Player Spotlight: Thomas Jones (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2007 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. Each Spotlight will be featured in an article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Thomas Jones, RB, New York Jets

Player Page Link: Thomas Jones Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
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!

 

[kurtrudder]

Jones is the unquestioned starter now in New York but I see Washington getting plenty of looks also.

260 carries

1050 yds

8 TD's

20 catches

140 yds

1 TD

 

[pizzatyme]

I've got a hunch that Jones goes off this season. I think he will try to prove what a mistake the Bears made in letting him go.

I see:

280/1250/10

26/150/1

 

[Mapmaker]

Last season the JETS rushed 491 times for 1738 Yds/3.5 per .. they have added very little to the O-line to help improve in this area.

Jones will be the primary ball carrier without a doubt but I believe Mangini will continue to utilize a multi-back situational rushing attack and the carries will be spread around somewhat.

T.Jones

275/1045/9

32/205/1

 

[nygiants56]

Last season the JETS rushed 491 times for 1738 Yds/3.5 per .. they have added very little to the O-line to help improve in this area.Jones will be the primary ball carrier without a doubt but I believe Mangini will continue to utilize a multi-back situational rushing attack and the carries will be spread around somewhat.T.Jones 275/1045/932/205/1

What did they need to add to this line, I mean, the drafted and started 2 rookies on that line last season, the ran the ball surprisingly well, considering...This year, they'll only be a more cohevsive unit, and the ypc avg should jump up to 4+ per carry..TJ315 carries 1323 yards ( 4.2 per carry), 11 TDs..45 catches, 315 yards, 2 tdsthey are going to use him like Corey Dillon was in NE...

 

[Mapmaker]

Last season the JETS rushed 491 times for 1738 Yds/3.5 per .. they have added very little to the O-line to help improve in this area.Jones will be the primary ball carrier without a doubt but I believe Mangini will continue to utilize a multi-back situational rushing attack and the carries will be spread around somewhat.T.Jones 275/1045/932/205/1

What did they need to add to this line, I mean, the drafted and started 2 rookies on that line last season, the ran the ball surprisingly well, considering...This year, they'll only be a more cohevsive unit, and the ypc avg should jump up to 4+ per carry..TJ315 carries 1323 yards ( 4.2 per carry), 11 TDs..45 catches, 315 yards, 2 tdsthey are going to use him like Corey Dillon was in NE...

RG might be a good spot to add some talent ... especially since Kendall their 11 year veteran is grumbling about more $$$$ and is avoiding workout sessionsfrom aolsportsblog ... Jets' Kendall Looking for New Contract; Avoiding Offseason ProgramPosted May 10th 2007 2:59PM by Dan BentonFiled under: Jets, AFC East, New YorkWhat started as a non-issue is suddenly becoming a huge issue. According to Dave Hutchinson of the Star-Ledger, Jets guard Pete Kendall is looking for a new contract and has not been participating in the teams' offseason program.Kendall, who the Jets already have on the block, has probably given the team more reason to trade him. Sadly, they can not and will not do so until they find a viable replacement. One option appears to be unrestricted free agent Joe Andruzzi.If the Jets do wind up landing Andruzzi, you can be rest assured that Kendall will be shipped off somewhere. At this point they may even consider trading him within the division, something they have the option of doing, just to get rid of him.It's amazing how fast two sides sour over a little money.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Last season the JETS rushed 491 times for 1738 Yds/3.5 per .. they have added very little to the O-line to help improve in this area.Jones will be the primary ball carrier without a doubt but I believe Mangini will continue to utilize a multi-back situational rushing attack and the carries will be spread around somewhat.T.Jones 275/1045/932/205/1

The Jets' running game didn't stink last year because of the OL; they stunk because all the RBs not named Leon Washington weren't any good. Thomas Jones is good.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Last season the JETS rushed 491 times for 1738 Yds/3.5 per .. they have added very little to the O-line to help improve in this area.Jones will be the primary ball carrier without a doubt but I believe Mangini will continue to utilize a multi-back situational rushing attack and the carries will be spread around somewhat.T.Jones 275/1045/932/205/1

What did they need to add to this line, I mean, the drafted and started 2 rookies on that line last season, the ran the ball surprisingly well, considering...This year, they'll only be a more cohevsive unit, and the ypc avg should jump up to 4+ per carry..TJ315 carries 1323 yards ( 4.2 per carry), 11 TDs..45 catches, 315 yards, 2 tdsthey are going to use him like Corey Dillon was in NE...

I'm not sure what "use him like Dillon" means, especially since you've got 45 rec projected for Jones. I think Jones comes in well short of the 36 he had last year.And the Jets didn't run the ball anywhere near any form of "well" last year, surprisingly or otherwise. The Jets ranked 30th in YPC by running backs, beating only Arizona and Cleveland.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Last season the JETS rushed 491 times for 1738 Yds/3.5 per .. they have added very little to the O-line to help improve in this area.Jones will be the primary ball carrier without a doubt but I believe Mangini will continue to utilize a multi-back situational rushing attack and the carries will be spread around somewhat.T.Jones 275/1045/932/205/1

What did they need to add to this line, I mean, the drafted and started 2 rookies on that line last season, the ran the ball surprisingly well, considering...This year, they'll only be a more cohevsive unit, and the ypc avg should jump up to 4+ per carry..TJ315 carries 1323 yards ( 4.2 per carry), 11 TDs..45 catches, 315 yards, 2 tdsthey are going to use him like Corey Dillon was in NE...

RG might be a good spot to add some talent ... especially since Kendall their 11 year veteran is grumbling about more $$$$ and is avoiding workout sessionsfrom aolsportsblog ... Jets' Kendall Looking for New Contract; Avoiding Offseason ProgramPosted May 10th 2007 2:59PM by Dan BentonFiled under: Jets, AFC East, New YorkWhat started as a non-issue is suddenly becoming a huge issue. According to Dave Hutchinson of the Star-Ledger, Jets guard Pete Kendall is looking for a new contract and has not been participating in the teams' offseason program.Kendall, who the Jets already have on the block, has probably given the team more reason to trade him. Sadly, they can not and will not do so until they find a viable replacement. One option appears to be unrestricted free agent Joe Andruzzi.If the Jets do wind up landing Andruzzi, you can be rest assured that Kendall will be shipped off somewhere. At this point they may even consider trading him within the division, something they have the option of doing, just to get rid of him.It's amazing how fast two sides sour over a little money.

Losing Kendall (the LG) would be a downgrade for the Jets OL. He's very good, and I have my doubts that they could improve the position with someone else at this point (including Andruzzi).

 

[KING]

for some reason, i really don't like jones this year. i just have the feeling it's going to be a rough year for him. i think the jets will spread the carries around a bit, with washington seeing his share. i don't see jones being motivated by the bears moving him. given the jets are his 4th team, he's probably getting use to it. in fact, i see the opposite. which jones will show up? the one with the bears, or the one of 4 years ago with the cards. i'll put him somewhere in the middle.

240 925 3.9 6 and 30 175 5.8 0

 

[Reaper]

Losing Kendall (the LG) would be a downgrade for the Jets OL. He's very good, and I have my doubts that they could improve the position with someone else at this point (including Andruzzi).

I'm SHOCKED at the talk of letting him walk... He was the glue on the OL last year... I looked for the Jets this off season to have Brick, Kendall and Mangold locked up and then to ADD a top Guard in this draft and be on their way to developing one of the better OL's in the league for the next few years. They added nothing and may Lose Kendall - WOW - The front office should be shot if Pennington get's injured and/or the Jets can't run this year.

 

[shadyridr]

I love the Jets oline, I love their offensive philosophy, I love have their is no one to steal carries from Jones, I love how he is the goalline back. IMO he is an unquestioned RB1. The only think I dont love is that he will most likely be taken out on 3rd downs for Washington so his receptions wont be too high. But I can see him getting about 20 carries a game.

320 att, 1300 yds, 9 tds, 20 rec, 150 yds, 0 tds

 

[corpcow]

Last season the JETS rushed 491 times for 1738 Yds/3.5 per .. they have added very little to the O-line to help improve in this area.

Uh, they have 2 1st rounders entering their second season who are expected to improve, and now the solid workhorse RB we were lacking last year. (Leon is a nice change of pace, but he's not a workhorse, and Houston and Barlow are unspectacular at best).I go I'd give him something in the 320/1300/8 range.

 

[428143]

240 carries

940 yards

4 TD's

35 receptions

200 yards

2 TD's

 

[Power Monster]

I've got a hunch that Jones goes off this season. I think he will try to prove what a mistake the Bears made in letting him go. I see:280/1250/1026/150/1

I see this as the Bears not having any choice with a franchise back in Benson sitting behind him. What else were they supposed to do?

 

[sholditch]

Jones is a great, elusive runner but the Jets will soon discover what Chicago realized last year: Jones is unreliable running between the tackles because he goes down immediately on contact most of the time. I still think Jones can be a successful back in NYJ but the line needs to get holes open pretty wide for him as he isn't great at breaking tackles or powering through smaller holes.

300 for 1200 and 7

45 for 450 and 4

 

[Kiddnets]

240 carries940 yards4 TD's35 receptions200 yards2 TD's

Who is going to get the other rushing TDs? TJ will be the focal point for the Jets - he will have a big year even if Kendall (I agree with the Jets position to not renegotiate a deal he just signed last year - sets bad precedent. )300 carries1,250 yds40 rec200 yds12 total TDs

 

[Z-Dog]

240 carries940 yards4 TD's35 receptions200 yards2 TD's

Who is going to get the other rushing TDs? TJ will be the focal point for the Jets - he will have a big year even if Kendall (I agree with the Jets position to not renegotiate a deal he just signed last year - sets bad precedent. )300 carries1,250 yds40 rec200 yds12 total TDs

Cedric Houston is still in town, he could take the short-yardage work.

 

[LBH]

240 carries940 yards4 TD's35 receptions200 yards2 TD's

Who is going to get the other rushing TDs? TJ will be the focal point for the Jets - he will have a big year even if Kendall (I agree with the Jets position to not renegotiate a deal he just signed last year - sets bad precedent. )300 carries1,250 yds40 rec200 yds12 total TDs

Cedric Houston is still in town, he could take the short-yardage work.

Theres been nothing reported to suggest Houston is in line for GL carries or SY work. I think most knowledgable Jets fans see him occasionaly relieving Jones between the 20s and being a regular on STs.The Jets rushed 491 times last year which put them in the top 10 in the league. They also scored 15tds on the ground with 11 of those coming from Barlow/Houston combo. While as a Jet fan I really would prefer Kendall to stick around, I always thought he was better in pass protection than run blocking. Hes a bit small, and not the road grading type. My projections for TJ....310 1250 10 45 rec 300yds 2tds ......rock solid #2- borderline #1

 

[kensat30]

Thomas Jones is possibly the most overrated RB in the NFL. Chicago was the situation that made him, not the other way around. Bottomline, the guy is a below average RB. He doesn't juke well, he doesn't break tackles well, and he just plain doesn't move well. The guy has one redeeming factor, it's that he hits the hole fast. But even that is a drawback, when you figure that he only has one speed and has to hope that there is either a hole, or that he can pinball off a defender to gain more than 2 yards.

What worked in Chicago will not work in New York. New York's offense and O-line is not the same caliber as Chicago. The lack of a dominant defense WILL affect Thomas Jones negatively. I personally believe that the Jet's played way over their heads last year and I expect a sharp regression from both the defense and the offense this year. Not only that, but that added risk of relying on the glass man (Pennington), you are just asking for trouble. If you wanna bet on Thomas Jones, be my guest. But even on a much better team, in a much better situation, in a much easier division and conference, Thomas Jones showed his true colors last season. Despite being featured in the running game, playing a full 16 games, and catching passes, Thomas Jones was the 21st ranked RB last year and 27th in PPG.

And despite what Thomas Jones can or can't do, emphasis on can't, Leon Washington sure will have something to say about Thomas being a "featured RB" in the white and green. Simple fact, the Jet's had one of the worst rushing attacks in the league last year, 20th in rush yards despite 7th most attempts resulting in a 30th yards per rush average. Ouch!Yet, Leon Washington was a bright spot on that poor rushing team, and even became a decent fantasy option for a stretch of time. The guy is electric with the ball and should be considered one of the best 3rd down RBs in the game based on what he did last year, and even *gasp* competition for Thomas Jones. Washington outrushed the next closest RB on the team by 1 full ypc (4.3 vs 3.3), and caught 25 passes for an incredible 4+ ypc than the next closest guy(10.8 versus 6.1). And despite the team stubbornly choosing to go with both Houston and Barlow as starters over Washington for stretches, Washington still ended up with the most carries and receptions on the team even while being viewed as a "backup".

Sorry to drag that out, here is my prediction for Thomas Jones:

240/900/5, 30/200/0

Bust city.

 

[Otis]

He'll have a big year.

 

[jurb26]

I've never been a Tomas Jones fan, but even I have to say he is easily the best RB in NY (you can include both the Giants and Jets for that matter) and an instant upgrade for what NYJ had last year. The jets have capable weapons on the outside and Pennington will not be afraid to utilize Jones in the passing game. Very good year for Jones ahead.

Rushing: 255 carries, 1180 yds, 8 TDs

Receiving: 32 receptions, 260 yds, 1 TD

 

[rzrback77]

Thomas Jones is a 2000 first round RB drafted 7th overall. He struggled mightily for three years in the desert, but found a renewal in Tampa Bay in 2004, where he improved his ypc from a career 3.5 to 4.6. He was then traded to Chicago where he has performed well for the past three years, averaging 283 carries and 1164 yards per year (4.1 ypc). The Jets running backs only managed 1449 yards rushing in 06, but I beleive that the offensive line will be improved and that matched with the acquisition of Thomas Jones will be one plus one equals three.

Jones surprises some by maintaining his production with the Bears even as he moves to the Jets.

Thomas Jones 300 rushes 1230 yards (4.1) 6 TDs 28 receptions 150 yards and 1 TD

 

[Z-Dog]

240 carries940 yards4 TD's35 receptions200 yards2 TD's

Who is going to get the other rushing TDs? TJ will be the focal point for the Jets - he will have a big year even if Kendall (I agree with the Jets position to not renegotiate a deal he just signed last year - sets bad precedent. )300 carries1,250 yds40 rec200 yds12 total TDs

Cedric Houston is still in town, he could take the short-yardage work.

Theres been nothing reported to suggest Houston is in line for GL carries or SY work. I think most knowledgable Jets fans see him occasionaly relieving Jones between the 20s and being a regular on STs.The Jets rushed 491 times last year which put them in the top 10 in the league. They also scored 15tds on the ground with 11 of those coming from Barlow/Houston combo. While as a Jet fan I really would prefer Kendall to stick around, I always thought he was better in pass protection than run blocking. Hes a bit small, and not the road grading type. My projections for TJ....310 1250 10 45 rec 300yds 2tds ......rock solid #2- borderline #1

Ahem. I am among those informed Jets fans you refer to.Here's what suggests that Houston is in line for the work. First, aside from converted QB Stacey Tutt, who will be playing FB, there's not a single RB on the roster aside from Houston with the size for GL or SY work. Second, Kevan Barlow, the other guy, got shipped out (to the Bears, ironically). Third, Mangini seems like a committee guy in his philosophy, so I expect all RBs to contribute, and they do have complementary skills. I think that Jones has a ceiling at 1200 yards - I find it hard to believe that between Washington, Houston, Brad Smith, and Tutt, Jones is going to be a Curtis Martin type in taking the load.

 

[-X-]

Second, Kevan Barlow, the other guy, got shipped out (to the Bears, ironically).

Errrr... Barlow is now on the Steelers, not the Bears.

 

[Brutis]

240 carries940 yards4 TD's35 receptions200 yards2 TD's

Who is going to get the other rushing TDs? TJ will be the focal point for the Jets - he will have a big year even if Kendall (I agree with the Jets position to not renegotiate a deal he just signed last year - sets bad precedent. )300 carries1,250 yds40 rec200 yds12 total TDs

Cedric Houston is still in town, he could take the short-yardage work.

Theres been nothing reported to suggest Houston is in line for GL carries or SY work. I think most knowledgable Jets fans see him occasionaly relieving Jones between the 20s and being a regular on STs.The Jets rushed 491 times last year which put them in the top 10 in the league. They also scored 15tds on the ground with 11 of those coming from Barlow/Houston combo. While as a Jet fan I really would prefer Kendall to stick around, I always thought he was better in pass protection than run blocking. Hes a bit small, and not the road grading type. My projections for TJ....310 1250 10 45 rec 300yds 2tds ......rock solid #2- borderline #1

Ahem. I am among those informed Jets fans you refer to.Here's what suggests that Houston is in line for the work. First, aside from converted QB Stacey Tutt, who will be playing FB, there's not a single RB on the roster aside from Houston with the size for GL or SY work. Second, Kevan Barlow, the other guy, got shipped out (to the Bears, ironically). Third, Mangini seems like a committee guy in his philosophy, so I expect all RBs to contribute, and they do have complementary skills. I think that Jones has a ceiling at 1200 yards - I find it hard to believe that between Washington, Houston, Brad Smith, and Tutt, Jones is going to be a Curtis Martin type in taking the load.

So let me get this straight. TJones is good enough to keep a very talented 4th pick in the draft Cedric Benson on the bench for 2 years in Chicago but isnt good enough to keep leon washington and Cedric Houston on the bench? I'll buy that. lol

 

[Z-Dog]

240 carries940 yards4 TD's35 receptions200 yards2 TD's

Who is going to get the other rushing TDs? TJ will be the focal point for the Jets - he will have a big year even if Kendall (I agree with the Jets position to not renegotiate a deal he just signed last year - sets bad precedent. )300 carries1,250 yds40 rec200 yds12 total TDs

Cedric Houston is still in town, he could take the short-yardage work.

Theres been nothing reported to suggest Houston is in line for GL carries or SY work. I think most knowledgable Jets fans see him occasionaly relieving Jones between the 20s and being a regular on STs.The Jets rushed 491 times last year which put them in the top 10 in the league. They also scored 15tds on the ground with 11 of those coming from Barlow/Houston combo. While as a Jet fan I really would prefer Kendall to stick around, I always thought he was better in pass protection than run blocking. Hes a bit small, and not the road grading type. My projections for TJ....310 1250 10 45 rec 300yds 2tds ......rock solid #2- borderline #1

Ahem. I am among those informed Jets fans you refer to.Here's what suggests that Houston is in line for the work. First, aside from converted QB Stacey Tutt, who will be playing FB, there's not a single RB on the roster aside from Houston with the size for GL or SY work. Second, Kevan Barlow, the other guy, got shipped out (to the Bears, ironically). Third, Mangini seems like a committee guy in his philosophy, so I expect all RBs to contribute, and they do have complementary skills. I think that Jones has a ceiling at 1200 yards - I find it hard to believe that between Washington, Houston, Brad Smith, and Tutt, Jones is going to be a Curtis Martin type in taking the load.

So let me get this straight. TJones is good enough to keep a very talented 4th pick in the draft Cedric Benson on the bench for 2 years in Chicago but isnt good enough to keep leon washington and Cedric Houston on the bench? I'll buy that. lol

First off, I'm not so impressed with Benson's character or performance. Second, I have no doubt about Jones' talent. What I'm questioning is the opportunity issue. Jones isn't a good short-yardage runner. The Jets have a guy who has done reasonably well in that role. Why wouldn't he get a chance? Leon Washington bring something to the offense that no other player does - surely he's going to touch the ball a fair amount. Same goes for Brad Smith. Jones is not a young guy, and I expect him to get between 250-270 carries. At the high end, he'd need to run for 4.5 ypc to break 1200.

 

[LBH]

240 carries940 yards4 TD's35 receptions200 yards2 TD's

Who is going to get the other rushing TDs? TJ will be the focal point for the Jets - he will have a big year even if Kendall (I agree with the Jets position to not renegotiate a deal he just signed last year - sets bad precedent. )300 carries1,250 yds40 rec200 yds12 total TDs

Cedric Houston is still in town, he could take the short-yardage work.

Theres been nothing reported to suggest Houston is in line for GL carries or SY work. I think most knowledgable Jets fans see him occasionaly relieving Jones between the 20s and being a regular on STs.The Jets rushed 491 times last year which put them in the top 10 in the league. They also scored 15tds on the ground with 11 of those coming from Barlow/Houston combo. While as a Jet fan I really would prefer Kendall to stick around, I always thought he was better in pass protection than run blocking. Hes a bit small, and not the road grading type. My projections for TJ....310 1250 10 45 rec 300yds 2tds ......rock solid #2- borderline #1

Ahem. I am among those informed Jets fans you refer to.Here's what suggests that Houston is in line for the work. First, aside from converted QB Stacey Tutt, who will be playing FB, there's not a single RB on the roster aside from Houston with the size for GL or SY work. Second, Kevan Barlow, the other guy, got shipped out (to the Bears, ironically). Third, Mangini seems like a committee guy in his philosophy, so I expect all RBs to contribute, and they do have complementary skills. I think that Jones has a ceiling at 1200 yards - I find it hard to believe that between Washington, Houston, Brad Smith, and Tutt, Jones is going to be a Curtis Martin type in taking the load.

when Barlow and Houston started for the Jets last year, the one that didnt start didnt get jack for playing time, so while it was a commitee during the season it wasnt so much during the individual games in regards to Houston/Barlow. Leon Washington is a talented scat back, but I believe thats all Mangini see him as for now. If that wasnt the case I think he would have made starts ealier in the season, and the Jets wouldnt have been in the market for a feature back this past off season. I do think Washington will see a good amount of action this year in certain situations and formations, but I also believe he will see a decrease in carries. If youre so informed about the Jets, Im surprised you didnt bring up Barnes name as a guy big enough to take GL carries. Also Barlow signed with the Steelers as a FA, and didnt get "shipped out" to the bears. There has been absolutely no documentation from newspapers or any quotes from the coaching staff that anyone but T.Jones will get GL carries. LOL at you bringing up Brad Smith and Tutt as guys that will eat in to TJs carries. Cmon, I think youre grasping at straws there. If B.Smith impacts anyones production it will likely be Justin Macariens. As far as Tutt...he will likely be the 2nd FB behind Darian Barnes imo. I completey disagree that Mangini prefers a commitee approach as you claim. I think the only reason a commitee was used last year is because Barlow and Houston were both ineffective and unimpressive for many games in which they had oppurtunities. I also think that their lack of versatility in the recieving game gave way to more time for Washington

 

[Z-Dog]

240 carries940 yards4 TD's35 receptions200 yards2 TD's

Who is going to get the other rushing TDs? TJ will be the focal point for the Jets - he will have a big year even if Kendall (I agree with the Jets position to not renegotiate a deal he just signed last year - sets bad precedent. )300 carries1,250 yds40 rec200 yds12 total TDs

Cedric Houston is still in town, he could take the short-yardage work.

Theres been nothing reported to suggest Houston is in line for GL carries or SY work. I think most knowledgable Jets fans see him occasionaly relieving Jones between the 20s and being a regular on STs.The Jets rushed 491 times last year which put them in the top 10 in the league. They also scored 15tds on the ground with 11 of those coming from Barlow/Houston combo. While as a Jet fan I really would prefer Kendall to stick around, I always thought he was better in pass protection than run blocking. Hes a bit small, and not the road grading type. My projections for TJ....310 1250 10 45 rec 300yds 2tds ......rock solid #2- borderline #1

Ahem. I am among those informed Jets fans you refer to.Here's what suggests that Houston is in line for the work. First, aside from converted QB Stacey Tutt, who will be playing FB, there's not a single RB on the roster aside from Houston with the size for GL or SY work. Second, Kevan Barlow, the other guy, got shipped out (to the Bears, ironically). Third, Mangini seems like a committee guy in his philosophy, so I expect all RBs to contribute, and they do have complementary skills. I think that Jones has a ceiling at 1200 yards - I find it hard to believe that between Washington, Houston, Brad Smith, and Tutt, Jones is going to be a Curtis Martin type in taking the load.

when Barlow and Houston started for the Jets last year, the one that didnt start didnt get jack for playing time, so while it was a commitee during the season it wasnt so much during the individual games in regards to Houston/Barlow. Leon Washington is a talented scat back, but I believe thats all Mangini see him as for now. If that wasnt the case I think he would have made starts ealier in the season, and the Jets wouldnt have been in the market for a feature back this past off season. I do think Washington will see a good amount of action this year in certain situations and formations, but I also believe he will see a decrease in carries. If youre so informed about the Jets, Im surprised you didnt bring up Barnes name as a guy big enough to take GL carries. Also Barlow signed with the Steelers as a FA, and didnt get "shipped out" to the bears. There has been absolutely no documentation from newspapers or any quotes from the coaching staff that anyone but T.Jones will get GL carries. LOL at you bringing up Brad Smith and Tutt as guys that will eat in to TJs carries. Cmon, I think youre grasping at straws there. If B.Smith impacts anyones production it will likely be Justin Macariens. As far as Tutt...he will likely be the 2nd FB behind Darian Barnes imo. I completey disagree that Mangini prefers a commitee approach as you claim. I think the only reason a commitee was used last year is because Barlow and Houston were both ineffective and unimpressive for many games in which they had oppurtunities. I also think that their lack of versatility in the recieving game gave way to more time for Washington

I didn't bring up Barnes b/c he has 10 career carries. He's a blocker, and I don't expect him to suddenly get many rushing opportunities, especially since the Jets seem high on Tutt, his backup, as a potential runner and receiver.I think that Mangini's philosophy about running the ball is an open question, but so far, what we've seen on both offense and defense is a coach who seems to try to find the best roles for all his players. That's why I believe that Jones will not have more than 270 carries. Feel free to disagree - that's why we have a board. I'm just suggesting that Thomas Jones is being hyped as a 1300+ yard back, but I just don't see the Jets giving him enough carries, and I especially believe that Jones will not play much in short yardage, since he's not very good at it. The sum of your argument is basically that Jones is a very good running back - that's not enough for me.

 

[TitusIII]

280 rushes, 1150 yards, 6 TD's ; 20 receptions, 150 yards, 1 TD

I've made it known on this board that I can't stand runners like Jones, but the Jets have a solid foundation on the line, so TJ should get his. If the Jets have any capable goal-line back on the roster, look for him to steal red-zone carries. I also think Leon steals TJ's receptions. Bottom line, I'll be happy with TJ as my #3 back.

 

[corpcow]

280 rushes, 1150 yards, 6 TD's ; 20 receptions, 150 yards, 1 TDI've made it known on this board that I can't stand runners like Jones, but the Jets have a solid foundation on the line, so TJ should get his. If the Jets have any capable goal-line back on the roster, look for him to steal red-zone carries. I also think Leon steals TJ's receptions. Bottom line, I'll be happy with TJ as my #3 back.

We don't have a goal line back more capable than Jones. Houston is probably the best candidate, but I wouldn't say he's anything special in comparison.And just curious, what do you mean by "runners like Jones"?

 

[brednbuddah]

Thomas Jones is possibly the most overrated RB in the NFL. Chicago was the situation that made him, not the other way around. Bottomline, the guy is a below average RB. He doesn't juke well, he doesn't break tackles well, and he just plain doesn't move well. The guy has one redeeming factor, it's that he hits the hole fast. But even that is a drawback, when you figure that he only has one speed and has to hope that there is either a hole, or that he can pinball off a defender to gain more than 2 yards.

What worked in Chicago will not work in New York. New York's offense and O-line is not the same caliber as Chicago. The lack of a dominant defense WILL affect Thomas Jones negatively. I personally believe that the Jet's played way over their heads last year and I expect a sharp regression from both the defense and the offense this year. Not only that, but that added risk of relying on the glass man (Pennington), you are just asking for trouble. If you wanna bet on Thomas Jones, be my guest. But even on a much better team, in a much better situation, in a much easier division and conference, Thomas Jones showed his true colors last season. Despite being featured in the running game, playing a full 16 games, and catching passes, Thomas Jones was the 21st ranked RB last year and 27th in PPG.

And despite what Thomas Jones can or can't do, emphasis on can't, Leon Washington sure will have something to say about Thomas being a "featured RB" in the white and green. Simple fact, the Jet's had one of the worst rushing attacks in the league last year, 20th in rush yards despite 7th most attempts resulting in a 30th yards per rush average. Ouch!Yet, Leon Washington was a bright spot on that poor rushing team, and even became a decent fantasy option for a stretch of time. The guy is electric with the ball and should be considered one of the best 3rd down RBs in the game based on what he did last year, and even *gasp* competition for Thomas Jones. Washington outrushed the next closest RB on the team by 1 full ypc (4.3 vs 3.3), and caught 25 passes for an incredible 4+ ypc than the next closest guy(10.8 versus 6.1). And despite the team stubbornly choosing to go with both Houston and Barlow as starters over Washington for stretches, Washington still ended up with the most carries and receptions on the team even while being viewed as a "backup".

Sorry to drag that out, here is my prediction for Thomas Jones:

240/900/5, 30/200/0

Bust city.

you bring up some interesting points, but Jones hasn't rushed for under 4.0 ypc since he was with ARZ. He may not be a top10 fantasy back, but there's no way he puts up those kind of numbers.Jones will have decent production this year, but the consistency from week-to-week concerns me as I see Mangini customizing the attack based on the D he goes up against, meaning more work for Washington on a fast track or against a slower D.

250/1050/7 20/120/0

 

[Rovers]

Wow, the opinions on Jones and the Jets O line is all over the board. I'll chime in with my take. First, the O line.

As a run blocker, unless he's pulling, taking advantage of his athletisism, Ferguson is a lousy run blocker. Kendall, the starter next to him at LG last year is an ex-Jet. Mark it down. He WILL be traded or released. He accused Mangini of everything short of being a football coach-terrorist-traitor-vermin in the press. Mangold is the best run blocker the Jets have, but he gets overpowered by big NT's. He is also best at pulling and blocking in space, like Ferguson. Why didn't the Jets run outside more often? Something Curtis Martin built his HoF career on? I'd like to know the answer to that one myself.

The right side of the line is worse off than the left, even with no clear replacement for the soon to be departed Kendall. Brandon Moore at RG is a body... a cheap one. He's cheap because he isn't very good. Clement at RT was cut by two teams with major problems on the O line before joining the Jets last year... AZ and SF. He was a UFA.... and after so many offensive lineman bought mansions with their new contracts this year, Clement had no takers in the FA market. Why? He sucks, that's why.

Most knowledgable Jets fans fully expected to use at least one early pick on a guard. And at least a mid round pick for a RT. Never happened. The Jets do have a few players that might be able to play at a competitive level, such as Ed Blanton at RT, and some undrafted OG's, maybe a NFL Europa guy for a guard, but this O line is in serious disarray. They can pass block OK, but run blocking? In the bottom quarter of the league. Even Kendall wasn't a very good run blocker.

Now.... the RB's....Cedric Houston is a better RB than most will give him credit for. The guy NEVER goes down on first contact. He keeps churning. That is exactly why he got a knee injury last year.... he stayed up when most RB's would have just gone down for self protection. Leon Washington had some nice games, but like every other Jets RB, he never had a hole to run through without getting a helmet on him. Leon got yardage on making catches and running outside, on those rare instances when the Jets ran outside. This O line is undersized and not at all capable of generating any push.

Now... for Jones. Houston is a better between the tackles runner, period.... well, at least behind this O line. He can drag people. Any RB running between the tackles behind this O line MUST be able to drag people, because no matter how fast they might be, they will have to run through trash at the O line. Jones does bring something though.... he can pass block, is faster than Houston, slower than Leon, but is more versatile than either of them. Having said that, I don't think he's better between the tackles than Houston, I don't think he's the outside pass catching home run threat Leon is. He can do both things, but not as well as either Houston or Leon.

Lastly, GM Mike Tannenbaum has repeatedly talked about how the Jets believe the days of the feature RB have come and gone. They believe that using 3 RB's is the way to go, based on matchups and situational substitutions. Even as an optomistic Jets fan, I would not take Jones in a 12 team redraft unil the 4th round. The line can't run block, the Jets don't run outside nearly often enough, and the lack of any power blocking up the middle negates Pennington's greatest talent, the play action.

I'll laugh when someone in my 12 team local takes Jones early in the second round. He's an early 4th round pick at best.

Carries:260 for 980

Rec: 40 for 240

TD's: 8

 

[corpcow]

One thing that many are missing is the effect that Chad Pennington has on the defense. He has one of the best play action fakes in the game (anyone remember the time that he stood backwards with the ball for a full 2 seconds?), and that actually helps open things up for the running game a lot. Chad may be the most underrated QB in the game - just look at what they've done with him and without him over the past few years. He's physically unspectacular, but he's smart and quite simply he finds ways to win.

I like Houston, no doubt - but I just don't think he's going to be a feature back anytime soon. I think TJ is a slightly better version of what they were getting from Houston. As I've said here and other threads, I think you will see a lot of Leon, but not necessarily instead of TJ. As for not running outside much last year, I don't have the stats in front of me, but I do disctinctly remember loving the way Brian Schotty set people up in space. He was very creative with Washington and Brad Smith. I think you'll continue to see more of that, getting Leon and TJ in the same backfield and motioning Leon to the slot, etc. That's also the kind of stuff that Chad excels with - selling the fakes, recognizing mismatches, etc.

 

[FFRich]

Wow, the opinions on Jones and the Jets O line is all over the board. I'll chime in with my take. I'll laugh when someone in my 12 team local takes Jones early in the second round. He's an early 4th round pick at best. Carries:260 for 980Rec: 40 for 240TD's: 8

I won't laugh, but I'll be happy they did. And someone will.No qusetion Jones was a very productive RB for Chicago the last couple years. But just taking the numbers he produced in Chicago and transferring them to the Jets will be the potential downfall for those who draft Jones near his current ADP. First, Chicago's O-Line is one of the very best in the NFL, while the NYJ's O-Line may be improved over last year (assuming they get Kendall back) it will still fall far short of Chicago's. And anyone that doesn't believe the O-Line makes the RB, not the RB making the O-Line needs to find a new hobby. So, Jones will run just as hard, will have a great attitude and work ethic, BUT if the O-Line doesn't open the holes he'll not gain a lot of yards. Second, unfortunately for Jone's 2007 staistics, The NYJ's get to play the AFC East Division twice this year instead of the NFC North like Chicago did last year. Also replace teams like the Jets and Arizona that Chicago faced last year with teams like Baltimore and Pittsbugh that the NYJ's will face this year and it quickly becomes apparent that not only will Jones be hampered with an inferior O-Line this year; that O-Line will have to open holes against MUCH better defenses. When these factors are taken into account, even though Jones will put forth the same effort that he did in Chicago the results will look very different.Rushing: 275-975Receiving: 32-200TD's: 7J

 

[pizzatyme]

I've got a hunch that Jones goes off this season. I think he will try to prove what a mistake the Bears made in letting him go. I see:280/1250/1026/150/1

I see this as the Bears not having any choice with a franchise back in Benson sitting behind him. What else were they supposed to do?

Sign him and move Benson? Sign him and use both? All he did was lead the Bears to the Superbowl.The Bears are in a world of hurts this season without him.IMO.

 

[428143]

I've got a hunch that Jones goes off this season. I think he will try to prove what a mistake the Bears made in letting him go. I see:280/1250/1026/150/1

I see this as the Bears not having any choice with a franchise back in Benson sitting behind him. What else were they supposed to do?

Sign him and move Benson? Sign him and use both? All he did was lead the Bears to the Superbowl.The Bears are in a world of hurts this season without him.IMO.

I stand by my claim that Thomas Jones is a dime-a-dozen back. The Bears may not win 13 games this season, but I can all but guarentee the drop-off in wins isn't because of a drop-off in RB talent.

 

[BigRed]

Wow, the opinions on Jones and the Jets O line is all over the board. I'll chime in with my take. First, the O line. As a run blocker, unless he's pulling, taking advantage of his athletisism, Ferguson is a lousy run blocker. Kendall, the starter next to him at LG last year is an ex-Jet. Mark it down. He WILL be traded or released. He accused Mangini of everything short of being a football coach-terrorist-traitor-vermin in the press. Mangold is the best run blocker the Jets have, but he gets overpowered by big NT's. He is also best at pulling and blocking in space, like Ferguson. Why didn't the Jets run outside more often? Something Curtis Martin built his HoF career on? I'd like to know the answer to that one myself.The right side of the line is worse off than the left, even with no clear replacement for the soon to be departed Kendall. Brandon Moore at RG is a body... a cheap one. He's cheap because he isn't very good. Clement at RT was cut by two teams with major problems on the O line before joining the Jets last year... AZ and SF. He was a UFA.... and after so many offensive lineman bought mansions with their new contracts this year, Clement had no takers in the FA market. Why? He sucks, that's why. Most knowledgable Jets fans fully expected to use at least one early pick on a guard. And at least a mid round pick for a RT. Never happened. The Jets do have a few players that might be able to play at a competitive level, such as Ed Blanton at RT, and some undrafted OG's, maybe a NFL Europa guy for a guard, but this O line is in serious disarray. They can pass block OK, but run blocking? In the bottom quarter of the league. Even Kendall wasn't a very good run blocker. Now.... the RB's....Cedric Houston is a better RB than most will give him credit for. The guy NEVER goes down on first contact. He keeps churning. That is exactly why he got a knee injury last year.... he stayed up when most RB's would have just gone down for self protection. Leon Washington had some nice games, but like every other Jets RB, he never had a hole to run through without getting a helmet on him. Leon got yardage on making catches and running outside, on those rare instances when the Jets ran outside. This O line is undersized and not at all capable of generating any push. Now... for Jones. Houston is a better between the tackles runner, period.... well, at least behind this O line. He can drag people. Any RB running between the tackles behind this O line MUST be able to drag people, because no matter how fast they might be, they will have to run through trash at the O line. Jones does bring something though.... he can pass block, is faster than Houston, slower than Leon, but is more versatile than either of them. Having said that, I don't think he's better between the tackles than Houston, I don't think he's the outside pass catching home run threat Leon is. He can do both things, but not as well as either Houston or Leon. Lastly, GM Mike Tannenbaum has repeatedly talked about how the Jets believe the days of the feature RB have come and gone. They believe that using 3 RB's is the way to go, based on matchups and situational substitutions. Even as an optomistic Jets fan, I would not take Jones in a 12 team redraft unil the 4th round. The line can't run block, the Jets don't run outside nearly often enough, and the lack of any power blocking up the middle negates Pennington's greatest talent, the play action.I'll laugh when someone in my 12 team local takes Jones early in the second round. He's an early 4th round pick at best. Carries:260 for 980Rec: 40 for 240TD's: 8

Good call on Kendall and good overall post. I am hearing similar concerns from people about the OL and putting Jones down a tick because of it (although I've never been a fan anyway....).

 

[BustedKnuckles]

By Pat Fitzmaurice

Aug. 23, 2007

PFW.

The addition of Thomas Jones would appear to give the Jets stability at the RB position after they cycled through a menagerie of backs last season. And relocation appears to bode well for Jones personally, since his former employers, the Bears, had been itching to make Cedric Benson a starter. But before you overreach for Jones, realize that Leon Washington is still going to get a lot of touches for the Jets. The superquick Washington is coming off a nice rookie season, and Jets head coach Eric Mangini likes to put pressure on opposing defenses by splitting out Washington as a receiver, which creates coverage mismatches and helps reveal whether the defense is playing man or zone coverage. The bottom line is that Jones is likely to find himself in yet another time-share situation, so don’t draft him thinking you’re getting an every-down back.

 

[Rovers]

Wow, the opinions on Jones and the Jets O line is all over the board. I'll chime in with my take. First, the O line. As a run blocker, unless he's pulling, taking advantage of his athletisism, Ferguson is a lousy run blocker. Kendall, the starter next to him at LG last year is an ex-Jet. Mark it down. He WILL be traded or released. He accused Mangini of everything short of being a football coach-terrorist-traitor-vermin in the press. Mangold is the best run blocker the Jets have, but he gets overpowered by big NT's. He is also best at pulling and blocking in space, like Ferguson. Why didn't the Jets run outside more often? Something Curtis Martin built his HoF career on? I'd like to know the answer to that one myself.The right side of the line is worse off than the left, even with no clear replacement for the soon to be departed Kendall. Brandon Moore at RG is a body... a cheap one. He's cheap because he isn't very good. Clement at RT was cut by two teams with major problems on the O line before joining the Jets last year... AZ and SF. He was a UFA.... and after so many offensive lineman bought mansions with their new contracts this year, Clement had no takers in the FA market. Why? He sucks, that's why. Most knowledgable Jets fans fully expected to use at least one early pick on a guard. And at least a mid round pick for a RT. Never happened. The Jets do have a few players that might be able to play at a competitive level, such as Ed Blanton at RT, and some undrafted OG's, maybe a NFL Europa guy for a guard, but this O line is in serious disarray. They can pass block OK, but run blocking? In the bottom quarter of the league. Even Kendall wasn't a very good run blocker. Now.... the RB's....Cedric Houston is a better RB than most will give him credit for. The guy NEVER goes down on first contact. He keeps churning. That is exactly why he got a knee injury last year.... he stayed up when most RB's would have just gone down for self protection. Leon Washington had some nice games, but like every other Jets RB, he never had a hole to run through without getting a helmet on him. Leon got yardage on making catches and running outside, on those rare instances when the Jets ran outside. This O line is undersized and not at all capable of generating any push. Now... for Jones. Houston is a better between the tackles runner, period.... well, at least behind this O line. He can drag people. Any RB running between the tackles behind this O line MUST be able to drag people, because no matter how fast they might be, they will have to run through trash at the O line. Jones does bring something though.... he can pass block, is faster than Houston, slower than Leon, but is more versatile than either of them. Having said that, I don't think he's better between the tackles than Houston, I don't think he's the outside pass catching home run threat Leon is. He can do both things, but not as well as either Houston or Leon. Lastly, GM Mike Tannenbaum has repeatedly talked about how the Jets believe the days of the feature RB have come and gone. They believe that using 3 RB's is the way to go, based on matchups and situational substitutions. Even as an optomistic Jets fan, I would not take Jones in a 12 team redraft unil the 4th round. The line can't run block, the Jets don't run outside nearly often enough, and the lack of any power blocking up the middle negates Pennington's greatest talent, the play action.I'll laugh when someone in my 12 team local takes Jones early in the second round. He's an early 4th round pick at best. Carries:260 for 980Rec: 40 for 240TD's: 8

Good call on Kendall and good overall post. I am hearing similar concerns from people about the OL and putting Jones down a tick because of it (although I've never been a fan anyway....).

Thanks... when it comes to the Jets, I usually have a pretty good handle on things. A few things have changed since I wrote that post. Blanton has a serious back injury that could end his career, and I am sure will apply for an injury settlement withing the CBA guidlelines, so there goes one possible prospect... but now there is another...This kid Bender from Div 1AA Nicholls state, taken in the 6th round comes from playing LT in a triple option offense in college. At 6'6" and 315, he isn't fast enough to play LT in the NFL, but he does know how to run block. His pass blocking is pretty awful as a LG, but Mangini started installing several off tackle running plays where Ferguson pulls out, and Bender flattens defenders at the point of attack.... this is exactly what he did at Nicholls St in that triple option offense. That play was workng very well yesterday at Jets TC, which is now over for this year. If Bender can win the job over Clarke, that bodes well for the Jets ground game, but Pennington had better have eyes in the back of his head. That play will work in the NFL, as Ferguson is much better when run blocking in space than he is at the point of attack. I started a thread here on Jones.... yesterday I didn't think he looked like a guy who would be ready to play in two weeks against the Pats. I mean the guy still can't push off to the extent that he isn't even jogging yet. Rumored to be an achilles strain which then led to a calf strain in the same leg, I won't be drafting Jones tomorrow night in my local, I can tell ya.

 

[patriarchz]

Wow, the opinions on Jones and the Jets O line is all over the board. I'll chime in with my take. First, the O line. As a run blocker, unless he's pulling, taking advantage of his athletisism, Ferguson is a lousy run blocker. Kendall, the starter next to him at LG last year is an ex-Jet. Mark it down. He WILL be traded or released. He accused Mangini of everything short of being a football coach-terrorist-traitor-vermin in the press. Mangold is the best run blocker the Jets have, but he gets overpowered by big NT's. He is also best at pulling and blocking in space, like Ferguson. Why didn't the Jets run outside more often? Something Curtis Martin built his HoF career on? I'd like to know the answer to that one myself.The right side of the line is worse off than the left, even with no clear replacement for the soon to be departed Kendall. Brandon Moore at RG is a body... a cheap one. He's cheap because he isn't very good. Clement at RT was cut by two teams with major problems on the O line before joining the Jets last year... AZ and SF. He was a UFA.... and after so many offensive lineman bought mansions with their new contracts this year, Clement had no takers in the FA market. Why? He sucks, that's why. Most knowledgable Jets fans fully expected to use at least one early pick on a guard. And at least a mid round pick for a RT. Never happened. The Jets do have a few players that might be able to play at a competitive level, such as Ed Blanton at RT, and some undrafted OG's, maybe a NFL Europa guy for a guard, but this O line is in serious disarray. They can pass block OK, but run blocking? In the bottom quarter of the league. Even Kendall wasn't a very good run blocker. Now.... the RB's....Cedric Houston is a better RB than most will give him credit for. The guy NEVER goes down on first contact. He keeps churning. That is exactly why he got a knee injury last year.... he stayed up when most RB's would have just gone down for self protection. Leon Washington had some nice games, but like every other Jets RB, he never had a hole to run through without getting a helmet on him. Leon got yardage on making catches and running outside, on those rare instances when the Jets ran outside. This O line is undersized and not at all capable of generating any push. Now... for Jones. Houston is a better between the tackles runner, period.... well, at least behind this O line. He can drag people. Any RB running between the tackles behind this O line MUST be able to drag people, because no matter how fast they might be, they will have to run through trash at the O line. Jones does bring something though.... he can pass block, is faster than Houston, slower than Leon, but is more versatile than either of them. Having said that, I don't think he's better between the tackles than Houston, I don't think he's the outside pass catching home run threat Leon is. He can do both things, but not as well as either Houston or Leon. Lastly, GM Mike Tannenbaum has repeatedly talked about how the Jets believe the days of the feature RB have come and gone. They believe that using 3 RB's is the way to go, based on matchups and situational substitutions. Even as an optomistic Jets fan, I would not take Jones in a 12 team redraft unil the 4th round. The line can't run block, the Jets don't run outside nearly often enough, and the lack of any power blocking up the middle negates Pennington's greatest talent, the play action.I'll laugh when someone in my 12 team local takes Jones early in the second round. He's an early 4th round pick at best. Carries:260 for 980Rec: 40 for 240TD's: 8

Good call on Kendall and good overall post. I am hearing similar concerns from people about the OL and putting Jones down a tick because of it (although I've never been a fan anyway....).

Thanks... when it comes to the Jets, I usually have a pretty good handle on things. A few things have changed since I wrote that post. Blanton has a serious back injury that could end his career, and I am sure will apply for an injury settlement withing the CBA guidlelines, so there goes one possible prospect... but now there is another...This kid Bender from Div 1AA Nicholls state, taken in the 6th round comes from playing LT in a triple option offense in college. At 6'6" and 315, he isn't fast enough to play LT in the NFL, but he does know how to run block. His pass blocking is pretty awful as a LG, but Mangini started installing several off tackle running plays where Ferguson pulls out, and Bender flattens defenders at the point of attack.... this is exactly what he did at Nicholls St in that triple option offense. That play was workng very well yesterday at Jets TC, which is now over for this year. If Bender can win the job over Clarke, that bodes well for the Jets ground game, but Pennington had better have eyes in the back of his head. That play will work in the NFL, as Ferguson is much better when run blocking in space than he is at the point of attack. I started a thread here on Jones.... yesterday I didn't think he looked like a guy who would be ready to play in two weeks against the Pats. I mean the guy still can't push off to the extent that he isn't even jogging yet. Rumored to be an achilles strain which then led to a calf strain in the same leg, I won't be drafting Jones tomorrow night in my local, I can tell ya.

This isn't good news for me... he is my #2 RB right now. Achilles injuries can really linger too...