to earn the honor.

Hill has 39 tackles and is tied for the team lead and NFL lead among rookies with three interceptions.

Linehan said Hill has come on strong as a starter over the last six games.

"He's always had the ability since he has been here, but it takes a while to make the transition," Linehan said of Hill. "The more he has played, the better he has got. He has a lot of talent. He is starting to utilize his talent, plus his knowledge of the game has gotten better. That's what you want to see. Young players, it takes them a bit of time. He has really taken off."

Chavous and Aeneas Williams (1991) are the only safeties to win the Carl Ekern Award, which was named after the former Rams linebacker who was killed in an automobile accident in 1990.

Chavous is second on the Rams in tackles with 111, one shy of his career-high 112 tackles in 2003 with the Minnesota Vikings. He also has one sack, one interception, seven quarterback pressures, seven passes defensed, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

Linehan was familiar with Chavous from his days as the offensive coordinator of the Vikings.

"I have known him longer than most guys around here, so I probably had a little more insight into all the other stuff, the intangible things," Linehan said. "My experience with him in Minnesota, he was the same type of player there. He's a team leader, a guy who shows and teaches the young players by example, how you play and you get yourself ready to play. It's not really rah-rah stuff with Corey. Corey is all about business and doing things the right way on a daily basis. He has been a great example for our young players."

Next year our secondary will be VERY GOOD. Just get rid of fisher, add a rush and our secondary will be one of the best in the league, atogwe will be a very good starter, chavous has 111 tackles, that says a lot about our defense, it says that runningbacks get through our front seven so much the only thing between them and the endzone is our safties, and luckily our safties are sure tacklers, so I don't want a saftey in the draft or FA, lets go for our front 7

His style has changed, his talking has changed too. The more I listen, watch and read the things he does/says, the more I love this guy. MVP character right here.

V6 your right, if all three aspects of our team can get better, then jackson can be a serious competitior for the MVP

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Originally Posted by ramsplaya16

V6 your right, if all three aspects of our team can get better, then jackson can be a serious competitior for the MVP

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i agree, this guy is on his way to becoming a hugh star in the league.

He seems to be toning down - which is good. I was perterbed at him when he stated that the Marshall faulk era was over.

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Originally Posted by AlphaRam

He seems to be toning down - which is good. I was perterbed at him when he stated that the Marshall faulk era was over.

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Well I hate to break this too ya Alpha, but the Faulk era is over. :x

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Originally Posted by RAM-BO

Well I hate to break this too ya Alpha, but the Faulk era is over. :x

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It probably is, but he has no right to state it. Let his play make the statement. That is something that is realized, not stated.

Jackson is a stud. To me he has been the second best back in the league this year. Larry Johnson may get more pub but he doesn't make the impact in the passing game that Stephen does. He is the total package speed, power, hands, durability and elusiveness. You could tell he was going to be good but I didn't think he would get to this level. Not at least this year. The key to his great season has been his focus on running North-South this year. The last two years he spent to much time dancing when someone his size should be exploding through people. You could just see the fear in Sean Taylor last week. No one wants to tackle this guy when he gets a full head of steam.

Yes! SJ has arrived. He's backing it up!! I love the way he throws defenders to the ground with his stiff arms. It shows his nastiness when he's got the ball. If we get more beef up front this off season, he'll definately be taking defenders for long, violent, rides the comming years.