Ward or Jacobs?

[Denver724]

I have read that both are free-agents. Any interest in either? Which one fits our scheme best? Ward played at Fresno State and was dismissed from the team. He was a stud when playing. He ended up going to a small college. I am not sure if Jacobs fits our running style.

[Dagmar]

Why choose? lets take them both, and that Michael Turner fellow too.

[thumpc]

Jacobs has 15 tds on the year. Having him in there can draw 8 in the box, or Jacobs will run wild.

[broncofan7]

I say trade for BOTH Smash & Dash! Nate Jackson and a 3rd should do it.

[Drek]

Brandon Jacobs should be entirely signable (doubt that the Giants will franchise tag any of their RBs) and he would be a great fit in our system (notice how well we started doing with a real power back in Hillis).

He'd be a great fit and he doesn't really have a lot of miles on him. If he gets too pricey I'm fine staying with Hillis as our power back, but a backfield of Hillis and Jacobs would be very nice.

[tsiguy96]

hillis and jacobs...easily the most feared backfield in the NFL, gauranteed.

[Denver724]

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2009/fa/rb.html

2009 NFL Free Agent Running Backs
By: Greg Davis

Brandon Jacobs, UFA, New York Giants
Jacobs is a tough runner, and that type of running kept him from being on the field in parts of the two seasons prior to 2008. This season, Jacobs has seen action in every game, and while carries are limited at times, he has still been able to rush for 879 yards and score 11 touchdowns. Jacobs was injured in the Giants most recent game, so the team will monitor his situation closely. He averaged five yards a carry during the Giants Super Bowl season, gaining over 1,000 yards in just 11 games and is averaging well over five yards a carry this season. He is a quality goal line back, but has become more than that. Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw contribute to New York’s backfield as well, so while the team likely wants Jacobs to stick around, Jacobs could have other plans and may bolt for a team willing to give him more of the carries. There will be some tough decisions concerning the Giants backfield and who will play what role in the future.

Maurice Morris, UFA, Seattle Seahawks
Morris has always been a back under the radar—mainly because he was backing up Shaun Alexander for a period—but he has good vision and speed. He cracked the 100-yard mark in week twelve for the first time since week ten of the ’06 season. He is receiving limited carries but has averaged more than five yards per rush and may be a useful backup come next season. Seattle has a lot of questions to answer and Morris may not be in the plans for the future.

Ricky Williams, UFA, Miami Dolphins
Williams has shown flashes of the back that he was in his early days, but he has been inconsistent and less than impressive most of the time. Williams is over 30 and not likely to be a starter with anyone, but he gets a mention because of his controversial past. There is a team out there that will take a chance on him if the Dolphins are unwilling to retain his services. Look for Williams to try and land somewhere as a backup.

Darren Sproles, UFA, San Diego Chargers
Sproles is a spark plug of a runner, who doesn’t shy away from contact and has excellent speed. He has done most of his work on special teams, where he is averaging more than 25 yards per kick return and almost 11 yards per punt return. Sproles’ best hope is to be a number two back while doing the special teams work as well; that’s just the position he finds himself in with the Chargers. Sproles will likely stay unless a team offers him a chance at a starting role. Michael Turner has found some success having left San Diego, but Sproles doesn’t have the same skill set.

Other Running Backs
J.J. Arrington, UFA, Arizona Cardinals
Correll Buckhalter, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles
Jesse Chatman, UFA, New York Jets
Heath Evans, UFA, New England Patriots
Rudi Johnson, UFA, Detroit Lions
LaMont Jordan, UFA, New England Patriots
Ryan Moats, UFA, Philadelphia Eagles
Dominic Rhodes, UFA, Indianapolis Colts
Aaron Stecker, UFA, New Orleans Saints
Derrick Ward, UFA, New York Giants

[Denver724]

Ryan Moats sighting in Houston. I always go back to the Clarett draft. We had our eye on Moats, but he was already taken. Maybe this is why Houston jumped on him after he was released by Philly? Kubes probably had his eye on him too.

[frerottenextelway]

Jacobs is one of the best backs in the league, but his running style means he's going to be prone to injury all of his career.

[jmz313]

Ward is simply amazing. he will get paid like turner did. Jacobs will probably stay in NY via a new deal.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

I wouldnt be shocked to see Laurence Maroney here next season. I think NE is done with him.

[peacepipe]

I say make a trade for DeAngelo Williams ???

[Inkana7]

Ward and Hillis would be devastating.

[rastaman]

Jacob runs too straight up and takes way too much punishment, he doesn't have one read-one cut ability, and is too injury prone!!!! So no, he would not be a good signing for the Broncos.

Ward however, runs like a younger version of Pittman. Ward would fit the Bronco system allot more IMHO.

[TheReverend]

I highly doubt the Giants let Jacobs walk.

[Schism]

Giants won't let Jacobs go, and they won't be able to afford to keep both.

So Ward hits the market, and I think it'd be a great decision for us to pursue him. He and Hillis would be a great combo, with Hillis wearing down D's much like Jacobs does in NY.

I doubt he'll get crazy money, and he fits our system beautifully. Target him and maybe a safety in FA, then pound our defensive front 7 in the draft.

[TonyR]

Rev and Schism are correct, no way the Giants let Jacobs go which means Ward will be playing for somebody else next season. Denver should definitely pursue him, or somebody else, so they can use their day 1 picks ALL on defense.

[TheReverend]

Rev and Schism are correct, no way the Giants let Jacobs go which means Ward will be playing for somebody else next season. Denver should definitely pursue him, or somebody else, so they can use their day 1 picks ALL on defense.

I'm always correct. Glad you're starting to learn this. :thumbs:

[wolf754life]

rev will justify anything for his love of shannaeminentdomainahan........

[TheReverend]

rev will justify anything for his love of shannaeminentdomainahan........

Dude... you're a contrarian. That's all you ever want. To be the guy everyone disagrees with so you can finally have the attention your family didn't give.

See a therapist. Not a message board. Here it's just irritating.

[Steve Prefontaine]

i am going to derail another thread with my "hate shanahan" agenda...

shocking.

[oubronco]

I'm not sure if either would suit our system because the Giants run a power running game and we run a zone blocking system they are quite different

[wolf754life]

this is america

i am a united states citizen, at least thats what they told me.

[TonyR]

I'm always correct. Glad you're starting to learn this. :thumbs:

Other than being far too inflexible on the criticism/questioning of Mikey Mastermind issue you do a good job!

[Steve Prefontaine]

Other than being far too inflexible on the criticism/questioning of Mikey Mastermind issue you do a good job!

So you like Jacobs over Ward?

[TheReverend]

Other than being far too inflexible on the criticism/questioning of Mikey Mastermind issue you do a good job!

Other than being a fascist on the issue, yourself, you're not dumb... despite what I've told you prior.

[TonyR]

So you like Jacobs over Ward?

No, I don't think Jacobs is an option because the Giants will keep him and I think Ward may fit what we do better and also be a better pairing with Hillis.

[Man-Goblin]

I wouldnt be shocked to see Laurence Maroney here next season. I think NE is done with him.

Agreed. He would be affordable and the Broncos had a hard on for him in the draft. And I can't imagine the Pats bringing him back.

[TonyR]

Agreed. He would be affordable and the Broncos had a hard on for him in the draft. And I can't imagine the Pats bringing him back.

Only problem is he's soft and hurt all the time, and after our RB situation this season I'm not sure that's a good fit...

[Play2win]

Agreed. He would be affordable and the Broncos had a hard on for him in the draft. And I can't imagine the Pats bringing him back.

That would be funny... Chad Jackson and Maroney weren't they NE's 1st and 2nd rounders or something like that?!? Making a great draft year even better...

[RunSilentRunDeep]

Pass on both, they shouldn't overpay for RBs when they can spend their money locking up our younger studs.

[TonyR]

Pass on both, they shouldn't overpay for RBs when they can spend their money locking up our younger studs.

This team isn't going to get where it needs to go through the draft alone. Too many holes to fill, particularly on defense. If we could land an RB via FA that opens up the draft to focus on D.

[rastaman]

As young as this Denver team is.......signing key veteran free agents at key positions of need would help this team allot in 2009 and the future.

[DeusExManning]

rev will justify anything for his love of shannaeminentdomainahan........

I know you think Shanny first, but I like your mind, try to think Broncos first.

[RunSilentRunDeep]

This team isn't going to get where it needs to go through the draft alone. Too many holes to fill, particularly on defense. If we could land an RB via FA that opens up the draft to focus on D.

But the Broncos suck at free agency. And most FA running backs don't pan out in their new homes. For every Michael Turner, there are a lot more busts (see Edgerrin James, Travis Henry, Julius Jones, Emmitt Smith, etc).

I'll take my chances on a healthy Hillis, healthy Torian and a rookie.

[tsiguy96]

we need to sign 1 key defensive playmaker. regardless of cost, it can be a S, MLB, DT or DE. any one of these makes the whole defense better. preferably not a safety or MLB, many rookies come in and excel there.

[TheReverend]

we need to sign 1 key defensive playmaker. regardless of cost, it can be a S, MLB, DT or DE. any one of these makes the whole defense better. preferably not a safety or MLB, many rookies come in and excel there.

MLB and S I can accept. Otherwise, GREAT post. A vet S can bring a LOT to the table... so can a MLB. I'd rather have Haynesworth or Peppers but if all we get our hands on is Ray Lewis or Atogwe... no tears here!

[Denver724]

What if we have a top 12 pick and Wells is available. Would anyone pull the trigger? Shanny was high on Stewart this year.

[TheReverend]

What if we have a top 12 pick and Wells is available. Would anyone pull the trigger? Shanny was high on Stewart this year.

Unless they strike defensive home runs in the next three rounds, I'd be ****ing furious.

[Denver724]

I think a top 12 pick could be a great trade down position. There are many good OT's in this years draft and we may be able to move down. I have looked at quite a few mocks this year and Taylor Mays is right on the cusp of falling into the #12 spot. I see him going between 10-12 on many. He will probably run a low 4.3 40 at the combine at 238 lbs (it has been rumored that he ran a 4.2 40 this spring) and go in the top 10 (to the Raiders).

[Denver724]

Correll Buckhalter anyone? Great game against the boys.

[eddie mac]

Giants won't let Jacobs go, and they won't be able to afford to keep both.

So Ward hits the market, and I think it'd be a great decision for us to pursue him. He and Hillis would be a great combo, with Hillis wearing down D's much like Jacobs does in NY.

I doubt he'll get crazy money, and he fits our system beautifully. Target him and maybe a safety in FA, then pound our defensive front 7 in the draft.

What on earth makes you think that???

They just extended 3 of their all-pro offensive line last offseason with ease.

Jacobs is a cert to stay, Ward's decision will come down to whether he wants to be a feature back and get paid like one which is likely-absolutely nothing to do with what the Giants can afford.

[bpc]

I would take neither. I would rather draft a HB on the cheap in the 1st or 2nd round and make a run at Sproles as our 3rd down back.

We could go into next year potentially with Beaniel Wells, Darren Sproles, Ryan Torain, and Peyton Hillis (also starting at FB) at a fraction of the cost. Save the money for an impact DL and a S in FA.

Thats what we should do.

[Denver724]

I would take neither. I would rather draft a HB on the cheap in the 1st or 2nd round and make a run at Sproles as our 3rd down back.

We could go into next year potentially with Beaniel Wells, Darren Sproles, Ryan Torain, and Peyton Hillis (also starting at FB) at a fraction of the cost. Save the money for an impact DL and a S in FA.

Thats what we should do.

I think we need to give Alridge a shot before giving money to Sproles.

[BroncoMan4ever]

hillis and jacobs...easily the most feared backfield in the NFL, gauranteed.

imagine the pain those 2 would inflict. no one would want to play against us.

[cutthemdown]

I'd say any RB that is starting caliber would be a great signing. Throw him in the mix and hope they all don't get hurt again. Also though still draft a couple RB's because it's obvious we need 2 good starting RBS, and at least 2 good bkups going into next yr.

[bpc]

I think we need to give Alridge a shot before giving money to Sproles.

Not really. Sproles is a proven commodity on offense and special teams. Aldridge projects as a player that could help us on returns. As much as I hope Aldridge does something, i've learned not to hold my breath on developmental prospects.

Offer Sproles a chance to start in Denver's famed running game along with Cutler and he'll sign. We can then draft Wells.

The backfield of Wells, Sproles, Torain, and Hillis would be a sick combo. Throw Pittman is as a utility guy. We are good.

[Denver724]

Not really. Sproles is a proven commodity on offense and special teams. Aldridge projects as a player that could help us on returns. As much as I hope Aldridge does something, i've learned not to hold my breath on developmental prospects.

Offer Sproles a chance to start in Denver's famed running game along with Cutler and he'll sign. We can then draft Wells.

The backfield of Wells, Sproles, Torain, and Hillis would be a sick combo. Throw Pittman is as a utility guy. We are good.

Alridge ran for over 100 in the pre-season finale right?

[bpc]

Okay.

Point taken. We should post-pone any HB solutions to see if this kid has it.

In reality we should bring him and Sproles in and put them against each other head to head. Best man wins. Possible both make roster spots and give us a very dynamic return crew with lots of speed.

[Denver724]

Okay.

Point taken. We should post-pone any HB solutions to see if this kid has it.

In reality we should bring him and Sproles in and put them against each other head to head. Best man wins. Possible both make roster spots and give us a very dynamic return crew with lots of speed.

How much money would you give a guy like Sproles? I don't think he would ever be a 15-20 carry guy for 16 games. It will be interesting to see how much he get's on the FA market. He has carried the ball 47 times this year (a little over 3 carries a game) and caught 27 passes (almost 2 catches a game).

[TonyR]

Correll Buckhalter anyone? Great game against the boys.

Lots of injuries on his resume...

[Denver724]

BPC,

You were right. Sproles is the real deal.

[RADRHATR]

With Sproles running the way he is tonight, you can hear a cash register with every step. We should really try and get him.

[Denver724]

BPC,

You were right. Sproles is the real deal.

Scratch that. My bad. It's has nothing to do with who's running the ball. It has everything to do with that pathetic Run D the Broncos put on the field.