Irons to overtake Rudi as starter THIS year? (1 Viewer)

[BeTheMatch]

I haven't seen this posted anywhere, so forgive me if it has been, but I was reading through the latest issue of The Sporting News, and they have a big training camp preview of all the teams.

Within the preview of the Bengals, the Cincinnati reporter that covers the Bengals for TSN makes reference to Rudi having a very disappointing year last season and goes on to say that Kenny Irons, who has looked good and possesses more of a home-run threat than Rudi "could overtake Rudi as the starter this year."

What on earth is this guy talking about, and why hasn't this been posted here yet (if, in fact, it hasn't)????

 

[AnonymousBob]

It's been talked about quite a bit in these parts. I don't think it will happen but I'm not a Bengals homer.

 

[MelvinTScupper]

I haven't seen this posted anywhere, so forgive me if it has been, but I was reading through the latest issue of The Sporting News, and they have a big training camp preview of all the teams.Within the preview of the Bengals, the Cincinnati reporter that covers the Bengals for TSN makes reference to Rudi having a very disappointing year last season and goes on to say that Kenny Irons, who has looked good and possesses more of a home-run threat than Rudi "could overtake Rudi as the starter this year."What on earth is this guy talking about, and why hasn't this been posted here yet (if, in fact, it hasn't)????

I AP can overtake Taylor, then Irons could overtake this sled.

 

[Captain Hook]

likely because no one has seen/heard of such

 

[BeTheMatch]

I think Rudi has quite a bit longer track record than Chester Taylor. And Irons is no AD.

 

[BeTheMatch]

likely because no one has seen/heard of such

Well, check out the latest issue of TSN. This is coming from a beat writer.

 

[shadyridr]

Anythings possible. The fact is Rudi had an under 4.0 YPC last year and Irons was a 2nd round pick. If Rudi starts off slow they may eventually give Irons more carries which may eventually lead to Irons taking over as starter. Doubt it would happen until Game 10 at the earliest and even if it does Rudi should still see a ton of carries as a goalline threat. I wouldnt worry about it too much when drafting Rudi.

 

[BeTheMatch]

Anythings possible. The fact is Rudi had an under 4.0 YPC last year and Irons was a 2nd round pick. If Rudi starts off slow they may eventually give Irons more carries which may eventually lead to Irons taking over as starter. Doubt it would happen until Game 10 at the earliest and even if it does Rudi should still see a ton of carries as a goalline threat. I wouldnt worry about it too much when drafting Rudi.

I'm sure Rudi is at least partly to blame for his poor YPC last season, but their offensive line was abysmal. There were countless carries in which he had three defenders surrounding him the instant he got the hand-off.

 

[sholditch]

likely because no one has seen/heard of such

some of the most ridiculous crap I've ever heard. Irons was considered by many Auburn faithful to be the second best back on his team.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

I think the chance of Irons taking Rudi's job are zero.

 

[MelvinTScupper]

I think Rudi has quite a bit longer track record than Chester Taylor. And Irons is no AD.

it was a joke.Rudi is model of consistency. Only chance for Irons to be RB1 is injury to Rudi.

 

[duaneok66]

so dynasty Rudi owners, are you taking Irons with your 1st round pick ??(I am talking to those without a top 3 rookie pick)

 

[Ron_Mexico]

I was thoroughly unimpressed with Irons play last season at Auburn.

I would be surprised if he supplants Rudi, furthermore

I would be equally as surprised if he is able to carry the load in the NFL.

 

[greenf7cat]

I can't see that happen. If I am not mistaken, isn't Rudi in a contract year this upcoming season?

 

[Ron_Mexico]

I can't see that happen. If I am not mistaken, isn't Rudi in a contract year this upcoming season?

He locked in through 2009 I believe.

 

[NoFBinLA]

Next to '...just a plot to motivate tatum Bell' the '.... will replace Rudi J for SURE this season' is my favorite running joke.

Every season we dance this. One day, it will be right and we'll never hear the end of it.

But this ain't the year.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Hmmm. I've never heard of a beat reporter speculating that a rookie could overtake a starter before.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

RB is a fungible position that takes quite a beating, so from a planning standpoint you should always have a RB ready to go in case disaster strikes. And Rudi has averaged 345 carries a season for the last 3 seasons. And 28 is starting to get old for a RB. But really all Irons represents is a "in case of emergency break glass". You don't draft a RB in the mid second round with the plan of him taking over this year. You take him in the 2nd round because you feel that investment is better than bringing in solid yet unspectacular vet like Reuben Droughns if his services would be needed immediately.

 

[BeTheMatch]

Hmmm. I've never heard of a beat reporter speculating that a rookie could overtake a starter before.

There was more to it than that. Obviously it's this guy's opinion, but it's an informed one compared to most, and he must've been basing it on something. That's why it caught my eye.

 

[CA_7]

Here is the blurb

Bengals players respect and admire RB Rudi Johnson for his toughness, durability and consistency on the field, but his laid-back manner is interpreted as nonchalance and even laziness. Johnson is always the last player on the field for practice and the last player to board the team bus and plane. The club drafted Kenny Irons for several reasons--to improve the speed and explosiveness of the offense and to motivate Johnson, who averaged only 3.8 yards a carry on his way to 1,309 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. .

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=235509

 

[LHUCKS]

 

[BeTheMatch]

Here is the blurb

Bengals players respect and admire RB Rudi Johnson for his toughness, durability and consistency on the field, but his laid-back manner is interpreted as nonchalance and even laziness. Johnson is always the last player on the field for practice and the last player to board the team bus and plane. The club drafted Kenny Irons for several reasons--to improve the speed and explosiveness of the offense and to motivate Johnson, who averaged only 3.8 yards a carry on his way to 1,309 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. .

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=235509

This wasn't the article I was referencing. The actual team capsule written by Bengals beat writer Chick Ludwig says:"Rudi Johnson could lose his starting job to rookie Kenny Irons. Johnson is a workhorse, but his 3.8-yard average slowed the offense down last year. Irons makes defenders miss with sharp cuts and gives the offense a scary breakaway threat."

 

[gregjcross]

THIS IS PURE SUMMER FANTASY (AND I OWN IRONS) BUT HERE IT IS...

Bengals Team Report

Print this | E-mail this | Comments on this article: 3

Posted: July 10, 2007

Chick Ludwig

For Sporting News

CAMP CONFIDENTIAL: QB Carson Palmer, who is a year and a half removed from major left knee surgery, practiced the entire offseason without incident. With an array of weapons, including WRs Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, look for the offensive playbook to expand. The unit's only new starter is LG Andrew Whitworth, who replaces Eric Steinbach (Browns). The continuity is a big plus. Anchored by Pro Bowl RT Willie Anderson, the massive, road-grading line has the kind of size and strength needed to push the pile, but the unit must prove it's athletic enough to spring the backs for longer gains. ...

RB Rudi Johnson's starting job could be threatened by rookie Kenny Irons. Johnson is a durable workhorse, but his 3.8 per-carry average in '06 slowed the offense down. The quick, slashing Irons makes defenders miss with sharp cuts inside and outside. He gives the offense a scary downfield threat because of his breakaway speed. ...

The defensive tackle rotation (starters Michael Myers and John Thornton, plus backups Domata Peko, Kenderick Allen and rookie Matt Toeaina) has depth and experience, but the jury is out on its ability to stuff the run. Newcomer WLB Ed Hartwell (Falcons) must wreak havoc on early downs, creating sack opportunities for DEs Justin Smith and Robert Geathers. ...

No unit is under more scrutiny than the secondary. If O'Neal doesn't get his act together, Hall could be starting by the Week 5 bye. Rookie SS Marvin White and second-year FS Ethan Kilmer will push starters SS Dexter Jackson and FS Madieu Williams, who must improve their communication. This is a critical year for Williams, whose contact expires after the season. His production must increase in order to earn a new deal. He has tremendous range and ball skills, but must prove he can stay healthy.

Chick Ludwig covers the Bengals for the Dayton Daily News

 

[sholditch]

I was thoroughly unimpressed with Irons play last season at Auburn.

:agree:I was unimpressed as well. I think this guy is just really searching for something to write about during the July lull before camp starts.

The quick, slashing Irons makes defenders miss with sharp cuts inside and outside.

Really? When and where? At Auburn two years ago? If he's talking about last year he's probably mistaking Irons for Karl Stewart, who actually is really fast and shifty and can actually make guys miss. This guy is a moron.

 

[AnonymousBob]

Didn't the Bengals have some issues with their offensive line last season? Seems that is the biggest culprit for Rudi having a relatively low ypc.

 

[BeTheMatch]

THIS IS PURE SUMMER FANTASY (AND I OWN IRONS) BUT HERE IT IS...

Bengals Team Report

Print this | E-mail this | Comments on this article: 3

Posted: July 10, 2007

Chick Ludwig

For Sporting News

CAMP CONFIDENTIAL: QB Carson Palmer, who is a year and a half removed from major left knee surgery, practiced the entire offseason without incident. With an array of weapons, including WRs Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, look for the offensive playbook to expand. The unit's only new starter is LG Andrew Whitworth, who replaces Eric Steinbach (Browns). The continuity is a big plus. Anchored by Pro Bowl RT Willie Anderson, the massive, road-grading line has the kind of size and strength needed to push the pile, but the unit must prove it's athletic enough to spring the backs for longer gains. ...

RB Rudi Johnson's starting job could be threatened by rookie Kenny Irons. Johnson is a durable workhorse, but his 3.8 per-carry average in '06 slowed the offense down. The quick, slashing Irons makes defenders miss with sharp cuts inside and outside. He gives the offense a scary downfield threat because of his breakaway speed. ...

The defensive tackle rotation (starters Michael Myers and John Thornton, plus backups Domata Peko, Kenderick Allen and rookie Matt Toeaina) has depth and experience, but the jury is out on its ability to stuff the run. Newcomer WLB Ed Hartwell (Falcons) must wreak havoc on early downs, creating sack opportunities for DEs Justin Smith and Robert Geathers. ...

No unit is under more scrutiny than the secondary. If O'Neal doesn't get his act together, Hall could be starting by the Week 5 bye. Rookie SS Marvin White and second-year FS Ethan Kilmer will push starters SS Dexter Jackson and FS Madieu Williams, who must improve their communication. This is a critical year for Williams, whose contact expires after the season. His production must increase in order to earn a new deal. He has tremendous range and ball skills, but must prove he can stay healthy.

Chick Ludwig covers the Bengals for the Dayton Daily News

This has been re-worded. I have the hard copy of the TSN issue in my hands right now, and that's not what it says. It says what I posted a couple posts higher.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Irons makes defenders miss with sharp cuts and gives the offense a scary breakaway threat."

Are you sure about this, IT ?He showed me little of this last year,and I'm sure he will show even less against NFL defensive schemes.

 

[shadyridr]

Anythings possible. The fact is Rudi had an under 4.0 YPC last year and Irons was a 2nd round pick. If Rudi starts off slow they may eventually give Irons more carries which may eventually lead to Irons taking over as starter. Doubt it would happen until Game 10 at the earliest and even if it does Rudi should still see a ton of carries as a goalline threat. I wouldnt worry about it too much when drafting Rudi.

I'm sure Rudi is at least partly to blame for his poor YPC last season, but their offensive line was abysmal. There were countless carries in which he had three defenders surrounding him the instant he got the hand-off.

I agree 100%. Im just saying I wouldnt be completely shocked if it happened but it wont affect Rudi's draft status one bit for me.

 

[Holy Schneikes]

Wow, you guys are all SO sure of yourselves.

I don't know more than the averge schmo about Irons, but I can say that Rudi has never been all that impressive to me, just by watching him play. He's competent, but not really great at anything. I'm not really sure how everyone can be so certain he's in no jeopardy of losing his job when he was fairly unimpressive last year. A 3.8 average for a guy in his prime on a good team with a great passing attack sure seems to be something that the coaches might want to look at addressing, particularly when his backups are averaging more than 5 and a half per carry.

I know stats don't tell the whole story, they are misleading, etc, etc, but it seems to me this team is looking for something it isn't getting from Rudi.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Or maybe they're looking for something they aren't getting from their backups.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Chick Ludwig, more than any other Bengal beat writer, likes to speculate. He's wrong way more often than he's right. Had this come from another Bengal source, I'd be more inclined to put stock in it.

Unless Rudi is injured or arrested ( ), there's zero chance he gets less than a healthy majority of the carries this year.

 

[Holy Schneikes]

Or maybe they're looking for something they aren't getting from their backups.

You mean the backups that averaged 5.5+ YPC last year?I'm fairly convinced that if Perry had been able to stay healthy, he would have been the starter by now. He just couldn't so he isn't.They drafted Perry to replace Rudi. That didn't work. Now they draft Irons. I think they are HOPING HE will replace Rudi or at least motivate him to get a little better performance out of him. He's not BAD, he's just not great.

 

[BeTheMatch]

Irons makes defenders miss with sharp cuts and gives the offense a scary breakaway threat."

Are you sure about this, IT ?He showed me little of this last year,and I'm sure he will show even less against NFL defensive schemes.

These are the Bengals beat writer's words - not mine!!!!

 

[pimptastic69]

Didn't the Bengals have some issues with their offensive line last season? Seems that is the biggest culprit for Rudi having a relatively low ypc.

Tons. The biggest was C Rich Braham. He called all the shots for the O line, and when he got hurt the whole line went in the crapper.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Irons makes defenders miss with sharp cuts and gives the offense a scary breakaway threat."

Are you sure about this, IT ?He showed me little of this last year,and I'm sure he will show even less against NFL defensive schemes.

These are the Bengals beat writer's words - not mine!!!!

Missed that. Sorry, IT.

 

[BigTex]

Rudi has been a top 10 since he's become the starter and now he's being replaced by an unproven rookie.



OH, otay.

 

[sholditch]

Wow, you guys are all SO sure of yourselves.I don't know more than the averge schmo about Irons, but I can say that Rudi has never been all that impressive to me, just by watching him play. He's competent, but not really great at anything. I'm not really sure how everyone can be so certain he's in no jeopardy of losing his job when he was fairly unimpressive last year. A 3.8 average for a guy in his prime on a good team with a great passing attack sure seems to be something that the coaches might want to look at addressing, particularly when his backups are averaging more than 5 and a half per carry.I know stats don't tell the whole story, they are misleading, etc, etc, but it seems to me this team is looking for something it isn't getting from Rudi.

I'm a lot more sure that Irons isn't good enough to replace Rudi than I am that Rudi is too good to replace. Seriously, have watched this guy his entire college career. Good, but not great, at all, and as Ron-Ron mentioned his senior year was probably his worst. Not a good sign (Kenneth Darby)

 

[duaneok66]

Rudi has been a top 10 since he's become the starter and now he's being replaced by an unproven rookie. OH, otay.

top 10 FF RB doesn not equal top 10 NFL RB . . .

 

[BigTex]

Rudi has been a top 10 since he's become the starter and now he's being replaced by an unproven rookie. OH, otay.

top 10 FF RB doesn not equal top 10 NFL RB . . .

2004 #6 in rushing with 1454.2005 #7 in rushing with 14582006 #7 in rushing with 1309Check the stats before you post.

 

[sholditch]

Rudi has been a top 10 since he's become the starter and now he's being replaced by an unproven rookie. OH, otay.

top 10 FF RB doesn not equal top 10 NFL RB . . .

2004 #6 in rushing with 1454.2005 #7 in rushing with 14582006 #7 in rushing with 1309Check the stats before you post.

 

[duaneok66]

Rudi has been a top 10 since he's become the starter and now he's being replaced by an unproven rookie. OH, otay.

top 10 FF RB doesn not equal top 10 NFL RB . . .

2004 #6 in rushing with 1454.2005 #7 in rushing with 14582006 #7 in rushing with 1309Check the stats before you post.

let me rephrase . . . he is NOT one of the top 10 NFL RBs (overall) . . . several NON TOP 10 NFL backs could amass the same stats in that offense . . .

 

[BigTex]

Rudi has been a top 10 since he's become the starter and now he's being replaced by an unproven rookie. OH, otay.

top 10 FF RB doesn not equal top 10 NFL RB . . .

2004 #6 in rushing with 1454.2005 #7 in rushing with 14582006 #7 in rushing with 1309Check the stats before you post.

let me rephrase . . . he is NOT one of the top 10 NFL RBs (overall) . . . several NON TOP 10 NFL backs could amass the same stats in that offense . . .

Facts>>>>>>Speculations

 

[duaneok66]

Rudi has been a top 10 since he's become the starter and now he's being replaced by an unproven rookie. OH, otay.

top 10 FF RB doesn not equal top 10 NFL RB . . .

2004 #6 in rushing with 1454.2005 #7 in rushing with 14582006 #7 in rushing with 1309Check the stats before you post.

let me rephrase . . . he is NOT one of the top 10 NFL RBs (overall) . . . several NON TOP 10 NFL backs could amass the same stats in that offense . . .

Facts>>>>>>Speculations

you are actually going to sit there and say that you CAN'T name 10 NFL backs better than Rudi Johnson???LOL

 

[Blackjacks]

Didn't the Bengals have some issues with their offensive line last season? Seems that is the biggest culprit for Rudi having a relatively low ypc.

Tons. The biggest was C Rich Braham. He called all the shots for the O line, and when he got hurt the whole line went in the crapper.

but now they lost Steinbach

 

[Peyton Marino]

Rudi has been a top 10 since he's become the starter and now he's being replaced by an unproven rookie. OH, otay.

top 10 FF RB doesn not equal top 10 NFL RB . . .

2004 #6 in rushing with 1454.2005 #7 in rushing with 14582006 #7 in rushing with 1309Check the stats before you post.

let me rephrase . . . he is NOT one of the top 10 NFL RBs (overall) . . . several NON TOP 10 NFL backs could amass the same stats in that offense . . .

Facts>>>>>>Speculations

he's not speculating.

 

[Tau837]

Or maybe they're looking for something they aren't getting from their backups.

You mean the backups that averaged 5.5+ YPC last year?I'm fairly convinced that if Perry had been able to stay healthy, he would have been the starter by now. He just couldn't so he isn't.

They drafted Perry to replace Rudi. That didn't work. Now they draft Irons. I think they are HOPING HE will replace Rudi or at least motivate him to get a little better performance out of him. He's not BAD, he's just not great.

This is false. This is thoroughly discussed in the other Rudi Johnson thread that was on the first page for the past few days. I particularly recommend the keyser post near the end of that thread.

 

[kensat30]

If Rudi gets nicked up, it might be tough for him to get his job back.

 

[BigTex]

Rudi has been a top 10 since he's become the starter and now he's being replaced by an unproven rookie. OH, otay.

top 10 FF RB doesn not equal top 10 NFL RB . . .

2004 #6 in rushing with 1454.2005 #7 in rushing with 14582006 #7 in rushing with 1309Check the stats before you post.

let me rephrase . . . he is NOT one of the top 10 NFL RBs (overall) . . . several NON TOP 10 NFL backs could amass the same stats in that offense . . .

Facts>>>>>>Speculations

you are actually going to sit there and say that you CAN'T name 10 NFL backs better than Rudi Johnson???LOL

According to his stats I can only name 5 or 6 without speculating.The proof is in the pudding.

 

[BigTex]

Rudi has been a top 10 since he's become the starter and now he's being replaced by an unproven rookie. OH, otay.

top 10 FF RB doesn not equal top 10 NFL RB . . .

2004 #6 in rushing with 1454.2005 #7 in rushing with 14582006 #7 in rushing with 1309Check the stats before you post.

let me rephrase . . . he is NOT one of the top 10 NFL RBs (overall) . . . several NON TOP 10 NFL backs could amass the same stats in that offense . . .

Facts>>>>>>Speculations

he's not speculating.

Yes he is. There is no way to prove what he's stated therefore it's speculation.

 

[duaneok66]

Rudi has been a top 10 since he's become the starter and now he's being replaced by an unproven rookie. OH, otay.

top 10 FF RB doesn not equal top 10 NFL RB . . .

2004 #6 in rushing with 1454.2005 #7 in rushing with 14582006 #7 in rushing with 1309Check the stats before you post.

let me rephrase . . . he is NOT one of the top 10 NFL RBs (overall) . . . several NON TOP 10 NFL backs could amass the same stats in that offense . . .

Facts>>>>>>Speculations

he's not speculating.

Yes he is. There is no way to prove what he's stated therefore it's speculation.

any REASONABLE person can assume that if you poll all NFL GMs not name Matt Millen, they would say that these backs (and this is not a complete list) are better (in overall ability) than Rudi . . .LTS JacksonS AlexanderGoreBushLarry JohnsonWestbrookPortisDeucePetersonand that's just for starters . . .