Running game outlook

[Ravens'N'Hoos]

Let's assume changes of some sort are forthcoming for the running game. What do you guys think the likeliest and best outcome is? The possibilities include:

(1) Jamal, Mike and Musa split carries about equally, and Musa is used as a receiving threat out of the backfield.
(2) Jamal gets about half the carries, Mike and Musa split the rest, and Musa gets some looks as a receiving RB (not that different from the Denver game).
(3) Jamal eventually gets transitioned out almost entirely, with Mike and Musa splitting most of the carries and Musa getting receiving looks.
(4) Jamal eventually gets transitioned out, with Mike a clear #1 RB and Musa in as a 3rd down back and receiving back.
(5) Jamal eventually gets transitioned out, with Musa a clear #1 RB and receiving back and Mike in as a 3rd down or goal-line back and to spell Musa.

Presumably the next game or two will be chances for the coaches to experiment with these or other combinations. What do you think the likeliest outcome is (based on Billick/Fassel's tendencies) and what do you think the ideal outcome is?

My opinion is, assuming Jamal continues to suck, the coaches will realize the need for a change, although it might take a little longer than we'd like. I think #5 is maybe ideal and the likeliest coaches' choice. They'll probably want to give Musa a shot as the #1 guy if he can show he deserves it, because then he could be a long-term answer at RB. His health could be a concern, but then again, although it was a really big injury, it was just one, and he's shown every sign of recovering fully. Mike could be in for situational purposes, especially goal-line. Musa seems to have great upside as a receiving back, so hopefully they'll take advantage of that. I can't think of a situational use for Jamal at this point.

[jbecks307]

We may want to take a look at when McNair thrived- and when he did, he had a running game, which we have, but, only comes on the field on 3rd Down...aka Musa Smith...Jamal is done and is impacting our offense and if you want to talk about Bonus Babies and money- well look at how much money is wrapped up in Lewis and Anderson for this year- those moves together made and continue to make no sense...Neither had a part in any of the wins, especially the drives at the end of the games....Let's not be so typical this time around and focus in on the QB when the real issue is our running game or lack thereof

[AZRAVEN]

My question is, is Jamal really done or is the absence of a fullback as his lead blocker the problem. If that is the case, my next question is.. why does this coaching staff always do things half assed? I mean if we are going to away Jamal's strength why leave him in? If we're going to leave him in, why take away his strength? Don't they ever think before they do this stuff? I've been a proponent of getting rid of Jamal since last season (primarily because of his sucky attitude) but if we're keeping him and paying him and playing him we should be playing to his strengths not his weaknesses.

[Art-Florida]

My question is, is Jamal really done or is the absence of a fullback as his lead blocker the problem. ...

Jamal is done, finished, finis, toast. He didn't do much in 04', he did squat in 05', and he's a liability in 2006. Can you see a pattern emerging?

This would be a good time to free up a roster spot. Maybe some other team (Bengals?) would overlook his rap sheet and on-field ineptness.

The trading deadline is coming up. Perhaps we can salvage a low round choice. I'd settle for a pack of Newports. On second thought, I'd settle for that roster spot.

[Greg]

No need to cut Jamal, we need 3 RBs and there isn't anybody on the street who is better.

Mike Anderson has shown the best burst through the hole. Musa is faster once he gets going, but Anderson seems to find the seam and get through it faster than either Jamal or Musa. I would start Anderson and continue to use Musa as he has been, for the time being.

[AZRAVEN]

Well that may be true, however, wasn't he injured through part of 04? plus I would imagine he had the legal issues on his mind. In 05 it was a combination of the bad ankle and his sulks. He hasn't really played with a clear mind and a reasonably healthy body for a couple years so I was sort of willing to give him this year to show us something. That said, as much as I am unimpressed with him I highly doubt any other team is going to be willing to take him and his issues on ~ we're stuck with him I fear.

[RavenTD]

My question is, is Jamal really done or is the absence of a fullback as his lead blocker the problem. If that is the case, my next question is.. why does this coaching staff always do things half assed? I mean if we are going to away Jamal's strength why leave him in? If we're going to leave him in, why take away his strength? Don't they ever think before they do this stuff? I've been a proponent of getting rid of Jamal since last season (primarily because of his sucky attitude) but if we're keeping him and paying him and playing him we should be playing to his strengths not his weaknesses.

You got to laugh at their thinking.They do a deal with Jamal.The running game
is the be all and end all of the Raven offense.Jamal runs better out of the I formation.We all saw what Ricard mean't to Jamal when Alan was healthy.
If you are going to make Jamal your feature back,you get him that head banging fullback lead blocking for him.Or he isn't going nowhere.

[AZRAVEN]

It would be easier to laugh if we still had a running game.... Actually, it looks like we could if we used Musa and Mike. I just don't know how they come up with this stuff, it almost seems like they are trying to self destruct some times.

[FadeToBlack]

My question is, is Jamal really done or is the absence of a fullback as his lead blocker the problem.

Jamal is seeing the same fronts and running out of the same formations as Musa and Mike, but I see your point about taking him from his comfort zone. The bottom line is on first contact, Jamal gets taken down (which didn't happen in the old days). Whether that contact occurs after following a fullback through a hole or not doesn't change anything.

I was at the game Monday and there was one thing I noticed. Two things actually. It was on one of Mike's runs. 1) He hit the hole very hard (unlike Jamal, who "allows it to develop"), and 2) Mike made a slashing cutback move that cranked out an additional 6 or 7 yards up the field (and I haven't seen Jamal do this since 2003). Those 2 factors are big to me, because it showed that if a back can do what Mike did (i.e., hit the hole and have the agility to slash back), a running back CAN RUN BEHIND THIS LINE!!