Quote:
Originally Posted by MagicHef
I don't think so. JC simply isn't an every down, pound the defense into submission type back. TD averaged 21 carries per game, JC 13. That gave TD more opportunities, but it is also harder to produce at a high level on a by-down basis when you are a larger part of your team's gameplan. Similarly, a blitzing LB or S is going to have a higher success rate than a DE/OLB who rushes on every down. This is not due to a higher pass-rushing skill level, but the fact that the OL knows that the DE/OLB is coming on every play.
TD's physicality in an era that predated many of the offense-friendly rule changes was an aspect that JC doesn't have, just like JC's elusiveness is an aspect that TD didn't have.
Many of your points can be seen from the flip side as well. JC working with poor QBs opens up opportunities in the passing game for him, many passes that should go downfield end up going to him as a checkdown. YPR is naturally higher than YPC, because incomplete passes and even drops are not counted against the receiver. 16% of JC's touches are passes (21% in 2013), while only 10% of TD's were, which raises JC's yards per touch.
The fact that TD outscored JC on a per-touch basis while also being depended on more as an every down back is staggering.
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You make a few points but I just have to disagree on most.
The thing I take most issue with is the idea that Jamaal isn't an every down back. He's certainly not a bruiser but he's every bit as much a part of our offensive gameplan as Terrell Davis was. He's basically been our entire offense since he took over the starting role in 09.
Playing with Capt Checkdowns might benefit you a bit in the amount of looks you get in the passing game but I have to guess its an overall negative in that it allows the defense to key on the short passing game and cheat defenders up into the box, which usually means less opportunities in the running game as well.
Jamaal's YPR boosting his YPT is really inconsequential. He averages a full yard more per carry than TD. JC has played six seasons in the NFL and has never averaged less than 5.0. TD's best season as far as YPC is concerned was 5.1.