Jets RB mess (1 Viewer)

[Steelers4Life]

I've got Barlow as my fifth RB also.Looks like Blaylock has the first crack at the starting joib, by virtue of his contract, work ethic, and versatility. However, Barlow is going to get his share of looks, so this whole situation comes down to what you believe about the talent of each of these players.Those who believe that Barlow is a good back who was held down by a terrible SF team should pencil Barlow in for the starting job by week 4, and should project him at between 200-260 carries for the season. Those who think Barlow is nothing special should project him in the 120-180 carries range.

Exactly.I guess I'm one of the more outspoken Barlow supporters on the board, but I don't believe he'll get anything more than perhaps 50% of the workload in the beginning of the year. Maybe less, but I also believe that as soon as Barlow shows any spark or understanding of the offense, his playing time will increase pretty quickly. If the Jets didn't see more talent in him than Blalock or Houston, they wouldn't have taken on his salary and given up a pick to get him. It's not like he has to beat out an established and productive veteran here, either.I've got Barlow as my RB4/5 in 3 different leagues, and I'm very happy with that because I think he'll easily give me great value for that roster spot. By the end of the year, I think he's got a great chance to be producing like a strong RB3 or even an RB2.

 

[redman]

Any updated word on Houston? I'm assuming that they haven't released him with the latest roster cuts.

 

[mr. furley]

well, Barlow went at 8.10 in my draft

 

[MDSkinner]

I took Barlow as my 5th RB (no intention of him ever having to play on my team) mainly because he was there. But based on what they did to get him, I would wager he is the safest bet on the Jets.

That said, I would not want to bank much of anything on any of them at this stage.

 

[corpcow]

The Jets were the #3 rushing offense in 2004. In 2005 they were #31. That gives you an idea of how quickly things can turn in the NFL.

If Pennington is healthy, there's no way they finish at #31 again. They've upgraded the OL and they get an upgrade on offense just because they had such horrible health issues last year. The OL was decimated and they were playing with a third-string RB and a fourth-string QB.

They won't be #3 again, but I expect to see life in the offense.

Exactly. Sure, I'm a bit biased as Jets fan, but it's also important to recognize last year as an anomaly. I mean, I like Brooks Bollinger, but come on.... we had VINNY TESTAVERDE AND BROOKS BOLLINGER (aka Keanu) under center .... Stack the box much? Wouldn't you downgrade Alexander with Greene under center? Or LJ with Casey Printers?

So no, don't avoid the Jets ground game... because those are the value picks which can win you championships. But then, who do we go for? Unfortunately my friend in the organization left along with Herm, so I no longer have "insider info".

That said, I expect Barlow to win the job. Though he has underachieved, he has arguably the most talent. Houston looked ok last year - a big back, but not the speediest. Blaylock and Washington are both a little smaller but also faster. I'm not sure either would be an everydown back. And I tell you, before the Barlow trade, my money was actually on leon washington. He's small, like I said, but looked the most impressive in the preseason in my opinion.