Fred Jackson still looks like a backup
As a longtime owner, I am one of the world's foremost and longest running Fred Jackson-o-files Fred Jackon-o-phile. I loved what he showed at the end of 2007, then said on many occasions last season that he looked like the best back on the Bills roster. I'm happy that he just got paid by the Bills.
But Jackson's contract ($7.5 million over four years) points out something we can't lose sight of: Jackson is a backup. And while Jackson got decent money for an exclusive rights free agent, he's not even that highly paid of a backup.
For our upcoming magazine, I asked Chris Brown, the lead journalist of BuffaloBills.com, if Jackson had a chance of forming a committee with Marshawn Lynch. His answer:
Lynch is still by all means the feature back. When he returns from his three-game suspension he will still be toting the mail 18-22 times a game. His reception numbers however, could be impacted by Jackson and veteran signee Dominic Rhodes.
Jackson can perform like a RB2 in his three starts to open the year, especially against Tampa and New Orleans. He'll be a nice fit if the Bills decide to go no huddle. But after that, he'll have to settle for being one of the best true backups and third-down backs in the league. Dick Jauron has shown no desire to make this a committee.
Before a Week 17 start last year when was Lynch hurt, Jackson averaged 9.3 touches and 50 yards from scrimmage-per-game. (Lynch averaged 19.8 touches, despite a slow start.) Jackson's stats are useful, especially if you need a bye week or injury replacement flex option in PPR leagues. A nice guy to have on your bench. But Jackson's time as a true fantasy difference maker in 2009 will likely be limited to the first three weeks.
Comments
And I put Jonathan Stewart much higher than Jackson. Way more TD and breakout potential.
Posted by: gregg | May 18, 2009 04:51 PM
it's becoming increasingly clear that Buffalo management is not worried about "character." for all the fred jackson hopefuls that think marshawn will magically disappear after his next arrest, i wouldn't count on it. the most jackson will ever be is part of a committee, on a subpar offense run by a QB who can't throw downfield and has no LT.
Posted by: veggieb | May 18, 2009 04:52 PM
"Yeah, but if Lynch goes down with an injury..."???? What if Jackson goes down with an injury?
Posted by: Eddie | May 18, 2009 07:21 PM
Me...I'm drafting Fred with the sole intent of trading him week three to some 0-2 team who's desperate for an RB.
Posted by: Fantasy Phil | May 20, 2009 10:30 PM
The best term is ...a Fred Jacksonite or Jacksonocologist, Ha !
Posted by: Amir FaSaad | July 4, 2009 03:33 PM
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Posted by: Walrqymh | July 14, 2009 06:12 PM
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Posted by: Walrqymh | July 14, 2009 06:12 PM