Are the Jets happy with Thomas Jones? (1 Viewer)

[Thumper]

I noticed a story at Rotoworld that hinted at a bigger role for Leon Washington. Rotoworld quoted the N.Y. Daily News in noting "that it was interesting that Leon Washington got the start over Thomas Jones, who had only eight carries for 25 yards going into the fourth quarter"

Are there any N.Y. homers who have a feel for this situation? I have always liked Washington and have been more than a little underwhelmed with Thomas Jones thus far in New York.

Could Washington take the job from Jones?

 

[Interseptopus]

Every year Washington flirts with giving us more production.

He's a Darren Sproles type back... I don't think he could ever be a full time RB. But maybe I'm wrong. I don't know the Jets that well, but last season I know a lot of people called for it to be Washington's year. This year seems like the same thing.

Curious why they'd be making a change. Jones has looked good so far, and the Jets are doing well. If it ain't broke why fix it?

 

[MCguidance]

I wrote this in another thread, but here is some of it, I think it holds true:

As a Jets homer I have yet to hear or see a thing that warrants such a statement. He has looked good in Miami game, faced a stout run vs the Pats, and was limited due to the score on Monday night. The biggest knock on him before the season started was that he was looking slow and his YPR was too low from last year. This year he has gained praise from a lot of people for hitting the role hard and has a decent YPC at 4.2. Mangini and Favre have been quote as saying such.Leon Washington is very effective in his role. He is an excellent special teamer and good COP back. His role is clearly defined in my opinion, since he spells TJ on occasion and will get some receptions, along with all his touches via special teams. He has only had 9 carries in 3 games. He has 8 receptions in that time, meaning he will get some, but not nearly the same split as Jones barring an injury or total loss of ability on Jones' part.

As for the Cardinals game, sure Leon got the first snaps, but it meant little. Jones had only 8 carries in the first three quarters, yet they used him when the game needed to be put away, in the fourth. I think that is telling, both that he got every carry and that Washington was not targeted or get a carry (please fact check).Also, Mangini and Favre have said numerous times they think Jones is the man and can get the job done. I absolutely think that as well. As for value to your fantasy team, however, I do not think he is a top flight RB2. I think he will put up better numbers than last year and be a very good bye week filler with RB2 upside, but do not rely on him to win you games. Just my two cents.

 

[TitusIII]

I don't think they are un-happy, as they knew they were getting an average back. Regarding Washington, I don't think they plan on giving him more than 10-15 touches max even with Jones on the bench. Guy is simply better in small doses.

 

[Thumper]

I don't think they are un-happy, as they knew they were getting an average back. Regarding Washington, I don't think they plan on giving him more than 10-15 touches max even with Jones on the bench. Guy is simply better in small doses.

I really thought Jones would step up this season. He has been mediocre at best thus far.

 

[NYRAGE]

I love what Leon brings to the team, but I don't see him getting a bigger role in the offense. I do see Jesse Chatman getting a few carries though.

 

[Riffraff]

First series or two of the game are scripted in practice. Washington fits the script better than Jones every now and again. That's why he got the start. I think he got a start last year too.

 

[Buckeyedawgs]

If anyone replaces Jones it will be Jessie Chatman, not Washington. Washington is to valuable in his kick return and 3rd down job.

I too thought Jones would be more productive! But don't give up yet. That line is a good one that was molded together thru the free agency and we all knew it would take some time to blend into place!

These next few weeks are nice match ups for him! If he doesnt produce next couple games then it's time to worry and/or let go of him!

 

[KellysHeroes]

TJ has looked very bad...I honestly wouldn't be surprised if we're told hes been playing hurt, hes just not explosive and he has no interest in breaking tackles. IMO, something is up w/ him... maybe his age is catching up to him.

The Problem w/ Leon is hes not a strong Blocker... hes gets over powered due to his size; remember that NE game where Thomas sacked Leon and Farve.

Jesse Chatman could be a real threat to the Jets RB carries. Hes coming in w/ fresh legs and I expect him to take the short yardage and maybe the GLs. As the season goes on, you may see Jesse's role expand to something similar to McClain's in Bal.

 

[Sweet Love]

I agree with most posts here and feel that TJ is doing fine for now, but soon teams will be forcing the Jets to run (as a fan, that seems so odd to type) and if TJ cannot meet the challenge, they will once again be one dimensional (albiet the "other" dimension). I like the Washington/Sproles comparison and would love to see him blosspm into an everydown back like a Barber or Westbrook, but I am not holding my breath. On the positive side, he makes a great third down back, though.

 

[Tanner9919]

I agree with most posts here and feel that TJ is doing fine for now, but soon teams will be forcing the Jets to run (as a fan, that seems so odd to type) and if TJ cannot meet the challenge, they will once again be one dimensional (albiet the "other" dimension). I like the Washington/Sproles comparison and would love to see him blosspm into an everydown back like a Barber or Westbrook, but I am not holding my breath. On the positive side, he makes a great third down back, though.

I highly doubt the Jets will become one dimensional ,and I'm only saying that because thy have perhaps the easiest schedule against soft run defenses the remainder of the season:After the bye , they play:

Cincy

Oak

KC

Buf

St Louis

NE

Tenn

Denver

Sf

Buf

Seattle

Miami

aside from the obviously tough games against Tenn and perhaps Seattle, the rest of their schedule is a creampuff..a RB's dream!

If ever there was a GREAT buy low candidate, its T. Jones right NOW...

 

[Revo]

I don't think they are un-happy, as they knew they were getting an average back.

That's pretty far from the truth -- the Jets and their fans were stoked to land a back who had rushed for 1,200 yds in two straight seasons, after a solid 10-6 campaign but one where their running game was a mish-mosh, and they blew it badly on the Kevan Barlow signing. They felt adding a runner like Jones and moving away from the RBBC garbage they had would keep them at the top of the division. They never felt he was "average," unless thinking he would maintain 1,200 yds is average.The Jets now believe Jones has lost a step -- he is 31 -- and want to see what Washington can do, since he's clearly more explosive.

 

[MCguidance]

I don't think they are un-happy, as they knew they were getting an average back.

That's pretty far from the truth -- the Jets and their fans were stoked to land a back who had rushed for 1,200 yds in two straight seasons, after a solid 10-6 campaign but one where their running game was a mish-mosh, and they blew it badly on the Kevan Barlow signing. They felt adding a runner like Jones and moving away from the RBBC garbage they had would keep them at the top of the division. They never felt he was "average," unless thinking he would maintain 1,200 yds is average.The Jets now believe Jones has lost a step -- he is 31 -- and want to see what Washington can do, since he's clearly more explosive.

You had me until the end. I do not think this will happen this year barring injury or extremely low performance, which I also do not see happening. However, next year this could change, if Jones does not overwhelm them and give his advanced age.

 

[LBH]

TJ has looked very bad...I honestly wouldn't be surprised if we're told hes been playing hurt, hes just not explosive and he has no interest in breaking tackles. IMO, something is up w/ him... maybe his age is catching up to him.The Problem w/ Leon is hes not a strong Blocker... hes gets over powered due to his size; remember that NE game where Thomas sacked Leon and Farve. Jesse Chatman could be a real threat to the Jets RB carries. Hes coming in w/ fresh legs and I expect him to take the short yardage and maybe the GLs. As the season goes on, you may see Jesse's role expand to something similar to McClain's in Bal.

I thought Chatman looked very good in preseason. Wouldnt be surprised to see a NE like approach with the RB stable at some point in the season

 

[FavreCo]

--> 'We are throwing the ball people. I'm not there to hand off. btw, Leon is the better back.'

 

[blenderfrog]

I highly doubt the Jets will become one dimensional ,and I'm only saying that because thy have perhaps the easiest schedule against soft run defenses the remainder of the season:

After the bye , they play:

Cincy

Oak

KC

Buf

St Louis

NE

Tenn

Denver

Sf

Buf

Seattle

Miami

aside from the obviously tough games against Tenn and perhaps Seattle, the rest of their schedule is a creampuff..a RB's dream!

If ever there was a GREAT buy low candidate, its T. Jones right NOW...

 

[Chaka]

The Jets now believe Jones has lost a step -- he is 31 -- and want to see what Washington can do, since he's clearly more explosive.

Thanks for stopping by Mr. Mangini.

 

[bb7278]

I am concerned so I traded T. Jones and B. Jacobs to the Leon Washington owner for Boldin/Berrian.

I agree with those that say he doesn't look right, I would think L. Washington would continue to be at least 40% involved going forward making T. Jones at best a 8-10 point player on a weekly basis.

 

[Liquid Tension]

Thomas Jones is a weak starting NFL RB. He runs with more power than Leon and that is it IMO. Leon is a playmaker (perhaps similar to Norwood). Because Leon plays ST, I think the Jets want to limit the amount of pounding he takes and Jones can take some of that. Thomas Jones is a better at picking up the blitz as well. All being said, IMO, Leon should be getting more touches on offense because I think he will be more productive than Thomas Jones. This should be a full RBBC at the least IMO and if I were running the club Leon would get the slight advantage in touches.

OH and ETA that I said at the beginning of the year that Jesse Chatman IS Thomas Jones. They are very similar in skill sets.

 

[Big Score]

So what do you guys think is wrong with TJ?

Is it that he didn't really have the chance to get his legs under him until he landed in Tampa & then later Chicago & by then, Father Time was catching up to him.

Or is it that ya'll figure he just wasn't all that to begin with & his production in Tampa & Chicago was more or less smoke & mirrors more than anything else?

Or lastly, do you think there is some nagging injury bugging him, that we're unaware of?