For the second time in as many weeks, the Jets have traded for a running back. First, they tried for Browns RB Lee Suggs but he failed a physical and the deal was voided. Then they cut a deal for 49ers RB Kevan Barlow, giving up a draft pick for him. This one should stick.
What other indication could you possibly ask for when trying to gauge the possibility of Curtis Martin coming back to the Jets this season? Twice now, the Jets have made a move for an additional rock toter. To me, that says, "We're moving on without Martin." Why else would they do it? To have five running backs on the roster? That makes no sense.
So I think it's safe to assume that Martin's future is as murky as a grease puddle outside Giants Stadium. That said, let's focus on the future of the Jets' running game.
Barlow is the most versatile back of the bunch and can withstand a decent amount of punishment without breaking down. Derrick Blaylock is also versatile, but he's injury prone. Cedric Houston is a strong runner, but not very versatile. Rookie Leon Washington is a sleeper to contribute.
With a QB whose shoulder has been shredded like Enron documents and an offensive line as green as the jerseys on their backs, the Jets really could use a strong running game. I doubt it's going to happen, but here's a scenario you could expect:
Barlow will either split first- and second-down reps with Houston or win the job outright. Blaylock seems like the third-down back unless it's a long third down, and then Barlow or Houston could stay in. Remember that Jets head coach Eric Mangini is a disciple of Bill Belichick and is probably going to make use of all his running backs. That's nice for the Jets, who will have a steady load to share, but it's a nightmare for Fantasy owners.
Considering Barlow, Houston, Blaylock or even Martin as reliable Fantasy running backs is a definite mistake. Barlow could get enough reps to be a No. 3 rusher, but otherwise no one from this bunch should be expected to start unless your league uses four or more starting tailbacks and has 14 or more teams.
Bottom line: Oklahoma Sooners RB Adrian Peterson should look pretty good in Green in 2007.
What other indication could you possibly ask for when trying to gauge the possibility of Curtis Martin coming back to the Jets this season? Twice now, the Jets have made a move for an additional rock toter. To me, that says, "We're moving on without Martin." Why else would they do it? To have five running backs on the roster? That makes no sense.
So I think it's safe to assume that Martin's future is as murky as a grease puddle outside Giants Stadium. That said, let's focus on the future of the Jets' running game.
Barlow is the most versatile back of the bunch and can withstand a decent amount of punishment without breaking down. Derrick Blaylock is also versatile, but he's injury prone. Cedric Houston is a strong runner, but not very versatile. Rookie Leon Washington is a sleeper to contribute.
With a QB whose shoulder has been shredded like Enron documents and an offensive line as green as the jerseys on their backs, the Jets really could use a strong running game. I doubt it's going to happen, but here's a scenario you could expect:
Barlow will either split first- and second-down reps with Houston or win the job outright. Blaylock seems like the third-down back unless it's a long third down, and then Barlow or Houston could stay in. Remember that Jets head coach Eric Mangini is a disciple of Bill Belichick and is probably going to make use of all his running backs. That's nice for the Jets, who will have a steady load to share, but it's a nightmare for Fantasy owners.
Considering Barlow, Houston, Blaylock or even Martin as reliable Fantasy running backs is a definite mistake. Barlow could get enough reps to be a No. 3 rusher, but otherwise no one from this bunch should be expected to start unless your league uses four or more starting tailbacks and has 14 or more teams.
Bottom line: Oklahoma Sooners RB Adrian Peterson should look pretty good in Green in 2007.