Chris Brown runs way too upright to ever be a the workhorse back we need. Maybe as a changeup back, but we really need someone who can take the pounding so that Leon can be worked in on misdirection plays, and in the passing game.
It's also about adjusting to the pace of the game. That's what every rookie will tell you is the hardest part. The speed is totally different. Holes close faster, guys get to you faster, hit you harder. What was 3 feet in college is like 6 feet in the Pros. That's why I say pass on rookies. You have enough guys "adjusting". A vet already knows the speed. Practices everyday with NFL players. Knows the game, etc.
So Maroney, Addai, Jones-Drew, Norwood, and Leon don't "know the speed?" Who's to say a rookie can't do well? All of those rookies did and now the Jets should get a veteran because he knows the speed of the game and practices everyday with NFL players? All of those rookies were good, I wouldn't have one problem drafting a RB high. Screw a Chris Brown or Ahman Green.
Chris Brown is garbage. anyone who would prefer him over Leon Washington is a crackhead. Get "the Burner" Turner here.
I don't think some of you understand the position you guys are in. Some of you are thinking the only RB is a franchise workhorse back. That's simply not it. Franchise backs are in short supply right now. I doubt 10 teams have a real, every-down, back. They are in short supply right now. Some teams with "good starting" backs, still have "3rd down relief" backs. Most teams however are using a "running back by committee" approach. Two backs, talented, and keeps them both fresh. And it works too. The best Franchise backs are LT, LJ, etc. Who each get 20+ carries a game. Best "committee" backs are Taylor/Jones-Drew, McAllister/Bush, Dillon/Maroney. Committee duos are usually a older guy who has slowed a bit and a younger guy with talent. With fresh legs they can both run very well. That's what the Committee does, keeps them fresh, lets them run. Right now you guys have the second half of a "committee" in Washington, if you have anything at all. Get the first piece and you'll see how things will start to fall into place. Niether should or will get 20+ carries, but that won't mean you won't have a good run game. Turner can be a 20+ carry guy. And it would be great if you could land him. If not, Green or Brown will help you make a good "committee" situation.
Offseason priorities: 1) Run-Stuffing Behemoth DT 2) Michael Turner (offer a 1st rounder) 3) Pass-Rushing DE 3) Starting CB
The fact that you even mention Chris Brown is a joke. He's an injury prone running back who really isn't that good. He's like a Cedric Houston to me, average runner who has a nice burst, that's it. Turner I don't know anything about, although I will say that the poster above is crazy if he thinks the Jets should offer a 1st rounder. I'd be happier with a stronger/rookie back with Leon Washington than some average Chris Brown or an OK Ahman Green. Because #1 he wouldn't be the workhorse, and #2 it'd be more beneficial for the next few seasons.
Gotta agree with my boy EcKo here. I won't do either of these, like him. Give up a first rounder for Turner. Even consider signing Ahman Green or Chris Brown. Both are garbage to put it nicely.
I think Green is a nice running back...In a zone-blocking scheme, which Green Bay runs. In a hopefully power-style OLine I doubt he'd be the guy you want in that type of offense, not to mention his fumble problems... He's good for Green Bay, would be good in Denver, or Atlanta...And most other teams who run zone-blocking...The Jets do not.
Both better than Houston. Houston isn't even good enough to be on the other side of Leon on the committee. Did you see his last 3 games? 2.7 yards a carry. 34 carries for 94 yards and 0 TDs vs 2 of the bottom 5 Rush defense in the conference. Brown averages 4.2 and Green 4.5 yards a carry. Both would make a fine compliment to Leon on a committee. You won't give up a 1st for Turner (which, IMO, he is worth becuase that is what he will be tendered for) and you don't want a CHEAP signing of Brown or Green (with your 28 mill of cap space). What is your solution to the run game? Draft another back? Sure, third straight year drafting a RB, why not. There is a reason why no other team in the NFL runs a committee with no veterans.
I never said Houston was better than Green. I said Brown is pretty much like a Cedric Houston to me, except Brown is more injury prone! They're both just average runners to me, take your stats, i'll take what I see and I see average runners who have had injury problems. Nothing more.
You mention Michael Turner, as did others...But quite frankly I don't know alot about him, sure I saw him sparingly this year but that's about it. He's young and fast and I guess has some power. But I'm not sure if he's worth the gamble of a 2nd round pick to be a starter... Not saying he can't do it or succeed, but I just don't know enough about him, so i'll take the opinions and comments of other posters who have seen him and go from there... Just NO to Chris Brown...Another name I thought you could of mentioned was LaMont Jordan. He's due a high cap number and really hasn't lived up to his contract, although his OLine is pretty crappy...Coming off a ACL and has been rumored as a possible cap cut...Not sure though.
Man a back up Rb here again. No thank you. Personally, if he is not good enough to start or at least get a nice percentage of the reps why sign him? I fully understand Turner is backing up LT. I just do not want him, especially if it is going to cost us a high draft pick. I can think of only a handful of Rb's that were back-ups for a decent amount of years that turned out to be stars when given the top billing. I think we should spend our FA money elsewhere on proven players and draft an RB. If there is any position where a rookie player can come in and make a difference it is RB. I know Houston is probably not the answer, but we should also consider the fact we need an O-line that can run block effectively as well. If we had that than possibly Houston can be more effective, while we already know that L. Washington can be electrifying as a 3rd. down scat back/Platoon change of pace back. .
I want a RB in the draft, rememebr Lamont? Great backup but mediocre starter. I don't want to have to give up a 2nd rd pick for a guy who could be a medicore player and just looked good behind SD's line and as LT's backup. Chris Brown? Not thanks Ahman Green? No thanks
The Running Back (Leon Wash.) is not the problem with the running game. It is easy to blame the back because he is running the ball. The REAL problem is the lack of lanes to run to/thru from the Offensive line. The problem is with our guards (and to a lesser degree, rooks). Since Kendall is getting old and Moore is a waiting holding penalty, we need to get a super mauling Guard (vet or draft) at R and L guard, especially one who can make D'brick and Mangold better at the run game. I'm satisfied with Clement right now, either draft a RT later or sign a backup. Again the problem isn't the RB, if Leon has a hole to run through, he will hit it and easily pick up 5 yards.
green bay just got into zone blocking this year. green had his success beforehand. i think hes past his prime and the zone blocking has little to do with it, sure at his age itd be a better fit but hes simply past his prime.
Unless it's a Tiki Barber, LT type game changing back, I'll keep Houston and Washington and work on improving the line. I don't see what someone like Chris Brown offers that Houston can't do. The way I see it, there are just a handful of rb's in the league who can break a few big runs every game regardless of the line they're running behind. There are also some backs in the league who because of injuries or lack of talent or whatever reason just don't have what it takes to find the hole and pick up 3-4 yards a play (i.e. Barlow this year.) Then there's a huge group of basically interchangeable backs who are competent but whose ypc is basically a function of their OL and offense in general. I'd put Washington and Houston in that category, so unless we get someone truly elite, I don't see the point. I even hold out the hope that Washington could develop into a Tiki/Warrick Dunn type player if he is given a chance to be an every down back. If he can take the abuse of 20+ carries and a few catches a game, I think he has the talent to break a couple of big plays per game regardless of the shape our line is in.
You guys are right, Leon isn't our franchise back, but the other guys are right as well, it's not all his fault. We need to fix the RB situation AND O-line situation...but I'd still love to see Leon get 4-5 carries per game, pending on who we get next year.
