Thomas Jones to be cut? (1 Viewer)

[ditka311]

Hub Arkush was on Boers and Bernstein (sp?) today and mentioned that he thought there is a 50% chance the Bears will cut or try to trade (he guesses for a 4th rounder) Thomas Jones. His reasoning is that they need to do more than tweak the team and could use extra cap space and that you don't waste the #4 on a rookie who is going to sit his first 2 years. The Bears also resigned Adrian Peterson, whom they like very much. Edit to add: While he thought Thomas Jones had a good season, it was a good season for Thomas Jones, not one you would expect from a top flight back. Arkush believes that it is becoming the norm for backs to get 1700 ru yds and 16+ TD's. Not 1300 and 6. I didn't get to listen to the rest of the show as I had to go back to work. Did anybody else catch the rest of this discussion?FYI, Hub Arkush was a former announcer for the Bears and I believe is an editor for Pro Football Weekly.

 

[cstu]

I think there was a reason he was fired...He was the guy who wrote right after the Bears signed Thomas Jones that he was a dropoff from Anthony Thomas.

 

[ditka311]

I am just reporting what I heard on the radio.

 

[Jimmy James]

I don't think this is so outrageous unless something is very wrong with Benson.

 

[cstu]

I am just reporting what I heard on the radio.

Yeah, I know, I just think the guy is an idiot. The Bears have Jones under a fairly cheap contract (4 years/$10 million) for a couple more years and would be stupid to let him for a 4th round pick.

 

[Raider Nation]

:Benson dynasty owner crossing fingers:

 

[radballs.]

I am just reporting what I heard on the radio.

Yeah, I know, I just think the guy is an idiot. The Bears have Jones under a fairly cheap contract (4 years/$10 million) for a couple more years and would be stupid to let him for a 4th round pick.

I've seen Arkush on PFW's weekly TV show and he does seem like a buffoon. But, he obviously has better inside connections than most of us. It seems like Chicago would want to hold onto Jones though.

 

[tombonneau]

I am just reporting what I heard on the radio.

Yeah, I know, I just think the guy is an idiot. The Bears have Jones under a fairly cheap contract (4 years/$10 million) for a couple more years and would be stupid to let him for a 4th round pick.

True. But that would be more relevant if they hadn't just sunk a ton of $$$ into a Top 5 RB. They are going to need to see what they have in Benson, and that's not going to happen if he is behind TJones.

I doubt they cut TJ, but if they can get a 3rd, or even a 4th for him, the Bears would have to consider it.

 

[mcjc4]

Sounds just like the type of player the Patriots could use to help reload for next season.Cap friendlyVeteranTeam Guy who will come with something to prove. I would say he is a steal for a 3rd or 4th rounder.Not a Pats homer or fan!

 

[tombonneau]

Sounds just like the type of player the Patriots could use to help reload for next season.

Cap friendly

Veteran

Team Guy who will come with something to prove. I would say he is a steal for a 3rd or 4th rounder.

Not a Pats homer or fan!

Pats homer & fan here who likes the way you think.

A Dillon/TJ/Faulk RBBC would be a horrowshow for FF but likely highly conducive to a successful Patriots season.

 

[toxicbees]

this is also good news for Adrian Peterson dynasty owners

 

[Sopranos]

He will want to be the starter.I want him in Indy. IMO he is worth a 2nd

 

[Hamstring]

I appreciate Thomas Jones effort and he played hard and hurt, but I think a lot of rbs would have had similar numbers behind that line. It wouldn't surprise me seeing he is 30 and can't outrun a linebacker.

 

[msommer]

Maybe the Titans will give them a 4th to go with the 3rd they wasted on Henry

 

[Bri]

I am just reporting what I heard on the radio.

Yeah, I know, I just think the guy is an idiot. The Bears have Jones under a fairly cheap contract (4 years/$10 million) for a couple more years and would be stupid to let him for a 4th round pick.

True. But that would be more relevant if they hadn't just sunk a ton of $$$ into a Top 5 RB. They are going to need to see what they have in Benson, and that's not going to happen if he is behind TJones.

I doubt they cut TJ, but if they can get a 3rd, or even a 4th for him, the Bears would have to consider it.

this is not FFIn the NFL careers of GMs and coaches have been made by winning Supes but they've kept their jobs because of one RB or one QB keeping hope in their team.

Jones was a top draft pick himself. I doubt there's a big difference between the talent of the two. Benson has done nothing.

Jones took his 50 lashes as a backup and his results for every 18 carry game have always been good. If anyone gets traded it's Benson. Peterson is OK but no threat to the starting slot. Sometimes this comes in handy for coaches and they like that sorta player.

You don't give up on an NFL back when he finally gets it together.

We're talking about the Bears whom had Payton for "forever" and anyone+everyone in their franchise adored this back. Since then they've had guys like Neal Anderson and A-train that look good for a year or two then wilt away. Few franchises in the NFL would get as juiced up to finally have a productive back year in year out as Chicago.

If Jones is traded and Benson doesn't cut it, their GM loses his job. IMO it's that simple and the GM will never think it's worth the risk.

 

[Hamstring]

I am just reporting what I heard on the radio.

Yeah, I know, I just think the guy is an idiot. The Bears have Jones under a fairly cheap contract (4 years/$10 million) for a couple more years and would be stupid to let him for a 4th round pick.

True. But that would be more relevant if they hadn't just sunk a ton of $$$ into a Top 5 RB. They are going to need to see what they have in Benson, and that's not going to happen if he is behind TJones.

I doubt they cut TJ, but if they can get a 3rd, or even a 4th for him, the Bears would have to consider it.

this is not FFIn the NFL careers of GMs and coaches have been made by winning Supes but they've kept their jobs because of one RB or one QB keeping hope in their team.

Jones was a top draft pick himself. I doubt there's a big difference between the talent of the two. Benson has done nothing.

Jones took his 50 lashes as a backup and his results for every 18 carry game have always been good. If anyone gets traded it's Benson. Peterson is OK but no threat to the starting slot. Sometimes this comes in handy for coaches and they like that sorta player.

You don't give up on an NFL back when he finally gets it together.

We're talking about the Bears whom had Payton for "forever" and anyone+everyone in their franchise adored this back. Since then they've had guys like Neal Anderson and A-train that look good for a year or two then wilt away. Few franchises in the NFL would get as juiced up to finally have a productive back year in year out as Chicago.

If Jones is traded and Benson doesn't cut it, their GM loses his job. IMO it's that simple and the GM will never think it's worth the risk.

One of em is going and my money is that its Jones. Peterson averaged over 5 ypc this year, Bensen over 4 and Jones over 4 in what was his best year so far. I think a lot of backs could have had similar success. I see a bigger upside in Bensen (maybe he sucks forever) and Angelo isn't going anywhere.

 

[fruity pebbles]

I appreciate Thomas Jones effort and he played hard and hurt, but I think a lot of rbs would have had similar numbers behind that line. It wouldn't surprise me seeing he is 30 and can't outrun a linebacker.

There's a big difference in having success getting 20 carries a game and getting a couple carries a game. And TJ is 27 not 30. TJ was the only offensive spark that crappy offense had for the better part of the season.

 

[Mr.Happy]

If the Patriots could get him for a 4th, I would do a Derek Jeter fist pump. The guy can catch, he can run, and is a feature type back. For only a 4th too. Pats and Bears also have a connection. Makes too much sense.

 

[zamboni]

Arkush believes that it is becoming the norm for backs to get 1700 ru yds and 16+ TD's. Not 1300 and 6.

My fantasy team says otherwise Seriously though, while the guy seems to be blowing some smoke, it doesn't sound all that far-fetched. As someone else mentioned, we have to separate fantasy football from real-life NFL football.

Jones had a terrific year, but he's not a unique RB. Maybe, just maybe, a non-hold out and healthy Benson (along with Peterson) could have replicated Jones' success. But that's for team brass to decide.

All that said, I don't know the Bears cap situation offhand, but it does seem like Jones is pretty cheap, even as insurance if they move Benson into the starting role.

 

[fruity pebbles]

Not sure what norm he's talking about. Over the last 3 years there have been 2 1700 yard 16 TD runners. What a stupid statement.

 

[Family Matters]

I am just reporting what I heard on the radio.

Yeah, I know, I just think the guy is an idiot. The Bears have Jones under a fairly cheap contract (4 years/$10 million) for a couple more years and would be stupid to let him for a 4th round pick.

I've seen Arkush on PFW's weekly TV show and he does seem like a buffoon. But, he obviously has better inside connections than most of us. It seems like Chicago would want to hold onto Jones though.

You're right it seems like they would like to keep Jones. But I've noticed lately that coaches don't always do what seems obvious. Keeping Jones appears to be a no brainer. And yet they will probably get rid of him and go with Benson. Now Benson may be ok but I doubt he brings everything Jones does but I'm speculating at this point as we have not actually seen what Benson can do. And maybe this why I question the move. We know what Jones brings, which is a diverse player who appears to be an excellent fit in this offense, whereas we do not know for sure what you're getting in Benson.But then again this decision was made last year, not this year and they're pretty much stuck with it.

The reality is they should've made a better investment with their pick. RB was not their most desperate need.

 

[Otis]

I don't think folks are giving Thomas Jones enough credit. He played on a HORRID offense. Yes, his offensive line is solid, but he was the one and only offensive threat for the entire season. Defenses game planned to stop the run and he still finished a top-10 fantasy QB. Those statistics would improve vastly under a full season with Rex Grossman at the helm, IMO.As a long time Thomas Jones fan/fantasy owner, I'll say that this would really, really surprise me but, if it were to happen, I would be thrilled. As much as I like what he did this year, I am admittedly concerned about Benson waiting in the wings. They will have to use him some next year, and he could eat into Jones' carries. If Jones is moved, it would presumably be to start somewhere and carry the load. I'll take that any day (particularly if he ended up somewhere like Indy, as mentioned above -- that would probably make him a top-5 or 6 fantasy back).

 

[Spike]

If the Patriots could get him for a 4th, I would do a Derek Jeter fist pump. The guy can catch, he can run, and is a feature type back. For only a 4th too. Pats and Bears also have a connection. Makes too much sense.

Makes too much sense for the Bears?

 

[cracKer]

If the Patriots could get him for a 4th, I would do a Derek Jeter fist pump. The guy can catch, he can run, and is a feature type back. For only a 4th too. Pats and Bears also have a connection. Makes too much sense.

Makes too much sense for the Bears?

Not sure a Benson/Jones dynasty owner could ask for much more

 

[David Yudkin]

Jones has averged 102 total yards a game in his 2 years in Chicago (not counting a game where he had only a single carry). The Bears also doled out 350 touches to other RB in that time, and if Jones had gotten some of those he'd have an even higher total.In comparing Jones to other RB, there are quite a few RB that get 100 total yards a game on average, so I would group Jones in the above average category. He's certainly not a top tier uber stud, but for what he makes he's worth every penny.

 

[ditka311]

I appreciate Thomas Jones effort and he played hard and hurt, but I think a lot of rbs would have had similar numbers behind that line. It wouldn't surprise me seeing he is 30 and can't outrun a linebacker.

He is 27, will be 28 by the time the season starts.On top of it, he barely played his first few years.

 

[msommer]

I don't think folks are giving Thomas Jones enough credit. He played on a HORRID offense. Yes, his offensive line is solid, but he was the one and only offensive threat for the entire season. Defenses game planned to stop the run and he still finished a top-10 fantasy QB. Those statistics would improve vastly under a full season with Rex Grossman at the helm, IMO.

As a long time Thomas Jones fan/fantasy owner, I'll say that this would really, really surprise me but, if it were to happen, I would be thrilled. As much as I like what he did this year, I am admittedly concerned about Benson waiting in the wings. They will have to use him some next year, and he could eat into Jones' carries. If Jones is moved, it would presumably be to start somewhere and carry the load. I'll take that any day (particularly if he ended up somewhere like Indy, as mentioned above -- that would probably make him a top-5 or 6 fantasy back).

Exactly. With Orton at the helm it is not as if opposing teams did not know to stack the line

 

[JaxBill]

I think he'd look great in Midnight Green and would be a good complement to Westbrook.

 

[Warpig]

Hub Arkush was on Boers and Bernstein (sp?) today and mentioned that he thought there is a 50% chance the Bears will cut or try to trade (he guesses for a 4th rounder) Thomas Jones. His reasoning is that they need to do more than tweak the team and could use extra cap space and that you don't waste the #4 on a rookie who is going to sit his first 2 years. The Bears also resigned Adrian Peterson, whom they like very much.

Edit to add: While he thought Thomas Jones had a good season, it was a good season for Thomas Jones, not one you would expect from a top flight back. Arkush believes that it is becoming the norm for backs to get 1700 ru yds and 16+ TD's. Not 1300 and 6.

I didn't get to listen to the rest of the show as I had to go back to work. Did anybody else catch the rest of this discussion?

FYI, Hub Arkush was a former announcer for the Bears and I believe is an editor for Pro Football Weekly.

A 4th rounder?!?! Buffalo got a 3rd rounder for Travis Henry. I think Thomas Jones is just as good a back, if not better, than Travis Henry.

I guess it is just speculation at this point though. If I were the Bears, my feeling wouldn't be hurt if I couldn't trade the guy. I certainly wouldn't cut him. He's a damn fine insurance policy.

 

[jeff_eaglz]

I think he'd look great in Midnight Green and would be a good complement to Westbrook.

That would be nice but I don't think that'll happen. I also don't think that Andy Reid knows how to call 25-30 running plays a game.

 

[jeff_eaglz]

One of em is going and my money is that its Jones. Peterson averaged over 5 ypc this year, Bensen over 4 and Jones over 4 in what was his best year so far. I think a lot of backs could have had similar success. I see a bigger upside in Bensen (maybe he sucks forever) and Angelo isn't going anywhere.

I am always very skeptical of the "yards per carry" argument. Tatum Bell has a better yards per carry than Mike Anderson. I'll take Anderson every time. Bell's carry line often looks like 12-15 carries for 0-2 yards, then 1 carry for 50. Sure he finishes a game with a statline like 15-75-TD, but that 5ypc is skewed by one long run.

Not having seen every Bears game this season, but a few, I don't recall how much of a 'home run hitter' Benson was. Just looking through both of their numbers, TJ had 314 carries and ran for 10+ yards on 32 of those (regular season). Benson had 67 carries and went over 10 yards 7 times. About 11% for each - not much difference.

Add to the fact that Lovie Smith has said that TJ is the primary back going in to next season, I don't see a trade happening.

Bears: Lovie establishes RB pecking order

01/18/06 12:44 PM

THE NEWS

In his season-concluding press conference, Bears head coach Lovie Smith addressed a backfield that next season will once again feature breakout veteran Thomas Jones and prized rookie Cedric Benson. "Thomas had a great year and is definitely No. 1 in our starting rotation," he told the Chicago Tribune. "But all guys know they have to perform a certain way to stay there."

Our View

Smith characterized Benson's first year in the NFL as a "typical rookie season" and expressed satisfaction with the way he finished his campaign up on the practice field. Jones certainly earned his spot atop the depth chart, but given Benson's monster contract, we'll be keeping a watchful eye on the position battle in mini-camps.

-Fanball.com

 

[Andy Dufresne]

If he was released and not immediately made a Viking, I'd think there's something wrong.

 

[Dolfan]

Who made the final decision to draft Benson last year, and are they still with the organization?I know hindsight is 20/20, but that is looking more and more like a stupid draft pick..

 

[Bloom]

this is ridiculous. no way he gets released. no freakin way. trade maybe, but no way he gets cut.

 

[Bri]

One of em is going and my money is that its Jones. Peterson averaged over 5 ypc this year, Bensen over 4 and Jones over 4 in what was his best year so far. I think a lot of backs could have had similar success. I see a bigger upside in Bensen (maybe he sucks forever) and Angelo isn't going anywhere.

If they can't run, heads will roll. Seems to have been that way throughout Bears history

 

[Pnishthm]

I am just reporting what I heard on the radio.

Yeah, I know, I just think the guy is an idiot. The Bears have Jones under a fairly cheap contract (4 years/$10 million) for a couple more years and would be stupid to let him for a 4th round pick.

True. But that would be more relevant if they hadn't just sunk a ton of $$$ into a Top 5 RB. They are going to need to see what they have in Benson, and that's not going to happen if he is behind TJones.

I doubt they cut TJ, but if they can get a 3rd, or even a 4th for him, the Bears would have to consider it.

this is not FFIn the NFL careers of GMs and coaches have been made by winning Supes but they've kept their jobs because of one RB or one QB keeping hope in their team.

Jones was a top draft pick himself. I doubt there's a big difference between the talent of the two. Benson has done nothing.

Jones took his 50 lashes as a backup and his results for every 18 carry game have always been good. If anyone gets traded it's Benson. Peterson is OK but no threat to the starting slot. Sometimes this comes in handy for coaches and they like that sorta player.

You don't give up on an NFL back when he finally gets it together.

We're talking about the Bears whom had Payton for "forever" and anyone+everyone in their franchise adored this back. Since then they've had guys like Neal Anderson and A-train that look good for a year or two then wilt away. Few franchises in the NFL would get as juiced up to finally have a productive back year in year out as Chicago.

If Jones is traded and Benson doesn't cut it, their GM loses his job. IMO it's that simple and the GM will never think it's worth the risk.

And if the GM keeps drafting guys in the top 5 that don't even get to play...he loses his job. That's pretty simple as well.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Who made the final decision to draft Benson last year, and are they still with the organization?

I know hindsight is 20/20, but that is looking more and more like a stupid draft pick..

Think of where they'd be if they'd have drafted Shawne Merriman or Derrick Johnson They were in a tough place with that #4 spot. For their needs, there wasn't many options.

 

[Fiddles.]

this is ridiculous. no way he gets released. no freakin way. trade maybe, but no way he gets cut.

 

[zamboni]

Who made the final decision to draft Benson last year, and are they still with the organization?

I know hindsight is 20/20, but that is looking more and more like a stupid draft pick..

Think of where they'd be if they'd have drafted Shawne Merriman or Derrick Johnson They were in a tough place with that #4 spot. For their needs, there wasn't many options.

True - as we discussed ad nauseum around these parts, at #4 Benson was universally deemed be the best player at that spot despite RB not being a huge need for the Bears. While as of now, Johnson or Merriman seem like they were clearly better picks, the Bears would have been vilified last April if they went that direction. Ah, the joy of 20/20 hindsight.

 

[JAA]

No chance TJ is cut

 

[Bloom]

Who made the final decision to draft Benson last year, and are they still with the organization?

I know hindsight is 20/20, but that is looking more and more like a stupid draft pick..

Think of where they'd be if they'd have drafted Shawne Merriman or Derrick Johnson They were in a tough place with that #4 spot. For their needs, there wasn't many options.

True - as we discussed ad nauseum around these parts, at #4 Benson was universally deemed be the best player at that spot despite RB not being a huge need for the Bears. While as of now, Johnson or Merriman seem like they were clearly better picks, the Bears would have been vilified last April if they went that direction. Ah, the joy of 20/20 hindsight.

First of all, I heard from a few sources that the Titans and Vikes would have jumped all over Benson at 6 or 7 - so the Bears were clearly not the only the team that saw Benson as a pick worth that kind of signing bonus and commitment.Second, Merriman works in SD because they run a 3-4. He would have been too light to play DE in the 4-3, and besides, the Bears have Ogunleye and Alex Brown. The bears are also set at MLB and WLB with urlacher and briggs, and hillenmeyer has shown the the Strong side LB in that D doesnt have to be extremely talented to be making plays (watch how average he looks when a team overpays him next year). Also, Johnson did not have the slam dunk amazing "this kid is going to be a star" year that Merriman did, and his play this year did not convince me that he was worth the #4 pick. I dont think there was a silver bullet "perfect player" at #4 for the Bears.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

First of all, I heard from a few sources that the Titans and Vikes would have jumped all over Benson at 6 or 7

I was pimping the Vikings taking Benson in the month before the draft.Everyone said it was ridiculous since the Vikings backfield was "so deep". Well, that wasn't the case now was it?

 

[brednbuddah]

Edit to add: While he thought Thomas Jones had a good season, it was a good season for Thomas Jones, not one you would expect from a top flight back. Arkush believes that it is becoming the norm for backs to get 1700 ru yds and 16+ TD's. Not 1300 and 6.

he feels that's the norm? Only 3 backs had 1700+ total yds from scrimmage AND 16+ tds.Alexander 1958, 28

LJ 2093, 21

LT 1834, 20

James came close, 1834, 14.

 

[DrJ]

this is ridiculous. no way he gets released. no freakin way. trade maybe, but no way he gets cut.

Exactly. I wouldn't be surprised at all to see Thomas Jones demand more money or request a trade, but there's no way he's getting cut.

 

[Otis]

Who made the final decision to draft Benson last year, and are they still with the organization?

I know hindsight is 20/20, but that is looking more and more like a stupid draft pick..

I thought it was an awful pick when they made it. If anything, trade down and select someone at a position you need.

 

[DrJ]

Edit to add: While he thought Thomas Jones had a good season, it was a good season for Thomas Jones, not one you would expect from a top flight back. Arkush believes that it is becoming the norm for backs to get 1700 ru yds and 16+ TD's. Not 1300 and 6.

he feels that's the norm? Only 3 backs had 1700+ total yds from scrimmage AND 16+ tds.Alexander 1958, 28

LJ 2093, 21

LT 1834, 20

James came close, 1834, 14.

I heard the interview, and that isn't what Arkesh said. He said that 1300 and 6 was the norm for RB's nowadays and it doesn't put Thomas Jones into a special category. 1700 yards and double digit TD's is what top RB's do now. He said that bottom line is that this offense needs playmakers, and Benson was drafted at 4 to be that playmaker. Jones is a nice back, but he isn't that difference maker in his opinion.

 

[wannabee]

Maybe he plays fantasy football and thinks these numbers are normal. But, the opposite is true. There are many teams that would love the solid, consistent production Jones offered in 2005. Many would even accept Droughns' numbers.

We overlook the stabilizing effect of a RB who gets 100 total yards each game. And, I know Arkush is minimizing this fact. If he is expecting LJ numbers on a team without any other offensive weapons, he is in fantasyland. Before anyone jumps on me here, I do not think any receiver (including Muhsin or Bradley) will be a weapon with this offense unless they open things up more. Defenses did not respect the pass at all.

Edit to add: While he thought Thomas Jones had a good season, it was a good season for Thomas Jones, not one you would expect from a top flight back. Arkush believes that it is becoming the norm for backs to get 1700 ru yds and 16+ TD's. Not 1300 and 6.

he feels that's the norm? Only 3 backs had 1700+ total yds from scrimmage AND 16+ tds.Alexander 1958, 28

LJ 2093, 21

LT 1834, 20

James came close, 1834, 14.

 

[Rev]

If he was released and not immediately made a Viking, I'd think there's something wrong.

Jones owner here:The idea of the Bears dumping Jones for a mid round pick is a joke. Jones is a top tier back whether you want to admit it or not. Few backs could compile his stats against such a stacked defensive front.

Minnesota homer here:

The idea of the Bears dumping Jones and allowing the Vikings to nab him is a stroke of genius. I love it. In fact, lets all write to the bears and encourage them that they should offer Jones to the Vikings for a 4th round pick.

 

[DrJ]

Maybe he plays fantasy football and thinks these numbers are normal.  But, the opposite is true.  There are many teams that would love the solid, consistent production Jones offered in 2005.  Many would even accept Droughns' numbers.

We overlook the stabilizing effect of a RB who gets 100 total yards each game.  And, I know Arkush is minimizing this fact.  If he is expecting LJ numbers on a team without any other offensive weapons, he is in fantasyland.  Before anyone jumps on me here, I do not think any receiver (including Muhsin or Bradley) will be a weapon with this offense unless they open things up more.  Defenses did not respect the pass at all. 

Edit to add: While he thought Thomas Jones had a good season, it was a good season for Thomas Jones, not one you would expect from a top flight back. Arkush believes that it is becoming the norm for backs to get 1700 ru yds and 16+ TD's. Not 1300 and 6.

he feels that's the norm? Only 3 backs had 1700+ total yds from scrimmage AND 16+ tds.Alexander 1958, 28

LJ 2093, 21

LT 1834, 20

James came close, 1834, 14.

If they had a back that defenses were scared enough of, they might be successful with it. Pittsburgh has been very successful in using a power running game to open up their passing game. Thomas Jones just doesn't put enough fear into a defense, and the Bears can't run at will like the Pittsburgh offense has been able to.Benson may never be that elite RB, but at this point we know for a fact that Thomas Jones isn't...

 

[wannabee]

But, the part you leave out is that the Steelers, and Ben, ARE a threat to throw the ball before they have to in a 3rd and long situation.

Maybe he plays fantasy football and thinks these numbers are normal.  But, the opposite is true.  There are many teams that would love the solid, consistent production Jones offered in 2005.  Many would even accept Droughns' numbers.

We overlook the stabilizing effect of a RB who gets 100 total yards each game.  And, I know Arkush is minimizing this fact.  If he is expecting LJ numbers on a team without any other offensive weapons, he is in fantasyland.  Before anyone jumps on me here, I do not think any receiver (including Muhsin or Bradley) will be a weapon with this offense unless they open things up more.  Defenses did not respect the pass at all. 

Edit to add: While he thought Thomas Jones had a good season, it was a good season for Thomas Jones, not one you would expect from a top flight back. Arkush believes that it is becoming the norm for backs to get 1700 ru yds and 16+ TD's. Not 1300 and 6.

he feels that's the norm? Only 3 backs had 1700+ total yds from scrimmage AND 16+ tds.Alexander 1958, 28

LJ 2093, 21

LT 1834, 20

James came close, 1834, 14.

If they had a back that defenses were scared enough of, they might be successful with it. Pittsburgh has been very successful in using a power running game to open up their passing game. Thomas Jones just doesn't put enough fear into a defense, and the Bears can't run at will like the Pittsburgh offense has been able to.Benson may never be that elite RB, but at this point we know for a fact that Thomas Jones isn't...