Atlanta Falcons: We Want More Than Just Hard Knocks
By Akash Joel
Dec 29, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (39) runs against the defense of Carolina Panthers cornerback Melvin White (23) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Panthers defeated the Falcons 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Steven Jackson – The Curse of 30
Jackson has 10,000+ rushing yards and 62 touchdowns over his 10-year career. Those are eye-popping numbers that put him in the same category as a long list of Hall-of-Fame players. Another less desirable category that he is a member of however, is running backs over the age of 30. This is the magic number at which the load of carrying the rock in the NFL starts to disintegrate the body of all great backs and reduces them to a shadow of their former selves. Have you ever wondered why this is? Is it the physical toll that the body has taken after all those devastating collisions? Or is it the fact that the mind has become weary, and no longer has the dedication to do the necessary preparation to perform at the same level? I was hoping that Hard Knocks could shed some light on this issue, but so far I am no further in reaching a definite conclusion.
On the positive side of the spectrum, the season isn’t over yet. Maybe HBO will surprise us in the last couple of episodes and we wont be left feeling so unfulfilled! Show me the real stars, the keys to our success!