How many messages of ‘Atta Boy do you think general manager Ted Thompson received in the last few days?
I’ll tell you: none.
After the Packers pulled out of the Steven Jackson sweepstakes, there were legions of fans that were livid after Thompson decided not to bring the 30-year-old aboard and try to shore up a fledgling running game.
Let’s not forget that Jackson has carried the rock over 250 times in seven of his previous nine seasons. The tread on his tires are nearly bald. Hopefully he doesn’t have to maneuver on wet or icy conditions.
And he proved it in Week 2. The thigh bruise that he suffered vs. St. Louis could keep him out for the next four weeks. And even if he comes back by then, who’s to say that he won’t show the same signs that Robert Griffin III is showing in Washington? Griffin has been 80 percent at best as the Redskins’ starting quarterback and now Washington is suffering because Griffin cannot regain his 2012 multidimensional form.
I thought bypassing Jackson was very smart. The Falcons opened up the checkbook and gave the tired veteran a deal worth three years and $12 million. From how it looks now, the Falcons will be lucky if Jackson sees the end of his contract let alone keeps putting up consistent numbers.
The Packers have had two different receivers rack up at least 100 yards in two consecutive games. The only thing that Aaron Rodgers really needs is a running back that can competently pass block by not giving the future Hall of Famer ulcers.
Signing a free agent running back is brimming over with risk. The back is looking for one more pay day before being put out pasture and the team that signs him is looking for him to play like the featured back he once was.
Jackson was a good running back, but he has regressed from 2009-2012 by 29 yards a game.
That’s why Thompson didn’t roll the dice with Jackson. It’s not that he wouldn’t have been able to afford him. It’s that he wouldn’t have been able to afford a mistake.
——————Cory Jennerjohn is from Wisconsin and has been in sports media for over 10 years. To contact Cory e-mail him at jeobs -at- yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter: Cory Jennerjohn
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