from Bills websiteLynch ready to get to workChris Brown, Lead Journalist
Posted Sep 28, 2009
aaHis teammates said he was all smiles and glad to be back. Marshawn Lynch’s three game league-imposed suspension was over effective Monday. But it appeared as though the time away from his teammates had a lasting impact on the running back as he responded to questions from the Buffalo media with soft spoken answers.
Lynch admitted that sitting out for three games was difficult.
“It was hard, but that was part of the deal,” he said. “I had to sit out so I’m just glad to be back.”
The Bills feature back had been working out twice a day while he was away, but admitted he couldn’t quite duplicate the practice setting with his teammates.
“I was just trying to work out and trying to simulate, which I couldn’t do, just trying to keep my body in the best game shape as I could,” he said.
Lynch was proud of the job his good friend and teammate Fred Jackson turned in while he was away saying it made it easier for him to watch the team’s first three games.
“Fred has been pretty productive at that running back spot so I’ve just got to find a few more plays that need to be made,” said Lynch.
Jackson has put together the fourth best yards from scrimmage total in team history over the first three games of the season with 425. Jackson’s success has led to conflicting comments from Bills fans when they’ve crossed paths with Lynch the past couple of weeks.
“It’s weird,” Lynch said. “I’ve been hearing a mix of things. Some are saying I can stay where I am because Fred is doing a wonderful job, which I don’t mind. Some are saying they can’t wait until I come back. So I’ve been getting some mixed emotions from the fans. I’m just glad I’ve got these (teammates) on my side to let me know I was missed.”
Jackson is glad to have Lynch back in the locker room. He made a point to keep in touch with Lynch while he was out on suspension calling him every day to keep him in the loop.
“I’m probably more excited than anybody that he’s back,” said Jackson. “He’s a playmaker on this offense. We’re looking forward to him coming in and making the plays for us. He brings a different energy and we’re excited about that.”
Lynch said he does not care who is considered the team’s number one running back fully aware of the numbers that Jackson has produced. He just seems glad he’ll have the opportunity to contribute once again.
Offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt used the term “dynamic duo” when asked about using Jackson and Lynch as a tandem once Lynch returned from suspension. Now having both of the backs at his disposal again head coach **** Jauron hinted at a 50-50 split with respect to carries.
“Going into the season, even in the offseason when we knew about Marshawn’s suspension we knew we had to be careful with Fred because he’s a really good player and we don’t want to overload him,” said Jauron. “He had a lot of touches and did a great job and now Marshawn is back and we’ll take some of the load off him and evenly distribute it because both of those guys are good and will make us a better team.”
Lynch and Jackson both seem to be content with that approach.
“You know what you’re going to get from me and you’ve seen what you’re going to get from Fred so you can kind of combine those two things,” he said. “You’re going to get 200 from both of us, and when I say 200 I mean 200 percent. That’s what you can expect from our backfield every game.”
“I don’t know exactly how it’s going to go, but I know we’ll both get our touches,” Jackson said. “We’ll see what they want to do with us and I know we’ll just feed off each other. He’ll try to make plays and I’ll try to make plays and we’ll do whatever we can to complement each other.”
Regardless of how much of the workload Lynch takes on he insists he’ll be ready. And though he has spent almost a month away from the game he maintains it hasn’t increased his motivation.
“I’m always hungry,” he said. “And it’s time to eat.”
Lynch not on 53-man roster yet
At this point Lynch is still not part of the team’s 53-man roster. The Bills requested a three-day roster exemption for Lynch with the league on Monday. They will officially add him to the roster on Thursday at which point they will need to move someone off the roster to make room for the running back
Lynch 20 carriesJackson 10 carries, 5 receptions13 carries a piece, enjoy
SourceI've been using Jackson for 3 weeks but I'll sit both this week.NFL.com's Steve Wyche suggests that the Bills will "wean" Marshawn Lynch back into the offense when he's activated from suspension this week.
Next Sunday's matchup with the Dolphins isn't a favorable one for Lynch, but he figures to eventually take over short-yardage work and cut heavily into Fred Jackson's early-down carries when he's in playing shape. It remains to be seen how involved Jackson will be once Lynch is at full strength.
I've seen this sentiment written before and I realy don't understand it...or perhaps as a Lynch owner I don't want to believe it. OK, so my bias aside, here's my thought process:Imagine the #1RB played all preseason and then got hurt and couldn't play/practice for 3 weeks. OK, so now imagine that at the start of week 4 he is healthy enough to practice fully with the team. Would we really think that after 3 weeks of recuperation that the #1 RB would be be given "very limited" action in week 4? No, if he's healthy enough to play, we'd expect him to start and see a good number of carries. So how is this situation different?Good info. Seeing as Lynch hasn't practiced with the team in three weeks, seems safe to say his role in week 4 is going to be very limited.
A guy who is hurt is still attending meetings, working out with the team. On suspension, you are on your own, no practice, no meetings. Since he left the Bills fired the OC. Things have definitely changed.I suspect that by week 6, Lynch will be getting 50% or more of the touches, as he's younger and more talented than Jackson. But to imagine he comes in cold and supplants Jackson, who has played very well, in the first week back, seems tough for me to believe. I'll be very happy to be proven wrong, but I'll definitely be sitting Lynch week 4.I've seen this sentiment written before and I realy don't understand it...or perhaps as a Lynch owner I don't want to believe it. OK, so my bias aside, here's my thought process:Imagine the #1RB played all preseason and then got hurt and couldn't play/practice for 3 weeks. OK, so now imagine that at the start of week 4 he is healthy enough to practice fully with the team. Would we really think that after 3 weeks of recuperation that the #1 RB would be be given "very limited" action in week 4? No, if he's healthy enough to play, we'd expect him to start and see a good number of carries. So how is this situation different?Good info. Seeing as Lynch hasn't practiced with the team in three weeks, seems safe to say his role in week 4 is going to be very limited.
Personally, I agree that Jackson has been very effective, but I don't think one can argue that Lynch was the #1 RB on this team at the end of preseason and while Jackson's productivity makes it easier for Jauron to ease Lynch back in I don't think "very limited" is an accurate assessment what I'd expect. Indeed, "very limited" sounds to me like you are expecting a 70/30 split in Jackson's favor. I expect a 60/40 split in Lynch's favor.
Lynch: 16 carries, 3 receptions
Jackson: 10 carries, 3 receptions
As always, just my opinion.
Wow. Now I am excited again. thanks
Jackson had 76 out of 81 possible RB touches these past three games, probably a safe bet he blows by that 170 number.Jackson got the ball 170 times last year, no one expected him to not be involved. I don't know what "full blown RBBC" means necessarily - 50/50 split? - but I'm sure Lynch will have more touches if they both play the last 13 games.
That is awesome. Thanks for the perspective "reset". Just a reminder on how beastly this dude really is. As good as Fred is, Lynch is clearly the number 1. Sucks for me because I have Fred.
I agree with your logic, but I don't know that I'll have the guts to start Lynch this week. Or Jackson either, for that matter. Will you??Although I may be forced to because of week 4 byes (Carolina and Arizona).I love how everyone on this forum forgets that Lynch is a good back and better then Jackson!Oh and Wilson loves him, and if Jouron is hoping to keep his job, he'll do whatever it takes to please his boss.... including giving the best offensive player the ball!Teams are not scared of Jackson hence not game planning for him like they would Lynch....When Lynch comes back look for TO to get more involved as they will not just game plan for TO, they have to game plan for Lynch now too!Big part of whats wrong with the Bills offense, but lets not state the obvious, lets over think it...CONTINUE ON................
Jauron told the Buffalo News today that the touches will be split evenly. As an owner of both, I'd rather have Lynch going forward. I like Jax, but the cream always rises.I'm looking at trading for either Freddy Jackson or Lynch. I heard today that Freddy Jackson may keep the starting job. If that is indeed the case he is very solid. Buffalo has done a better job running the ball than I expected. If Lynch were to go back to his old role as the main back he could be very good. Any thoughts?
The cream has risen the first three games.Jauron told the Buffalo News today that the touches will be split evenly. As an owner of both, I'd rather have Lynch going forward. I like Jax, but the cream always rises.I'm looking at trading for either Freddy Jackson or Lynch. I heard today that Freddy Jackson may keep the starting job. If that is indeed the case he is very solid. Buffalo has done a better job running the ball than I expected. If Lynch were to go back to his old role as the main back he could be very good. Any thoughts?
The Bills are 1-2The cream has risen the first three games.Jauron told the Buffalo News today that the touches will be split evenly. As an owner of both, I'd rather have Lynch going forward. I like Jax, but the cream always rises.I'm looking at trading for either Freddy Jackson or Lynch. I heard today that Freddy Jackson may keep the starting job. If that is indeed the case he is very solid. Buffalo has done a better job running the ball than I expected. If Lynch were to go back to his old role as the main back he could be very good. Any thoughts?
and they played some soft DsThe Bills are 1-2The cream has risen the first three games.Jauron told the Buffalo News today that the touches will be split evenly. As an owner of both, I'd rather have Lynch going forward. I like Jax, but the cream always rises.I'm looking at trading for either Freddy Jackson or Lynch. I heard today that Freddy Jackson may keep the starting job. If that is indeed the case he is very solid. Buffalo has done a better job running the ball than I expected. If Lynch were to go back to his old role as the main back he could be very good. Any thoughts?
Good point. McGahee >>> SJaxThe Bills are 1-2The cream has risen the first three games.Jauron told the Buffalo News today that the touches will be split evenly. As an owner of both, I'd rather have Lynch going forward. I like Jax, but the cream always rises.I'm looking at trading for either Freddy Jackson or Lynch. I heard today that Freddy Jackson may keep the starting job. If that is indeed the case he is very solid. Buffalo has done a better job running the ball than I expected. If Lynch were to go back to his old role as the main back he could be very good. Any thoughts?
Lynch has twice the number of touches and four times the number of TDs.Fred Jackson career:4.8 yards per carry8.7 yards per receptionMarshawn Lynch career:4.1 yards per carry7.4 yards per reception
yeah, because the coaching staff foolishly keeps giving lynch more touchespnewtonjr said:Lynch has twice the number of touches and four times the number of TDs.Michael Fox said:Fred Jackson career:4.8 yards per carry8.7 yards per receptionMarshawn Lynch career:4.1 yards per carry7.4 yards per reception
This is a ridiculous statement. Lynch will be the man soon. Jackson is a nice backup.yeah, because the coaching staff foolishly keeps giving lynch more touchespnewtonjr said:Lynch has twice the number of touches and four times the number of TDs.Michael Fox said:Fred Jackson career:4.8 yards per carry8.7 yards per receptionMarshawn Lynch career:4.1 yards per carry7.4 yards per reception
man i didnt know marv albert did football games. apparently he does monday night on the radio. cya chuckie.Sabertooth said:
LOL, your rage is amusing. I'm just putting facts on the table. If you have better facts, I'm all ears.nothing like looking at stats in a vacuum.if you want to compare fred jackson 2009 vs. marshawn lynch, that's one thing.but to spout of stats could be very misleading. how many of jackson's carries came when the opponent was in a prevent defense? hoe many screen passes did he catch on 3rd and 20? his pct. of those plays is going to be higher than lynch's. i'm not saying either is better than the other. just don't spout stats and expect us to accept them.
editor is right. You can't compare a 3rd down back's YPC to a guy that plays 1st down, 2nd down and goal line. The 3rd down back will always have better numbers regardless of talent.LOL, your rage is amusing. I'm just putting facts on the table. If you have better facts, I'm all ears.nothing like looking at stats in a vacuum.if you want to compare fred jackson 2009 vs. marshawn lynch, that's one thing.but to spout of stats could be very misleading. how many of jackson's carries came when the opponent was in a prevent defense? hoe many screen passes did he catch on 3rd and 20? his pct. of those plays is going to be higher than lynch's. i'm not saying either is better than the other. just don't spout stats and expect us to accept them.
Well Scooter, perhaps you could just look at Jackson's stats in the games he has started.2009 (3 games started):61 carries, 291 yards, 4.8 yards per carry2008 (3 games started): 39 carries, 175 yards, 4.5 yards per carry2007 (1 game started):16 carries, 82 yards, 5.1 yards per carryOverall (2007-2009, only games started):116 carries, 548 yards, 4.7 yards per carryIt looks like Jackson has done just fine in games where he has started. In fact, his rushing average in games started is 4.7 yards per carry, which is identical to his career average.editor is right. You can't compare a 3rd down back's YPC to a guy that plays 1st down, 2nd down and goal line. The 3rd down back will always have better numbers regardless of talent.LOL, your rage is amusing. I'm just putting facts on the table. If you have better facts, I'm all ears.nothing like looking at stats in a vacuum.if you want to compare fred jackson 2009 vs. marshawn lynch, that's one thing.but to spout of stats could be very misleading. how many of jackson's carries came when the opponent was in a prevent defense? hoe many screen passes did he catch on 3rd and 20? his pct. of those plays is going to be higher than lynch's. i'm not saying either is better than the other. just don't spout stats and expect us to accept them.
your entire premise is faultyJackson has produced at a far higher level than Lynch based on comparable carries, catches and playing time.Lynch is an intellectually challenged thug - who still does not know the playbookLucky for you the coaches are too stupid to realize that Jackson is the heart and soul of the bills offenseI love how everyone on this forum forgets that Lynch is a good back and better then Jackson!Oh and Wilson loves him, and if Jouron is hoping to keep his job, he'll do whatever it takes to please his boss.... including giving the best offensive player the ball!Teams are not scared of Jackson hence not game planning for him like they would Lynch....When Lynch comes back look for TO to get more involved as they will not just game plan for TO, they have to game plan for Lynch now too!Big part of whats wrong with the Bills offense, but lets not state the obvious, lets over think it...CONTINUE ON................
You are not by chance a Fred Jackson - non Lynch owner... But seriously I think Jackson has played very well & this most likely will be some form of RBBC unless there's an injury..your entire premise is faultyJackson has produced at a far higher level than Lynch based on comparable carries, catches and playing time.Lynch is an intellectually challenged thug - who still does not know the playbookLucky for you the coaches are too stupid to realize that Jackson is the heart and soul of the bills offenseI love how everyone on this forum forgets that Lynch is a good back and better then Jackson!Oh and Wilson loves him, and if Jouron is hoping to keep his job, he'll do whatever it takes to please his boss.... including giving the best offensive player the ball!Teams are not scared of Jackson hence not game planning for him like they would Lynch....When Lynch comes back look for TO to get more involved as they will not just game plan for TO, they have to game plan for Lynch now too!Big part of whats wrong with the Bills offense, but lets not state the obvious, lets over think it...CONTINUE ON................
Just because you start 1-3 games a year, doesn't mean that you will have those stats over an entire season. Who were they playing? When the backup RB comes in for a start, the defense switches it's attention to the passing game thus leaving more of a hole for the RB. Is Jackson a talented change of pace RB? Sure. But, Lynch is a proven workhorse. Those don't come around very often.Well Scooter, perhaps you could just look at Jackson's stats in the games he has started.2009 (3 games started):61 carries, 291 yards, 4.8 yards per carry2008 (3 games started): 39 carries, 175 yards, 4.5 yards per carry2007 (1 game started):16 carries, 82 yards, 5.1 yards per carryOverall (2007-2009, only games started):116 carries, 548 yards, 4.7 yards per carryIt looks like Jackson has done just fine in games where he has started. In fact, his rushing average in games started is 4.7 yards per carry, which is identical to his career average.editor is right. You can't compare a 3rd down back's YPC to a guy that plays 1st down, 2nd down and goal line. The 3rd down back will always have better numbers regardless of talent.LOL, your rage is amusing. I'm just putting facts on the table. If you have better facts, I'm all ears.nothing like looking at stats in a vacuum.if you want to compare fred jackson 2009 vs. marshawn lynch, that's one thing.but to spout of stats could be very misleading. how many of jackson's carries came when the opponent was in a prevent defense? hoe many screen passes did he catch on 3rd and 20? his pct. of those plays is going to be higher than lynch's. i'm not saying either is better than the other. just don't spout stats and expect us to accept them.
But he's right. I love Freddie, but when the team has 6 DB's in and Trent checks down to Freddie, he gets those 15 yard carries. Freddie has done a remarkable job, and as a Bills fan, feel very fortunate to have both. It will be a "split" for the first few weeks, but I also believe you will see both of them on the field a lot more. They ran sets with both of them and 3 WR sets in training camp.LOL, your rage is amusing. I'm just putting facts on the table. If you have better facts, I'm all ears.nothing like looking at stats in a vacuum.if you want to compare fred jackson 2009 vs. marshawn lynch, that's one thing.but to spout of stats could be very misleading. how many of jackson's carries came when the opponent was in a prevent defense? hoe many screen passes did he catch on 3rd and 20? his pct. of those plays is going to be higher than lynch's. i'm not saying either is better than the other. just don't spout stats and expect us to accept them.