Steven Jackson Has Been Disappointing Through First 2 Weeks

Sep 15, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (39) runs with the ball for a touchdown with defense by St. Louis Rams linebacker Alec Ogletree (52) in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

Steven Jackson could reportedly miss 2-4 weeks with a thigh injury that he suffered on the first drive of last Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams. Jackson was signed to a three-year deal this off season, and he was the Falcon’s biggest free agent signing after letting Michael Turner go. Has Steven Jackson been disappointing this year?

Jackson was supposed to be the offensive piece that put the Falcons over the edge and onto the Super Bowl. Through the first two weeks, Jackson has been borderline disappointing, only have played a game a quarter. In that time, he has rushed for 77 yards and a touchdown with six receptions for 53 yards.

While those numbers are nothing to look past, 77 rush yards isn’t what we paid for. S-Jax is one of the best running backs of this century. He has fantastic hands for a running back. He is humongous, but he can outrun everyone on the field. He is a freak of nature. With all that talent and gifts, he should be in much higher in the total rushing yards.

The offensive line is terrible. You can’t deny the fact they don’t create holes and don’t give Matt Ryan much protection. How much better was St. Louis’ line when he was there? It is evident that age must be catching up to Jackson, who once rushed for 1,400 yards in a season. 1,000 yards is almost a reach for Jackson this year if he misses more than two games.

Luckily, the Falcons have some talented backs behind Steven Jackson to replace him for the few weeks he will be out. Jason Snelling impressed everyone when Jackson left the game on Sunday. In only two attempts, he had 19 yards a touchdown. Snelling plays the big, almost full back like position, yet he still has decent speed and excellent blocking skills. Jacquizz Rodgers is a pass-catching and quick running back who is a little guy, but he can block as well as any running back in the league.

S-Jax has plenty of time to step his game up this year. It will certainly help Jackson’s case if the offensive line picks up their play.