Originally posted by matt49er:
this is a great article on LMJ for everyone saying he can't get it done, he simply hasn't had the chance. I know we have a very good group of RBs and will be even better in 2014 with Lattimore making his debut, but we have got to find a role for this guy.
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/James-Awaits-His-Chance-With-49ers-244268981.html
this to me lays everything out that needs to be said:
"Playing in just 10 games in 2013, James had only 12 regular-season carries for 59 yards and no touchdowns, but averaged 4.9 yards per carry. He did slip into a role as the 49ers' primary punt and kickoff returner when Kyle Williams and others didn't pan out, and played well. He returned 23 punts for 251 yards – a 10.9-yard average – and had a long return of 40 yards. On kickoffs, he had 12 returns for 321 yards – a 26.8 average. Had James qualified, he would have ranked fourth in the NFL in punt returns and fourth in kickoffs."
Another illustration of why the criticism of him as a player is off-base at best. Some people might not like how he complains/whines, and that's a valid reason to "dislike" him...but to blast him as some kind of talent-less bust--when he's rarely got a chance, and when he has he's done well--is complete nonsense.