I write this with the full knowledge that I'm probably going to get slammed: I LOVE the signing that the Seahawks have done! Anything is better then a running back that thinks he's playing baseball and slides to avoid contact and blocks (if we're lucky) like a scared grandmother about to be hit by a truck.
Julius Jones never got a fair shot outside of his rookie year because of Marion Barber, but look at the yards:
2004: 819 yards, 4.2 YPA, 7 TDs in 8 games
2005: 993 yards, 3.9 YPA, 5 TDs in 13 games
2006: 1084 yards, 4.1 YPA, 4 TDs in 16 games
2007: 588 yards, 3.6 YPA, 2 TDs in 16 games
Last year was when Barber really hit the scene (975 yards, 4.8 YPA, 10 TDs, and a Pro Bowl), but he's best two years were with Barber behind him, the numbers don't lie. While his YPA weren't through the roof, he still produced.
The running game in Seattle hasn't been the same since the Super Bowl run, but that's not all on Steve Hutchinson's departure. The loss of one or two guys on the offensive line does not constitute the drop off off a little over 1000 yards and 20 TDs that we saw Shaun go through in 2006. He never tried to get the tough yards and it was just made glaringly obvious by the mind numbing drop in stats.
"Oh, he was hurt!"
"Oh, his line sucks!"
ENOUGH! in 13 games last year, Shaun posted 716 yds, 3.5 YPA and 4 TDs. Maurice Morris, his back up and probably the first to go with all the signings this offseason, got 628 yds, 4.5 YPA, and 4 TDs in one more game. ONE MORE! BEHIND THE SAME DAMN LINE!
The writing is on the wall, especially if they get a back in the draft(Mike Hart will still be on the board at the end of the 2nd round). Shaun Alexander is out of town. Take your Twinkies and Bible and go somewhere else. I hear the Texans are looking for anothe fragile ex-Seahawk runner to compliment Ahman Green.
stats and stats on paper he did this and that.. yea its a beautiful thing seattle got him... BUT on the field is where you tell it all!!!! by playing!!!!! lets see
I've really got my doubts about Julius. If he had such potential then why didn't the Boys ride him? My name is Bob too, and I usually profess that us Bobs have got to stick together, but I just can't do it in good conscience on this issue... I surely hope the Seahawks invest their 2nd round pick in a little lightning back like Ray Rice out of Rutgers or like Jon says Mike Hart out of Michigan (I'm leaning toward Rice...). Maurice Morris has been okay as a backup, but Alexander simply has to go.
I certainly hope the Seahawks bring in a young, hungry back. This Julian Jones deal really makes me wonder...
I agree Superbob, Hawk fans shouldn't blame Shaun's rush reduction is not due to Hutchinson's departure. It's due to him having a big year, signing a big contract, big ego, and he having no heart or testicles to play the game anymore. Last year he proved he can't run, can't catch (hands of stone), and dropped to the ground like a #### instead of eaking out yards like a man.
Now with Julius and T.J., they get bandaids. Decent back-ups, but unproven starters. I agree the draft is deep with many backs - even past McFadden and my old Lacey neighbor, Jonathan Stewart. They'll be long gone before pick 25. Ray Rice, Mike Hart, all good backs - but small - and too similar to solid back-up Maurice Morris. I am looking that the Hawks will look at higher need picks at Defensive Tackle, Guard, Tight End, and then go for someone like Matt Forte of Tulane or Central Florida's Kevin Smith, in the latter rounds.
Very good points. Hell, I played against him in high school, so i have personal knowledge of how good Stewart is, but with this signing, it's inevitable that they're going to DT or TE in the first. I'm hoping for Davis outta USC.
Other Bob, the Cowboys didn't ride him for one reason: Marion Barber. If you had the choice of the two, you'd probably do the same thing. I know I would. But, he's still got fresh legs and has shown sparks, which is what the running game needs.
As far as Hart being small, yes he is, but (pardon the pun) he's got a ton of heart. He and Rice are a lot alike. They both run angry. I'm not sold on Smith, but Forte could work if he slips to the 4th or 5th round.
I'm a Seattle sports fan with nothing better to do then to complain about sports. Be it the Mariners, Sonics, Seahawks, the UW Huskies, or anything else that trips my trigger, I'll always write how I feel about any given topic. I love college and pro football, but all sports are on display here.
