Jones looks like a below average running back at the start of every season. By the end of every season, he has a striking resemblance to Curtis Martin. I'm comfortable with keeping the three headed dragon of Jones / Washington / Greene around until Jones stops getting better throughout the year... whether that's next year, or the year after... or whenever. He's certainly earned his keep.
It's funny, even his supporters want to short-sell Thomas Jones and say, well he's not flashy, but he's great. It was the same way with Curtis Martin, but both guys have the ability to make defenders miss, and the speed to take it the distance when they get the opportunity. Thomas Jones has made some big plays this year, mainly against Buffalo, but against good teams sometimes too. The fans aren't giving him his props, but I fully expect the players and coaches to get him into the pro bowl.
Wasn't that you who tried to convince us that Clemens should start over Sanchez in the game thread? I agree with this. He's a cut-back runner, very similar to C Martin; he doesn't make the highlight reels he just waits for the opening play after play. T Jones looks like a guy who could be more physical than he is.
I think Shonn Green compliments Jones well in the run. It seems like Greene is able to loosen the defense up of other teams with his hard running style and then we put Jones in who is patient and seems have been finding some big runs.
I am guilty of hating on Jones in the beginning of the season...but I have to say, he's a solid player and comes to work every game. You rarely hear a peep out of him only when he feels he deserves what he's worth...and he's worth it.
He looked a step slow at times in the beginning of the season, but since Greene started getting some carries he def. has hit the hole harder, broken more tackles, made sharper cuts and overall looked several years younger.
TJ is one of the top 5 RBs in the NFL. He isn't flashy but he is consistent, durable, runs the ball up the gut, has a nose for the endzone, blocks well and hangs on to the ball. A dam good running back. He has an excellent OL and they obviously like blocking for him.
I was calling for him to be traded during the offseason when he was complaining about his contract, but I certainly can't complain about his performance so far this year. We really could have used some more draft picks though. But the best case scenario now is that Leon heals and returns to form, Greene steps up and stops fumbling, and TJ goes on to another team instead of hitting the wall here.
I was guilty of "hating" on TJ big time in the past. I think there were 3 reasons for my hate: 1. He had a knack in the past of always falling short of the first down marker. If it was 3rd and 3, he'd run for 2 and 3/4 yards. 2. He wasn't explosive. He couldn't take it to the house from anywhere on the field. 3. Leon was my favorite player and TJ stood in the way of Leon getting his touches. I believe that my reasons probably explain the hate of many others. I dont think that our hate was wrong, just a little over the top. TJ was probably never as inadequate as we made him out to be. However, this season he is a different player. So labeling those "haters" from the past as idiots is unfair. They were hating on TJ who was a different player in years past than he has been this season. That being said, I'm still glad we drafted Shonn Greene and I hope we take a leap of faith with Leon and lock him up long term. Sure we'd have three top talents at the position, but there's nothing wrong with being loaded at rb.
Atypical Jones Not Defined by Football 12/18/2009 - by Thomas George > http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2009/12/18/atypical-jones-not-defined-by-football/
Jones never was a pile pusher. He is a patient RB who waits for the blocking to develop. Before last year, the O line rarely opened any running lanes for him. Mangold, Brick and even Moore have steadilly improved. The addition of Faneca and Woody solidified the offensive line. Last year and this, I think we've seen what TJ does best. Good vision, patient and smart when choosing a running lane. He is elusive enough, but never was a guy who would break tackles and look amazing the way other RB's in the NFL with his stats tend to look. He just gets it done. Behind a bad O line, Jones looked bad too. But he really is very good at reading his blocks, and that is his strength. He still doesn't just plow into the LoS unless it's a GL carry. He slows, makes a decision and picks a lane. He does that as well as any RB in the NFL.
I may be in the minority but I say give Jones his extension in the offseason. Nothing crazy but if its a reasonable demand ...give it to him. Sure he is going to fall off sooner or later but does anyone really want to see him hold out or get traded to another team and have a great year?
Wow. You're intuition astounds us all. Personally, I could care less if he goes or stays. If he has ANY trade value this offseason, which I doubt, then trade him. If not, bring him back. I'm more worried about what color underwear I'm going to wear tomorrow then I am about our running game. +1. And anybody who says any different, is fucking insane. I concur.
That and not having good hands coming out of the backfield as well. Perhaps the kid will learn how to hold on to the rock in the near future but if Jones isn't asking for alot, give him a 1 year extension. No more than that. Especially if the CS is convinced that SG is the man going forward.
