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

[Jason Wood]

2013 Player Spotlight Series

One of Footballguys best assets is our message board community. The Shark Pool is, in our view, the best place on the internet to discuss, debate and analyze all things fantasy football. In what's become an annual tradition, the Player Spotlight series is a key part of the preseason efforts. As many of you know, we consider the Player Spotlight threads the permanent record for analyzing the fantasy prospects of the player in question. This year, we plan to publish more than 140 offensive spotlights covering the vast majority of expected skill position starters.

As always we will post a list of players to be discussed each week. Those threads will remain open for the entire preseason, and should be a central point to discuss expectations for the player in question.

Thread Topic: Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Player Page Link: Maurice Jones-Drew Player Page

Each article will include:

• Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
• Links to thoughtful viewpoints from around the Web
• FBG Projections

The Rules

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

• Focus commentary on the player (or players) in question, and your expectations for said player (or players)
• Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
• Avoid redundancies or things like "good posting" ... this should be about incremental analysis or debate

While not a requirement, we strongly encourage you to provide your own projections for the player (players):

Projections should include:

• For QBs: Attempts, Completions, Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Attempts, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
• For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
• For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs

 

[Carthac]

Would love some discussion on this guy. I understand he had a poor 2012, but lets look at his past 4 years

http://subscribers.footballguys.com/players/DrewMa00-2.php

Extremely strong 3 years leading up to 2012, and he still has a 4.8 YPC average leading up to his injury. Is a Lisfranc injury known to greatly hinder RB careers? Is it the Jaguars? Is it his age(28)?

 

[ghostguy123]

Would love some discussion on this guy. I understand he had a poor 2012, but lets look at his past 4 years

http://subscribers.footballguys.com/players/DrewMa00-2.php

Extremely strong 3 years leading up to 2012, and he still has a 4.8 YPC average leading up to his injury. Is a Lisfranc injury known to greatly hinder RB careers? Is it the Jaguars? Is it his age(28)?

All three things are a problem, but the injury more than anything. Not only has he not been able to train for a long time now to keep his body where it needs to be, he just simply may never be able to again.

He is a major PASS for me at anywhere close to where people are drafting him.

 

[ol blues]

Too early to know what to expect. He's responded very slowly in his recovery from what is supposed to be a difficult injury for skill players to recover from. A terrible offense figures to present itself again, but he's so skilled that that hasn't been an apparent hindrance to elite production by him in the past. Let's see what he looks like in camp.

 

[FF Ninja]

There are a few guys every year that I have to fight the urge to put on my subconscious DND list. Right now MJD is on it. With a late 2nd round pricetag, I really can't see him on any of my teams. At that point at least one of AJ or Fitz will be there and I should already have a strong RB1 on my team. But should he slip to the late 3rd, he should be on my radar. I just don't think I'll be able to pull the trigger. I can envision two scenarios, one in which he busts like a guy with high mileage, not cartilage, and a lisfranc injury would and I'll just be kicking myself for not paying attention to all the red flags. The other scenario is that he pulls off another miracle season amidst a completely lackluster offensive supporting cast. In that case, I'll be content to say, good for that manager (so long as the guy I drafted in his place performed reasonably well). I don't consider myself the type of manager that has to rely on miracles to win. That's not to say I don't take a longshot in the 5th or 6th round at times, but if I'm taking a gamble like that in the 2nd or 3rd round, I've got problems.

I'd rather go WR in the late 2nd/early 3rd and I'd rather take my chances with a guy like Reggie Bush in the late 3rd. Ol' reliable Frank Gore starts to sound pretty good when compared to MJD in my mind.

240 x 4.0 = 960 yds 6 TD, 35 rec x 7 = 245 yds 1 TD

 

[Long Ball Larry]

I don't know how many backs did not come back, but it doesn't seem to be a death sentence.

http://topteamfantasy.com/nfl/maurice-jones-drews-return-from-lisfranc-surgery-why-he-should-not-slip-on-draft-day/

Running Backs have generally been able to come back from Lisfranc injuries and perform like they did prior to the injury. In 2009, Ronnie Brown (who’s surgery was also done by Dr. Anderson) went on to play in all 16 games and post 976 yards from scrimmage (200 carries) the following season despite splitting time with Ricky Williams. Warrick Dunn and Brian Westbrook are also members of the Lisfranc Injury Club. Dunn came back from offseason surgery (at the same age as Jones-Drew now) in 2004 and ran for 3,662 rushing yards and played in all 48 games over the next three seasons. In 2005, Brian Westbrook suffered a Lisfranc injury and exploded for 1,916 total yards on 317 offensive touches the following year (although Westbrook’s injury did not need surgery).

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I don't know how many backs did not come back, but it doesn't seem to be a death sentence.

http://topteamfantasy.com/nfl/maurice-jones-drews-return-from-lisfranc-surgery-why-he-should-not-slip-on-draft-day/

Running Backs have generally been able to come back from Lisfranc injuries and perform like they did prior to the injury. In 2009, Ronnie Brown (who’s surgery was also done by Dr. Anderson) went on to play in all 16 games and post 976 yards from scrimmage (200 carries) the following season despite splitting time with Ricky Williams. Warrick Dunn and Brian Westbrook are also members of the Lisfranc Injury Club. Dunn came back from offseason surgery (at the same age as Jones-Drew now) in 2004 and ran for 3,662 rushing yards and played in all 48 games over the next three seasons. In 2005, Brian Westbrook suffered a Lisfranc injury and exploded for 1,916 total yards on 317 offensive touches the following year (although Westbrook’s injury did not need surgery).

I think the issue with the lis franc injury is MJD's inability to remain in top shape over the offseason as a result. The rumors of a prior bone on bone condition in his knee, the fear of him overcompensating for his foot injury and not being in top shape (both of which make him more susceptable to injury than other backs) concern me. I don't like to project for injuries (especially at RB where all backs can potentially get banged up), but when there are red flags already in place I will project that player a little lower than what he should reach at full health, to compensate for that risk.

925 yds rushing, 7 TDs; 28 rec - 215 yds rec, 2 TD

Those projections place him on my "do not draft list" for all intents and purposes, since it means he'll be gone before I'd take on the risk.

 

[Mr Non Sequitur]

Reports in the last week show that MJD should be ready for camp but likely will be eased back slowly leading up to the season.

 

[Sabertooth]

All doney. 500 yards rushing. Out of league in 2014.

 

[Borden]

The big issue that I see with MoJo is that he doesn't seem to want it anymore. He got denied his contract extension, he plays on a terrible team and franchise, he came to OTAs over weight/out of shape, he went back to school to finished his degree and there was something about a bar fight?

This does not sound like a guy who is prepping for an elite season. I think even without that stuff I've seen him on NFL AM and other little things over the off season and he doesn't even want to talk about football. I think that MoJo has mentally moved on already.

The only saving grace for MoJo is that it's a contract year.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

The big issue that I see with MoJo is that he doesn't seem to want it anymore. He got denied his contract extension, he plays on a terrible team and franchise, he came to OTAs over weight/out of shape, he went back to school to finished his degree and there was something about a bar fight?

This does not sound like a guy who is prepping for an elite season. I think even without that stuff I've seen him on NFL AM and other little things over the off season and he doesn't even want to talk about football. I think that MoJo has mentally moved on already.

The only saving grace for MoJo is that it's a contract year.

How could he be in shape if he couldn't work out because of injury?

 

[humpback]

The big issue that I see with MoJo is that he doesn't seem to want it anymore. He got denied his contract extension, he plays on a terrible team and franchise, he came to OTAs over weight/out of shape, he went back to school to finished his degree and there was something about a bar fight?

This does not sound like a guy who is prepping for an elite season. I think even without that stuff I've seen him on NFL AM and other little things over the off season and he doesn't even want to talk about football. I think that MoJo has mentally moved on already.

The only saving grace for MoJo is that it's a contract year.

You're seriously holding it against him that he went back to school (during the offseason while injured no less)?

IMO, the only concern is the injury (and it's a pretty big concern). I have no doubt that he'll be in shape and highly motivated if healthy.

 

[Borden]

The big issue that I see with MoJo is that he doesn't seem to want it anymore. He got denied his contract extension, he plays on a terrible team and franchise, he came to OTAs over weight/out of shape, he went back to school to finished his degree and there was something about a bar fight?

This does not sound like a guy who is prepping for an elite season. I think even without that stuff I've seen him on NFL AM and other little things over the off season and he doesn't even want to talk about football. I think that MoJo has mentally moved on already.

The only saving grace for MoJo is that it's a contract year.

How could he be in shape if he couldn't work out because of injury?

Well first he came in over weight which is likely diet. A top NFL athlete should be able to figure out how to stay in shape enough that he isn't over weight and doesn't some what get called out by coaches. Pool work, upper body lifting, the hand bike, hitting a heavy bag on a fitness ball, or whatever other ways he can figure out.

 

[Borden]

The big issue that I see with MoJo is that he doesn't seem to want it anymore. He got denied his contract extension, he plays on a terrible team and franchise, he came to OTAs over weight/out of shape, he went back to school to finished his degree and there was something about a bar fight?

This does not sound like a guy who is prepping for an elite season. I think even without that stuff I've seen him on NFL AM and other little things over the off season and he doesn't even want to talk about football. I think that MoJo has mentally moved on already.

The only saving grace for MoJo is that it's a contract year.

You're seriously holding it against him that he went back to school (during the offseason while injured no less)?

IMO, the only concern is the injury (and it's a pretty big concern). I have no doubt that he'll be in shape and highly motivated if healthy.

For any other player I wouldn't. As a person I think it's great that he went back to school to finish his degree but because of his injury I this this offseason may have been better spent rehabbing his injury full time instead of living in a dorm and going to school. Again, I'm not saying that going back to school is a poor life decision (I actually think more players should), I just think that it's another thing that is a sign that his mind isn't 100% focused on this injury and his football career. It's more the accumulation of these things then any single issue alone.

 

[humpback]

The big issue that I see with MoJo is that he doesn't seem to want it anymore. He got denied his contract extension, he plays on a terrible team and franchise, he came to OTAs over weight/out of shape, he went back to school to finished his degree and there was something about a bar fight?

This does not sound like a guy who is prepping for an elite season. I think even without that stuff I've seen him on NFL AM and other little things over the off season and he doesn't even want to talk about football. I think that MoJo has mentally moved on already.

The only saving grace for MoJo is that it's a contract year.

How could he be in shape if he couldn't work out because of injury?

Well first he came in over weight which is likely diet. A top NFL athlete should be able to figure out how to stay in shape enough that he isn't over weight and doesn't some what get called out by coaches. Pool work, upper body lifting, the hand bike, hitting a heavy bag on a fitness ball, or whatever other ways he can figure out.

I'm not sure if you realize how significant this injury is. He couldn't put any weight on it for months, which was prolonged by the decision to try rest before the surgery. He's not going to be standing there hitting a heavy bag while on one leg, and it wouldn't do much good if he did.

The big issue that I see with MoJo is that he doesn't seem to want it anymore. He got denied his contract extension, he plays on a terrible team and franchise, he came to OTAs over weight/out of shape, he went back to school to finished his degree and there was something about a bar fight?

This does not sound like a guy who is prepping for an elite season. I think even without that stuff I've seen him on NFL AM and other little things over the off season and he doesn't even want to talk about football. I think that MoJo has mentally moved on already.

The only saving grace for MoJo is that it's a contract year.

You're seriously holding it against him that he went back to school (during the offseason while injured no less)?

IMO, the only concern is the injury (and it's a pretty big concern). I have no doubt that he'll be in shape and highly motivated if healthy.

For any other player I wouldn't. As a person I think it's great that he went back to school to finish his degree but because of his injury I this this offseason may have been better spent rehabbing his injury full time instead of living in a dorm and going to school. Again, I'm not saying that going back to school is a poor life decision (I actually think more players should), I just think that it's another thing that is a sign that his mind isn't 100% focused on this injury and his football career. It's more the accumulation of these things then any single issue alone.

He received daily treatment from the UCLA medical staff while there. He's talking about a 2000 yd. season. I think you're way off base here.

 

[Borden]

humpback,

The heavy bag on a fitness ball thing is something I saw Dwight Freeney doing to keep weight off his lower body and still work cardio and it doesn't matter either way. Me throwing out an idea isn't the same as an NFL running back going to top doctors and medical staff to get better and stay in shape. Just in general being over weight isn't good for his foot either, I'm guessing.

I'm not saying that MoJo is bad guy or a dummy or lazy or anything like that, I'm just saying that it seems like his heart isn't in it anymore. When you add in that he wasn't practicing and playing with his team most of last season and that he probably isn't a big fan of ownership, he might also lose some of that bond and chemistry with the team.

Also, keep in mind that he lost his full back which he was not happy about.

Here's a Tweet that ties into what I was saying:

Maurice Jones-Drew ‏@Jones_Drew3214 Jul
Big thanks to my agent @adisabakari for a great 2013 retreat #lifeafterfootball!#Vegas


Expand

 

[Biabreakable]

I share the same concerns about MJD as Borden is expressing. It is more the accumulation of events that causes my concern than one specific incident.

MJD held out last season looking for his last contract but he didn't get it. I think it could be useful to do a full study on players who hold out and how they perform following the hold out. With some players the hold out does not seem to affect them. But with many players it does. Now this may just be memory bias on my part, but it seems to me that when a player holds out they become a higher risk of injury in the season they hold out. MJD is another example of a major injury happening in the same season following the hold out.

I also did not like the lack of urgency on MJD's part to have the injury taken care of. He delayed surgery for months longer than he had to. Earlier reports denied he even had a Lisfranc injury. He had the surgery late and that is holding him back from participating/working out fully now.

The offseason stuff does not seem like MJD primary focus is on football. And why should it be? He is stuck on the Jaguars who are not a playoff team. He didn't get the money he asked for last season. He will be 29 and looking for another team who is not likely to sign him as their long term answer at the RB position, nor are they likely to give him a big contract he was looking for last season.

That is a lot of doubt that is difficult for me to just put aside.

That being said the doubt could create a good buy opportunity if you can stomach the risk. I have a pretty high tolerance for risk and I think MJD has been a great player but it is too much for me to take on at this point of the offseason. If during training camp everything seems fine and MJD is full strength then I might reconsider this position but for now I agree he is too much risk to take on before the 3rd round of a redraft or to pay a higher price than that in trade.

The Jaguars have had some major changes in their coaching and starting QB since 2011 when they transitioned from Jack Del Rio as HC and to rookie QB Blaine Gabbert. Gabbert has not played well. The backup QBs have performed better than him but Luke McCown and Chad Henne are not starting quality QBs.

2010 Jaguars defense gave up 316 1st downs. They improved on this in 2011 to 268 1st downs. In 2012 without a strong running game the defense 364 1st downs. This is significantly worse than 2010 and almost 200 more total 1st downs given up compared to 2011.

MJD since he stopped splitting time with Fred Taylor-

2009 312ra 1391 rushing yards 15TD 53 receptions 374 yards 1TD (16games)

2010 299ra 1324 rushing yards 5TD 35 receptions 317 yards 2TD (14 games)

2011 343ra 1606 rushing yards 8TD 43 receptions 374 yards 3TD (16 games)

2012 86ra 414 rushing yards 1TD 14 receptions 86 yards 1TD (5 games)

I think it is pretty clear that 2011 as Gabbert's rookie season MJD received a higher workload than he has normally. I am not seeing enough competition at this time for carries although Dernard Robinson could be in the mix for 50-100 perhaps and Justin Forsett is a decent RB who I think could handle some of the workload as well.

So I do not think he is going back to pre 2009 workload I also do not see him getting the workload he was getting between 2009-2011. He is in the last year of his contract and based on not getting a raise last season I think the team will let him go after this season. So I do expect some work for the other 2 RB in preperation for MJD being gone in 2014.

So 2013 MJD 212-268 carries 4.2-4.6 ypc 890-1232 rushing yards 5-8TD 36-48 receptions 8.2ypc 295-393 yards 1-3 TD or 1185-1625 combined yards 6-11 TD.

 

[humpback]

Just not seeing it at all. You put any player in a contract year, they're going to be motivated. You put a RB looking at his last chance at a payday in a contract year, he's going to be very motivated. You put a guy who is already one of the more motivated players in the league in that situation, and you expect him to not be motivated?

The injury is a very big concern. Motivation is not.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

So 2013 MJD 212-268 carries 4.2-4.6 ypc 890-1232 rushing yards 5-8TD 36-48 receptions 8.2ypc 295-393 yards 1-3 TD or 1185-1625 combined yards 6-11 TD.

So RB 5 to RB 25, with an average of about RB 14? That's pretty much where he's being drafted FWIW. High end RB2 with both upside and risk.

 

[johnadams]

Too rich for me. 28 year RB coming off season ending major injury on bad team doesn't get me going. I still like his upside, but not as 2nd rounder. I'm giving him a round 5-6 grade, so it's unlikely he'll be on my team. I just don't see enough achievable upside here.

 

[CentralPA]

Only thing I'd worried about is the Lis Franc injury (and like another poster said, it's a big worry). But as far as the team he plays for or his work ethic I think those questions have been answered every year. A healthy MJD will be productive no matter where he plays but alas, he isn't healthy. I can't really gauge what he could put up this year until I see what he does in Training camp and what his fitness level is at.

 

[rdrouyn]

How do you guys feel about the Jaguars moving to a zone-blocking scheme? Is that something that would make for a slow start for MJD if he misses time in training camp?

 

[Biabreakable]

How do you guys feel about the Jaguars moving to a zone-blocking scheme? Is that something that would make for a slow start for MJD if he misses time in training camp?

The injury and MJD not fully participating in TC/Preseason could lead to a slow start but I do not think the ZBS is going to be a problem for MJD to adjust to. Was the blocking scheme much different in 2009-2011? What were the Jaguars running?

 

[rdrouyn]

Apparently a power blocking scheme. It is also interesting to note that Justin Forsett ran the zone blocking scheme with the Texans. Not sure what that means, though.

More Details: http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/255274/jaguars-switching-to-a-zone-blocking-scheme

 

[Biabreakable]

Thanks for the info! I do not see the scheme being a problem for MJD. He should be able to do well in most schemes.

 

[Biabreakable]

rdrouyn I have had this change of blocking scheme rolling around in my head the past day or so and I wanted to mention that the change to the ZBS does further show that the offense is not being built around MJD. Otherwise they would have stayed with what was working with him before.

The change is partly due to improved athleticism on the offensive line. But perhaps the biggest thing to take away from this is that the ZBS is better suited for back up Justin Forsett than a power scheme would be. So the change does seem to be more for the situation where MJD is no longer with the team or if he is not able to play every game this season.

I think MJD can be successful in either scheme. But the scheme further suggests that the Jaguars will let MJD walk in 2014.

 

[Ilov80s]

MJD is one of those guys that can make or break your team this year. It looks like he is falling to the late 2nd (like Peterson was last year). It is tempting to draft ADP, Foster, Martin, Charleswith a top 4 pick and come back with MJD. That could be two top 10 backs. We know a healthy MJD is a stud. However, this thread is pushing me away from that direction.

 

[rdrouyn]

That is exactly how I read it at first. It is very strange that they are building the running scheme around the back-up, not the starter. What it means, who knows? Maybe they are giving up on MJD, maybe they arent as confindent that he will be ready to play by week 1.

rdrouyn I have had this change of blocking scheme rolling around in my head the past day or so and I wanted to mention that the change to the ZBS does further show that the offense is not being built around MJD. Otherwise they would have stayed with what was working with him before.

The change is partly due to improved athleticism on the offensive line. But perhaps the biggest thing to take away from this is that the ZBS is better suited for back up Justin Forsett than a power scheme would be. So the change does seem to be more for the situation where MJD is no longer with the team or if he is not able to play every game this season.

I think MJD can be successful in either scheme. But the scheme further suggests that the Jaguars will let MJD walk in 2014.

 

[Leonidas]

That is exactly how I read it at first. It is very strange that they are building the running scheme around the back-up, not the starter. What it means, who knows? Maybe they are giving up on MJD, maybe they arent as confindent that he will be ready to play by week 1.

rdrouyn I have had this change of blocking scheme rolling around in my head the past day or so and I wanted to mention that the change to the ZBS does further show that the offense is not being built around MJD. Otherwise they would have stayed with what was working with him before.

The change is partly due to improved athleticism on the offensive line. But perhaps the biggest thing to take away from this is that the ZBS is better suited for back up Justin Forsett than a power scheme would be. So the change does seem to be more for the situation where MJD is no longer with the team or if he is not able to play every game this season.

I think MJD can be successful in either scheme. But the scheme further suggests that the Jaguars will let MJD walk in 2014.

Maybe they think he will continue to perform with the new blocking scheme?

 

[humpback]

That is exactly how I read it at first. It is very strange that they are building the running scheme around the back-up, not the starter. What it means, who knows? Maybe they are giving up on MJD, maybe they arent as confindent that he will be ready to play by week 1.

rdrouyn I have had this change of blocking scheme rolling around in my head the past day or so and I wanted to mention that the change to the ZBS does further show that the offense is not being built around MJD. Otherwise they would have stayed with what was working with him before.

The change is partly due to improved athleticism on the offensive line. But perhaps the biggest thing to take away from this is that the ZBS is better suited for back up Justin Forsett than a power scheme would be. So the change does seem to be more for the situation where MJD is no longer with the team or if he is not able to play every game this season.

I think MJD can be successful in either scheme. But the scheme further suggests that the Jaguars will let MJD walk in 2014.

You guys seriously think they are building their offense around Justin Forsett?

It's certainly possible that the Jags don't pick up the ZBS quickly which would hurt MJD this year, but you're reading way too much into this.

 

[Biabreakable]

I certainly am not saying MJD won't be good in the ZBS. He is a great player and will be successful if healthy in either system.

What I am saying is Forsett will be better in a ZBS than the former power blocking system. They likely signed him as a FA because he fit the system they want to run.

So this is a better fit for all of the personnel, where as if they kept the old system it might have only been good with MJD.

Maybe Forsett would be just as good in a power blocking system, but I have some doubts about that due to him not getting much playing time with Seattle in what I think was a power blocking system at that time, but then being used more by Houston in ZBS. That assumption may be wrong and Forsett would be fine in the former blocking system as well.

Justin Forsett

2009 Seattle 114ra 619yds 4TD 5.4ypc 41 receptions 350 yds 1TD

2010 Seattle 118ra 4.4 2TD 33 receptions 252 yards

2011 Seattle 46ra 3.2 ypc 145yds 23 receptions 128 yds

2012 Houston 63ra 5.9ypc 374 yds 3 receptions 38 yds 1 TD

I drafted Forsett as a rookie because I liked his skill set. I still do. He did fine with Seattle and really well in 2009 but his numbers also show a steady decline in ypc and the number of receptions each season following that. Then the resurgence in Houston in terms of ypc suggests that system fits him well. He has performed well in the system Seattle was using as well, but I wonder about the reasons for his decline?

The rushing yards in 2012 are inflated by "an 81-yard touchdown, the longest running play in Texans history. Replays showed that Forsett was down by contact before making a first down, but the play was not reviewed due to Lions coach Jim Schwartz throwing the challenge flag. Forsett has admitted he was down by contact."

So if that did not count Forsett would have had a 4.2 ypc which is still decent but maybe not a good assumption to make on my part.

Teams will use either blocking scheme throughout a game and from week to week based on what plays they call. There is a lot more to this than just a style of blocking. It is about game scripts and what works against certain defenses. The blurb mostly just means they intend to run more ZBS than they have in the past. That is what they are focusing on in practice. I do think this fits Forsetts strengths a bit better than a power scheme might.

 

[humpback]

That's quite the long post, but doesn't really address what you said. You wrote "the change to the ZBS does further show that the offense is not being built around MJD. Otherwise they would have stayed with what was working with him before". The other guy wrote that they are building the running scheme around the backup, not the starter.

Sorry, that's ridiculous.

 

[Biabreakable]

The Jaguars will be able to continue running what they have before and they are practicing more ZBS which I think is a better fit for Forsett than a power scheme, and I am sure other things they are planning on offense as well. Does that mean they are building everything around the back up RB? I don't think so. I think it is signing a RB who will fit the type of offense the Jaguars want to run, but then again I am not entirely sure, I already did some self ownage in here as I was thinking aloud, correcting some wrong assumptions I made.

I should become a comedian if laughs come this easy!

 

[seahawk 17]

ZBS are not just for shifty runners. Seattle had Leon Washington and Forsett on the roster and Lynch got the bulk of the carries as a power runner. I don't see Forsett as anything more than depth. This is Forsett's third team in three years? He's not getting the majority of the carries.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

ZBS are not just for shifty runners.

I don't think anyone is arguing that. Arian Foster, Ryan Grant and and Alfred Morris have all had success in that system.

What people are saying is that Forsett has experience in it, and MJD does not.

Despite me being down on MJD this season, due to injuries, I think he's more than capable of thriving in that system.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

MJD has always been an instinctive RB with great vision and great burst through the hole. If he's healthy, he'll excel finding the cut-back lane. His short stature and ability to hide behind his OL will only help him here.

Again, all depending on health. But a healthy MJD will be at least as effective as ever in a ZBS.

 

[GDogg]

Maurice Drew thrived in a zone blocking scheme at UCLA when current Seahawks OL coach and zone blocking scheme "guru," Tom Cable, was UCLA's OL coach and OC (Drew's Sophomore and Junior seasons at UCLA).

He hasn't played in it since then, but that was the scheme for him in college where he was one of the most dynamic RBs in the country.

I wouldn't worry about the scheme at all. I'd worry about the OL and whether he's healthy.

 

[Art Vandalay]

I project MJD to finish in the top 3 and is the most under valued player in the league.

Everyone is worked up about Anne Franks dreaded sister that reaked havoc on MJD's foot last year. These are the same people that want to chalk it up to anything to do with him holding out even though it had no relation. MJD is no longer a breakaway threat although he had a long run vs the colts last year so he can still do it.

What he does is run hard and through people and always finds a hole for positive yardage.

They will feed him and run him into the ground it doesn't matter they don't need to bring him back next year.

Chance at 300-350 touches...check

Likely to score 10+ TD's....check

No competition

Still young

Great History of success

CONTRACT YEAR

310-1400-12 40-350-1

 

[ILUVBEER99]

It's the end for MJD. He not only had the worst type on injury in the world for a RB outside of death but he also has that bone on bone knee that is degrading every day. He'll give it a go but won't be able to finish much of the season.

82 carries/222 yards

9 rec/54 yards

1 total TD

 

[Alex P Keaton]

It's the end for MJD. He not only had the worst type on injury in the world for a RB outside of death but he also has that bone on bone knee that is degrading every day. He'll give it a go but won't be able to finish much of the season.

82 carries/222 yards

9 rec/54 yards

1 total TD

Do you have a "jump to conclusions" mat outside your door?

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

You have to absolutely love the 'bone on bone' stuff. There was a an unsubstantiated rumor about that two years ago. Since then he's played through two training camps and 20+ NFL games with a full workload and no ill effects in the knee. But people still bring it up.

 

[ILUVBEER99]

You have to absolutely love the 'bone on bone' stuff. There was a an unsubstantiated rumor about that two years ago. Since then he's played through two training camps and 20+ NFL games with a full workload and no ill effects in the knee. But people still bring it up.

He was the one who said he had a bone on bone condition. Nice try. Also players can play through those conditions in the beginning, the problem is that they get worse with time, not better. See Torry Holt.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

You have to absolutely love the 'bone on bone' stuff. There was a an unsubstantiated rumor about that two years ago. Since then he's played through two training camps and 20+ NFL games with a full workload and no ill effects in the knee. But people still bring it up.

He was the one who said he had a bone on bone condition. Nice try. Also players can play through those conditions in the beginning, the problem is that they get worse with time, not better. See Torry Holt.

That was literally the only time it was referenced, but I'll concede the point. It wasn't unsubstantiated.

The point is that people are still bringing it up despite no evidence that he's had any problem with it in the last two years.

 

[Leonidas]

You have to absolutely love the 'bone on bone' stuff. There was a an unsubstantiated rumor about that two years ago. Since then he's played through two training camps and 20+ NFL games with a full workload and no ill effects in the knee. But people still bring it up.

...and he was the NFL rushing champion during that time.

 

[Wise Old Owl]

You have to absolutely love the 'bone on bone' stuff. There was a an unsubstantiated rumor about that two years ago. Since then he's played through two training camps and 20+ NFL games with a full workload and no ill effects in the knee. But people still bring it up.

...and he was the NFL rushing champion during that time.

and hes only 28

 

[ILUVBEER99]

You have to absolutely love the 'bone on bone' stuff. There was a an unsubstantiated rumor about that two years ago. Since then he's played through two training camps and 20+ NFL games with a full workload and no ill effects in the knee. But people still bring it up.

He was the one who said he had a bone on bone condition. Nice try. Also players can play through those conditions in the beginning, the problem is that they get worse with time, not better. See Torry Holt.

That was literally the only time it was referenced, but I'll concede the point. It wasn't unsubstantiated.

The point is that people are still bringing it up despite no evidence that he's had any problem with it in the last two years.

I'd like to hear Bramels' opinion on how bone on bone conditions progress, maybe i'm wrong but i've always heard they get worse as time goes on.

Even if somehow that is wrong, which i doubt, he's coming off the dreaded lisfranc, which is enough for me to drop the 28 yr old RB into the abyss.

 

[seahawk 17]

It's the end for MJD. He not only had the worst type on injury in the world for a RB outside of death but he also has that bone on bone knee that is degrading every day. He'll give it a go but won't be able to finish much of the season.

82 carries/222 yards

9 rec/54 yards

1 total TD

When the regular season starts and if he is active, I bet 100.00 he scores more than one touchdown.

 

[rdrouyn]

"Maurice Jones-Drew has been cleared by the Jacksonville Jaguars' medical staff to participate in training camp, although he will be brought along slowly, coach Gus Bradley said Tuesday."

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9502766/maurice-jones-drew-cleared-jacksonville-jaguars-training-camp

 

[Texasmouth]

Pretty easy to see who owns MJD and who doesnt in this thread.....

 

[Leonidas]

Pretty easy to see who owns MJD and who doesnt in this thread.....

Do I own him?