Who runs behind Steven Jackson?
by VanRam on Mar 4, 2009 6:49 AM CST in 2009 Off-Season 10 comments
Here's something to parse at the water cooler this morning: what kind of running back should the Rams get to backup/split time with Steven Jackson?
One need the Rams have to save wear and tear on feature back Steven Jackson. No. 39 has spent some time on the bench because of injuries; however, playing behind a wall of wet toilet paper for an o-line the past couple of years have, in my opinion, had a lot to do with that, except maybe for Jackson's ill-conceived notion to try and play against Arizona this season when his thigh wasn't 100%. Ideally, a number two back would complement Jackson's strengths and pick up enough carries to be something slightly more than a backup, mirroring the trend we're seeing in the NFL recently with the two RB systems, like Carolina.
Jackson at 6'2" 235 lbs is a powerful runner who can move through traffic well and punish would-be tacklers, but more impressive is his ability to see the field so well, waiting for blocks and using his footwork and burst of speed to move the ball. How else could he rack up 1,000 yard seasons with the Rams recent o-lines? He's also one helluva pass catcher. Besides marginal pass blocking, the he lacks that open field acceleration of a true speed guy.
So maybe a speedy guy, not quite the bruising runner that Jackson is. That seems to be the conventional wisdom on the twin runners philosophy. We thought we might have had that in Antonio Pittman, but he just doesn't seem to be quite at that level. Maybe he'll improve with better blocking.
Javon Ringer, RB, Michigan State A workhorse, Ringer carried 390 times in his senior season. Not a big guy, but a decent all-around type who can catch passes. Could be a good third round pick up.
Rashad Jennings, RB, Liberty Small school haters beware, Jennings made a name for himself rushing for more than 1,500 yards...against other small schools. However, at 6'1" 235 lbs he could be a grinder for a change of pace back with the Rams. Third rounder...or later if the small school label sticks the wrong way.
Jeremiah Johnson, RB, Oregon Besides having a cool-as-hell name (remember the movie?), Johnson ran for 1200+ yards this season after coming back from a knee injury in his junior year. He's small, 5'9" 208 lbs, but could still be a nice change of pace back. Probably a third rounder too.
-03-04-2009, 11:43 AM
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