Originally posted by dtg_9er:I agree that they could install a sub package for LMJ, but if they arent going to...then what is the point of keeping him. And despite the snark from pheonix I dont agree that Hunter is the same style as Gore...one is clearly a one move and hit the hole as fast as possible runner that is hoping to be elusive in once hitting the second level and the other uses vision and patience to set up his blocks and then pushes the pile after contact by running low and with power. Those are not the same thing, beyond that Hunter does in fact have similar speed to LMJ, which further highlights how silly it is that one can block and run between the tackles and the other needs plays designed around getting him in open space just to be effective. The issue as I see it is that Hunter could do everything LMJ is doing for us as a back and still be used in pass protection and between the tackles...he has superior speed to Gore and is probably more dangerous when he gets to the edge,but isnt a one trick pony so he is more usefull than LMJ...pretty much my definition of a change of pace back.
Originally posted by Phoenix49ers:
Hunter is not a "change of pace." He's a similar physical runner as Gore. James and Hunter couldn't be more different in terms of their running styles. If used properly, I think James could be a contributor on this offense, if he's traded and Roman stays, it makes no difference, that just proves that the offensive coaching staff continually doesn't know how to use their players properly. Good teams find or create roles for guys to contribute, you don't think James could go to New England, New Orleans, Seattle or Denver and be utilized regularly in the offense? Those teams would find a way to get him the ball in space, to use running plays that go to his strengths.
Meanwhile jackass is up in the booth, having James run up the middle as if he was Gore and having Dixon run to the outside like he's LeSean McCoy.
This team is dedicated to power running...period! Drives me crazy but everything revolves around that principle and James is not a great blocker in the jumbo packages nor is he a power runner...at least not nearly as good as Gore.
Last week we saw what James can do in open space with his returns but this week they covered much better. He can do the same thing as a RB but only with some dedicated plays to use his skill. It's as if the coaches say...OK...we have X amount of time in practice to learn new plays and not enough time to devote to skills that can't be run by every back....from Dixon to James.
I think New Orleans would and could use LMJ very well because they have proclivity towards the sort of things he excells at, Seattle and Denver had guys like him and never used them all that well and New England has a similar power run game to ours and he probably wouldnt even make the field. LMJ has a particular skill set...there are a few teams in the league that he would be attractive to...but to portray it like our OC is a jackass because he doesnt fit in here as well as planned is just pattently false...he would have a tough time on a lot of teams.
As to that jackass in the booth if he was running specific backs in a specific way everytime they entered the game you would be complaining about how its a tell for the opposing defense....typical. The dude is very far from perfect, but sometimes I wish people would limit their arguements to legitimate gripes rather than just blathering on about things adding to the noise.