Thursday, January 24, 2008

Detroit fishwrap comment of the day

The Lions continue to make news thought their season has been over for 3 1/2 weeks. (Their final game of the season feels as if it was months ago, though it's only been 25 days) Between Shaun Rogers status, and Kevin Jones' knee, the Killer has been busy at Mlive.

The Killer talks to Jones today, who's quite adamant in saying he'll be at full strength for the 2008 season, despite having to rehab an ACL tear that ended his season prematurely.

Jones, who rushed for 581 yards and scored a team-high eight touchdowns last season, said the situation is not the same as last year and the Lions don't have any holes at running back.

"We have other issues (in free agency) and running back isn't one of them," Jones said. "As far as injuries, yeah. But as far as talent and getting the job done, no."

Strong words coming from someone who has proven unable to stay healthy for a full season. His track record says it all. Jones has never played all 16 games in a season, and in the past 2 years, Jones has suffered severe, season ending injuries that required extended rehab. That alone tells me the Lions can't into into next season expecting Jones to be able to carry the full load.

Killer's acolytes feel the same as I do, and as always, are quite vocal in their assessment. Mliver NetRat says it all in regard to Jones' "I'll be back" Terminator impression...

It's called depth KJ. You may not last the season (you haven't yet).

Quoted for truth. As of now, the Lions depth chart at running back consists of Jones, the total flop that is Brian Calhoun, and 400 pound blocking fullback Jon Bradley. Everyone else is a free agent. Sucky free agents.

The only back I'd consider bringing back is TJ Duckett. After letting him rot on the bench for majority of 2007, why on earth would he want to resign with such a dysfunctional organization?

I'm glad Jones thinks he'll be healthy by September. He's also on the last year of his contract, so he has several million reasons to come back strong, and prove his worth as a 1st round pick. But if I was a betting man, and deep down, I am, I'd bet the farm that Jones will miss games in 2008 due to injury.

The NFL is becoming a league where 2 backs share the load. If anything, that could keep Jones healthier, thus more effective. I'd hope the Lions believe the same thing, and will find another capable running back to join Jones this offseason. I can tell you right now that back is not named Aveion Cason or Tatum Bell...

1 comment:

  1. I hope/believe Duckett will be back. He presumably wants to start, and the Puddys need a starting running back. Plus he's local (for what that's worth). Finally, millen has shown a remarkable tendency to overpay anybody with a pulse.

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