The Daryl Richardson Thread (2 Viewers)

[SameSongNDance]

Still some life in those old legs.

 

[EBF]

Yea, Jackson looks good. It's actually amazing that a guy with that many miles can still play so well.

Anyways, I am mainly interested in Richardson's dynasty outlook, so I'm less concerned with immediate opportunity than long term potential. I take it as a good sign that they are making a deliberate effort to get him involved.

 

[need2know]

didnt start SJAX today but nice to see the nice stats so far....richardson will probably get some more carries in the second half if I had to guess

 

[Sabertooth]

didnt start SJAX today but nice to see the nice stats so far....richardson will probably get some more carries in the second half if I had to guess

Yeah, or get hurt before you can actually use him.

 

[fatness]

Jackson active, but possibly limited today.Anyone rolling with Richardson?

I hope nobody made that mistake.

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

keep holding in redraft?

 

[Donsmith753]

Gotta be good news for Richardson that they're letting Jackson test free agency.

 

[EBF]

Hoping for a good show tonight on national TV.

 

[EBF]

Played a lot of snaps and looked good running the ball. Needs to work on that blitz pickup though.

Pead nowhere to be found.

 

[SameSongNDance]

Played a lot of snaps and looked good running the ball. Needs to work on that blitz pickup though. Pead nowhere to be found.

I agree. I stated in another thread that if STL had a competent OL, SJax and Richardson would be one of the best tandems in the league. They compliment each other perfectly and would give defenses fits having to deal with them.

 

[EBF]

Yea, I can agree with that. Jackson is a load. He runs with so much momentum. It can't be fun for to defenders to tackle him knowing they're about to be knocked back three yards in the process.

As for Richardson, he's got a great initial burst. Every time he touches the ball you feel like something big can happen.

 

[DoubleG]

Gotta be good news for Richardson that they're letting Jackson test free agency.

I would think so, but given recent history (Benson, Grant, etc.) - the league in general does not seem fond of going out and signing aging RBs to big or even decent money. I'd say they will let him test FA - then he will sign with the Rams after he sees what weak offers are out there for an oft-dinged up aging veteran running back. Don't ge me wrong - I think he has plenyy left to be a great complimentary back/RBBC for a few years. But he fits so well with the Rams and Richardson, I don't know that he's likely to leave. If I were a betting man, I'd say he's 60-75% likely to stay. That could of course change, but right now, that'd be my guess

 

[Coeur de Lion]

Gotta be good news for Richardson that they're letting Jackson test free agency.

I would think so, but given recent history (Benson, Grant, etc.) - the league in general does not seem fond of going out and signing aging RBs to big or even decent money. I'd say they will let him test FA - then he will sign with the Rams after he sees what weak offers are out there for an oft-dinged up aging veteran running back. Don't ge me wrong - I think he has plenyy left to be a great complimentary back/RBBC for a few years. But he fits so well with the Rams and Richardson, I don't know that he's likely to leave. If I were a betting man, I'd say he's 60- 75% likely to stay. That could of course change, but right now, that'd be my guess

You seriously comparing Steven Jackson to Cedric Benson and Ryan Grant? Jackson is twice the player, even now, than either of those guys have ever been. He's also younger. End of the line LT is a much more valid comp, but Jackson has much more left than LT did when he left SD. He'll get plenty of interest. Zero chance he's still hanging around begging someone to offer him a league minimum contract into training camp.Also, Jackson has played in 51 / 53 games the past 3 1/2 years. Every RB gets "dinges up" and appears frequently on the injury report. Relatively speaking, Jackson's been the picture of durability lately.Finally, this has nothing to do with $$$ for either side. They're not looking to re-sign him for less, and I'd bet that Jackson will not be all about squeezing out an extra half million by going to or staying with a bad team.This announcement is 100% about rewarding a guy who has been a good soldier for terrible teams by giving him a chance to end his career with a winner. Class move by the franchise.

 

[DoubleG]

Gotta be good news for Richardson that they're letting Jackson test free agency.

I would think so, but given recent history (Benson, Grant, etc.) - the league in general does not seem fond of going out and signing aging RBs to big or even decent money. I'd say they will let him test FA - then he will sign with the Rams after he sees what weak offers are out there for an oft-dinged up aging veteran running back. Don't ge me wrong - I think he has plenyy left to be a great complimentary back/RBBC for a few years. But he fits so well with the Rams and Richardson, I don't know that he's likely to leave. If I were a betting man, I'd say he's 60- 75% likely to stay. That could of course change, but right now, that'd be my guess

You seriously comparing Steven Jackson to Cedric Benson and Ryan Grant? Jackson is twice the player, even now, than either of those guys have ever been. He's also younger. End of the line LT is a much more valid comp, but Jackson has much more left than LT did when he left SD. He'll get plenty of interest. Zero chance he's still hanging around begging someone to offer him a league minimum contract into training camp.Also, Jackson has played in 51 / 53 games the past 3 1/2 years. Every RB gets "dinges up" and appears frequently on the injury report. Relatively speaking, Jackson's been the picture of durability lately.

Finally, this has nothing to do with $$$ for either side. They're not looking to re-sign him for less, and I'd bet that Jackson will not be all about squeezing out an extra half million by going to or staying with a bad team.

This announcement is 100% about rewarding a guy who has been a good soldier for terrible teams by giving him a chance to end his career with a winner. Class move by the franchise.

No, that is clearly not what I meant. The point was not about their abilities - it was about the fact that they are RBs on or nearing the wrong side of the "30" cliff. Was SJax much better than either of those two? Of course. Will he be anywhere near the player he was a few years ago in 2013 and forward? Of course not. He has been battling a groin injury for years. He had 74 fewer touches last year than the year before. You're right - I am sure it has absolutely nothing to do with money. No NFL team ever makes roster move that has to do with money - especially a bad team with a $7 million 30 year old RB.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Gotta be good news for Richardson that they're letting Jackson test free agency.

I would think so, but given recent history (Benson, Grant, etc.) - the league in general does not seem fond of going out and signing aging RBs to big or even decent money. I'd say they will let him test FA - then he will sign with the Rams after he sees what weak offers are out there for an oft-dinged up aging veteran running back. Don't ge me wrong - I think he has plenyy left to be a great complimentary back/RBBC for a few years. But he fits so well with the Rams and Richardson, I don't know that he's likely to leave. If I were a betting man, I'd say he's 60- 75% likely to stay. That could of course change, but right now, that'd be my guess

You seriously comparing Steven Jackson to Cedric Benson and Ryan Grant? Jackson is twice the player, even now, than either of those guys have ever been. He's also younger. End of the line LT is a much more valid comp, but Jackson has much more left than LT did when he left SD. He'll get plenty of interest. Zero chance he's still hanging around begging someone to offer him a league minimum contract into training camp.Also, Jackson has played in 51 / 53 games the past 3 1/2 years. Every RB gets "dinges up" and appears frequently on the injury report. Relatively speaking, Jackson's been the picture of durability lately.Finally, this has nothing to do with $$$ for either side. They're not looking to re-sign him for less, and I'd bet that Jackson will not be all about squeezing out an extra half million by going to or staying with a bad team.This announcement is 100% about rewarding a guy who has been a good soldier for terrible teams by giving him a chance to end his career with a winner. Class move by the franchise.

I think the answer is in the middle. Good football teams do not make decisions to reward players. They make decisions to make their team better. See the Patriots. Jackson would have been grossly overpaid relative to the value he brought next year. He can still be effective, but the Rams can make better use of that money upgrading another position or two. And they can still bring him back at market value next year if both sides are willing.

 

[FavreAndAwayAnIdiot]

Alright, is Peade just an outright bust or what? I get that a 7th round RB has passed him on the depth chart, but to go through 1/4 of the season with almost zero touches is really telling I think-- especially since Jackson hasn't been 100%.

I'm beginning to wonder if Peade is even worth rostering in deep roster dynasty leagues at this point.

 

[EBF]

Alright, is Peade just an outright bust or what? I get that a 7th round RB has passed him on the depth chart, but to go through 1/4 of the season with almost zero touches is really telling I think-- especially since Jackson hasn't been 100%. I'm beginning to wonder if Peade is even worth rostering in deep roster dynasty leagues at this point.

I thought it was a big reach by the Rams all along. To me Pead was not worthy of a 2nd round pick. He's more of a 4th-6th round talent. Having said that, I still think he's worth a roster spot. Just because he has been passed by Richardson doesn't mean he's doomed to fail. It just means that Jackson and Richardson are better. It wouldn't be the first time that a good back has been relegated to third string because the two guys ahead of him are great (like Sproles in San Diego behind LT and Turner). But I'm skeptical of Pead's long term chances simply because I don't know if he's a special enough player to make an impact without a great opportunity (which he had, but quickly squandered).As for the other post about the Rams drafting their starting RB, this is not a particularly strong draft class. There's only a couple guys who would be obvious immediate upgrades, and I doubt the Rams are going to spend a first or early second rounder on a RB considering that RB is a low priority position, they drafted two last year, and they have bigger needs elsewhere. If I had to guess I think they'll roll with what they have and maybe add a pounder in the mid rounds like Eddie Lacy from Alabama or Spencer Ware from LSU. I think it's more likely that Richardson ends up in a committee than that he loses the job outright.

 

[Otis]

Helluva game so far today. Are we witnessing the passing of the torch?

 

[dickey moe]

Helluva game so far today. Are we witnessing the passing of the torch?

Pead on you.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Helluva game so far today. Are we witnessing the passing of the torch?

Not at all, I love Richardson but SJax has been on the field a lot. Richardson took the field to start drive #3, he also had a big carry on the 2nd play of the game. Outside of that he has been involved sparingly I would say.

 

[Cowboys#1]

I agree with MOP. Richardson broke a long one and while that is always nice, he has not taken over Jackson's workload. He was in on that last series though. (and was stuffed on every run).

He may start taking carries here and there but, for the time being, Jackson is the man.

 

[EBF]

It's more about next year for me. I doubt he will get enough carries to be a reliable weekly starter this season, but with the Rams choosing to let Jackson walk, Richardson should have a prime opportunity to stake his claim for a big role next year. He's been impressive in limited duty. If a player like Pead or Hillman who was drafted higher had put up identical performances so far this year, the hype would be swelling out of control. But because Richardson was a late rounder, he is still flying under the radar. Definitely worth a punt in dynasty leagues if you can find a willing seller. Could be a breakout player in 2013.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Rams are shopping players for draft selections in next year's draft.

The obvious name being mentioned is RB Stephen Jackson which would mean that rookie RB Daryl Richardson would inherit the starting gig in St. Louie.

My link

Report: Rams shopping players for picks

Posted by Mike Florio on October 21, 2012, 10:02 AM EDT

After parlaying the second overall pick in the 2012 draft into three first-round picks and a second-round selection, Rams coach Jeff Fisher is looking to stockpile more selections on draft day.

Mike Lombardi of NFL Network reports that, with the trade deadline nine days away, the Rams are actively shopping players.

Lombardi named no names. But he said that the Rams are willing to flip players for picks because the Rams “know they’re not going to the Super Bowl this year.”

It’s a little premature to put a fork between the horns, however. At 3-3, the Rams could still steal a wild-card berth. And, as we’ve seen time and again in recent years, anyone with a seat at the postseason table can then run the table.

Thus, we don’t see this as a case of Fisher folding the tent, but as a delicate balance between determining which players aren’t needed for the present and whether and to what extent those men can be turned into draft picks than can help secure the team’s future.

The most intriguing player who could be traded is running back Steven Jackson. As rookie Daryl Richardson develops, and as the Rams reportedly plan to move forward without Jackson in 2013, could they move forward without him for the balance of the season, if the Rams want to give Jackson a chance to play for a contender. And if the Rams truly believe that they’re not a contender in 2012.

We’re not so sure that they’re not.

I didn't pay much attention to D-Rich but this new development is interesting so I took a peek under the hood.Lets take another look at St. Louis RB Daryl Richardson's attempts by game.

1. DET - 2 CAR 20 yards, 0 REC

2. WAS - 15 for 83 YDS, 2 for 19

3. CHI - 4 for 16 YDS, 1 for 4

4. SEA - 6 for 16 YDS, 2 for 13

5. ARI - 9 for 35, O

6. MIA - 11 for 76, 2 for 23

He is only 5'10 and 196 lbs, he isn't a bruiser and he hasn't scored yet on 56 total rush/reception attempts but if Stephen Jackson gets traded their possibly could be something here.

 

[TheFanatic]

Rams are shopping players for draft selections in next year's draft.

The obvious name being mentioned is RB Stephen Jackson which would mean that rookie RB Daryl Richardson would inherit the starting gig in St. Louie.

My link

Report: Rams shopping players for picks

Posted by Mike Florio on October 21, 2012, 10:02 AM EDT

After parlaying the second overall pick in the 2012 draft into three first-round picks and a second-round selection, Rams coach Jeff Fisher is looking to stockpile more selections on draft day.

Mike Lombardi of NFL Network reports that, with the trade deadline nine days away, the Rams are actively shopping players.

Lombardi named no names. But he said that the Rams are willing to flip players for picks because the Rams “know they’re not going to the Super Bowl this year.”

It’s a little premature to put a fork between the horns, however. At 3-3, the Rams could still steal a wild-card berth. And, as we’ve seen time and again in recent years, anyone with a seat at the postseason table can then run the table.

Thus, we don’t see this as a case of Fisher folding the tent, but as a delicate balance between determining which players aren’t needed for the present and whether and to what extent those men can be turned into draft picks than can help secure the team’s future.

The most intriguing player who could be traded is running back Steven Jackson. As rookie Daryl Richardson develops, and as the Rams reportedly plan to move forward without Jackson in 2013, could they move forward without him for the balance of the season, if the Rams want to give Jackson a chance to play for a contender. And if the Rams truly believe that they’re not a contender in 2012.

We’re not so sure that they’re not.

I didn't pay much attention to D-Rich but this new development is interesting so I took a peek under the hood.Lets take another look at St. Louis RB Daryl Richardson's attempts by game.

1. DET - 2 CAR 20 yards, 0 REC

2. WAS - 15 for 83 YDS, 2 for 19

3. CHI - 4 for 16 YDS, 1 for 4

4. SEA - 6 for 16 YDS, 2 for 13

5. ARI - 9 for 35, O

6. MIA - 11 for 76, 2 for 23

He is only 5'10 and 196 lbs, he isn't a bruiser and he hasn't scored yet on 56 total rush/reception attempts but if Stephen Jackson gets traded their possibly could be something here.

This is a problem. Moving SJAX is likely, but if they do, they will replace him with another bruiser. Richardson is not big enough to be feature back. RBBC here whether SJAX is there or not. And I'm a Richardson owner...

 

[Bracie Smathers]

This is a problem. Moving SJAX is likely, but if they do, they will replace him with another bruiser. Richardson is not big enough to be feature back. RBBC here whether SJAX is there or not. And I'm a Richardson owner...

Well the cold hard fact is they aren't going to re-up S-Jax next year.One team who is soo obvious of a match for a big powerful bruising back like Steven Jackson that I hate to mention it is obviously the Steelers.They are in dire need of a RB ANY RB right now or they can start cleaning out their lockers and making off-season travel plans. They wouldn't even have to ink him to a long-term contract they could just sign him for the remainder of this year at his current contract and make an offer of a conditional pick to the Rams.Too obvious so it likely won't happen but if Jackson finds a new home then Richardson would hold some value, not feature all-purpose RB value but his stock would definitely go up.

 

[need2know]

This is a problem. Moving SJAX is likely, but if they do, they will replace him with another bruiser. Richardson is not big enough to be feature back. RBBC here whether SJAX is there or not. And I'm a Richardson owner...

Well the cold hard fact is they aren't going to re-up S-Jax next year.One team who is soo obvious of a match for a big powerful bruising back like Steven Jackson that I hate to mention it is obviously the Steelers.They are in dire need of a RB ANY RB right now or they can start cleaning out their lockers and making off-season travel plans. They wouldn't even have to ink him to a long-term contract they could just sign him for the remainder of this year at his current contract and make an offer of a conditional pick to the Rams.Too obvious so it likely won't happen but if Jackson finds a new home then Richardson would hold some value, not feature all-purpose RB value but his stock would definitely go up.

sjax on the steelers would be crazy. hard to see stl dealing him if they feel they have a shot this season though. Richardson cannot do it alone this year.

 

[dwashington]

Almost since the day Steven Jackson supplanted Marshall Faulk as Rams feature back, the team has been searching for someone to complement Jackson in the backfield. It has been quite the quest.

But who would've thought the answer would finally arrive in the form of Daryl Richardson, a 5-10, 196-pound package of dynamite from Abilene Christian?

"I can't say that I imagined it," said the soft-spoken Richardson. "But I always had that mind-frame that I would try to come in here, work hard, and whatever happened, happened.''

As the 252nd pick in the 2012 draft, Richardson was taken just one spot ahead of Mr. Irrelevant — that is, the last player selected. (This year it was quarterback Chandler Harnish of Northern Illinois, currently on the Indianapolis practice squad.)

When it comes to adding big-play potential, Richardson has been Mr. Relevant. More precisely, Mr. Lightning in the Rams new Thunder & Lightning backfield tandem. Still no slowpoke, Jackson provides the thunder at 240 pounds; Richardson brings the burst with runs of 53 and 44 yards already this season.

"You have to defend different parts of the field with each guy," offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said. "Steven just pounds on you. The safeties don't want to see him coming, the corners don't want to see him coming.

"Then obviously Daryl, when he's in space, is pretty dangerous. They both complement each other very well. You'll see us try to mix in different packages with each guy and ask them to do things that maybe the other guy's done early in the season, because they're both certainly capable of doing that."

With Jackson's early-season groin injury in the rear-view mirror, and Richardson getting more comfortable every week in the NFL, the running game is starting to click, and doing so against some tough defenses. On Oct. 4 against Arizona, the Rams topped 100 yards rushing as a team for only the second time this season. And then last Sunday in Miami, the Rams rang up a season-high 162 yards against Miami's top-ranked run defense.

"Last week, I think we ran the ball well," said center Robert Turner. "Unfortunately, I think we left about another 100 yards out there."

A missed block here, a better block there ...

"Or squaring a guy up just a little bit more, and you're talking about a seven-yard gain going for 70," Turner said.

Even though the Rams lost 17-14, Dolphins center Mike Pouncey told Richardson afterwards that he and Jackson were a great combination. Not surprisingly, coach Jeff Fisher feels the same way.

"It's been working and we'll continue it," Fisher said. "I'd still like to see 'Jack' get at least about two-thirds of the carries because he's got the experience. And 'Jack' is one of those backs that he almost needs to get rolling; he needs to get going."

In other words, he needs to get in a rhythm, and gets stronger as the game progresses.

"So we'll continue to work with that, but we were pleased with the results last weekend," Fisher said.

"We're still trying to figure out how it plays out each and every week," Schottenheimer said. "But it's been fun watching those two guys push each other."

In his younger days, Jackson might have beefed about the backfield timeshare, but that hasn't been the case so far this season.

"In all fairness, Coach Schotty (Schottenheimer) is still learning me and how I run," Jackson said. "I think those things will be addressed. But as far as me splitting time with Daryl and our offensive line, we're all starting to gel and I think you saw that Sunday."

Against Miami, the workload was almost evenly distributed, with Jackson getting 15 touches on 12 carries and three receptions and Richardson getting 13 touches (11 carries, two catches). Considering Jackson's workhouse status over the past seven seasons, it was strange to see.

"I'm still the workhorse," said the prideful Jackson. "We're only six games into the season."

But Jackson added: "Let's be honest. Daryl's done a great job when he's been in there. Whenever you have a back that's able to come in and do a great job, it makes it a lot easier for me. . . . Whatever we can do to keep us going as an offense, putting drives consecutively together, wearing down a defense."

With Jackson's career now closer to the end than the beginning, trade rumors spring up intermittently, and that's been the case lately with the Oct. 30 NFL trade deadline approaching. Team officials privately insist — as they have many times in recent years — that they're not trading Jackson.

A trade would seem to be strange timing right now given the recent life shown in the running game. Of course, what happens at the end of this season is another matter, given the fact that Jackson can void the final year of his contract shortly after the Super Bowl. If Richardson's role continues to increase as the season progresses, that could influence Jackson to look for greener pastures.

But for now, it's all about Green Bay, putting together another productive running day to play keepaway from the Packers' offense.

"It's going to be very important, not only that we control the clock and convert third downs, but we've also got to score touchdowns once we're in the red zone," Jackson said. "Those guys, coming in with a red-hot offense — the performance last week (against Houston) was just stellar. We've got to do a good job of helping our defense out."

No doubt, an outburst of Thunder & Lightning could help the Rams rain on Green Bay's offensive parade.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

This is a problem. Moving SJAX is likely, but if they do, they will replace him with another bruiser. Richardson is not big enough to be feature back. RBBC here whether SJAX is there or not. And I'm a Richardson owner...

Well the cold hard fact is they aren't going to re-up S-Jax next year.One team who is soo obvious of a match for a big powerful bruising back like Steven Jackson that I hate to mention it is obviously the Steelers.

They are in dire need of a RB ANY RB right now or they can start cleaning out their lockers and making off-season travel plans.

They wouldn't even have to ink him to a long-term contract they could just sign him for the remainder of this year at his current contract and make an offer of a conditional pick to the Rams.

Too obvious so it likely won't happen but if Jackson finds a new home then Richardson would hold some value, not feature all-purpose RB value but his stock would definitely go up.

sjax on the steelers would be crazy. hard to see stl dealing him if they feel they have a shot this season though. Richardson cannot do it alone this year.

I've got no-one in particular in mind but from my perspective I feel that it is probably much easier to find a stop-gap short yardage guy, maybe someone sitting out their like a LaDalian or sitting on some-ones practice squad who flashed in preseason. The Rams would definitely create a need for a bruiser/goal line/and possibly third down back but if their long term plans don't include S-Jax and if they got an offer, its not outside the realm of possibility that they might move him esp if he sees the writing on the wall and wants a shot to start next year.Right now Daryl Richardson has already cemented a role as a complimentary back so no matter if Jackson is dealt he should be in line for more production.

My link

Richardson giving Rams Thunder & Lightning backfield

Almost since the day Steven Jackson supplanted Marshall Faulk as Rams feature back, the team has been searching for someone to complement Jackson in the backfield. It has been quite the quest.

But who would've thought the answer would finally arrive in the form of Daryl Richardson, a 5-10, 196-pound package of dynamite from Abilene Christian?

"I can't say that I imagined it," said the soft-spoken Richardson. "But I always had that mind-frame that I would try to come in here, work hard, and whatever happened, happened.''

As the 252nd pick in the 2012 draft, Richardson was taken just one spot ahead of Mr. Irrelevant — that is, the last player selected. (This year it was quarterback Chandler Harnish of Northern Illinois, currently on the Indianapolis practice squad.)

When it comes to adding big-play potential, Richardson has been Mr. Relevant. More precisely, Mr. Lightning in the Rams new Thunder & Lightning backfield tandem. Still no slowpoke, Jackson provides the thunder at 240 pounds; Richardson brings the burst with runs of 53 and 44 yards already this season.

"You have to defend different parts of the field with each guy," offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said. "Steven just pounds on you. The safeties don't want to see him coming, the corners don't want to see him coming.

"Then obviously Daryl, when he's in space, is pretty dangerous. They both complement each other very well. You'll see us try to mix in different packages with each guy and ask them to do things that maybe the other guy's done early in the season, because they're both certainly capable of doing that."

With Jackson's early-season groin injury in the rear-view mirror, and Richardson getting more comfortable every week in the NFL, the running game is starting to click, and doing so against some tough defenses. On Oct. 4 against Arizona, the Rams topped 100 yards rushing as a team for only the second time this season. And then last Sunday in Miami, the Rams rang up a season-high 162 yards against Miami's top-ranked run defense.

"Last week, I think we ran the ball well," said center Robert Turner. "Unfortunately, I think we left about another 100 yards out there."

A missed block here, a better block there ...

"Or squaring a guy up just a little bit more, and you're talking about a seven-yard gain going for 70," Turner said.

Even though the Rams lost 17-14, Dolphins center Mike Pouncey told Richardson afterwards that he and Jackson were a great combination. Not surprisingly, coach Jeff Fisher feels the same way.

"It's been working and we'll continue it," Fisher said. "I'd still like to see 'Jack' get at least about two-thirds of the carries because he's got the experience. And 'Jack' is one of those backs that he almost needs to get rolling; he needs to get going."

In other words, he needs to get in a rhythm, and gets stronger as the game progresses.

"So we'll continue to work with that, but we were pleased with the results last weekend," Fisher said.

"We're still trying to figure out how it plays out each and every week," Schottenheimer said. "But it's been fun watching those two guys push each other."

In his younger days, Jackson might have beefed about the backfield timeshare, but that hasn't been the case so far this season.

"In all fairness, Coach Schotty (Schottenheimer) is still learning me and how I run," Jackson said. "I think those things will be addressed. But as far as me splitting time with Daryl and our offensive line, we're all starting to gel and I think you saw that Sunday."

Against Miami, the workload was almost evenly distributed, with Jackson getting 15 touches on 12 carries and three receptions and Richardson getting 13 touches (11 carries, two catches). Considering Jackson's workhouse status over the past seven seasons, it was strange to see.

"I'm still the workhorse," said the prideful Jackson. "We're only six games into the season."

But Jackson added: "Let's be honest. Daryl's done a great job when he's been in there. Whenever you have a back that's able to come in and do a great job, it makes it a lot easier for me. . . . Whatever we can do to keep us going as an offense, putting drives consecutively together, wearing down a defense."

With Jackson's career now closer to the end than the beginning, trade rumors spring up intermittently, and that's been the case lately with the Oct. 30 NFL trade deadline approaching. Team officials privately insist — as they have many times in recent years — that they're not trading Jackson.

A trade would seem to be strange timing right now given the recent life shown in the running game. Of course, what happens at the end of this season is another matter, given the fact that Jackson can void the final year of his contract shortly after the Super Bowl. If Richardson's role continues to increase as the season progresses, that could influence Jackson to look for greener pastures.

But for now, it's all about Green Bay, putting together another productive running day to play keepaway from the Packers' offense.

"It's going to be very important, not only that we control the clock and convert third downs, but we've also got to score touchdowns once we're in the red zone," Jackson said. "Those guys, coming in with a red-hot offense — the performance last week (against Houston) was just stellar. We've got to do a good job of helping our defense out."

No doubt, an outburst of Thunder & Lightning could help the Rams rain on Green Bay's offensive parade.

 

[Otis]

Some real overreaction in here about size. He is about average height for an NFL RB. He's probably about 10lbs lighter than the typical NFL RB weight range, but we're not talking about a huge difference here.

The optimal height for a running back is 5'9".

...

For the categories tracked, a weight between 206-225 pounds appears to be ideal.

LINKDepends how they want to use him. Hell, Sproles at 5'6" and 190 put up silly numbers last year.

 

[duaneok66]

Sproles is an outlier, for obvious reasons. 10lbs is a big difference if you want a guy to be "a feature back". Last week, 88 of Richardson's 99 yards came on tosses or sweeps or passes to the outside. He is what he is.

 

[Vector]

This is a problem. Moving SJAX is likely, but if they do, they will replace him with another bruiser. Richardson is not big enough to be feature back. RBBC here whether SJAX is there or not. And I'm a Richardson owner...

Well the cold hard fact is they aren't going to re-up S-Jax next year.One team who is soo obvious of a match for a big powerful bruising back like Steven Jackson that I hate to mention it is obviously the Steelers.They are in dire need of a RB ANY RB right now or they can start cleaning out their lockers and making off-season travel plans. They wouldn't even have to ink him to a long-term contract they could just sign him for the remainder of this year at his current contract and make an offer of a conditional pick to the Rams.Too obvious so it likely won't happen but if Jackson finds a new home then Richardson would hold some value, not feature all-purpose RB value but his stock would definitely go up.

Jerome Bettis part deux ?

 

[SameSongNDance]

Sproles is an outlier, for obvious reasons. 10lbs is a big difference if you want a guy to be "a feature back". Last week, 88 of Richardson's 99 yards came on tosses or sweeps or passes to the outside. He is what he is.

This is why there is, IMO, no way SJax will be traded. DRich doesn't look like a full time back to me. He's inferior to SJax in between the tackles and at picking up the blitz. It's very noticeable out on the field. They compliment each other well though.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Some real overreaction in here about size. He is about average height for an NFL RB. He's probably about 10lbs lighter than the typical NFL RB weight range, but we're not talking about a huge difference here.

The optimal height for a running back is 5'9".

...

For the categories tracked, a weight between 206-225 pounds appears to be ideal.

LINKDepends how they want to use him. Hell, Sproles at 5'6" and 190 put up silly numbers last year.

Exactly. Sproles is 4 inches shorter, and the same weight. He's stocky, and thick. And he STILL does 75% of his damage catching the ball.Ray Rice. MJD. Trent Richardson. Three of the best 3-down backs in the league (well, we all know Trent will be). And they all are stocky, thick, powerful runners who get low going up the middle with a ridiculously low center of gravity.

Daryl Richardson will contribute, and have some big plays. But a guy built more like Chris Johnson than those guys, and without the world class speed of Chris Johnson or Jamaal Charles (though he is fast) will not be a long-term 3-down back in this league.

 

[cstu]

Sproles is an outlier, for obvious reasons. 10lbs is a big difference if you want a guy to be "a feature back". Last week, 88 of Richardson's 99 yards came on tosses or sweeps or passes to the outside. He is what he is.

This is why there is, IMO, no way SJax will be traded. DRich doesn't look like a full time back to me. He's inferior to SJax in between the tackles and at picking up the blitz. It's very noticeable out on the field. They compliment each other well though.

Richardson has 15 carries for 148 yards (9.9 YPC) outside the tackles. Inside the tackles he has 32 carries for 96 yards (3.0 YPC).

 

[EBF]

Didn't realize yards only count between the tackles.

Too many haters in here only focusing on the negatives. Daryl has come out of nowhere and already...

- Made the roster.

- Won the #2 job in a landslide over a more hyped up competitor (in a matter of weeks).

- Played well in just about every game dating back to the preseason.

- Started cutting into Jackson's production in a big way.

The good news far outweighs the bad.

But go on and keep doubting him.

 

[Nucker101]

Sproles is an outlier, for obvious reasons. 10lbs is a big difference if you want a guy to be "a feature back". Last week, 88 of Richardson's 99 yards came on tosses or sweeps or passes to the outside. He is what he is.

This is why there is, IMO, no way SJax will be traded. DRich doesn't look like a full time back to me. He's inferior to SJax in between the tackles and at picking up the blitz. It's very noticeable out on the field. They compliment each other well though.

Completely agree with this. D-Rich is not built to be a workhorse RB. His current role is probably the most he can(should) handle. If Jackson leaves next year, I expect another power/big back to be brought in to replace Jackson. Off-topic: Jackson would be a great fit in Green Bay.

 

[Nucker101]

Didn't realize yards only count between the tackles.Too many haters in here only focusing on the negatives. Daryl has come out of nowhere and already...- Made the roster.- Won the #2 job in a landslide over a more hyped up competitor (in a matter of weeks).- Played well in just about every game dating back to the preseason.- Started cutting into Jackson's production in a big way.The good news far outweighs the bad.But go on and keep doubting him.

He's playing well so far and has definitely exceeded expectations, no doubt. Nice call.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Didn't realize yards only count between the tackles.Too many haters in here only focusing on the negatives. Daryl has come out of nowhere and already...- Made the roster.- Won the #2 job in a landslide over a more hyped up competitor (in a matter of weeks).- Played well in just about every game dating back to the preseason.- Started cutting into Jackson's production in a big way.The good news far outweighs the bad.But go on and keep doubting him.

We're talking about his ability to be the future RB1 in STL. Nothing you said here changes that.

 

[Hoss Style]

Some real overreaction in here about size. He is about average height for an NFL RB. He's probably about 10lbs lighter than the typical NFL RB weight range, but we're not talking about a huge difference here.

The optimal height for a running back is 5'9".

...

For the categories tracked, a weight between 206-225 pounds appears to be ideal.

LINKDepends how they want to use him. Hell, Sproles at 5'6" and 190 put up silly numbers last year.

People put too much stock into "size" and not enough into "injury history".

 

[Hoss Style]

Didn't realize yards only count between the tackles.Too many haters in here only focusing on the negatives. Daryl has come out of nowhere and already...- Made the roster.- Won the #2 job in a landslide over a more hyped up competitor (in a matter of weeks).- Played well in just about every game dating back to the preseason.- Started cutting into Jackson's production in a big way.The good news far outweighs the bad.But go on and keep doubting him.

We're talking about his ability to be the future RB1 in STL. Nothing you said here changes that.

I disagree. Everything he said is favorable to him being a starter. I'm not saying he can or can't do it - but writing off all the positives he's had so far doesn't make sense. It's not like the things he listed are totally unrelated to running the ball 20 times a game.

 

[duaneok66]

I don't know why you can't cheer for a guy and admit the negatives - he isn't built for a feature workload - he can be successful as part of a rotation . . . what is wrong with that? Why does it have to be all or nothing??

 

[EBF]

I don't know why you can't cheer for a guy and admit the negatives - he isn't built for a feature workload - he can be successful as part of a rotation . . . what is wrong with that? Why does it have to be all or nothing??

He's not the biggest guy and I actually DO think that could put a cap on his upside. However, it's possible that he could have a lot of FF value even as a committee player (like Warrick Dunn or Darren Sproles) and it's also possible that his low weight will not actually prevent him from being a team's lead back. A lot of the same people saying Richardson is too small to be a starter probably had Jamaal Charles and Chris Johnson ranked as top 10 dynasty RBs entering the season. He is not as fast as either player, but it won't really matter if he keeps averaging 5.1 YPC. One thing working in his favor is that even though he's light for an NFL RB, he actually has a pretty strong lower body. He's never going to be a back who runs over defenders and breaks a lot of tackles with strength, but he's a bit stronger and more compact than you would think based on his listed height-weight because of the way the weight is distributed. He does not have a lot of wasted pounds in his upper body and shoulders. He's all engines. In terms of successful NFL players, he is built a bit like Tiki Barber. Whether or not he has the same talent remains to be seen, but he's done well so far. If a back with a better draft pedigree (someone like LaMichael James or Ronnie Hillman) was having this kind of success, he would be getting hyped like crazy. But people are still looking for reasons to convince themselves that Richardson is not for real.

 

[cstu]

Garbage time, but Pead was 3 for 32 yards. Richardson looked good running outside, but Pead looked better on inside runs:

2-3-STL 27 (13:33) 26-D.Richardson left guard to STL 28 for 1 yard (71-B.Deaderick).1-10-STL 28 (4:25) 24-I.Pead left guard to STL 33 for 5 yards (51-J.Mayo).1-10-NE 23 (2:00) 24-I.Pead up the middle to NE 15 for 8 yards (53-J.Tarpinian).

Richardson has a fumble and only 3 yards on 4 catches.

 

[EBF]

Garbage time, but Pead was 3 for 32 yards. Richardson looked good running outside, but Pead looked better on inside runs:

2-3-STL 27 (13:33) 26-D.Richardson left guard to STL 28 for 1 yard (71-B.Deaderick).1-10-STL 28 (4:25) 24-I.Pead left guard to STL 33 for 5 yards (51-J.Mayo).1-10-NE 23 (2:00) 24-I.Pead up the middle to NE 15 for 8 yards (53-J.Tarpinian).

Richardson has a fumble and only 3 yards on 4 catches.

Meaningless stats in garbage time against a team up by a million points on cruise control. That applies for both of them, btw.

 

[SameSongNDance]

I have a feeling those of us who handcuffed DRich to SJax are going to be rewarded with two starting RBs before this Tuesday.

 

[Warhogs]

I have a feeling those of us who handcuffed DRich to SJax are going to be rewarded with two starting RBs before this Tuesday.

I have a feeling that your feeling is wrong. What teams so you think are going to be willing to trade for SJax before the deadline?

 

[Sinn Fein]

I have a feeling those of us who handcuffed DRich to SJax are going to be rewarded with two starting RBs before this Tuesday.

I have a feeling that your feeling is wrong. What teams so you think are going to be willing to trade for SJax before the deadline?

I could see the Packers going after Jackson or D. Williams if they can get a lowball deal But your point is correct, the contenders don't really have a big need at RB. Its not like last year when Jason Campbell went down with an injury before the trade deadline - which prompted the Carson Palmer deal.

 

[need2know]

just a feeling but I think SJAX is getting traded

 

[DocHolliday]

just a feeling but I think SJAX is getting traded

I hope so for my sake and for his. Guy has run hard for years. Be nice to see him go to a playoff caliber team.

 

[Sinn Fein]

just a feeling but I think SJAX is getting traded

I hope so for my sake and for his. Guy has run hard for years. Be nice to see him go to a playoff caliber team.

What playoff caliber team needs a RB?