Here's a dream scenario: you've got a 23-year-old running back who is coming off of a 2,300 total-yard, 16-touchdown season, and he's willing to give up the ball for the well-being of the offense.Such is the case for the Rams and Steven Jackson, who said he's in favor of the Rams bringing in a capable backup to take some carries off of his glorious, unstoppable legs.
Although he clearly enjoys his burgeoning role as the centerpiece of the St. Louis offense, Jackson isn't averse to sharing the workload a bit.It's refreshing to hear such level-headed, logical talk from a back who's at the age when most athletes are looking for the biggest stats, biggest contracts, biggest headlines. The evidence is there: Deuce McAllister and Fred Taylor, among others, actually benefited from giving up the ball a little. At 23, Jackson's body is at or near its peak, but 436 touches is still 436 touches, and the evidence is there, too, that anything over 400 can be detrimental to the long-term health of a running back.
"Hopefully, we get someone ... to shoulder some of the burden with me," he said. "I just don't want to burn myself out too fast. At the same time, I'm glad that I was durable, that I was able to carry the workload."
The Rams have a guy who can run well inside and outside, and catch the ball on top of that. They'd be smart to make sure he's around as long as possible. That being said, from a completely selfish standpoint, my fantasy team only has one prized keeper, and i don't want to see him running off the field for Dominic-freaking-Rhodes.
