Rams interested in Chris Brown (1 Viewer)

[Weiner Dog]

link:

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/HeadLines.aspx?sport=NFL

The Rams have reportedly been in talks with the Titans regarding disgruntled RB Chris Brown.

Brown would like to be traded but his addition would deal a severe blow to the value of Steven Jackson. The Titans seem reluctant to deal Brown, though, because of questions surrounding Travis Henry and LenDale White. Michael Bennett is a more likely target. Jul. 30 - 8:18 am et

 

[RAPTURE]

link:

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/HeadLines.aspx?sport=NFL

The Rams have reportedly been in talks with the Titans regarding disgruntled RB Chris Brown.

Brown would like to be traded but his addition would deal a severe blow to the value of Steven Jackson. The Titans seem reluctant to deal Brown, though, because of questions surrounding Travis Henry and LenDale White. Michael Bennett is a more likely target. Jul. 30 - 8:18 am et

That is quite funny to say the least. Jackson will get his touches and C. Brown will barely sniff the field - Jackson is too good!RAPTURE

 

[Weiner Dog]

Two facts remain...

Faulk it not coming back and Fisher cannot carry the load. The Rams need to ink somebody fast, whether it's a Chris Brown or Michael Bennett or a lower tier guy like Jonathan Wells.

 

[goonsquad]

link:

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/HeadLines.aspx?sport=NFL

The Rams have reportedly been in talks with the Titans regarding disgruntled RB Chris Brown.

Brown would like to be traded but his addition would deal a severe blow to the value of Steven Jackson. The Titans seem reluctant to deal Brown, though, because of questions surrounding Travis Henry and LenDale White. Michael Bennett is a more likely target. Jul. 30 - 8:18 am et

That is quite funny to say the least. Jackson will get his touches and C. Brown will barely sniff the field - Jackson is too good!RAPTURE

Please. Chris Brown has skills, he just can't take the pounding of 20+ touches a game as a full time back. It's not outrageous to think he could be given 10 carries a game to give Jackson more rest.

 

[Z-Dog]

link:

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/HeadLines.aspx?sport=NFL

The Rams have reportedly been in talks with the Titans regarding disgruntled RB Chris Brown.

Brown would like to be traded but his addition would deal a severe blow to the value of Steven Jackson. The Titans seem reluctant to deal Brown, though, because of questions surrounding Travis Henry and LenDale White. Michael Bennett is a more likely target. Jul. 30 - 8:18 am et

That is quite funny to say the least. Jackson will get his touches and C. Brown will barely sniff the field - Jackson is too good!RAPTURE

In 2004, Chris Brown gained 1,067 yards in 10 games. in 2005 Stve Jackson set a career high by running for 1,046 yards in 15 games. I don't know why there is so little respect for Brown's talent on this board, but what i remember out of Chris Brown was so much more impressive than what I saw out of Steven Jackson.

 

[Da Guru]

I really don`t understand why the Titans would want to trade Brown, although brittle he is their best back.

 

[Jason Wood]

Chris Brown has proven to be an average NFL back, at best. There's no reason to think he would be anything but Steven Jackson's backup. The best thing we all should be hoping for is a) for this trade to happen and b) that it lowers SJax' ADP so we can scoop him up for value.

 

[supermark_28]

http://www.titansonline.com/news/titans_ne....php?PRKey=3880

just read this yesterday...

 

[FunkyPlutos]

link:

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/HeadLines.aspx?sport=NFL

The Rams have reportedly been in talks with the Titans regarding disgruntled RB Chris Brown.

Brown would like to be traded but his addition would deal a severe blow to the value of Steven Jackson. The Titans seem reluctant to deal Brown, though, because of questions surrounding Travis Henry and LenDale White. Michael Bennett is a more likely target. Jul. 30 - 8:18 am et

That is quite funny to say the least. Jackson will get his touches and C. Brown will barely sniff the field - Jackson is too good!RAPTURE

In 2004, Chris Brown gained 1,067 yards in 10 games. in 2005 Stve Jackson set a career high by running for 1,046 yards in 15 games. I don't know why there is so little respect for Brown's talent on this board, but what i remember out of Chris Brown was so much more impressive than what I saw out of Steven Jackson.

 

[Z-Dog]

Chris Brown has proven to be an average NFL back, at best. There's no reason to think he would be anything but Steven Jackson's backup. The best thing we all should be hoping for is a) for this trade to happen and b) that it lowers SJax' ADP so we can scoop him up for value.

How has Brown proven to be an average back in the NFL at best? The guy has 1200 combined yards each year in his two years as a starter. His career ypc is 4.3 and his ypr is 10.1. He had a harder time last year running the ball, but made up for it with his pass-catching. On a team with a real offense and a real O-line, this guy has the ability to rush for 1,400 yards imo.

 

[Ducegonads]

I really don`t understand why the Titans would want to trade Brown, although brittle he is their best back.

Sensible and funny...

 

[Armando]

Chris Brown has proven to be an average NFL back, at best. There's no reason to think he would be anything but Steven Jackson's backup. The best thing we all should be hoping for is a) for this trade to happen and b) that it lowers SJax' ADP so we can scoop him up for value.

And Jackson's proven nothing more....

 

[Gandalf]

I think that Jackson has proven that he's way more than an average RB.

That said, I'm a Jackson owner and if the Rams sign Brown it concerns me a bit. Here's why, most backup RBs are BELOW average RBs. That's why they are backups. Brown has shown to be average during the past 2 seasons, but I'd much rather see, Michael Bennett or Tony Fisher as SJax backup because they definitely will not threaten his starting job. Chris Brown is more of a threat because he's better than either of those guys. It only takes a 2-3 game injury to Jackson and Brown filling in well to create a RB controversy. I'm not freaking out or anything because I think that's unlikely, but at the end of the day, I hope that the Rams do not acquire Chris Brown.

 

[Donnybrook]

So the search continues for a backup to Jackson. According to league sources, the Rams have made a trade offer to New Orleans for Michael Bennett. In fact, it's believed to be the best offer the Saints have received. The Rams also have talked with Tennessee about Chris Brown.

Since Bush is signed, it won't be long before Bennett is a Ram.

 

[Shrek]

link:

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/HeadLines.aspx?sport=NFL

The Rams have reportedly been in talks with the Titans regarding disgruntled RB Chris Brown.

Brown would like to be traded but his addition would deal a severe blow to the value of Steven Jackson. The Titans seem reluctant to deal Brown, though, because of questions surrounding Travis Henry and LenDale White. Michael Bennett is a more likely target. Jul. 30 - 8:18 am et

That is quite funny to say the least. Jackson will get his touches and C. Brown will barely sniff the field - Jackson is too good!RAPTURE

In 2004, Chris Brown gained 1,067 yards in 10 games. in 2005 Stve Jackson set a career high by running for 1,046 yards in 15 games. I don't know why there is so little respect for Brown's talent on this board, but what i remember out of Chris Brown was so much more impressive than what I saw out of Steven Jackson.

You have a good point. I'd like to see a little bit more of Jackson actually running up the middle than trying to break it outside to avoid the hit and running out of bounds. People are being very dismissive of Brown right now, and IMO that makes him good value in drafts at this point.

 

[Jason Wood]

Chris Brown has proven to be an average NFL back, at best. There's no reason to think he would be anything but Steven Jackson's backup. The best thing we all should be hoping for is a) for this trade to happen and b) that it lowers SJax' ADP so we can scoop him up for value.

How has Brown proven to be an average back in the NFL at best? The guy has 1200 combined yards each year in his two years as a starter. His career ypc is 4.3 and his ypr is 10.1. He had a harder time last year running the ball, but made up for it with his pass-catching. On a team with a real offense and a real O-line, this guy has the ability to rush for 1,400 yards imo.

I explained this to you the other day, when you mistakenly called Chris Brown "awesome."Why Chris Brown isn't "Awesome"

 

[JohnnyU]

Chris Brown has proven to be an average NFL back, at best. There's no reason to think he would be anything but Steven Jackson's backup. The best thing we all should be hoping for is a) for this trade to happen and b) that it lowers SJax' ADP so we can scoop him up for value.

How has Brown proven to be an average back in the NFL at best? The guy has 1200 combined yards each year in his two years as a starter. His career ypc is 4.3 and his ypr is 10.1. He had a harder time last year running the ball, but made up for it with his pass-catching. On a team with a real offense and a real O-line, this guy has the ability to rush for 1,400 yards imo.

I explained this to you the other day, when you mistakenly called Chris Brown "awesome."Why Chris Brown isn't "Awesome"

....is that tub of goo "LenDale White" awesome? Maybe all 3 of them, Brown, White, and Henry have more faults than good points.

 

[MLBrandow]

link:

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/HeadLines.aspx?sport=NFL

The Rams have reportedly been in talks with the Titans regarding disgruntled RB Chris Brown.

Brown would like to be traded but his addition would deal a severe blow to the value of Steven Jackson. The Titans seem reluctant to deal Brown, though, because of questions surrounding Travis Henry and LenDale White. Michael Bennett is a more likely target. Jul. 30 - 8:18 am et

Found a flaw in reporting. He came out and said it was his agents requesting the trade. He doesn't want to go anywhere.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Chris Brown has proven to be an average NFL back, at best. There's no reason to think he would be anything but Steven Jackson's backup. The best thing we all should be hoping for is a) for this trade to happen and b) that it lowers SJax' ADP so we can scoop him up for value.

How has Brown proven to be an average back in the NFL at best? The guy has 1200 combined yards each year in his two years as a starter. His career ypc is 4.3 and his ypr is 10.1. He had a harder time last year running the ball, but made up for it with his pass-catching. On a team with a real offense and a real O-line, this guy has the ability to rush for 1,400 yards imo.

I explained this to you the other day, when you mistakenly called Chris Brown "awesome."Why Chris Brown isn't "Awesome"

....is that tub of goo "LenDale White" awesome? Maybe all 3 of them, Brown, White, and Henry have more faults than good points.

LenDale reported to camp yesterday at 227 lbs. He actually is the lightest now of the 3 RBs. Other than the fact that he was USC's most productive RB -- what is your problem?I say trade Chris Brown for a 2nd, or a CB.

 

[JohnnyU]

[LenDale reported to camp yesterday at 227 lbs. He actually is the lightest now of the 3 RBs. Other than the fact that he was USC's most productive RB -- what is your problem?

You have a link on that? Last I heard, he weighed 240 lbs. He must have went on a crash diet, but either way, the recent pics I've seen show him to look soft.

 

[MLBrandow]

[LenDale reported to camp yesterday at 227 lbs.  He actually is the lightest now of the 3 RBs.  Other than the fact that he was USC's most productive RB -- what is your problem?

You have a link on that? Last I heard, he weighed 240 lbs. He must have went on a crash diet, but either way, the recent pics I've seen show him to look soft.

Your information ismore than a few months dated.He was 237 at the combine. Since then Lendale's been a lean, mean, fat-burning, grilling machine!

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

[LenDale reported to camp yesterday at 227 lbs. He actually is the lightest now of the 3 RBs. Other than the fact that he was USC's most productive RB -- what is your problem?

You have a link on that? Last I heard, he weighed 240 lbs. He must have went on a crash diet, but either way, the recent pics I've seen show him to look soft.

Here you go. Who questions the Weapon of Mass Destruction?

 

[Noahs Troopers]

What of the rumor he is showing up late for camp and hanging out with Snoop Dogg? Is he showing up late trying to get the ganja out of his system, unfortunately fat people store ganja longer in their fat cells and lendale's got a few of them.

 

[JohnnyU]

[LenDale reported to camp yesterday at 227 lbs.  He actually is the lightest now of the 3 RBs.  Other than the fact that he was USC's most productive RB -- what is your problem?

You have a link on that? Last I heard, he weighed 240 lbs. He must have went on a crash diet, but either way, the recent pics I've seen show him to look soft.

Your information ismore than a few months dated.He was 237 at the combine. Since then Lendale's been a lean, mean, fat-burning, grilling machine!

I just read the Tennessean online and they didn't mention White's weight. I stand corrected if he's now a lean mean fightin' machine, lol.

 

[JohnnyU]

[LenDale reported to camp yesterday at 227 lbs.  He actually is the lightest now of the 3 RBs.  Other than the fact that he was USC's most productive RB -- what is your problem?

You have a link on that? Last I heard, he weighed 240 lbs. He must have went on a crash diet, but either way, the recent pics I've seen show him to look soft.

Here you go. Who questions the Weapon of Mass Destruction?

I stand corrected, but doesn't he still look extremely soft and Pilsburyish?

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

[LenDale reported to camp yesterday at 227 lbs. He actually is the lightest now of the 3 RBs. Other than the fact that he was USC's most productive RB -- what is your problem?

You have a link on that? Last I heard, he weighed 240 lbs. He must have went on a crash diet, but either way, the recent pics I've seen show him to look soft.

Here you go. Who questions the Weapon of Mass Destruction?

I stand corrected, but doesn't he still look extremely soft and Pilsburyish?

Well, I doubt he gets a brand new "officially wearing a jersey" picture for every story they print about him. Picture was at the draft, probably.

 

[Floyd The Barber]

Many locals here in St. Louis have reservations about Jackson, ranging from mild to concerned. Three reasons...

1. - Attitude. Thinks he's better than he is / might be, ala Willis McGahee & Tatum Bell. Acts like he's already arrived (when he clearly hasn't) and that Marshall Faulk is a nuisance.

2. - Ability. Not always a decisive, authoritative runner, especially for a man of his size. Too much "hunt and peck" and trying to make the corner, rather than busting things inside where he can best take advantage of his physical tools.

3. - Durability. The local perception, right or wrong, is that Jackson is "dingable" and has yet to prove that he will play and produce while not at peak health.

Until these questions are answered, back-up RB is seen by most as a need area in St. Louis.

 

[JohnnyU]

Well, I doubt he gets a brand new "officially wearing a jersey" picture for every story they print about him.  Picture was at the draft, probably.

Probably, but he does have that "just jump in my belly!!!" look to his face.

 

[fsufan]

link:

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/HeadLines.aspx?sport=NFL

The Rams have reportedly been in talks with the Titans regarding disgruntled RB Chris Brown.

Brown would like to be traded but his addition would deal a severe blow to the value of Steven Jackson. The Titans seem reluctant to deal Brown, though, because of questions surrounding Travis Henry and LenDale White. Michael Bennett is a more likely target. Jul. 30 - 8:18 am et

That is quite funny to say the least. Jackson will get his touches and C. Brown will barely sniff the field - Jackson is too good!RAPTURE

In 2004, Chris Brown gained 1,067 yards in 10 games. in 2005 Stve Jackson set a career high by running for 1,046 yards in 15 games. I don't know why there is so little respect for Brown's talent on this board, but what i remember out of Chris Brown was so much more impressive than what I saw out of Steven Jackson.

They are also forgetting Brown was leading the NFL in rushing in 2004 after week 7 or 8.

 

[Z-Dog]

Chris Brown has proven to be an average NFL back, at best. There's no reason to think he would be anything but Steven Jackson's backup. The best thing we all should be hoping for is a) for this trade to happen and b) that it lowers SJax' ADP so we can scoop him up for value.

How has Brown proven to be an average back in the NFL at best? The guy has 1200 combined yards each year in his two years as a starter. His career ypc is 4.3 and his ypr is 10.1. He had a harder time last year running the ball, but made up for it with his pass-catching. On a team with a real offense and a real O-line, this guy has the ability to rush for 1,400 yards imo.

I explained this to you the other day, when you mistakenly called Chris Brown "awesome."Why Chris Brown isn't "Awesome"

I said that when brown is healthy, he is awesome, and I stand by that. Sorry I didn't get back to you in the last thread.In 2004, Brown was challenging for the rushing title until injury derailed him. In 11 games he had 220 carries, or 20 carries per game. He got a staggering 4.9 ypc for a total of 1,067, and chipped in 20 catches for another 147 yards. He scored TDs. Projected for a full season, that's 320 carries for 1568 yards and about 29 catches for 214 yards. He would also have about 8-9TDs. That's the kind of pace he was on when he was actually healthy, and I feel comfortable describing that as awesome. In his 11 games, he had over 100 yards rushing six times.

I think that last year's numbers were the result of the poor Titans offense, and of coruse from the early games in which he split carries with Travis Henry. Consider this, in any game last year in which he got at least 13 touches he had a minimum of 88 yards, with one exception - a game against eventual NFC champ Seattle, in which he only got 56 yards on 20 carries.

I don't know that Chris Brown will be able to stay healthy, but he is a freakin' talented RB - big, strong, and fast. I think that the market has overreacted to his bad season and has missed a crucial factor in his development. Although he didn't have a good season running the ball last year, he was much more effective as a receiver, more than doubling his receiving yards from the previous year.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Many locals here in St. Louis have reservations about Jackson, ranging from mild to concerned. Three reasons...

1. - Attitude. Thinks he's better than he is / might be, ala Willis McGahee & Tatum Bell. Acts like he's already arrived (when he clearly hasn't) and that Marshall Faulk is a nuisance.

2. - Ability. Not always a decisive, authoritative runner, especially for a man of his size. Too much "hunt and peck" and trying to make the corner, rather than busting things inside where he can best take advantage of his physical tools.

3. - Durability. The local perception, right or wrong, is that Jackson is "dingable" and has yet to prove that he will play and produce while not at peak health.

Until these questions are answered, back-up RB is seen by most as a need area in St. Louis.

Yep

 

[msommer]

Many locals here in St. Louis have reservations about Jackson, ranging from mild to concerned. Three reasons...

1. - Attitude. Thinks he's better than he is / might be, ala Willis McGahee & Tatum Bell. Acts like he's already arrived (when he clearly hasn't) and that Marshall Faulk is a nuisance.

2. - Ability. Not always a decisive, authoritative runner, especially for a man of his size. Too much "hunt and peck" and trying to make the corner, rather than busting things inside where he can best take advantage of his physical tools.

3. - Durability. The local perception, right or wrong, is that Jackson is "dingable" and has yet to prove that he will play and produce while not at peak health.

Until these questions are answered, back-up RB is seen by most as a need area in St. Louis.

The poster boy for 'dingable' RBs has got to be Michael Bennett. His understudy is Chris Brown though.

 

[mlball77]

The poster boy for 'dingable' RBs has got to be Michael Bennett. His understudy is Chris Brown though.

Fred Taylor is probably up there too... but he has had much more success than both Bennett and Brown.

 

[Bob_Magaw]

i don't think this trade happens (at least not to STL)...

i doubt if the rams would sign him to a large contract if he is going to be second string RB to jackson...

so why part with any pick other than a low one (brown would command more than a low pick), for what would amount to a one year rental...

* this would have course be an issue for most teams/situations... the list of possible teams might be restricted to those where the #1 RB is iffy, & he might actually compete for starting job, or be in a RBBC which is in vogue nowadays, whether by design or necessity (shortage of do-it-all RBs that are inside/outside runners, block, catch & can be short yardage & goal line backs)...

how many teams fit that bill?

that is where to look for possible brown destination... if in fact he doesn't just stay put in 2006 as possible starter or white/henry insurance...

** i do think michael bennett will be a ram (due to linehan connection) within next week or so, with the bush signing wrapped up...

 

[quiksilver]

Probably, but he does have that "just jump in my belly!!!" look to his face.

Camp Photo - LenDale White

 

[Marc Levin]

I think both Brown and Jackson are very talented.

The knock on Jackson I saw above regarding his rushing numbers has to be tempered by the scheme - Martz was not kind to RB rushing attempts.

Starting in 2000, the Rams ranked in rushing attempts:

26, 22, 32, 28, 30, and 29.

Jackson had 20 rush attempts in only 3 games in 2005, and he had 386 yards and 4 TDs in those three games.

I'd expect Linehan to be closer to his Viking/Dolphin attempt numbers and move the Rams into at least the middle of the pack:

Vikes 2002: 8th

Vikes 2003: 7th

Vikes 2004: 28th

Dolphins 2005: 17th

A backup od Brown's talent won't necessarily hurt Jackson's numbers, especially if he is used to give Jackson a breather instead of a change of pace.

As for Brown, when healthy, he ran pretty well - he normally ran closer to his average per attempt, rather than busting off a few big runs each game to artificially inflate his per attempt numbers.

 

[cstu]

I think that Jackson has proven that he's way more than an average RB.

That said, I'm a Jackson owner and if the Rams sign Brown it concerns me a bit. Here's why, most backup RBs are BELOW average RBs. That's why they are backups. Brown has shown to be average during the past 2 seasons, but I'd much rather see, Michael Bennett or Tony Fisher as SJax backup because they definitely will not threaten his starting job. Chris Brown is more of a threat because he's better than either of those guys. It only takes a 2-3 game injury to Jackson and Brown filling in well to create a RB controversy. I'm not freaking out or anything because I think that's unlikely, but at the end of the day, I hope that the Rams do not acquire Chris Brown.

As a SJax and Brown owner I'm all for it. Much better for me to have them on the same team than wondering what's going on with the Titans RBBC and lets me drop Fisher.

 

[Lauryn]

Many locals here in St. Louis have reservations about Jackson, ranging from mild to concerned. Three reasons...

1. - Attitude. Thinks he's better than he is / might be, ala Willis McGahee & Tatum Bell. Acts like he's already arrived (when he clearly hasn't) and that Marshall Faulk is a nuisance.

2. - Ability. Not always a decisive, authoritative runner, especially for a man of his size. Too much "hunt and peck" and trying to make the corner, rather than busting things inside where he can best take advantage of his physical tools.

3. - Durability. The local perception, right or wrong, is that Jackson is "dingable" and has yet to prove that he will play and produce while not at peak health.

Until these questions are answered, back-up RB is seen by most as a need area in St. Louis.

i've had these opinions on him since he broke in...i thought maybe i was biased since i had marshall on a couple of my teams, but it's good to see i wasn't way off-base. in my opinion, he might be the most overrated running back around.

 

[Rev]

So the search continues for a backup to Jackson. According to league sources, the Rams have made a trade offer to New Orleans for Michael Bennett. In fact, it's believed to be the best offer the Saints have received. The Rams also have talked with Tennessee about Chris Brown.

Since Bush is signed, it won't be long before Bennett is a Ram.

Simple yet effective point. Why would the Rams pay more for Brown when they can get Bennet for 6 peanuts, a couple baseball cards, and a sack of marbles? Believe it or not, Bennet has done more than Brown in the NFL, having made it to the pro bowl and all, and the two both have durability concerns. If the Rams have the option, Bennet is a much better buy.

 

[Armando]

he might be the most overrated running back around.

Agree 100%. He's not decisive/slow to hit the line.IMHO I don't believe he's better than Chris Brown. If Jackson eventually became the next Troy Hambrick (tissue paper), I wouldn't be shocked.

I've yet to see the attitude with Stephen Jackson. It might come out off the field, but he certainly hasn't shown it on the field yet.

 

[Rev]

Many locals here in St. Louis have reservations about Jackson, ranging from mild to concerned.  Three reasons...

1. -  Attitude.  Thinks he's better than he is / might be, ala Willis McGahee & Tatum Bell.  Acts like he's already arrived (when he clearly hasn't) and that Marshall Faulk is a nuisance.

2. - Ability.  Not always a decisive, authoritative runner, especially for a man of his size.  Too much "hunt and peck" and trying to make the corner, rather than busting things inside where he can best take advantage of his physical tools.

3. - Durability.  The local perception, right or wrong, is that Jackson is "dingable" and has yet to prove that he will play and produce while not at peak health.

Until these questions are answered, back-up RB is seen by most as a need area in St. Louis.

i've had these opinions on him since he broke in...i thought maybe i was biased since i had marshall on a couple of my teams, but it's good to see i wasn't way off-base. in my opinion, he might be the most overrated running back around.

I agree that the poster puts forth the 3 concern areas on Jackson... but keep in mind that Jackson is rated in the FF top 6 in light of these concerns, not in ignorance of them. Jackson is a bit like Kevin Jones in that he does need to break out this season to keep the concerns from evolving into major issues which prompt his team to make a change. But, I think Jackson has a fantastic opportunity to explode this year, and that he will silence all or most of his critics.

 

[Bob_Magaw]

as to three concerns cited above...

1) attitude isn't a big concern if he does well... if you think steve smith will do a lot better than marvin harrison, do you draft the latter because he is quiet & respectful?

2) jackson finished top 10 in many leagues... that despite bulger not playing after week 11 & the wheels coming off the offense (plus they didn't have HC martz for part of season)... maybe he could be even better if he was a more decisive, authoritative runner... but how good does he need to be... top 3? just having HC linehan who will have a more balanced, run friendly offense, & if bulger can stay healthy with what should be better OL play in 2006 (barron in second year & missed a lot of 2005 camp, incognito an upgrade at LG) & the new regime's emphasis on pass protection, it wouldn't be a huge surprise if he does better this season... despite the obvious hindrances to doing well last year, he bettered his rookie rushing stats in most categories...

rushing yards... 673 - 1,046

rushing TDs... 4 - 8

receptions... 19 - 43

receiving TDs... 0 - 2

as to running stronger inside, the interior OL blocking was uncharecteristically bad last season... many scouts noted that it seemed to deteriorate in past few years...

3) durability... he has played 14 & 15 games in his two seasons... RB is a brutal position... its not that uncommon for a RB to finish outside of the top 5 & miss a game or two... i recall one instance when jackson didn't play (rookie season?), despite suiting up, & when asked about it, told the reporters to ask martz, with the inference being he could have played... if the HC decides he is a healthy scratch for reasons of his own, hard to put that on jackson... & not saying there isn't a perception in STL of what you are describing (don't live there but am pretty wired in), but possibly some of the perception has been unfair (see above)... he did have a hip pointer last year, but that wouldn't be the first time a player missed a game (or was rendered less effective) from that type of injury by a long shot...

 

[Marc Levin]

So the search continues for a backup to Jackson. According to league sources, the Rams have made a trade offer to New Orleans for Michael Bennett. In fact, it's believed to be the best offer the Saints have received. The Rams also have talked with Tennessee about Chris Brown.

Since Bush is signed, it won't be long before Bennett is a Ram.

Simple yet effective point. Why would the Rams pay more for Brown when they can get Bennet for 6 peanuts, a couple baseball cards, and a sack of marbles? Believe it or not, Bennet has done more than Brown in the NFL, having made it to the pro bowl and all, and the two both have durability concerns. If the Rams have the option, Bennet is a much better buy.

I'm not convinced the Saints are OK with trading away Bennett, who they got for peanuts, until they see more of Deuce in camp and the preseason.The Saints have been burned the last two years by Deuce's early season injuries, and they may not be willing to simply hand the fulltime RB duties to Bush if Deuce is injured again.

In Tennessee, I could see them being content with just White and Henry (that is, if they see Brown with an "attitude" about the competition)

I think all three of the Saints' RBs are content right now and understand why they are where they are in the Saints' RB rotation.

 

[Rev]

I'm not convinced the Saints are OK with trading away Bennett, who they got for peanuts, until they see more of Deuce in camp and the preseason.

The Saints have been burned the last two years by Deuce's early season injuries, and they may not be willing to simply hand the fulltime RB duties to Bush if Deuce is injured again.

In Tennessee, I could see them being content with just White and Henry (that is, if they see Brown with an "attitude" about the competition)

I think all three of the Saints' RBs are content right now and understand why they are where they are in the Saints' RB rotation.

Remember, the Saints got Bennet before they got Bush, execting that the Texans would draft Bush and leave them with a defensive player. The Saints were prepared to go with Deuce and a backup all along, which means that getting rid of Bennet and keeping Bush should be a very small matter... especially if they can get an upgrade elsewhere, such as at WR.

 

[Marc Levin]

I agree, Rev, but just b/c Bush fell to them does not mean they were looking away from RB in the draft - if Bush hadn't fallen, maybe they trade down and grab a 1st round RB, maybe they take one early in the 2nd, maybe they do a lot of other things to make sure they have three RBs on the roster.

 

[Gandalf]

Is it possible the Rams are just using Chris Brown as leverage to bring New Orleans to the negotiation table regarding Bennett?

 

[Gandalf]

Many locals here in St. Louis have reservations about Jackson, ranging from mild to concerned. Three reasons...

1. - Attitude. Thinks he's better than he is / might be, ala Willis McGahee & Tatum Bell. Acts like he's already arrived (when he clearly hasn't) and that Marshall Faulk is a nuisance.

2. - Ability. Not always a decisive, authoritative runner, especially for a man of his size. Too much "hunt and peck" and trying to make the corner, rather than busting things inside where he can best take advantage of his physical tools.

3. - Durability. The local perception, right or wrong, is that Jackson is "dingable" and has yet to prove that he will play and produce while not at peak health.

Until these questions are answered, back-up RB is seen by most as a need area in St. Louis.

Locals are upset with Steven Jackson??? I'm unsettled that this isn't discussed more? Jackson is ranked consistently in the top 10 in dynasty leagues. And most importantly I now own him. After re-reading your post it strikes me that your concerns are modest in nature. I think you guys have been understandably slightly spoiled by having a hall of fame RB all those years who played with a humbleness that few players have. The attitude doesn't bother me so much, unless is causing his play to suffer. I would prefer that him to be humble, but that's just not the reality of NFL players these days.

Your concerns about his ability are most troubling to me. You say that "he's not always a decisive runner", how often is "not always"? He's only 23 years old so I'd imagine he's still adjusting a bit to the NFL.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

Is it possible the Rams are just using Chris Brown as leverage to bring New Orleans to the negotiation table regarding Bennett?

I'd much rather have Brown at the same price than Bennett. That's just me though, maybe the Rams feel differently.

 

[Gandalf]

Is it possible the Rams are just using Chris Brown as leverage to bring New Orleans to the negotiation table regarding Bennett?

I'd much rather have Brown at the same price than Bennett. That's just me though, maybe the Rams feel differently.

I agree, but wouldn't Brown cost more than Bennett?

 

[Bob_Magaw]

i think so, but then i was a little surprised bennett will reportedly fetch a 4th (the rams offer, unless it is bettered)... brown was a third himself, i think (not necessarily relevant to his worth now)... i highly doubt any team would cough up a second... not sure about a third... so maybe they are valued similarly...

i agree brown would probably be generally valued more than bennett... but if it were close (bennett had also flashed potential, is older than brown but not that old, & has been banged up a lot but that also describes brown... bennett isn't as big but has far more explosive long speed... brown might be a more natural runner & have better instincts), bennett's familiarity with offense & to HC linehan might be deciding factor... plus bennett might be a better complementary runner, & could be dangerous in the fourth quarter when defenses are more tired & have had to deal with more physical jackson...

& as to whether jackson runs hard, ask mike rumph if he runs hard... seriously, i agree he could be a better inside & short yardage runner... but be that as it may, he was still top 10 or close...