Julius Jones - running back
At this point, it's safe to say that as Julius Jones goes so goes the running game of the 2009 Seahawks.
With only a plodding short yardage specialist and an untested second-year back behind him, a lot of faith has been bestowed upon Jones. Perhaps too much.
In five seasons as a pro, he has managed to rush for more than 1,000 yards only once. Only twice has he even carried the ball more than 200 times.
To continue...
In his best statistical season, 2006, Jones rushed for 1,084 yards at 4.1 yards per carry. Unless the rest of the roster contributes an additional 600 yards or so, those numbers mean only one thing--an inept running game good for near last in the league.
Shared carries
When Jones was a rookie in 2004, he was an exciting commodity. Replacing the aging Eddie George mid-season, Jones finished the season rushing for 803 yards in the final seven games. That finish included a 198-yard, three-touchdown torching of the 'Hawks on Monday night.
Going into 2005, it was expected he'd be the featured back and an emerging star. Instead, a new hotshot rookie showed up and stole Jones' thunder and his carries.
For the next three seasons in Dallas, he would continue to be a starter in name only as Marion Barber continued to finish games and drives around the goalline.
Even in his first season in Seattle, despite back-to-back 100-yard performances early, he would eventually have to play second fiddle to Maurice Morris. Today, Jones' career-highs sit at 1,084 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns.
Let's see some career-highs
As the featured back in Seattle this season, 1,000 yards should be the minimum expectation. While backup T.J. Duckett should be able to shoulder the touchdown load, he hasn't rushed for more than 400 yards in a season since 2004 and doesn't figure to have the speed or quickness to be anything more than a short-yardage back.
Plenty has been written about how well Jones fits the new zone-blocking scheme, but then more has been written about Jones' tendency to dance behind the line, not his one-cut style.
It also doesn't address the main criticism he's had his entire career, namely his ability to break tackles or lack thereof.
That's a big part of why Dallas fan embraced Barber so much over Jones. The Barbarian broke tackles while Jones often went down on first contact. And despite his light, 210-pound frame, Jones has always been more quick than fast.
A chance to be a star
A great deal of pressure has been put upon Jones this season, and every Seahawks fan wants to know, how will he respond? Can we expect a breakout season from him or simply more of the same?
Whatever happens, Jones is set up to be either the hero or the goat this season, with little room in between. It's not particularly fair, but then neither is his contract.
Here's to hoping Justin Forsett is more than just a preseason flash in the pan.
Number 1 - Jim L. Mora
Number 2 - Chris Spencer
Number 4 - Gus Bradley
Number 5 - Brian Russell
Number 6 - Lawrence Jackson
Number 7 - Deon Butler
Number 8 - Ken Lucas
Number 9 - Leroy Hill
Number 10 - Brandon Mebane
Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
