Know Your Role: Running Back Thomas Jones
With a month of quiet ahead of us, we’re just starting a new feature focusing on major roles for the Jets in 2007, continuing this series of major contributors on the Jets with the new running back, Thomas Jones.
With a running game held together by twine, some duct tape and Brian Schottenheimer’s crafty scheming, the New York Jets limped through the season without a single carry from future Hall of Famer, Curtis Martin. Although the Jets only piled up enough yards to rank them 20th best in league yards, and slightly better (15th) when it counted (according to Football Outsiders) the Jets went into the offseason in need of an update to their running game. Rumors swirled about who it would be, but in the end the Jets traded second rounders (equivalent of a third rounder) with Chicago for Thomas Jones.
In interests of full disclosure, I wasn’t thrilled when rumors buzzed originally, mainly because I didn’t see what he brought that might be all that different from Leon, but over time, the idea of Thomas Jones being added to this offense has become more intriguing, although I am not ready to say he’s the panacea of this team. What Jones will do, is add a threat to the backfield again.
As I wrote last week on the Cotchery piece, this system will help a back like Jones, who stated his respect of all the “weapons” (his word) the Jets have. Although the Jets were just about even last year in run/pass ratio, it was the passing game that made the team go. If the team is more inclined to make yards in the air, this could cause teams to take players out of the box to protect the pass, making yards easier for Thomas Jones to come by, should they leave players in the box to protect against Jones, it’s easy for an accurate QB like Pennington to take advantage through the air, something teams had come to expect from the Jets.
So how does the offensive line factor in to Jones’ role? Know that according to Football Outsiders the Bears had a better line in terms of run blocking than the Jets … 9th compared to the Jets 25th in 2006. Although Ferguson and Mangold should improve, Kendall’s ability to seal on pulls might hurt Jones even more. Kendall presence or absence, like it or not, will factor into Thomas Jones’ running style, and his ability to work outside the tackles, specifically on the left side.
Criticisms have also been leveled at Thomas Jones over his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Over the past three seasons, Jones has ranked 50th in 2006, 49th in 2005 and 28th in 2004 in receiving DPAR for running backs. Using Jones and Kevan Barlow’s numbers from last year (although Barlow saw limited throws) Barlow was actually a better receiving back in his limited use. I have to wonder though, will that trend continue when working with someone of Chad Pennington’s abilities versus someone like “The Sex Cannon” who is more concerned about his New Year’s Eve plans than winning games.
No matter how you slice it, so far, it’s clear that Jones is a leader among his fellow positional players, as Cedric Houston and Leon Washington have both praised him for his workout and practice habits. Tannenbaum thinks the Jets are a better team with him on the roster, and he presents Brian Schottenheimer more interesting options in his offense. Having gone back and watched the playoff run for the Bears, Thomas Jones was a key part of Chicago’s success, let’s hope it continues in New York.
Filed under: Main Page, Opinion/Bassett
I am a bit more optimistic about Jones’ prospects with the Jets. First, with all due respect to FO, is there a way to quantify all the yards Barlow could have had if he had hit holes quicker and with more conviction last season? Barlow had 131 carries at 2.8 ypc…that’s awful. Houston had a barely better 113 at 3.3 ypc. Jones’ has a 4.0 career average and he has been at the 4.0+ level since 2003 (with Tampa Bay). Give TJ those wasted 244 carries and he’s at 1,000 yards. Second, in 2004 (his first with the Bears) and when the Bears had an even more incompetent QB situation, TJ had 56 receptions and LED the Bears. Actually, his stats that year with 240 carries and 948 yards are probably the rock bottom for TJ in the Jets offense. Sexy Rexy, who can throw the deep ball, probably caused fewer receptions to go TJ’s way more than anything having to do with TJ’s pass-catching ability. Third, I’m a contrarian on Kendall, who IMO is merely average at run-blocking and somewhat above-average at pass-blocking (where his smarts are at more of a premium). Run-blocking is a lot more brute strength and Adrien Clarke is bigger and stronger. So, I would expect Kendall’s replacement, whoever he is, to be at least as good run-blocking and likely better (it’s the pass-blocking and blitz pick up we should worry about). Also, let’s not forget that Barnes is a much better run-blocking FB than Askew. Imagine how much better Chad will be and Schott’s offense will run with the average 2nd down play being 2nd and 6 or less. Also, Leon is the perfect complement…batter the defense with TJ and then Leon will seem like he’s coming at 100 mph. Also, Leon is a classic third-down back…the second-coming of Bruce Harper? With Jones, the Jets offense is real close to becoming a top 15 offense and his intangibles more than make up for the expected loss of Captain Pete.
Hi just as a note, I was talking about DPAR for Jones’ receptions. As a whole, he’s a much better back, and I think he will benefit from working with Chad as opposed to the Sex Cannon
There is no question that TJ is an upgrade at a key skill position. Moreover, he leads by example and will be a strong locker room presence…something this team needs with the loss of Martin.
July is such a long month….
It is hard to say TJ is an upgrade over a rookie (who may be a one hit wonder or could develop into a Tiki B/Warwick Dunn mini back). Besides, I am not sure how important the RB position will be in ‘07.
I think the big story of ‘07 will be the play of our lines. Either Tangini got it right with their assessment of Clement, Moore, Kendall and those other bodies not named Mangold and Brick or they didn’t. Either DeWayne, Ellis, and Kenyon or Hicks will anchor our line for the next several years or be an anchor on our team.
Our OL will likely determine our running game and Chad’s longevity and our DL will likely determine our run D.
I still bemoan not upgrading the OLine this offseason. I am too old not to hope Tangini knew what they were doing. If they did, the Jets will surprise once again. If they did not, with this schedule it will get ugly. And if they sorta did we will have a sorta season.
harlan
I think that TJ is an EASY upgrade over all of the 06 RB’s. Sure, you can speculate on what if Leon becomes the next tiki, but he’s not right now – and that’s all that matters (for now).
The thing I love most about TJ’s addition is the respect that defenses will now be forced to pay to a running threat. How sweet it will be when chad is able to play action fake and the linebackers/safeteys actually bite on it! I expect the middle to really open up for coles, crotch, and baker.
Hicks has less chance of making the team than Haynes IMO. Are you mixing up your longshot retread DEs beginning with H, Harlan? Or do you rate Hicks as a potential starter?
I think the best thing about the Jones addition is that Washington can become the 3rd down back which as I’ve been saying all along is the role he was born for. I actually think we’ve upgraded our feature back AND our third down back.
OL is the key though, as everyone above points out.
All of last year I was screaming at the Television asking “Why don’t they run Leon more?!?” He clearly was the best on the team last year and this year TJ will make him even better. Leon needs to add a little more weight and leg strength and in a couple of years, or in an injury situation, he’ll be a good starter. I don’t think anyone can say Tiki-like yet but it’s not impossible. With that said, TJ is the best back on the team at present and it’s going to be fun watching the tandem.
The PK situation is regrettable and I think he’s more of an asset but I don’t think he destroys the team by leaving. It’s hard to lose a starting OL when a new running back is in town. It would be better if he stayed and maybe he will but that’s doubtful.
Imagine last year some were hoping and praying for 8-8 and a decent year. The running game was embarassing in `06 and they still made the playoffs…rookie coach, rookie LT and C, you know the list. This year there are fans thinking they can’t make it back to 10-6. With a real running game they should match that number unless other teams improved so much that the Jets are way behind. But improved run stopping, hopefully (they can’t get much worse), will put them in better position to win. Fortunately the Jets don’t play the Jaguars this year. With a comeback in Cleveland the Jets might have been 11-5…imagine that.
Bent, screwed up the name. Thanks for correcting my mistake on Haynes.
I am glad we agree on the OL.
I guess I was merely pointing out that although it is apparent to all of us that TJ was a steal and major upgrade, in truth, all of us are assuming that Leon is either a one year wonder, third down back or something other than a franchise back — in spite of a fairly decent season for a 4th round rook.
Wouldn’t be a bad thing if he proves to be the better back in the long run.
Harlan
Another unmentioned attribute that TJ brings to the O is as a blocking back. The play-action-pass requires that of that position and I feel he will be MUCH better than last years quartet. Add a better blocking FB and you have to respect the two options, where last year they did not.
Bears did not disguise their intentions to run. Not much reason to throw to TJ. Jets will change that! We’ll see if his balance when first hit is the problem it’s made out to be. Otherwise, I expect to see guys run over!
The PAP allows for longer pass completions and I also feel CP will surprise Ds with his strength and touch. Glad to have the Pats first for that reason alone!
Do not miss the Adam Schein piece on “the Jones.” This says it all.