March 05, 2007 Not a good move to get Thomas Jones ... ... a terrific move. The Jets' deal to get the Bears starting running back, which has been reported reported by ESPN.com, although the Jets have not yet officially confirmed the news, is a brilliant decision if the deal comes off. With the Jets sorely in need of an every-down back in the wake of Curtis Martin?s injury problems, they now get a 28-year-old running back who has proven his worth with two straight 1,000-yard seasons and a trip to Super Bowl XLI. Jones is a tough inside runner with good speed, very good power, and reliable hands. Put him in the same backfield as Leon Washington, who now becomes the perfect change-of-pace back, and the Jets are now on a par with everyone else in the division and the conference as far as the running game is concerned. What I like most about Jones is how he?s weathered some difficult circumstances in his career, from his early struggles as a first-round pick of the Cardinals, to his classy attitude and relentless work ethic with the Bears. Rather than moan about the fact the Bears drafted tailback Cedric Benson in the first round two years ago, Jones simply went about his business and maintained the starting job. Benson, meanwhile, has been an unreliable performer so far with a history of injuries and a questionable locker room standing. He has openly complained about teammates not liking him and vice versa. He will now become the feature back, but will have to prove his worth to a team coming off a Super Bowl run. Benson was hurt early in Super Bowl XLI, although subsequent tests to his knee proved negative. If I?m the Bears, I?m nervous about putting the running game in the hands of Benson next season. And if I?m the Jets, I?m delighted about putting the ball in Jones? hands. He?s a proven runner, a bona fide team leader and a perfect answer to all that ails the Jets running game.
curiously enough , tom rock in his blog reported the jets wouldnt confirm the trade and that if an extension couldnt be reached it could be called off.. im sure rock is just speculating becuase of the jets quiet manner of operating but lets pray this baby goes through officially
This is FANTASTIC! I love Thomas Jones he is a hard-nosed, inside the tackles runner with decent speed and GREAT hands coming out of the backfield...PERFECT compliment to Leon...lets hope this goes through.
as far as receiving- he's had over 100 balls in the last 3 years, and had a 56 catch season 3 years ago. Looks good to me.
I feel as though we will fill a bunch of our needs in FA, and just go BAP come draft time... Tangini strikes again.
Bob Glauber Blog Bob Glauber Blog Say it a few times. Wonder if it means anything in German. I agree with him though. Seems like this could be a great deal.
Schein was just on SNY and mentioned that Jones is excellent at blitz pickup and a very good pass catcher
Now I love the deal but Bob Glauber is being irresponsible if he thinks Jones took the Benson draft without complaining. He's not doing his reporting if that's what he thinks. He requested a trade from a super bowl team. He held out for a better contract, etc etc. Don't take it the wrong way, I'm pumped.. awesome deal, but do your job Bob.
Jones does want an extension so guess if they can't come to terms then it will be called off but I would bet they'd find a way to get it done.
