Player Spotlight: Lamont Jordan (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2005 Player Spotlight Series

Over the course of the offseason, we will be evaluating a multitude of players at every fantasy position. One such way we go about that is through the Player Spotlight series. Think of the Spotlights as a permanent record on some of the more intriguing players for the upcoming season. Ultimately, each Spotlight will be featured in an article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Lamont Jordan, RB, Oakland Raiders

Player Page Link: Lamont Jordan Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoints from two Footballguys Staff Members

Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide sustainable value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsBest of Luck and ENJOY!

 

[doomsdaydoc]

Given the propensity of Norv Turner to utilize his lead back as a workhorse, I expect the following:320 carries 1313 yards11 TD (Crockett will get a couple- not as many as in the past- after all, Jordan used to be a goaline back himself)21 receptions (Fargas will get some others)177 yards1 rec. TD

 

[diesel7982]

275 carries, 1150 yards, 8 TDs25 rec, 175 yards, 0 TDs

 

[Kiddnets]

Break out year for Lamont - solid #2 with a chance to be top 10 by the end of the year.325 carries 1,400 yds 12 TDs20 rec 180 yds 1 TD

 

[NFZ]

The optimism for Lamont is great, as I plan to keep him as my 2nd RB this year, but the Oakland situation scares me. Habitually I will pay a good price for any Norv RB. However, I foresee a struggle for Jordan in his transition. Not only that, I see a struggle for him fighting for red zone touches with Moss. In addition, I think Norv will try and utilize his entire RB stable. 214 carries, 870 yds, 6tds28 catches, 185 yds, 2 tds

 

[RamTough]

I expect big things from Lamont this year. I think he will be a top-10 back when it's all said and done. 304 carries, 1398 yards, 10 TD's.35 rec, 262 yards, 1 TD.

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

Lamont Jordon was brilliant in a backup role to Curtis Martin, however this does not translate automatically into him being a brilliant #1 Rb, see Kevin Barlow. I don't think you can discount the presence of Justin Fargas, who was a sleeper pick a year ago.With TD receiving threats in Moss, and Porter, the likelihood of Lamont being a big time TD producer is rather low.19th RB in my rankings253 Rushes, 1050 Rushing yards, 7 rush TD's. 32, receptions, 220 Receiving Yards, 0 receiving td.

 

[The (Grid)Iron Giant]

In addition, I think Norv will try and utilize his entire RB stable.

Huh. Why would Norv change his lifelong gameplan and start spreading the carries this year? He went out and paid Lamont because nobody on that roster can do what he needs, what he's always needed...which is carry the ball 20 times a game. Breakout time, baby. 315 carries1325 rush yds11 TDs15 catches140 yds0 TDs

 

[Gravity]

They paid a lot for Lamont and are going to make sure they get their $'s worth.Moss will get his but there is plenty to go around...310 carries for 1450 yards with 11 TD's.35 receptions for 280 yards with 2 TD's.(JETS fan watched Lamont since day 1 - he's the real deal)

 

[fatboyj711]

Lamont Jordon was brilliant in a backup role to Curtis Martin, however this does not translate automatically into him being a brilliant #1 Rb, see Kevin Barlow.

I don't think you can discount the presence of Justin Fargas, who was a sleeper pick a year ago.

With TD receiving threats in Moss, and Porter, the likelihood of Lamont being a big time TD producer is rather low.

19th RB in my rankings

253 Rushes, 1050 Rushing yards, 7 rush TD's.

32, receptions, 220 Receiving Yards, 0 receiving td.

i think any projection over double digit TD's is a horrible reach...

 

[msommer]

Lamont Jordon was brilliant in a backup role to Curtis Martin, however this does not translate automatically into him being a brilliant #1 Rb, see Kevin Barlow.

I don't think you can discount the presence of Justin Fargas, who was a sleeper pick a year ago.

With TD receiving threats in Moss, and Porter, the likelihood of Lamont being a big time TD producer is rather low.

19th RB in my rankings

253 Rushes, 1050 Rushing yards, 7 rush TD's.

32, receptions, 220 Receiving Yards, 0 receiving td.

That's about where I would put him - I hope he will do better.

 

[NFZ]

In addition, I think Norv will try and utilize his entire RB stable. 

Huh. Why would Norv change his lifelong gameplan and start spreading the carries this year? He went out and paid Lamont because nobody on that roster can do what he needs, what he's always needed...which is carry the ball 20 times a game. Breakout time, baby. 315 carries

1325 rush yds

11 TDs

15 catches

140 yds

0 TDs

The only reason I word it like that is in recent years since I have been following FF, it seems he has had a proven runner. Now he does not.

 

[iknowsquat]

Just conservative. 300 carries, 1250 yards, 11 TD's. Remember in Barlow's case that the 9ers sucked. Big year I hope since I have him as an 8th round keeper.

 

[randilover]

I am surprised at how little talk this offseason move has gotten. This could be pretty big for Jordan and Oakland. He is really fresh, sitting behind Martin all those years has left him with little mileage. He had been aching for years to be a number one and will look forward to making a first impression. He is fast and strong and can catch as well. Add in He has a huge supporting cast, a coach who likes to run, run, run with one RB, and a young and athletic O-line, and you have the makings of potential #1 RB.250 rushes1100 rushing yards7 rushing TD's35 rec210 receiving yards 1 receiving TD

 

[Sidewinder]

304 carries1277 rush yds9 rush TDs34 recepts228 rec yds1 rec TD

 

[fightingillini]

Jordan finally gets his chance to be a featured back. While he has the talent, many questions/issues will arise....1) # of touches overall. OAK will be geared to be a passing offense, with Moss and Porter being two very good wideouts for Collins. Plus, OAK D is pretty bad, and should result in a lot of shootouts. Good thing for that is.....Jordan is a fairly decent receiver out of the backfield. 2) # of goalline touches. Moss is the best goalline WR in the NFL, and Porter is also very good in the redzone as well. Two tall WRs could make for a lot of jump balls near the goalline.3) Can he handle the full load?I think that he will be an OK #2 RB, but IMO, won't get enough touches to crack to the top 12-15 RBs.280 car, 1150 yds rushing, 7 TDs35 rec, 225 yds receiving, 1 TD

 

[fridayfrenzy]

Wow, alot of people have quite high expectations out of Lamont.I see lots of people are projecting over 300 carries. I ask these people, how do you see this happening?Oakland as an ENTIRE TEAM only had 327 carries last year. Thats including rushes from the QB, WRs as well.If you are projecting over 300 carries for one RB, then you must really see something I don't. Do you think that the Raiders are going to run the ball ~80-100 more times this year compared to last year? A difference of 5-6 carries a game. I wouldn't bet on it. Is the Raiders defense going to enable them to stay out of passing shootouts? Doesn't appear to be. As much as Turner may want to keep the defense off the field by running ad controlling the clock, the Raiders defense is so bad that he will not be able to sustain that gameplan for too long.Will the addition of Lamont and Moss really make the Raiders rush the ball that much more over the course of one off-season? I wouldn't think so. Oakland has a tougher running schedule than last year. His first 5 games are against New England, KC, Philly, Dallas, and San Diego. That will be a nice confidence booster for Lamont I'm sure. over 300 carries?? I don't see it.

 

[The (Grid)Iron Giant]

Wow, alot of people have quite high expectations out of Lamont.

I see lots of people are projecting over 300 carries. I ask these people, how do you see this happening?

Oakland as an ENTIRE TEAM only had 327 carries last year. Thats including rushes from the QB, WRs as well.

If you are projecting over 300 carries for one RB, then you must really see something I don't.

Do you think that the Raiders are going to run the ball ~80-100 more times this year compared to last year? A difference of 5-6 carries a game. I wouldn't bet on it.

Is the Raiders defense going to enable them to stay out of passing shootouts? Doesn't appear to be. As much as Turner may want to keep the defense off the field by running ad controlling the clock, the Raiders defense is so bad that he will not be able to sustain that gameplan for too long.

Will the addition of Lamont and Moss really make the Raiders rush the ball that much more over the course of one off-season? I wouldn't think so.

Oakland has a tougher running schedule than last year. His first 5 games are against New England, KC, Philly, Dallas, and San Diego. That will be a nice confidence booster for Lamont I'm sure.

over 300 carries?? I don't see it.

This post boils down to "why would the Raiders run the ball more than last year?" Well, it's pretty simple. If you go out and pay a back $20 mil or more, what you're saying is that you're unhappy with your backfield. So do you think that maybe the Raiders didn't run the ball as much as they would have liked because they had no feaure back? Because that makes a lot of sense to me. Look, Norv loves running one guy a *lot.* He didn't have that guy, and now he does. Ask ANY Jets fan (and some have posted) -- Lamont has real game. So yes, the Raiders will run it more because they CAN run it more. Norv couldn't stand any of the RBs he had last year, and now he's got his new Stephen Davis.

 

[MelvinTScupper]

Wow, alot of people have quite high expectations out of Lamont.

I see lots of people are projecting over 300 carries.  I ask these people, how do you see this happening?

<snip>

over 300 carries??  I don't see it.

This post boils down to "why would the Raiders run the ball more than last year?" Well, it's pretty simple. .

I think it's fairly simple why they'd run more....because Kerry Collins is average on his best day.But, Lamont is overrated.

 

[Prussian]

What effect will Moss have? In Minnesota, the WRs held a 2.5:1 (2003) and almost 3:1 rations of the touchdowns scored.In Oakland last year under Turner, the ration or WR to RB touchdowns was 2.3:1.Somewhat consistenmt numbers ...A "more talented" RB was added to the backfield while perhaps the "most talented" WR was added to further stretch the field. What does it mean, who knows?- Heaven forbid Turner makes the mistake of the Randy Ratio, but it could happen. - The Raider history is to stretch the field. This may actually play well for Jordan who could see wide open spaces created by Moss and Porter sprinting upfield. (Assuming Randy works on every play.)- Jordan may prove an excellent screen option like the Vikings used to manipulate the deep coverages created by the WR talent.My guess ...Jordan becomes THE back, minimizing the RBBC of the past. A few TD's get hawked by Fargas, and he turns in numbers around fightingillini's projection ...280 car, 1150 yds rushing, 7 TDs35 rec, 225 yds receiving, 1 TD

 

[fridayfrenzy]

Lamont Jordan is not the marquee player of the Raiders, Randy Moss is. Don't get that mixed up. One of the reasons the Raiders may have not run the ball last year is because of "who" was running th balll, but having that low of carries can not just be attributed to that. It is also due to other facets of the game, such as O-line, game situations, shoot-outs, etc.. Being almost 100 RB carries short of the NFL average has alot more to do with just who is running the ball.The Raiders may try to start with a more of a ground game but with that defense, that will not be lasting for very long. It will be quickly abandoned to go to what is the best aspect of the team, the passing game. I think that the Raiders will have more carries than last year of course, but just how much is the question that so many people will be trying to predict. The Raiders have a marginally harder running schedule from last year. They also still play in the AFC West with offensive scoring machines and with the defense they are sporting, they will not be in many slow paced clock controlled games. This is also Lamont's first crack at being a full time starter.

 

[Lauryn]

280 carries, 1092 yds, 6 TDi think this sleeper will stay asleep

 

[Spike]

Lamont Jordan is not the marquee player of the Raiders, Randy Moss is. Don't get that mixed up.

One of the reasons the Raiders may have not run the ball last year is because of "who" was running th balll, but having that low of carries can not just be attributed to that. It is also due to other facets of the game, such as O-line, game situations, shoot-outs, etc.. Being almost 100 RB carries short of the NFL average has alot more to do with just who is running the ball.

The Raiders may try to start with a more of a ground game but with that defense, that will not be lasting for very long. It will be quickly abandoned to go to what is the best aspect of the team, the passing game.

I think that the Raiders will have more carries than last year of course, but just how much is the question that so many people will be trying to predict. The Raiders have a marginally harder running schedule from last year. They also still play in the AFC West with offensive scoring machines and with the defense they are sporting, they will not be in many slow paced clock controlled games. This is also Lamont's first crack at being a full time starter.

I think the biggest thing you can attribute the rushes/passes discrepancy to is how poor the Raiders defense was last year.I'll say this about their offense this year - can you imagine how well Collins could do if he was able to develop a Manning-esqe play-action pass move?

As to Jordan, assuming no injury of note, I'm projecting 290/1100/8.

 

[The (Grid)Iron Giant]

Lamont Jordan is not the marquee player of the Raiders, Randy Moss is. Don't get that mixed up.

Norv has no trouble getting his WRs and RBs good numbers. Remember Irvin and Emmitt? No, Lamont is no Emmitt, obviously. But Assuming Moss puts up WR numbers that were as good as Emmitt's RB numbers, that would still leave Irvin's WR numbers for Lamont at RB. And that ain't bad.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

I see many people comparing Turner's RBs from prior years so I thought I would take a look at how Turner's rushing offense was affected by his defense cause one big deterrent for me is how the Raiders defense will not be able to keep them in any games. These are only from when Turner was a Head Coach.

1994: 28th defense, 24th rushing offense

1995: 21st defense, 7th rushing offense,

1996: 13th defense, 7th rushing offense

1997: 8th defense, 21st rushing offense

1998: 28th defense, 18th rushing offense

1999: 24th defense, 9th rushing offense

2000: 8th defense, 19th rushing offense

2004: 31st defense, 32nd rushing offense

Bolded = Worst 5 defense in the league.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

I think the biggest thing you can attribute the rushes/passes discrepancy to is how poor the Raiders defense was last year.

Very true, and the Raiders defense has not gotten any better this offseason.

 

[quiksilver]

I think the biggest thing you can attribute the rushes/passes discrepancy to is how poor the Raiders defense was last year.

Very true, and the Raiders defense has not gotten any better this offseason.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the amount of points you trail by a function of how many points your defense gives up AND how many points your offense scores? By most people's estimation the Raider offense has improved by leaps and bounds and the defense couldn't get any worse. So if the Raiders couldn't give up more points than they did last year and will likely score a lot more, wouldn't it stand to reason that the scores will be a lot closer and therefore they'll run a lot more?

 

[The (Grid)Iron Giant]

Man. Sometimes I feel like people make this harder than it has to be. When was the last time we had a good RB paired with a decent line and a coach who prefers to run the ball and we *didn't* see good numbers from that back? If there's a list of more than one or two guys who failed in that situation, I'd love to see it. Assuming you think Lamont to be decently talented and he stays healthy, he will be fine. Yes, bad defense. But if you can't come up with a list of guys to answer my question above, I'm pretty sure that doesn't matter.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

Man.  Sometimes I feel like people make this harder than it has to be.  When was the last time we had a good RB paired with a decent line and a coach who prefers to run the ball and we *didn't* see good numbers from that back?  If there's a list of more than one or two guys who failed in that situation, I'd love to see it.

Assuming you think Lamont to be decently talented and he stays healthy, he will be fine.  Yes, bad defense.  But if you can't come up with a list of guys to answer my question above, I'm pretty sure that doesn't matter.

I wouldn't call the Raiders line decent just yet. A decent line would not be ranked dead last in rushing. Any kind of a decent line would be able to make holes and lanes for any RB who is running behind them, they were not able to do this. I also wouldn't call Lamont "good" just yet. He has been a backup RB his entire NFL career and no one knows what he can do not playing in relief time.

Yes, Norv loves to run the ball, but when they have a poor defense, he hasn't been able to run the ball nearly as effectively. I think you can count on the Raiders defense being in the bottom 5 again this year.

 

[Shooter McGavin]

270/1175/1031/237/2I'm making a conscious effort to temper my expectations for the Raiders O, especially Jordan. They're going to throw a lot, since their defense is really bad, and Jordan hasn't been a feature back in the league. I think he'll put up good numbers, but I don't see him getting the carries to get into the top-10 or anything. Still, a very solid RB2, IMO.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Lamont Jordan finally gets his shot as the starter. Oakland is heading into the season with more hype about their offense than any other team (Detroit is close) and they won't be able to back it up. Lamont Jordan has to still answer the question of can he be the guy. Will he get goaline carries? Yet he's being drafted as though the answer is yes to all those questions, I don't like it.900 yards and 5 td's15 receptions for 80 yards and 1 td

 

[jurb26]

Man. Sometimes I feel like people make this harder than it has to be. When was the last time we had a good RB paired with a decent line and a coach who prefers to run the ball and we *didn't* see good numbers from that back? If there's a list of more than one or two guys who failed in that situation, I'd love to see it.

Assuming you think Lamont to be decently talented and he stays healthy, he will be fine. Yes, bad defense. But if you can't come up with a list of guys to answer my question above, I'm pretty sure that doesn't matter.

I wouldn't call the Raiders line decent just yet. A decent line would not be ranked dead last in rushing. Any kind of a decent line would be able to make holes and lanes for any RB who is running behind them, they were not able to do this.

This doesn't make much sense to me. You have spent this entire thread talking about how bad this teams D is and how that lead to them not getting the opportunity to run the ball very often. Now, you say that sinse they didn't run the ball very often, the Oline must have been bad. Well, which one is it and how do you know they are that bad at run blocking if they were not given the chance to do so?

 

[jurb26]

Jordan, 270 carries, 1160 yds, 10 TDs, 25 rec, 200 yds, 0 TDI'm sticking with my earlier projections. Jordan will get a good amount of work in Oak and the O will be one of the best in the NFL. Plenty of pie for him, Moss, and Porter!

 

[jurb26]

Yet he's being drafted as though the answer is yes to all those questions, I don't like it.

I'm not sure where you are getting this impression, but Jordan is being drafted as an early 3rd rounder and RB19 right now. In the same ballpark of guys like Bell, Jackson, Martin, C.Brown, ect. How does this imply that the popular interpretation to those questions is yes?

 

[warrior69]

Lamont Jordan finally gets his shot as the starter. Oakland is heading into the season with more hype about their offense than any other team (Detroit is close) and they won't be able to back it up. Lamont Jordan has to still answer the question of can he be the guy. Will he get goaline carries? Yet he's being drafted as though the answer is yes to all those questions, I don't like it.

900 yards and 5 td's

15 receptions for 80 yards and 1 td

LaMont Jordan / RaidersIt’s conceivable that Jordan could go from a future Hall of Famer’s backup to a top-10 fantasy back in a year’s time. Jordan is a physical runner, with a 4.9-yard average in four years with the Jets, who no doubt is eager to prove his worth on the big stage. Norv Turner’s history of working with backs (Emmitt Smith, Stephen Davis, LaDainian Tomlinson, Ricky Williams) is rather strong, and Jordan should find room to roam with all the attention paid to the WR corps in Oakland.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

Lamont Jordan finally gets his shot as the starter. Oakland is heading into the season with more hype about their offense than any other team (Detroit is close) and they won't be able to back it up. Lamont Jordan has to still answer the question of can he be the guy. Will he get goaline carries? Yet he's being drafted as though the answer is yes to all those questions, I don't like it.

900 yards and 5 td's

15 receptions for 80 yards and 1 td

LaMont Jordan / RaidersIt’s conceivable that Jordan could go from a future Hall of Famer’s backup to a top-10 fantasy back in a year’s time. Jordan is a physical runner, with a 4.9-yard average in four years with the Jets, who no doubt is eager to prove his worth on the big stage. Norv Turner’s history of working with backs (Emmitt Smith, Stephen Davis, LaDainian Tomlinson, Ricky Williams) is rather strong, and Jordan should find room to roam with all the attention paid to the WR corps in Oakland.

Drink the koolaid

 

[Tau837]

Last season Oakland was:- 4th in passing attempts (582) and 8th in passing yards (4019)- 32nd in rushing attempts (328) and 32nd in rushing yards (1295)So their strength was passing the ball, not running it. What are the significant changes since then?- Added Moss, proven to be the best WR in the game today, and far better than any WR Oakland had last season. Favors the passing game.- Added Jordan, unproven but talented and possessing "potential" to be a very good or possibly even great RB, and potentially better than any RB Oakland had last season. Favors the running game.- Defense is about the same... very bad. Loss of Napolean Harris pretty much offsets the additions. Favors no change... which means favors the passing game.Why would the Raiders leave their strength, which has been augmented with Moss & the return of Curry, and run more? Just because they added Jordan? You guys must think he is truly an elite talent.Look at it another way. The Raiders threw for 4019 yards last year. Their #1 WR was Porter, with 998 yards. #2 was Curry, with 679 yards in 12 games. #3 was Gabriel with 551 yards.Who here doesn't think the #1 total is going to go up for Moss? Who here doesn't think the #2 total is going to go up for Porter, especially with Moss on the field. Who here doesn't think that Gabriel & Curry can't still combine for at least 551 yards this year? This again points to continued, if not greater, emphasis on the passing game.Three tight ends combined for 619 yards... perhaps those could drop a bit, but not likely too much. The RBs combined for 778 yards... I'd expect that much of the yards that end up shifted rather than added to the passing game would come from here... but that doesn't bode well for Jordan being heavily involved as a receiver.As for Turner, I dispute the notion that it is a given that he produces great backs. Give any competent coach Emmitt Smith, Terry Allen, Stephen Davis, Ladainian Tomlinson, and Ricky Williams and see how they do. IMO Jordan is not comparable to that group.I predict 275/1175/7 rushing and 15/110/0 receiving. Definitely not worth where he'll be drafted.

 

[jurb26]

Last season Oakland was:

- 4th in passing attempts (582) and 8th in passing yards (4019)

- 32nd in rushing attempts (328) and 32nd in rushing yards (1295)

So their strength was passing the ball, not running it. What are the significant changes since then?

- Added Moss, proven to be the best WR in the game today, and far better than any WR Oakland had last season. Favors the passing game.

- Added Jordan, unproven but talented and possessing "potential" to be a very good or possibly even great RB, and potentially better than any RB Oakland had last season. Favors the running game.

- Defense is about the same... very bad. Loss of Napolean Harris pretty much offsets the additions. Favors no change... which means favors the passing game.

Why would the Raiders leave their strength, which has been augmented with Moss & the return of Curry, and run more? Just because they added Jordan? You guys must think he is truly an elite talent.

Look at it another way. The Raiders threw for 4019 yards last year. Their #1 WR was Porter, with 998 yards. #2 was Curry, with 679 yards in 12 games. #3 was Gabriel with 551 yards.

Who here doesn't think the #1 total is going to go up for Moss? Who here doesn't think the #2 total is going to go up for Porter, especially with Moss on the field. Who here doesn't think that Gabriel & Curry can't still combine for at least 551 yards this year? This again points to continued, if not greater, emphasis on the passing game.

Three tight ends combined for 619 yards... perhaps those could drop a bit, but not likely too much. The RBs combined for 778 yards... I'd expect that much of the yards that end up shifted rather than added to the passing game would come from here... but that doesn't bode well for Jordan being heavily involved as a receiver.

As for Turner, I dispute the notion that it is a given that he produces great backs. Give any competent coach Emmitt Smith, Terry Allen, Stephen Davis, Ladainian Tomlinson, and Ricky Williams and see how they do. IMO Jordan is not comparable to that group.

I predict 275/1175/7 rushing and 15/110/0 receiving. Definitely not worth where he'll be drafted.

Just because the passing game looks to be upgraded does not mean that the running game could not have been. I think most people expect the Oak O to be one of the very best in the NFL next year. Increases in the passing game do not mean none can happen in the running game with that in mind. Think of it this way, the Oak O scored 34 TDs last year, how many do you think they will score this year? The Oak O amassed roughly 5300 yds last year, how many do you expect them to gain this year? I know I personally expect significant gains in both and see no reason that they will not be distibuted between both the passing and running game. Moreover, I think the gains in O will better offset the inadequacies on D from last year to this year.... and Oak will be in and win more games. Granted they will likely be high scoring games.

 

[Phlash]

Last season Oakland was:

- 4th in passing attempts (582) and 8th in passing yards (4019)

- 32nd in rushing attempts (328) and 32nd in rushing yards (1295)

So their strength was passing the ball, not running it. What are the significant changes since then?

- Added Moss, proven to be the best WR in the game today, and far better than any WR Oakland had last season. Favors the passing game.

- Added Jordan, unproven but talented and possessing "potential" to be a very good or possibly even great RB, and potentially better than any RB Oakland had last season. Favors the running game.

- Defense is about the same... very bad. Loss of Napolean Harris pretty much offsets the additions. Favors no change... which means favors the passing game.

Why would the Raiders leave their strength, which has been augmented with Moss & the return of Curry, and run more? Just because they added Jordan? You guys must think he is truly an elite talent.

Look at it another way. The Raiders threw for 4019 yards last year. Their #1 WR was Porter, with 998 yards. #2 was Curry, with 679 yards in 12 games. #3 was Gabriel with 551 yards.

Who here doesn't think the #1 total is going to go up for Moss? Who here doesn't think the #2 total is going to go up for Porter, especially with Moss on the field. Who here doesn't think that Gabriel & Curry can't still combine for at least 551 yards this year? This again points to continued, if not greater, emphasis on the passing game.

Three tight ends combined for 619 yards... perhaps those could drop a bit, but not likely too much. The RBs combined for 778 yards... I'd expect that much of the yards that end up shifted rather than added to the passing game would come from here... but that doesn't bode well for Jordan being heavily involved as a receiver.

As for Turner, I dispute the notion that it is a given that he produces great backs. Give any competent coach Emmitt Smith, Terry Allen, Stephen Davis, Ladainian Tomlinson, and Ricky Williams and see how they do. IMO Jordan is not comparable to that group.

I predict 275/1175/7 rushing and 15/110/0 receiving. Definitely not worth where he'll be drafted.

Just because the passing game looks to be upgraded does not mean that the running game could not have been. I think most people expect the Oak O to be one of the very best in the NFL next year. Increases in the passing game do not mean none can happen in the running game with that in mind. Think of it this way, the Oak O scored 34 TDs last year, how many do you think they will score this year? The Oak O amassed roughly 5300 yds last year, how many do you expect them to gain this year? I know I personally expect significant gains in both and see no reason that they will not be distibuted between both the passing and running game. Moreover, I think the gains in O will better offset the inadequacies on D from last year to this year.... and Oak will be in and win more games. Granted they will likely be high scoring games.

 

[quiksilver]

Why would the Raiders leave their strength, which has been augmented with Moss & the return of Curry, and run more?

Because their "strength" got them a 5-11 record.

 

[fridayfrenzy]

Why would the Raiders leave their strength, which has been augmented with Moss & the return of Curry, and run more? 

Because their "strength" got them a 5-11 record.

No, their "weakness" (defense) got them a 5-11 record.

 

[Tau837]

Why would the Raiders leave their strength, which has been augmented with Moss & the return of Curry, and run more? 

Because their "strength" got them a 5-11 record.

Hmm, and the way to improve their record is to do less of the only facet of the game they were good at last season? Sounds like a sure recipe for success.

 

[Carver Lee]

Why would the Raiders leave their strength, which has been augmented with Moss & the return of Curry, and run more?

Because their "strength" got them a 5-11 record.

Hmm, and the way to improve their record is to do less of the only facet of the game they were good at last season? Sounds like a sure recipe for success.

This is a good point. Say what you want about the "effenciency" of Oakland's passing game from a numbers standpoint but it surely didn't translate to W's in the real world. Norv is and always has been about ball control. With the addition of Jordan, comes an opportunity to balance the offense and you better believe that's the direction this thing is headed. He can't win games with Collins hitting the other team between the numbers 20 times a season.That positive slant for Jordan aside, I see eerie similarites between he and Troy Hambrick. Back up to a HOFer who shone at every opportunity to fill-in. Averaged 4.6 for his career as a backup. The one season he actually got over 100 carries he averaged over 5. I know Jordan was much more highly recruited than Hambrick who wasn't recruited at all but just wanted to throw out this out as a reminder. Just because he's looked good in spot-duty doesn't guarantee a thing until he proves he can handle the full load when defenses are keying on him and studying him as opposed to a change-of-pace back.

Lamont Jordan = caveat emptor

My best guess projections:

250 Rush - 975 yds 5 TDs.

25 catches, 200 yds, 1 TDs.

 

[Phlash]

276/1214/1136/312/2Lamont Jordan is going to be a very nice pickup later in the draft if people are down on him like some of you think. He is strong, can catch, can make all the necessary running moves, and knows how to score. He was talented coming out of college, and instead of being CMart's replacement (which may not even be on the Jets roster now), he gets to shine on a new team where the offense around him will only make him perform better.

 

[Vic Colfari]

While I think Jordan will have a fairly productive year, I expect that by draft day he'll be overrated. Similar to Barlow last year. I'd rather have one of the top 4 WRs in the late 1st/early 2nd than have a completely unproven player like Jordan.1050 yards rushing200 rec yards12 rush tds1 rec tdSeems like he was stirring the pot a little at the end in NY.Just curious - how many examples are there of guys who are perennially the "handcuff" back to some stud RB or the "younger, more talented" member of a 2-headed monster who eventually get their chance as the #1 RB? And what have been the results?Obviously, Barlow was a bust. Duce Staley? Westbrook? Olandis Gary? Thomas Jones? Does this ever end well?

 

[joffer]

I think the Raiders offense is going to be all over the map this year. Some games where they look unstoppable, some where they can't get a first down. Jordan will follow along. Love him as a RB3, but scares me a little as a RB2 unless I got a stud WR.275/1129/824/193/0

 

[Gopher State]

With the way the Raider D is looking, I think they will be behind alot which will help the passing game, but hurt the running game, I would guess at best: 1050 rushing 6 TD's 200 rec 1 TDNot bad for a #3 or #4 RB

 

[Gravity]

Frankly, I'm stunned at how down most of you are on Jordan.Yes, I know, he is unproven as a FT starting back. Blah, blah, blah...1. At NY, all he did was perform well when called upon - with a YPC of almost 5 during his tenure there. Ask any JETS fan that has watched Jordan play and see what they say.2. The guy is going to be the starting RB on a team just about everyone expects to be huge offensively. 3. On a team that invested very heavily in paying him $$. 4. On a team with an Improved O-Line.5. On a team with the best WR in the game that will force run defenses to ease up.6. Yes, Moss and co. will get theirs. But we have seen many, many times that a good passing offense does NOT mean the RB's numbers will hurt: Brooks/Duece, Manning/Edge, Hasselbeck/SAlex, Brady/Dillon, Green/Priest, Plummer/anyone, etc... By the way, of those teams mentioned, how many have top defenses going into this year? And finally, 7. Turner is not stupid - Won't the Raiders want to grind the clock at the end instead of going deep to Moss multiple times - esp. with Collins at the helm? Yes, their defense is weak. But if we can assume their offense will be good then I'm thinking Jordan is going to get many, many carries to close things out. Yeah. 950/5 makes perfect sense. I think so many of you are shell-shocked from Barlow last year that you can't see the end of the rainbow this year in Lamont.

 

[Tau837]

1. At NY, all he did was perform well when called upon - with a YPC of almost 5 during his tenure there. Ask any JETS fan that has watched Jordan play and see what they say.

This is not true. In both 2002 & 2003, Martin started slowly as he battled health issues. Jordan had an opportunity both times to step up, and could have potentially forced the coaching staff to give him a bigger role if he performed well. But he did nothing both times.

2. The guy is going to be the starting RB on a team just about everyone expects to be huge offensively.

But the biggest reason they are expected to be huge offensively is the passing game, not the running game. Oakland could have a great offense without having a great rushing attack.

3. On a team that invested very heavily in paying him $$.

What's your point here? Do you see $$$ as a signficant fantasy predictor? Why didn't Barlow do better last year, then?If you're saying Jordan will clearly be Oakland's feature back given the signing, I agree. But there are teams that have feature backs that aren't dominant fantasy-wise.

4. On a team with an Improved O-Line.

Since Jordan wasn't there last year, I'm not sure why O-line improvement helps us as a predictor for his performance this year. Is the Oakland O-line going to be as good at run blocking as the Jets' O-line? I doubt it, which means this is actually a negative for Jordan.Perhaps you are using this as evidence that Turner will run more, not sure. I agree that it likely, but I don't see them moving from 32nd in attempts to even middle of the league, so I still expect them to be low.

5. On a team with the best WR in the game that will force run defenses to ease up.

I'm sure Moss & the passing game will help open things up. However, they will also take a lot of opportunities.

6. Yes, Moss and co. will get theirs. But we have seen many, many times that a good passing offense does NOT mean the RB's numbers will hurt: Brooks/Duece, Manning/Edge, Hasselbeck/SAlex, Brady/Dillon, Green/Priest, Plummer/anyone, etc...

How many of those passers threw for 4000+ yards as Oakland did last year and likely will do again this year? Manning, who has Edge; Green, who has Priest and an outstanding run blocking offensive line; and Plummer once in Denver, which is renowned for its outstanding running game. Do you really think Jordan's talent is comparable to that of Edge or Priest? Do you think his situation is comparable to that of the Denver RBs?

By the way, of those teams mentioned, how many have top defenses going into this year?

Well, Denver & New England had top 10 defenses last year. Not sure I would call any of the rest of them top defenses, but there is reason to believe all of them will be better than Oakland's.

And finally, 7. Turner is not stupid - Won't the Raiders want to grind the clock at the end instead of going deep to Moss multiple times - esp. with Collins at the helm? Yes, their defense is weak. But if we can assume their offense will be good then I'm thinking Jordan is going to get many, many carries to close things out.

Well, was Turner stupid last year? Why didn't he "want to grind the clock at the end" last year? Somehow, they ended up #32 in rushing attempts. Sure, they didn't have Jordan, so that is likely to go up, but by how much?Of course if they are winning late, particularly by more than one score, they will want to go to Jordan. But how many times will they find themselves in that situation?Gravity didn't mention Jordan's prowess as a goal line or red zone back, but I have seen it mentioned in Jordan discussions, so I thought I'd throw this in.From 2002-2004, here are Jordan's numbers from the 20-6 and from 5 and in.From the 5 in: 21/26/5 rushing, 0/0/0 receivingFrom the 6 to the 20: 34/138/2 rushing, 4/11/0 receivingFor comparison purposes, here are Martin's numbers during the same span with the same coaching & surrounding personnel:From the 5 in: 25/34/11 rushing, 2/8/2 receivingFrom the 6 to the 20: 98/382/8 rushing, 6/17/0 receivingSmall sample sizes to be sure, but Jordan doesn't stand out as impressive to me in either area. In particular, look at the 5 and in. Similar opportunities, and Martin blew him away. I see no reason there for Turner to prefer Jordan to Moss as a red zone option. For that matter, for Turner to prefer Jordan to Crockett...

 

[jdoggydogg]

Jordan isn't the type of back that can carry a team. But in Oakland, he won't have to. I think it's not controverisal to say that Jordan will find some large creases to run through given Oakland's excellent WR corps.The most common knock on Jordan's outlook is the awful Oakland defense. That is irrelevant. How good were the KC and Indy defenses when Priest Holmes and Edgerrin James had outstanding seasons? No one would say that Jordan is a Holmes or James-calibur back. But the "bad defense" knock is not a huge factor here. We know that Norv Turner wants a durable RB to feed the rock to. And he will certainly trust Jordan as his mailcarrier.330 carries1300 yards12 TD 18 receptions188 yards1 receiving TD