The end near for Steven Jackson? (1 Viewer)

[JohnnyU]

S-Jax hints at retirement after 2012 season

Steven Jackson hinted on Thursday that he might retire at the end of the 2012 season.

"If I have to write my story," Jackson, 29, said, "I'd rather go out like Barry Sanders and leaving people to want more than to leave too late." When asked how many seasons are left for him, Jackson said laughing, "Maybe this last one. Those hits hurt." Jackson has a $7 million player option left on his contract for 2013 that he is fully expected to opt out of in order to seek a longer term deal on the open market. "I'll allow myself that time to sit back and reflect and think about things I've accomplished in my career and what I've done this season," he said. "And think about how much longer I want to play this game, as well." Jackson has rushed for 990 yards and four touchdowns on 246 carries this season. He's taken a beating over his career, totaling a whopping 2,784 touches over nine seasons.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/8784585/steven-jackson-st-louis-rams-says-retirement-possible through Rotoworld - http://www.rotoworld.com/headlines/nfl/252649/s-jax-hints-at-retirement-after-2012-season

 

[JohnnyU]

I don't expect him to retire after this season, but I wouldn't be surprised to see him in another uniform.

 

[kd1]

guy was pretty good, but sounds like a legend in his own mind. if he retired monday i'd forget about him by tuesday.

poor guy wasted his career on a hopeless team.

 

[Warrior]

Don't be so dramatic...

Stephen Jackson's pinkie is still "swollen and still sore," but he will continue to play through it."It got hit pretty bad in pregame warmups," but Stack Jack appears committed to taking it in stride. He also admitted that the swelling impacts his shooting. "I never know how the ball is going to come off my fingers when I release it," he said. "It gets hit at least two or three times a game where it's a sharp pain." If S-Jax sits at any point, Kawhi Leonard's stock will continue to rise. Dec 27 - 9:25 AM

 

[Annyong]

He will go to NE or GB and reemerge as a monster again.

I want to watch him play with a better team.

 

[bizkliz]

I want to watch him play with a better team.

as do i. dude has toughed it out on some miserable teams. hoping for a corey dillon-esque ending perhaps.-biz-

 

[mad sweeney]

I'd be surprised to see him on the Rams next year. Neither side will get anything out of it, in fact both sides would probably gain more if he went somewhere else.

Great and powerful runner (ruined Tatupu's career basically) but in all those years of futility he never topped 100 yards against Seattle and only beat them twice, iirc (once this year, once last year).

 

[Brady Marino]

I'd be surprised to see him on the Rams next year. Neither side will get anything out of it, in fact both sides would probably gain more if he went somewhere else. Great and powerful runner (ruined Tatupu's career basically) but in all those years of futility he never topped 100 yards against Seattle and only beat them twice, iirc (once this year, once last year).

Even though I'm a Rams fan who admires what S-Jax has done over the years, a parting of the ways will benefit both sides, especially S-Jax. Wouldn't shock me to see Fisher try to lure in Chris Johnson (god I hope I'm wrong there) or try to groom his own stud RB in the draft (more likely). Yeah, they spent a high pick on Pead and yeah, D-Rich has proven he can at least be a 3rd down back, but if there's a thoroughbred available with the Redskins 1st rounder they picked up in the trade that netted the Skins RGIII, wouldn't be surprised if Fisher pounced.

 

[ItsOnlytheRiver]

I'd be surprised to see him on the Rams next year. Neither side will get anything out of it, in fact both sides would probably gain more if he went somewhere else.

Great and powerful runner (ruined Tatupu's career basically) but in all those years of futility he never topped 100 yards against Seattle and only beat them twice, iirc (once this year, once last year).

What's your reasoning here? In October I thought he'd be gone. I'm not as sure anymore.

 

[mad sweeney]

I'd be surprised to see him on the Rams next year. Neither side will get anything out of it, in fact both sides would probably gain more if he went somewhere else.

Great and powerful runner (ruined Tatupu's career basically) but in all those years of futility he never topped 100 yards against Seattle and only beat them twice, iirc (once this year, once last year).

What's your reasoning here? In October I thought he'd be gone. I'm not as sure anymore.

Well, I'm sure that he can come to some kind of sign and trade type deal where he stays on the Rams and they trade him and then he works out a deal (that's already worked out, of course) with his new team. But even if they don't do that, the Rams will be better off because they're a young team that's rebuilding and this gives them a starting RB slot with no baggage that a respected veteran can bring (as far as playing time goes). I think they'd be better off going with a guy that's in the future's plan than spending a bunch of money on a guy that's gone after a year in which they have very little hope of breaking the top 2 in the division.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Risky for him to opt out of $7 mil player option IMO

I think at best he's looking at is a perhaps LT2-Jets type 2-year deal.

Only so many starting RB spots in the league and he's competing with much younger talent (Mendenhall/R.Bush+drafted RB's) that will have a lower price tag.

He's not going to NE. Unless he's playing for a minimum contract.

 

[Raider Nation]

He's got a streaky jump shot.

 

[ItsOnlytheRiver]

I'd be surprised to see him on the Rams next year. Neither side will get anything out of it, in fact both sides would probably gain more if he went somewhere else.

Great and powerful runner (ruined Tatupu's career basically) but in all those years of futility he never topped 100 yards against Seattle and only beat them twice, iirc (once this year, once last year).

What's your reasoning here? In October I thought he'd be gone. I'm not as sure anymore.

Well, I'm sure that he can come to some kind of sign and trade type deal where he stays on the Rams and they trade him and then he works out a deal (that's already worked out, of course) with his new team. But even if they don't do that, the Rams will be better off because they're a young team that's rebuilding and this gives them a starting RB slot with no baggage that a respected veteran can bring (as far as playing time goes). I think they'd be better off going with a guy that's in the future's plan than spending a bunch of money on a guy that's gone after a year in which they have very little hope of breaking the top 2 in the division.

With all due respect I don't think you are reading this situation correctly. Jackson is a stand up guy. He has never complained about anything on the field. He wants to win, and believe it or not he wants to win as a Ram over anything else. So I don't see him bringing any baggage to the team even if his playing time gets reduced. I don't think Richardson is an every down answer and Pead has looked terrible in his few chances. Considering our offensive line woes they need someone who can reliably pick up his blocks so drafting a rookie to fill that role seems like a bad idea. I'm not saying it's foregone conclusion he comes back, but it's just the feeling I get. If not they probably scoop up another reliable vet a lot like him. Also, I know you're Seahawk guy high on your team right now, but writing off the Rams 2013 is a bit much no? If they somehow win in Seattle they will be 5-0-1 in the division or at worse they will have 1 loss. It's shaping up to be a really tough division next season - even Arizona will do some damage if they find a competent QB and patch the O-Line. Seems like this is the team Steven has been waiting for his whole career.

 

[GoBigRed]

He's got a streaky jump shot.

Can't believe Goodell never suspended him for going into the stands!

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Not a chance he retires. Not a chance.

He easily has 3 more years of tread left on the tires. I watched him closely this year. When he was stopped in the backfield, 99% of the time it was missed blocks. He ran angry all year and played great, even if his statistics don't show it. I suspect he is going to sign cheap to a contender (maybe not even as a starter).

I can see him going to a bunch of different teams, but don't be surprised if he lands with a bird - the Falcons, Seahawks, or Cardinals. He grew up on the West Coast and I could see him signing to a contender there. Plenty of teams that could use him.

 

[JohnnyU]

Not a chance he retires. Not a chance. He easily has 3 more years of tread left on the tires. I watched him closely this year. When he was stopped in the backfield, 99% of the time it was missed blocks. He ran angry all year and played great, even if his statistics don't show it. I suspect he is going to sign cheap to a contender (maybe not even as a starter). I can see him going to a bunch of different teams, but don't be surprised if he lands with a bird - the Falcons, Seahawks, or Cardinals. He grew up on the West Coast and I could see him signing to a contender there. Plenty of teams that could use him.

Why would the Seahawks want him? Aren't they set at RB? As for the tread on the tires, he did say he would rather go out with something left in the tank (Barry Sanders) than go out all used up. Having said that, I also agree he will be playing somewhere in 2013, but it's not set in stone.

 

[Concept Coop]

I can see him going to a bunch of different teams, but don't be surprised if he lands with a bird - the Falcons, Seahawks, or Cardinals. He grew up on the West Coast and I could see him signing to a contender there. Plenty of teams that could use him.

 

[JohnnyU]

I don't think Richardson is an every down answer and Pead has looked terrible in his few chances.

I agree with you about Pead, but I must say your statement about Richardson has me puzzled. It's also an overused statement in the Shark Pool. I think Richardson looked good early in the year when he got more opportunities. Saying he's not an "every down answer" is a bit premature and unfounded.

 

[ItsOnlytheRiver]

I don't think Richardson is an every down answer and Pead has looked terrible in his few chances.

I agree with you about Pead, but I must say your statement about Richardson has me puzzled. It's also an overused statement in the Shark Pool. I think Richardson looked good early in the year when he got more opportunities. Saying he's not an "every down answer" is a bit premature and unfounded.

Richardson has been outclassed by Jackson. He hasn't shown any ability to be able to run effectively inbetween the tackles or pick up blitzes (These are things an every down back needs to do). I guess I should revise my statement to say that -next year- Richardson isn't an every down player. He may develop into one, but I wouldn't want to be going into 2013 with him as my lead guy.http://www.stltoday.com/sports/columns/bernie-miklasz/bernie-bytes-rams-unsolved-mysteries/article_2ace8eb1-3b1d-5dfa-b43a-147efe037e63.html

1. Pulling Steven Jackson from the game when he’s rumbling for big yards. It happened again yesterday. Jackson had consecutive runs of 13 and 15 yards. He was on the way to gaining 34 yards on four first-quarter carries. But after his best series, Jackson was removed and replaced by rookie Daryl Richardson. And Richardson was ineffective again.

What is the point of this? The Rams were, at least in theory, playing to keep their playoff dreams alive. The season was down to three games. They didn’t have to “save” Jackson for anything. They had to win this football game. Why remove your best player? And make no mistake, SJ is still this team’s top player on offense. He wasn’t tired. He wasn’t worn out. He didn’t need a breather. It was the first half. He certainly didn’t want to come out of the game.

(Much later in the game, Jackson was bothered by a painful foot injury and it made sense to back him off. But that’s completely irrelevant to his usage in the first half.)

I support the concept of a two-halfback rotation, but only to a point. When you have a hot back who is cranking out the yards, then you ride him. You don’t go with some prearranged substitution plan.

Rams head coach Jeff Fisher was questioned by my colleague Bryan Burwell after the game.

Q: “How do you determine how to share carries between Jackson and Richardson?”

Fisher: “Well, it’s plays, the play calls. We’ll tag the back to some plays is what we do and then Steven will come out, catch his breath and Daryl will go in. It’s not necessarily a number of plays, it’s just what’s working, what’s not.”

Q: “Richardson played a lot during the two-minute offense, and does he normally do that?”

Fisher: “Yes, that’s designed and ‘Jack’ was in there at times. He’s featured in our hurry-up and our two-minute package. We didn’t expect to spend the whole quarter in it.”

(I have to pause from typing to scratch my head … thanks. I’m back now.)

Here’s the comment that baffles me: “It’s just what’s working, and what’s not.”

From where we sat, Jackson running the ball was “working.” He averaged 8.4 yards on his first four carries, and 6.6 yards on his first six rushes. He also caught a pass for 11 yards. Jackson was bowling over Vikings players, and the Rams moved the ball in for a 7-7 tie early in the second quarter.

The aggressive, muscular running neutralized the Minnesota defense and kept the Vikes from selling out on the pass rush to attack QB Sam Bradford.

When Jackson was replaced, the Vikings turned their front seven loose and went after Bradford. He was mauled in the second quarter. And have you watched Richardson try to pick up the blitz? I don’t want to be too hard on Richardson. He’s a rookie. He’s still developing. But he can’t block. So putting him in that role is ludicrous.

One more thing:

In his first nine games Richardson averaged 5.7 yards on 66 rushing attempts and had 10 carries of 10+ yards including one run of 53 yards, and another for 44 yards.

In his last five games Richardson has averaged 3.3 yards in 22 carries, with a long run of 11. That’s his only 10+ run over the five games. In the last three games Richardson has 15 yards on five carries and a long run of 3 yards.

It’s just what’s working and what’s not …

I agree, coach.

Using Jackson is working … using Richardson is not working.

 

[lod01]

Richardson can take over if he can pass protect. Same size as Charles, Spiller and Chris Johnson.

 

[Matt Bitonti]

isaiah pead will take that job sooner or later. SJax wants to retire while he can still walk away. Like Barry. Not get carried off like Emmitt.

 

[Concept Coop]

isaiah pead will take that job sooner or later. SJax wants to retire while he can still walk away. Like Barry. Not get carried off like Emmitt.

I don't know how sure I feel that Pead will get the job, but for dynasty owners, he is the smart money bet, right now. Cost to upside ratio is very nice.

 

[JohnnyU]

isaiah pead will take that job sooner or later. SJax wants to retire while he can still walk away. Like Barry. Not get carried off like Emmitt.

Pead has looked very very bad when given the opportunity. He has no vision whatsoever.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Not a chance he retires. Not a chance. He easily has 3 more years of tread left on the tires. I watched him closely this year. When he was stopped in the backfield, 99% of the time it was missed blocks. He ran angry all year and played great, even if his statistics don't show it. I suspect he is going to sign cheap to a contender (maybe not even as a starter). I can see him going to a bunch of different teams, but don't be surprised if he lands with a bird - the Falcons, Seahawks, or Cardinals. He grew up on the West Coast and I could see him signing to a contender there. Plenty of teams that could use him.

Why would the Seahawks want him? Aren't they set at RB? As for the tread on the tires, he did say he would rather go out with something left in the tank (Barry Sanders) than go out all used up. Having said that, I also agree he will be playing somewhere in 2013, but it's not set in stone.

Because he would provide solid insurance for Beastmode. Turbin is good, but the way the Seahawks run the ball, they can improve the depth at the position. I think Jackson would make the move for a shot at the Championship while remaining close to home.

 

[Concept Coop]

isaiah pead will take that job sooner or later. SJax wants to retire while he can still walk away. Like Barry. Not get carried off like Emmitt.

Pead has looked very very bad when given the opportunity. He has no vision whatsoever.

He looked really bad in pre-season, but how many eggs do we put in that basket? Do we throw out the scouting report? Or ignore the investment the Rams made in him? Just as it has always been way to early to give up on David Wilson, it's too early to give up on Pead. Pead was drafted 15 spots or so later - he'll get a shot.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

I don't think Richardson is an every down answer and Pead has looked terrible in his few chances.

I agree with you about Pead, but I must say your statement about Richardson has me puzzled. It's also an overused statement in the Shark Pool. I think Richardson looked good early in the year when he got more opportunities. Saying he's not an "every down answer" is a bit premature and unfounded.

Richardson appears a little small right now to be an every down back. Not much wiggle either. I am not ready to rule him out as a 3 down back, but I think he has miles to go.

 

[Hairy Snowman]

isaiah pead will take that job sooner or later. SJax wants to retire while he can still walk away. Like Barry. Not get carried off like Emmitt.

Pead has looked very very bad when given the opportunity. He has no vision whatsoever.

He looked really bad in pre-season, but how many eggs do we put in that basket? Do we throw out the scouting report? Or ignore the investment the Rams made in him? Just as it has always been way to early to give up on David Wilson, it's too early to give up on Pead. Pead was drafted 15 spots or so later - he'll get a shot.

Sometimes you can just tell when someone doesn't have the tools. Pead just doesn't. I am sure he is a great guy, but I just don't think he has or will have what it takes to be successful in the NFL.

 

[JohnnyU]

isaiah pead will take that job sooner or later. SJax wants to retire while he can still walk away. Like Barry. Not get carried off like Emmitt.

Pead has looked very very bad when given the opportunity. He has no vision whatsoever.

He looked really bad in pre-season, but how many eggs do we put in that basket? Do we throw out the scouting report? Or ignore the investment the Rams made in him? Just as it has always been way to early to give up on David Wilson, it's too early to give up on Pead. Pead was drafted 15 spots or so later - he'll get a shot.

The difference is night and day between Wilson and Pead. I've watched a lot of Pead and he runs right up the rear end of this OL and doesn't see holes to shoot through. In college he took everything outside and was afraid to run between the tackles. That was in many scouting reports. Just because the Rams took him where they did doesn't justify it.

 

[Concept Coop]

The difference is night and day between Wilson and Pead. I've watched a lot of Pead and he runs right up the rear end of this OL and doesn't see holes to shoot through. In college he took everything outside and was afraid to run between the tackles. That was in many scouting reports. Just because the Rams took him where they did doesn't justify it.

If you're basing it on what you saw in college, I have no issue with that. I just think it would be very premature assuming you were using the pre-season carries. I liked what I saw from him in college, but it was small doses. I'll be buying where I can.

 

[mad sweeney]

I'd be surprised to see him on the Rams next year. Neither side will get anything out of it, in fact both sides would probably gain more if he went somewhere else.

Great and powerful runner (ruined Tatupu's career basically) but in all those years of futility he never topped 100 yards against Seattle and only beat them twice, iirc (once this year, once last year).

What's your reasoning here? In October I thought he'd be gone. I'm not as sure anymore.

Well, I'm sure that he can come to some kind of sign and trade type deal where he stays on the Rams and they trade him and then he works out a deal (that's already worked out, of course) with his new team. But even if they don't do that, the Rams will be better off because they're a young team that's rebuilding and this gives them a starting RB slot with no baggage that a respected veteran can bring (as far as playing time goes). I think they'd be better off going with a guy that's in the future's plan than spending a bunch of money on a guy that's gone after a year in which they have very little hope of breaking the top 2 in the division.

With all due respect I don't think you are reading this situation correctly. Jackson is a stand up guy. He has never complained about anything on the field. He wants to win, and believe it or not he wants to win as a Ram over anything else. So I don't see him bringing any baggage to the team even if his playing time gets reduced. I don't think Richardson is an every down answer and Pead has looked terrible in his few chances. Considering our offensive line woes they need someone who can reliably pick up his blocks so drafting a rookie to fill that role seems like a bad idea. I'm not saying it's foregone conclusion he comes back, but it's just the feeling I get. If not they probably scoop up another reliable vet a lot like him. Also, I know you're Seahawk guy high on your team right now, but writing off the Rams 2013 is a bit much no? If they somehow win in Seattle they will be 5-0-1 in the division or at worse they will have 1 loss. It's shaping up to be a really tough division next season - even Arizona will do some damage if they find a competent QB and patch the O-Line. Seems like this is the team Steven has been waiting for his whole career.

I didn't mean anything negative when I said baggage. Just that having a guy like Jackson on the team is going to demand a certain amount of playing time go his way, because it's deserved, and that takes time away from younger players who are in the long term team plans. It makes the trade deadline next year another huge distraction because Fisher is rebuilding the team and that means acquiring talent. Jackson is probably worth far more as a couple of picks than as an aging vet. It makes sharing time on the field distracting. IMO, they need another season before they catch up to Seattle and SF and be truly competitive in the division. Huge regime changes come with huge personel changeovers. Same goes for Fitzgerald in AZ. Except that their team will be a season (maybe even more with team talent considered) behind yours.

Also, I'm not writing off the 2013 Rams, I think 3rd place in the NFCW will be in the fight for a WC playoff spot. I just don't see them beating out Sea and SF

 

[EBF]

Pead could be a good buy low, but only because his price is so cheap. I wouldn't pay anything more than a 3rd round rookie pick for him, as I never liked him in the first place and he's been lapped by a less heralded rookie at his own position. Not exactly an encouraging development.

I think the Rams should let Jackson walk and add a younger option in the offseason. Richardson might be able to step up, but they need insurance. Someone like Mendenhall would be ideal, but if they don't want to spend that kind of money then they should comb the draft for power backs.

 

[Mr. Know-It-All]

I have long been a SJax (and a Rams) fan - but have thought for the last three years they should have traded him to accelerate their rebuild. With so many problems up front on both o-line and d-line, they could have reaped the whirlwind by trading him then. Now his value and percieved value have dropped and they have 3 years with nothing to show for it other than a couple busted draft picks.

From a SJax perspective I woul dlove ot see him play for a team like the Packers, Patriots, or even Saints...but I just don't see that happening. He'll likely end up being signed as a bridge to the next great yooung rb. Sad, because I think he has a lot left in the tank.

 

[TheFanatic]

Couple things here. That ESPN article had some terrible misquotes and other things they flat out ommitted. Like SJ saying "why wouldnt I want to be part of what Jeff Fisher is doing here and turning this franchise around."

He wants to stay with the rams and my gut is he will stay and finish his career here.

Also, the guy keeps a list in his locker of the top 10 rushers in NFL history. He knows he needs to be in that group to make the HOF. He needs two more pretty good years to get there. He will do that as a ram.

 

[Matt Bitonti]

When guys like Pead kick butt in senior bowl and all combine season it sometimes happen they hit the wall by the real rookie season. These guys get no breaks their rookie year and the difference in his soph year could be huge. This happens more with seniors than with juniors. louisville's Bilal Powell was awful in year 1 but actually productive at points year 2 and year 3 is probably gonna be the 1RB after Shonn Greene leaves. a Pead/Richardson tandem is a safer bet than relying on SJax.

 

[Sabertooth]

Couple things here. That ESPN article had some terrible misquotes and other things they flat out ommitted. Like SJ saying "why wouldnt I want to be part of what Jeff Fisher is doing here and turning this franchise around."He wants to stay with the rams and my gut is he will stay and finish his career here.Also, the guy keeps a list in his locker of the top 10 rushers in NFL history. He knows he needs to be in that group to make the HOF. He needs two more pretty good years to get there. He will do that as a ram.

He runs like he's carrying too much weight. I'm not to sure he's got 500 carries left in him. At this point he takes as much punishment as he gives.

 

[cobalt_27]

I just heard he can't throw to his left.

So, yeah he's done.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

In an interview with the Tacoma News Tribune, Howard Balzer says "the feeling is a new deal will occur before [February 8]" between Steven Jackson and the Rams.Jackson, 29, has a $7 million player option for 2013 that he is fully expected to void. That decision has to be made by the second Friday in February. St. Louis used a second-round pick on Isaiah Pead in the 2012 draft, but he has failed to make an impression in his rookie season. Daryl Richardson, a seventh-round rookie, has slowed down after a hot start. Jackson has made it well-known that he wants to finish his career with the Rams, but the team will have to decide if they want to roll with the younger guys or pay Jackson high dollars when he'll be on the wrong side of 30-years-old.

http://blog.thenewstribune.com/seahawks/2012/12/29/the-5-spot-rams-in-focus/

 

[wiscstlatlmia]

Pead could be a good buy low, but only because his price is so cheap. I wouldn't pay anything more than a 3rd round rookie pick for him, as I never liked him in the first place and he's been lapped by a less heralded rookie at his own position. Not exactly an encouraging development.

I think the Rams should let Jackson walk and add a younger option in the offseason. Richardson might be able to step up, but they need insurance. Someone like Mendenhall would be ideal, but if they don't want to spend that kind of money then they should comb the draft for power backs.

Now that's the first sensible idea I've heard. I don't really like Richardson in more than a 3rd down role for now, it seemed like the air came out of the offense on some drives he was in. I know his stats are good but he didn't have the same impact SJax did.They didn't really start winning till they made Jackson the bellcow again and I really think he showed he still has ability. If they don't bring him back I really like the Mendenhall idea, but I don't see why they wouldn't sign him to a short term deal.

This team looked alive the 2nd half of the year and with 2 firsts I think they have a shot to compete for a playoff spot next year.

ETA: I do like Richardson potentially for the future, just not sure he can handles a 15 touch a game role next year.