Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars (1 Viewer)

[packersfan]

As we sit here today I'd take Mendy over MJD. I'd view MJD and Forte about the same. I view MJD, McFadden and Gore on the same tier. All three have durability/injury concerns of some kind. I'd probably take MJD over them because I think he's more talented but I think right now it's pretty much a coin flip with those three.

I have the 7th pick in my top PPR league and I really really really want to take MJD because I'm a big fan and I think if he is healthy that's superb value in the first round. But like I said, I'm risk averse in the first round and unless he plays in one or both of the final two preseason games and looks completely healthy I'll probably play it safe and take McCoy there.

I do think this is a great year to be picking at the back end of the first round. There are several really good RBs who should be available there and MJD carries terrific value if he is healthy. Whether he is or can stay healthy the entire season is obviously the question none of us can answer right now.

 

[gump]

I'm really starting to warm to him in the mid-2nd in a 10-teamer....assuming the Big 5, McCoy, Mendy, and Dmac are gone.

His ppg were equal to Chris Johnson last year...1.5 more than Turner....and still the worst year of his career.

That next group for me is MJD, Gore, Hillis, Turner, and SJax....can't help but lean to MJD from here.

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

He fell to pick 24 in my standard scoring, non ppr league.I'm a little upset I passed on him in the second.

He's falling in my ppr. Still available at pick #23. I don't think anyone trusts that knee.

 

[OnTheReg]

http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=nfldk2k11_32qJaguars

"I feel totally different, because there's no pain at all," he said. "I think that's the biggest thing, because no matter how tough it is, or how sharp the pain is or how dull the pain is, it's pain. This year, there is no pain. It's just going out there and playing like I'd been playing the first couple of years without it."

 

[atl3695]

http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=nfldk2k11_32qJaguars

"I feel totally different, because there's no pain at all," he said. "I think that's the biggest thing, because no matter how tough it is, or how sharp the pain is or how dull the pain is, it's pain. This year, there is no pain. It's just going out there and playing like I'd been playing the first couple of years without it."

He was saying the same thing last year after the knee rumors but in actually was playing on a bad knee all year. He still put up solid numbers last year but the touchdowns took a nosedive. Mike Thomas is a below average #1 WR receiver. On the other side you have Jason Hill with 3 career starts in 5 years or rookie Cecil Shorts. And with Gerrard already battling injuries, you may have a rookie qb with bad receiving options allowing teams to stack the box against MJD. Dont see this offense generating the touchdowns that have made MJD elite in the past but he should be a solid early to mid 2nd round pick.280 carries, 1200 yards, 6TD

40 catches, 320 yards, 1 TD

 

[mcd]

http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=nfldk2k11_32qJaguars

"I feel totally different, because there's no pain at all," he said. "I think that's the biggest thing, because no matter how tough it is, or how sharp the pain is or how dull the pain is, it's pain. This year, there is no pain. It's just going out there and playing like I'd been playing the first couple of years without it."

He was saying the same thing last year after the knee rumors but in actually was playing on a bad knee all year. He still put up solid numbers last year but the touchdowns took a nosedive. Mike Thomas is a below average #1 WR receiver. On the other side you have Jason Hill with 3 career starts in 5 years or rookie Cecil Shorts. And with Gerrard already battling injuries, you may have a rookie qb with bad receiving options allowing teams to stack the box against MJD. Dont see this offense generating the touchdowns that have made MJD elite in the past but he should be a solid early to mid 2nd round pick.280 carries, 1200 yards, 6TD

40 catches, 320 yards, 1 TD

I like MJD as a steal at this point. He's been practicing for 2 weeks & I can't find any negative comments from the writers covering the team. If management was concerned you would think they would have added some depth at RB. Whenever team weaknesses are brought up, reporters have not mentioned the MJD injury, it's always the OL or depth at WR.Garrard is a better QB than he is given credit for. The offense isn't explosive, but it can get the job done. I think MJD's drop in TDs can be attributed to his injury last year, as the team went to the TE inside the 10 yard line. If MJD has regained his explosiveness I would expect the TD's to again come from him, leaving Lewis as an average TE this season.

 

[Wadsworth]

http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=nfldk2k11_32qJaguars

"I feel totally different, because there's no pain at all," he said. "I think that's the biggest thing, because no matter how tough it is, or how sharp the pain is or how dull the pain is, it's pain. This year, there is no pain. It's just going out there and playing like I'd been playing the first couple of years without it."

He was saying the same thing last year after the knee rumors but in actually was playing on a bad knee all year. He still put up solid numbers last year but the touchdowns took a nosedive. Mike Thomas is a below average #1 WR receiver. On the other side you have Jason Hill with 3 career starts in 5 years or rookie Cecil Shorts. And with Gerrard already battling injuries, you may have a rookie qb with bad receiving options allowing teams to stack the box against MJD. Dont see this offense generating the touchdowns that have made MJD elite in the past but he should be a solid early to mid 2nd round pick.280 carries, 1200 yards, 6TD

40 catches, 320 yards, 1 TD

MJD has seen a stacked box his entire career in the NFL.

 

[atl3695]

http://sports.espn.go.com/fantasy/football/ffl/story?page=nfldk2k11_32qJaguars

"I feel totally different, because there's no pain at all," he said. "I think that's the biggest thing, because no matter how tough it is, or how sharp the pain is or how dull the pain is, it's pain. This year, there is no pain. It's just going out there and playing like I'd been playing the first couple of years without it."

He was saying the same thing last year after the knee rumors but in actually was playing on a bad knee all year. He still put up solid numbers last year but the touchdowns took a nosedive. Mike Thomas is a below average #1 WR receiver. On the other side you have Jason Hill with 3 career starts in 5 years or rookie Cecil Shorts. And with Gerrard already battling injuries, you may have a rookie qb with bad receiving options allowing teams to stack the box against MJD. Dont see this offense generating the touchdowns that have made MJD elite in the past but he should be a solid early to mid 2nd round pick.280 carries, 1200 yards, 6TD

40 catches, 320 yards, 1 TD

MJD has seen a stacked box his entire career in the NFL.

The Jags passing games has a good chance of being worse than anything seen before in MJD's time there. Garrard is at least an NFL starter caliber qb. If Gabbert sees significant time, things could get very ugly. You could say CJ2K always runs against stacked lines too, but look at what happened to him when having Rusty Smith as his qb.

 

[Monsters of the Midway]

SI Camp Postcard

SI isn't the most hard hitting site but I did find some potentially interesting info about MJD

On the subject of playing hurt, Jones-Drew will never bite his tongue; for him, the better recourse is to grit your teeth. That's essentially what he did last year while playing on a bum right knee, an injury later discovered to be a torn meniscus. He thought hard about having reconstructive surgery last August, but pride kept him from sacrificing the significant playing time that procedure and recovery would have cost him. He went under the knife in January instead and solo-rehabbed back in California. He said doctors banned him from running for seven months, but you'd never know it from seeing him out here. Though his participation in practices has been limited, his abilities have not. The burst, the cutting, the acceleration -- which he memorably flashed on a completed deep route -- are all there. "It's just better now because I don't have that pain," he said.

If true (observer saying he looks great) that lessens a lot of my worry about MJD's knee

 

[Wadsworth]

For anyone that cares I just got a very positive report on MJD's knee from someone in a position to know. He basically said that MJD's knee is far from perfect but it has no more issues than any other RB with several years of service in the NFL. He is ready to go and hasn't played because the Jags are being very selective about when they put wear and tear on his body. And that it has been driving MJD crazy, which might explain some of his recent radio comments.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

For anyone that cares I just got a very positive report on MJD's knee from someone in a position to know. He basically said that MJD's knee is far from perfect but it has no more issues than any other RB with several years of service in the NFL. He is ready to go and hasn't played because the Jags are being very selective about when they put wear and tear on his body. And that it has been driving MJD crazy, which might explain some of his recent radio comments.

you da man Wads!I speak for many, ty sir.

 

[gump]

For anyone that cares I just got a very positive report on MJD's knee from someone in a position to know. He basically said that MJD's knee is far from perfect but it has no more issues than any other RB with several years of service in the NFL. He is ready to go and hasn't played because the Jags are being very selective about when they put wear and tear on his body. And that it has been driving MJD crazy, which might explain some of his recent radio comments.

Appreciate the positive news, especially after Bramel's article!

 

[need2know]

thoughts on his 5 carries ? it looks like he had one or two nice runs.

 

[Wadsworth]

I saw nothing from MJD to make me worried tonight but also saw nothing that gave me warm fuzzies. He played a short time and looked okay. I guess that's what you get with a 5 carry preseason.

 

[gump]

I saw nothing from MJD to make me worried tonight but also saw nothing that gave me warm fuzzies. He played a short time and looked okay. I guess that's what you get with a 5 carry preseason.

How'd Karim look? I know you are down on him, but did he show anything to make you think he could carry the backup role on his own?

 

[Wadsworth]

I saw nothing from MJD to make me worried tonight but also saw nothing that gave me warm fuzzies. He played a short time and looked okay. I guess that's what you get with a 5 carry preseason.

How'd Karim look? I know you are down on him, but did he show anything to make you think he could carry the backup role on his own?

I'm not down on Karim I just question his value as an every down back should he be forced into that role. Deji is fast, fluid and aggressive. If there is a hole he will make the defense pay and he has shown some ability to cut back and find a another route if the hole is isn't where it is suppose to be. But he is not going to break many tackles or get the extra yard or two by moving the pile. When he was drafted some people called him an MJD clone, I think his game is closer to a now bulked up Danny Woodhead, though Deji is a slightly more powerful runner and not as gifted a receiver as Danny. If you are looking for a MJD handcuff while Jennings is out I would not use a roster spot on Deji unless you have very deep benches. The Jags O-line has some issues and while MJD should still be able to produce I don't think Deji would have much if any real value should MJD miss time. This is the same offense that barely scored a TD in the preseason with the starters while MJD missed games and might have finished the preseason with zero starter vs starter TDs had they not been given a bogus PI call against the Bills.

 

[gump]

I saw nothing from MJD to make me worried tonight but also saw nothing that gave me warm fuzzies. He played a short time and looked okay. I guess that's what you get with a 5 carry preseason.

How'd Karim look? I know you are down on him, but did he show anything to make you think he could carry the backup role on his own?

I'm not down on Karim I just question his value as an every down back should he be forced into that role. Deji is fast, fluid and aggressive. If there is a hole he will make the defense pay and he has shown some ability to cut back and find a another route if the hole is isn't where it is suppose to be. But he is not going to break many tackles or get the extra yard or two by moving the pile. When he was drafted some people called him an MJD clone, I think his game is closer to a now bulked up Danny Woodhead, though Deji is a slightly more powerful runner and not as gifted a receiver as Danny. If you are looking for a MJD handcuff while Jennings is out I would not use a roster spot on Deji unless you have very deep benches. The Jags O-line has some issues and while MJD should still be able to produce I don't think Deji would have much if any real value should MJD miss time. This is the same offense that barely scored a TD in the preseason with the starters while MJD missed games and might have finished the preseason with zero starter vs starter TDs had they not been given a bogus PI call against the Bills.

 

[Wadsworth]

Just as a heads up, after watching the game today I strongly suspect that Jaguars have MJD on a rush count like pitchers have a pitch count in baseball. They held him out of almost the entire preseason to limit wear on his body. And clearly in the second half today he was held out when he was healthy and not happy on the sidelines. I'd guess the number is 25 rushes and at least early in the season I would not expect the Jaguars to go over that number unless they desperately need him. The split today was 47 rushes vs 27 passes, if the Jaguars remain even close to that ratio it means a lot of work for Deji Karim and/or Montell Owens.

 

[⚡DEADHEAD⚡]

Just as a heads up, after watching the game today I strongly suspect that Jaguars have MJD on a rush count like pitchers have a pitch count in baseball. They held him out of almost the entire preseason to limit wear on his body. And clearly in the second half today he was held out when he was healthy and not happy on the sidelines. I'd guess the number is 25 rushes and at least early in the season I would not expect the Jaguars to go over that number unless they desperately need him. The split today was 47 rushes vs 27 passes, if the Jaguars remain even close to that ratio it means a lot of work for Deji Karim and/or Montell Owens.

Coaches usually like to try to get their player hit a landmark number when they're close. MoJo was close to 100 but I don't think the coaches were too interested to help him reach it. You might be on to something. May need to look at the log to confirm.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

How often will Jax have a ratio of 47 runs to 27 passes?

 

[Mash]

How often will Jax have a ratio of 47 runs to 27 passes?

Furthermore, at a more balanced ratio, will we still see MJD regularly hit 20 touches per game? Is that a given after seeing Karim's usage today? Is MJD's absence in the passing game a sign of things to come?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

How often will Jax have a ratio of 47 runs to 27 passes?

Furthermore, at a more balanced ratio, will we still see MJD regularly hit 20 touches per game? Is that a given after seeing Karim's usage today? Is MJD's absence in the passing game a sign of things to come?

That was disturbing, not 1 target to my knowledge.

 

[Wadsworth]

How often will Jax have a ratio of 47 runs to 27 passes?

I certainly don't expect that to be even close to the norm, but the Jaguars posted 47 rushes week 1 in spite of only averaging 3.5 per rush. JDR went ultra-conservative, even for him. If a coach can keep calling the run when averaging 3.5 per then all bets are off. Now the Jags did lead almost the entire game and that won't often be the case, but Sunday's game seemed to signal a return to JDR's roots of run the ball and stop the run mentality. If the defense can hold up, there could be a lot of rushing attempts in the teams future.

 

[Wadsworth]

How often will Jax have a ratio of 47 runs to 27 passes?

Furthermore, at a more balanced ratio, will we still see MJD regularly hit 20 touches per game? Is that a given after seeing Karim's usage today? Is MJD's absence in the passing game a sign of things to come?

That was disturbing, not 1 target to my knowledge.

Karim averaged 2.4 per rush. If anything I'd think that would signal Owens or someone else potentially getting a few more chances. As far as MJD and the passing game I don't think there was any plan to not include him, it just worked out he used up his touches rushing. They face the Jets next week and the cloud of dust game plan isn't likely to fly against that defense. So we'll see if they have a back up plan which includes getting MJD the ball in space more often.

 

[need2know]

great first game for MJD. very happy so far. could have easily had 2 TDs.

 

[TheFanatic]

How often will Jax have a ratio of 47 runs to 27 passes?

I could see that for quite a while. For as long as McCown is behind center and then for a while under Gabbert. At some point they have to open things up, but I don't see that for a while. I expect lots of carries for both he and Deji and continued low, low YPC, but still solid fantasy numbers because it will be quantity over quality.

 

[Wadsworth]

How often will Jax have a ratio of 47 runs to 27 passes?

I could see that for quite a while. For as long as McCown is behind center and then for a while under Gabbert. At some point they have to open things up, but I don't see that for a while. I expect lots of carries for both he and Deji and continued low, low YPC, but still solid fantasy numbers because it will be quantity over quality.

Don't completely sleep on Montell Owens getting 17 yards on 3 attempts when Deji was averaging 2.4 yards per. Rashad Jennings was obviously the RB2 preinjury and Deji was seen more as a change of pace third down back type. There was hope that he could fill the role of Jennings but if he is going to keep that job he's going to have to do better.

 

[TheFanatic]

How often will Jax have a ratio of 47 runs to 27 passes?

I could see that for quite a while. For as long as McCown is behind center and then for a while under Gabbert. At some point they have to open things up, but I don't see that for a while. I expect lots of carries for both he and Deji and continued low, low YPC, but still solid fantasy numbers because it will be quantity over quality.

Don't completely sleep on Montell Owens getting 17 yards on 3 attempts when Deji was averaging 2.4 yards per. Rashad Jennings was obviously the RB2 preinjury and Deji was seen more as a change of pace third down back type. There was hope that he could fill the role of Jennings but if he is going to keep that job he's going to have to do better.

I don't disagree. I should've said, whomever the backup is. I see them spelling MJD a lot with someone to save the knee. Not sure right now who that will be.

 

[need2know]

so MJD has looked pretty good so far. Just read the following:

Rookie QB Blaine Gabbert will start Sunday's game against the Panthers.

Coach Jack Del Rio didn't have much of a choice after Luke McCown threw four ugly interceptions in last week's loss to the Jets. Gabbert, the No. 10 overall pick in the draft, has elite measureables but his comfort level in the pocket remains to be seen. His lack of weapons certainly won't help. During the preseason, Gabbert struggled as he completed 35-of-70 passes for 365 yards with one touchdown and one interception. The rookie figures to hold the job the rest of the season, but there's very little upside here in fantasy. We'd also sit down all Jags wideouts as they are likely to go run heavy against the Panthers' depleted front-seven Sunday.

So how does this effect Jones-Drew? Its a good matchup and maybe he gets some more screens and checkdowns from the rookie? This might be one of his best games of the season imo

 

[packersfan]

I think MJD is looking great this week. The Jets sold out to stop him and he still had a good day, just missing 90 yards rushing with a few receptions. Hopefully last week's game is a sign he's back to being involved in the passing game after being shut out there in the opener. The Panthers' run defense looks terrible. This could be a monster game for MJD.

 

[Tango]

Anyone catch MJD's show on Sirius this week?

MJD was either deathly tired or loaded up on pain meds. I felt bad for his co-host who had to consistently fill the air with words where MJD would normally chime in. MJD sounded like a zombie.

He looked great last week; no doubt about that. So I assume he'll be fine, but this appearance was just plain weird IMO.

 

[need2know]

Well, that was strange.

On a positive note, Gabbert seems to be able to stretch the field some but the lack of touches for MJD in the first half and the redzone was not a good idea by JAX imo. What were they thinking? Del Rio is a bottom 5 coach is this league and he will be gone very soon.

MJD still got 80+ yards on like 10 touches and is still looking like a nice RB option every week.

 

[Wadsworth]

Well, that was strange. On a positive note, Gabbert seems to be able to stretch the field some but the lack of touches for MJD in the first half and the redzone was not a good idea by JAX imo. What were they thinking? Del Rio is a bottom 5 coach is this league and he will be gone very soon.MJD still got 80+ yards on like 10 touches and is still looking like a nice RB option every week.

The Jags defense holds the Saints to 23 points and MJD averages 7.7 per carry, you'd think the score would be closer. Even if you want to go pass heavy to try and beat the Saints, MJD has to have more than one catch. 42 pass vs 15 rushes, oy.

 

[need2know]

Well, that was strange. On a positive note, Gabbert seems to be able to stretch the field some but the lack of touches for MJD in the first half and the redzone was not a good idea by JAX imo. What were they thinking? Del Rio is a bottom 5 coach is this league and he will be gone very soon.MJD still got 80+ yards on like 10 touches and is still looking like a nice RB option every week.

The Jags defense holds the Saints to 23 points and MJD averages 7.7 per carry, you'd think the score would be closer. Even if you want to go pass heavy to try and beat the Saints, MJD has to have more than one catch. 42 pass vs 15 rushes, oy.

even though they are not winning, gabbert is showing positive signs for the future. If they had involved MJD as they normally would have they might have won this game.

 

[need2know]

where are all the short passes and screens for MJD? Its almost like Del rio has told Gabbert to never check down or look for MJD?

What the hell is going on with this?

Its one fo the best parts of MJD's game and they just forgot about it.

He looked great this past game too, should have gotten him the ball more....

 

[need2know]

nobody cares about the MJD?

 

[Wadsworth]

where are all the short passes and screens for MJD? Its almost like Del rio has told Gabbert to never check down or look for MJD? What the hell is going on with this?Its one fo the best parts of MJD's game and they just forgot about it.He looked great this past game too, should have gotten him the ball more....

I feel ya. The rookie QB trusts his arm, but he has to learn to take the short pass to MJD or whoever is the check down when it's not there down field. Gabbert is improving and hopefully he'll soon figure out that the easy pass is sometimes the best pass. It's bizarre as a fan of the Jaguars because for years with Garrard the fans screamed that David would always check down and was afraid to throw it down field. Now Blaine thinks he can fit it in the small window on every play and never wants to check down.