MJD... the J is for Jennings

by moves_like_jaguars on Jan 17, 2012 7:33 AM EST

I've heard some comments about getting Maurice Jones-Drew some help in the backfield for a myriad of reasons. Some seem to think that his durability will suffer if he keeps getting the number of carries he got this past year.

That may well be true, but then again he just came off of an injury (one for which he needed surgery no less) and won the NFL rushing title, made the AP All Pro squad as a starter, and was voted to his third straight Pro-Bowl. If the number of carries he's getting now is going to prevent him from putting up performances like that in the future, then I agree he needs someone to help him carry the load.

Other comments I've heard center on how he was caught from behind at least once this season (on what was a sure touchdown), and maybe a few other times. MJD being MJD, I tend to agree with the people who say that he was just out of gas from representing 45% of our total offense every game, and NOT that he has in fact lost a step. (Just a little fatigue from carrying Deji on his back all season).

What inspired me to write this post was the notion that we should draft a RB in the draft this April (I'll let y'all plug in whatever name you want, and the corresponding round). I'll say up front that if there is a RB who is BAP I fully expect Gene Smith to take him, just as his predecessor took MJD when we already had FREDDY T (crazy, right? ...Worked out fine by me though).

My response to this notion is that if you really think that MJD is going to be alone out there in 2012, with no one but a (promising, but not proven) Dujuan Harris to spell his name, you have some short memories.

Last year, we had a running tandem. Next year, it will be back. Rashad Jennings has speed to burn. This guy has spent the past three years at The Jones-Drew School of the Run-Busting Arts. His first two years coming off the bench speak for themselves.

Rashad Jennings Stats courtesy of NFL.com

Not bad for a seventh round, small school, Gene Smith pick, eh? Not to mention he passes the eye-test, that's for sure. If you saw him run at all the past two years, you know he's got serious talent.

check him out at 2:23 and 3:11 in this highlight video of the 2010 Jaguars

No getting caught from behind, and no 3rd down face-plants (a la Karim). You may also remember from last season that MJD only fell short of the goal line on big runs when his down field blockers couldn't keep up with him. He wasn't getting chased down either, when he got a chance to catch a breather.

I don't pretend to know what happened to Jennings' knee this year, but seeing as he felt he didn't need to be put on IR, I'm sure he's healthy and chomping at the bit to get back on the field and earn that number 2 spot.

Moral of the story, kids, is that MJD, Jennings, Harris (assuming he stays) is going to be electric next year. Especially if Marcedes can make the catches from last year, like the one at 5:43 in the highlights from above, and we get ourselves a play-making Wideout to stretch the field and open up some running lanes.

Oh, and if Gabbert can step up. literally.

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Comments

Agree

No need to draft a RB, there are more important needs on this team than RB, a 2nd string to be specific. Jennings over his career has convinced me he’s a solid #2 RB and that’s with the less amount of carries he’s been getting. By the way Gene Smith didn’t Draft MJD… Shack Harris did.

by KingTyse93 on Jan 17, 2012 9:58 AM EST via Android app reply actions

Thank you

Fixing it now

B.A.P.

by moves_like_jaguars on Jan 17, 2012 10:41 AM EST up reply actions

Next year is all about Gabbert and his OL

We’ll have the running, defense, and (I believe) WR personnel.

by CheapSeat on Jan 17, 2012 10:28 AM EST reply actions

The defense isn't guaranteed

I believe that, especially towards the end of the year, part of the reason that D was statistically so good is at least partially due to the fact that nobody was worried about outscoring the Jaguars. When teams played us the most important thing wasn’t to score points, but to not make dumb mistakes.

Not to mention that we have key players coming off of injury or becoming Free Agents…

by pksiv on Jan 19, 2012 1:18 PM EST up reply actions

With how much...

they were on the field, their high ranking can’t be that much of a fluke. We did manage to hold the Saints to 24 points early in the season and as we seen when they played the Colts, they could care less how little you score, they are going to up as many points as they can.

by kjones407 on Jan 19, 2012 6:09 PM EST up reply actions

Completely agree

Jennings could be a starter on alot of teams, when healthy he’s a beast!!!

by caneman4 on Jan 17, 2012 10:39 AM EST via mobile reply actions

seeing that clip made me miss David Garrard to Marcedes lewis

Those 2 had chemistry in 2010, i think thats part of the reason why lewis sucked this season, although lewis started to pick it up SOME by the end. I think lewis will be somewhat back to form next year, i forsee 7 TDs and 600 yards roughly. The talent is definately there but once we get an offseason and gabbert can get some chemistry with our TE/WR’s we’ll have a 15-20 ranked pass O imo. Mike thomas has the talent as well but physically he isnt a #1. Dilliard is suprisingly solid as well as is chastin west imo. As for cecil he didnt get enough playing time this year but he made a couple solid catches(just dont let him punt return). I’ll say 8-8 for us next year maybe 9-7 with a wildcard shot. This team is literally 2 or 3 players/coaches from being a wildcard team

This year we were doomed from the start losing jennings, david garrard needing that back surgery and jack del rio being…..jack del rio.

If you've made enemies then you've stood up for something

by Afjags on Jan 17, 2012 8:14 PM EST reply actions

By the way,

Jack Del Rio was a pretty bad coach according too Fred Taylor.

It's All good!

by Hurricane8765 on Jan 17, 2012 9:42 PM EST up reply actions

I don'r agree with Thomas.

He’s 5’8", a major disadvantage when going up against CB/S like Revis and Polamolu. Plus Gabbert is 6’5", and the height difference probable contributes to a lot of the dropped balls. He’d play better with a QB like Sanchez, since Sanchez is closer to Thomas’ hight than Gabbert. Trade Thomas for an extra draft pick.

We finish putting our coaching staff and 3-4 and a much improved Gabbert and we should be in the Playoffs. Maybe being the next 2011 49ers (In 2012).

It's All good!

by Hurricane8765 on Jan 17, 2012 9:41 PM EST reply actions

Steve smith and cam newton didn't have.any issues.

They are the same heights as m80 and blaine. Theres a difference in talent though.

by caneman4 on Jan 18, 2012 9:56 AM EST via mobile up reply actions

Jennings gonna beast it

by FgallosJAGS on Jan 19, 2012 10:03 AM EST reply actions

I was all in for the idea of getting a FA number 2 running back earlier in the year

But when Harris replaced Karim, my opinion changed.

Jennings has been one of those guys who’ve really not done much, despite the potential. I think this has a lot to do with a lack of opportunity, but he’s had his fair share of “deji moments,” himself. It’s really easy to forget them with those nice long runs he’s had (and I think in 2009 he had one big one called back).

Between Jennings, Harris and Murphy, I’m not sure how it will break down, but I think we’ve already got our number 2 RB.

by Mr.Awesome on Jan 19, 2012 6:23 PM EST reply actions

Great article

It hurt my soul when I heard that Jennings was hurt and placed on IR last preseason. He should have had his break out year this year and our offense could’ve been completely carried by the run. Harris and Karim did not do a great job spelling MJD, and Rashad would’ve been almost as deadly as MJD. Next year we should see a much deadlier offense.

I like the step up thing you added at the end too. i lol’d.

by SexonvilleShaguars on Jan 21, 2012 11:55 PM EST reply actions