Rams' Steven Jackson finishes with 1,000-yard season

[RamWraith]

By Bill Coats
ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH
Monday, Dec. 29 2008

ATLANTA — If the numbers that Rams running back Steven Jackson amassed Sunday
were replicated throughout a 16-game season, the NFL record book would take a
nasty beating.

In a stirring 31-27 loss to the playoff-bound Atlanta Falcons, Jackson rushed
for 161 yards; that would add up to 2,576 for a full season. He also had 54
receiving yards; that's 864 for a full season and an outlandish total of 3,440
yards from scrimmage.

Of course, Jackson came nowhere near those totals. He missed four games and
most of a fifth with a strained thigh muscle, then was hampered by a sore
hamstring down the stretch.

Still, he finished with 1,040 yards on the ground and 379 through the air.
Jackson is the first Rams back to rush for 1,000 yards in four consecutive
seasons since Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson (1983-86).

"It means a lot. I look up to Eric Dickerson … I look up to a lot of backs that
have been a part of this franchise," said Jackson, a fifth-year pro. "It's been
a rough couple of seasons for me, just being banged up. Still being able to
reach 1,000 yards in 12 games, I think there's something I can take from it. …

"We're talking about individual things right now, and that's all great. But at
the end of the day, I want to be in the playoffs and I want to be in the Super
Bowl, and hopefully win one."

The Rams, ranked 27th in the 32-team NFL in rushing coming into the game, piled
up a season-high 201 yards on the ground. They averaged 5.5 yards per attempt
despite playing without both first-team guards.

"Ever since I came in, my personal goal was obviously to play well, but also to
get (Jackson) what he deserves," center Brett Romberg said. "He's a hell of a
running back in this league, definitely the best that I've played with in the
NFL. His opportunities are endless."

Getting Jackson past the 1,000-yard mark "was something we wanted to do for
him," guard Adam Goldberg said. "Steven is a real special player, and it's our
honor to block for him."

Actually, Jackson topped 1,000 twice. A 2-yard pickup with 5½ minutes left in
the third quarter got him to 1,001. But he fell back to 999 when he lost 2
yards on his next try. He moved to 1,000 with a 1-yarder up the middle two
plays later — and he stayed in four figures the rest of the way.

Still, Jackson's most eye-popping play came on a short toss from quarterback
Marc Bulger on third-and-9 early in the final period. Jackson reached back and
made the catch with one hand, turned upfield and hurdled a would-be tackler
before he was dropped. The play produced 12 yards and a first down.

"He does it all. Steven played at a Pro Bowl level," Bulger said. "When he's
going the way Steven can go, he changes the whole dynamic of the game. … It
gives me some excitement about next year and what he can do when he's healthy."

Many questions about the future of the team, which finished 2-14 after losses
in its final 10 games, will be answered in the coming months. Chief among them
is the identity of the head coach.

Like most of his teammates, Jackson is eager to see how 2009 unfolds.

"It's been a long season, from the (training-camp) holdout to the injuries to
the 10-game losing streak," he said. "I'm going to get away from the game for a
while, but I'm hungry to get back to playing good football personally and as a
team."

[RealRam]

GOOD! Good for Jax. It again merits the need for a true, full-time Rams FB as was mentioned in another thread.

I say again then: 4th round pick -- Javorski Lane, Texas A&M.

Seems like a solid FB prospect and a good kid too. I've seen a few YouTube videos on this short / big runner - blocker (6' 270 lb.), looks impressive. That he could replace Hedgecock, it would be terrific for Jackson and the Rams running game.



[Sadly though, it is almost embarrassing to hear a college senior not able to put a sentence together without filling it with "...I mean..., I mean..."; also on YouTube. Too bad someone in High School didn't help him correct this vice in his speech. Or, maybe he's just getting used to saying 'I mean' as a subliminal way to grow mean in the NFL. 'Know what I mean?]

[Nick]

"We're talking about individual things right now, and that's all great. But at
the end of the day, I want to be in the playoffs and I want to be in the Super
Bowl, and hopefully win one."

Ugh, he's so selfish. Just shut up and play, Jackson!!

[/sarcasm]

[Mooselini]

He's a monster out there. My friend (who I converted into a Rams fan) loves Steven Jackson's attitude and heart on the field.

We need to build around him. Not Avery, not Bulger, Steven freaking Jackson! Build the line to his liking, add a fullback that can pave the way to a 2,000 yard WINNING season.

[RealRam]

By his own admission, Coach Haz would most likely establish the usage of a real FB in the Rams offense.

[ramsanddodgers]

Ugh, he's so selfish. Just shut up and play, Jackson!!

[/sarcasm]

Ouch! My feelings are hurt!

[d4nnystl539]

It's a good job by Jackson. I'm glad he reached it. Let the streak continue!

Now all we need is for Bulger to throw for 4,000 yards and for Avery to catch for 1,500 yards and we'll all be a happy bunch.