Offseason Lowdown: Sophomore Slumps
What went wrong: RotoWorld had the keys to the Julius Jones bandwagon after the explosive finish to his rookie year. 807 yards and seven touchdowns in seven starts made him look like Bill Parcells’ next great running back. By November of his injury-marred second-year, Jones was splitting carries with an unheralded rookie. So what happened?
Like his brother Thomas, Julius struggled to stay healthy. He cracked his shoulder as a rookie and missed three games with an ankle injury in year two. When Jones was hurt, Marion Barber gave the Cowboys a brief offensive spark, so Bill Parcells split carries initially when Jones returned to the lineup. He was the primary back by the end of the season.
Why it wasn’t his fault:: The Cowboys’ run-blocking looked worse on tape than we thought possible. Jones and Barber had to escape tacklers in the backfield way too often. The center position was overwhelmed, RT Rob Petitti played like a rookie, and LT Flozell Adams was lost for the season in week six. Jones’ best runs came on delays and draws on passing downs. Dallas rarely won the battle at the line of scrimmage. Jones still showed an excellent burst and he always finishes his run. He piles up yards after contact and plays well on passing downs. That’s why Parcells loves him.
Julius Jones, Dallas Cowboys
By Gregg Rosenthal
Senior Editor, RotoWorld.com
May 18, 2006
Why it was his fault: Durability is the most important trait in a starting running back. Jones’ hasn’t carried the ball 300 times in a season. Part of his problem may be that he looks for contact. Unlike Emmitt Smith, Jones lacks great vision and takes too many big hits. Injury-related or not, Jones was missing speed to the outside. Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora ran him down on a play to the edge. Consistency is another hallmark to great running backs. After two dominant series against the 49ers, he lost a fumble. After a 162-total yard game in week 13, he was held to 41 yards against the Chiefs. Jones needs to be better on a week-to-week basis.
What’s Next:: Despite the down year, we’re bullish on Jones providing great value in fantasy leagues. The Cowboys improved their offensive line this offseason. Bill Parcells continues to publicly endorse Jones. While Marion Barber could steal enough red zone looks to keep Jones out of the top ten fantasy running backs, he still looks like an excellent starter.
Like his brother Thomas, Julius struggled to stay healthy. He cracked his shoulder as a rookie and missed three games with an ankle injury in year two. When Jones was hurt, Marion Barber gave the Cowboys a brief offensive spark, so Bill Parcells split carries initially when Jones returned to the lineup. He was the primary back by the end of the season.
Why it wasn’t his fault:: The Cowboys’ run-blocking looked worse on tape than we thought possible. Jones and Barber had to escape tacklers in the backfield way too often. The center position was overwhelmed, RT Rob Petitti played like a rookie, and LT Flozell Adams was lost for the season in week six. Jones’ best runs came on delays and draws on passing downs. Dallas rarely won the battle at the line of scrimmage. Jones still showed an excellent burst and he always finishes his run. He piles up yards after contact and plays well on passing downs. That’s why Parcells loves him.
Julius Jones, Dallas Cowboys
By Gregg Rosenthal
Senior Editor, RotoWorld.com
May 18, 2006
Why it was his fault: Durability is the most important trait in a starting running back. Jones’ hasn’t carried the ball 300 times in a season. Part of his problem may be that he looks for contact. Unlike Emmitt Smith, Jones lacks great vision and takes too many big hits. Injury-related or not, Jones was missing speed to the outside. Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora ran him down on a play to the edge. Consistency is another hallmark to great running backs. After two dominant series against the 49ers, he lost a fumble. After a 162-total yard game in week 13, he was held to 41 yards against the Chiefs. Jones needs to be better on a week-to-week basis.
What’s Next:: Despite the down year, we’re bullish on Jones providing great value in fantasy leagues. The Cowboys improved their offensive line this offseason. Bill Parcells continues to publicly endorse Jones. While Marion Barber could steal enough red zone looks to keep Jones out of the top ten fantasy running backs, he still looks like an excellent starter.
posted by The Gryphon at 8:46 AM
<< Home