Jacquizz Rodgers Will Have Chance to Prove Himself
Dec 22, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Despite all the talking of running backs, I do not feel like running.
Dirk Koetter, via the team’s website, recently talked about how many carries Steven Jackson will get during the offseason. After explaining the “gazillions” of carries Jackson has had, he made this statement:
“Coach Smith will determine how many carries he gets, but I don’t believe Steven Jackson needs a bunch of touches in the preseason. You can only run inside zone, outside zone so many times. He doesn’t need to go out there and prove himself. Preseason is live tackling and getting your running backs beat up in the preseason, I don’t see the benefit. Coach Smith will determine how many carries he gets”
As a fan, it’s a little disappointing to know that when I go to my vigorously cheap preseason game, I can count on seeing Steven Jackson for MAYBE a single series. This move does not bug me in the least. Steven Jackson is older and has been through it all. Certain precautions need to be taken to make sure this investment stays healthy.
What I am excited for, however, is seeing Jacquizz Rodgers take on the role of the every down back. Rodgers will enjoy getting a copious amount of opportunities to prove himself while he will probably be leading the run game for the majority of the pre-season games. He’ll also be getting the majority of the snaps during training camp. Mike Smith had already claimed that Rodgers could be an every down back, and now we get to see how he stands up for an entire half as the starter going against other starters. This will be the first time we don’t see him as a change-of-pace back.
If it goes well, he’ll get called to the huddle a larger amount of times allowing Jackson some rest. If not, he may ride the bench a lot more often.
How do you think Rodgers handles the load?