I think its a terrible waste of talent (and on field production potential) that Leon Washington does not have a larger role in our offense. From a talent and production standpoint, his lack of touches seem to me as being pretty negligent on behalf of the coaching staff. I have always felt that Leon has the potential and ability to perform a lot like Brian Westbrook as both have home-run, game breaking (or game-saving if you prefer) gifts. I think durability concerns are irrelevant at this point (He's pretty much the same size as Westbrook and seems the less injury prone of the two). I am not suggesting that Washington be an every down back or usurp Thomas Jones' role in any significant way but the numbers suggest that Washington can have a far greater impact if given the opportunity to do so. This season, LW is averaging only 7.4 touches (excluding special teams) per game while Westbrook is at 21 touches as is TJ. LW averages 5.9 yds per rushing attempt while Westbrook and Jones are at 4.0 and 4.6 respectively. While LW's average would likely decline a bit if given a few more carries per game I'd be more interested in him catching the ball more on screens, dumps, short, intermediate and even deep routes. The fact is that compared to Westbrook, Leon is more productive on a per touch basis. Let's take a look shall we? LW: 63 carries/ 374 yds (5.9 avg) 5 TDs - 41 rec/326 yds (8.0 avg.) 2 TDs BW:208 carrries/841 yds (4.0 avg) 9 Tds - 46 rec/319 yds (6.9 avg) 5 TDs Leon's longest run and reception this year went for 61 and 40 yards respectively while Westbrook's were 39 and 40. Leon has (not including his special teams scores) 7 TDs on 104 touches which comes out to a touchdown every 14.8 touches while Westbrook has 14 TDs on 254 touches which works out to a TD every 18.1 touches. Again, with an an increased number of touches and more attention from defenses, LWs averages would likely decline a bit but the result would still be more TDs and more potential yardage per play. Leon lining up more frequently as a receiver might also make life (and finding separation) a little easier for Coles and Cotch. Last year our CS tried to employ defensive schemes even though we did not have the proper player personnel whose talent and or size were well suited to the same(e.g. Vilma and Robertson). To me its even worse to have great talent like Leon and not use him to the full benefit of what he has to offer. I'm not asking for much. Just another 5 or 6 plays/touches per game. Now about Clowney.........
I think most posters here agree he needs more touches. We were saying this same thing last season and when we gave him more touches he got stuffed a lot. But we have a much better o line this year so it stands to reason we give him the ball a few more times.
He didn't get completely stuffed that often. His holes closed on him and he would sneak through a crack for 2-3 yards where Jones would have just run into the pile and gotten tackled for no gain or a short loss.
I'd like to see him get more touches, but I have a feeling the CS likes to keep him fresh. He sprints the entire length of the field 2 or 3 times a game. That's gotta be a little tiring.
If you go back and watch the New England playoff game Leon's rookie year, that was when we had no established #1 running back. On the drive that ended with the stupid WR lateral/fumble to Cotchery, Leon was just beginning to establish himself on that drive. I remember wanting him to get a chance to be the #1 guy that year and it was finally happening, then that fumble happened. That was the end of the drive, then we had to abandon the running game, then the season was over and Thomas Jones was brought in. Nothing against Jones, but I always wish we could have kept going in that game and Leon had the chance to take over the job right then and there.
i didnt want to create a thread, but i have a quick question, is he going to be a restriced or unrestriced free agent at the end of the year?
as far as a RB goes he doesn't punish the defense as much as anyone would like. so i doubt he'll ever be a primary back for that reason. but i do agree he needs more touches. it's ridiculous how many 3rd downs he's converted by catching it 2 yards away and slipping through 5 defenders to get the other 5 yards for the 1st. it seems like he and keller are all we need to convert any 3rd down.
He will be a UFA at the end of 2009. Hopefully we do a restructure in the offseason for a coupla mil/year 'cause he's only making half a mil/season right now, and that'd be the best way to lock him up long term.
I didn't watch Jones much last year but the same thing was happening with him at the beginning of the year, getting stuffed every time there wasn't a gaping hole. but for the majority of the year since then Jones has been getting those extra 2-3 yards through the cracks while still punishing the defense. i'm all for giving Leon more touches but not in place of Jones' touches. LW should be used more for short passing IMO..
We have him for next year, but Tannenbaum must make a contract extension for him a priority; you don't let a guy like that go; they are too hard to find.
One of this team's top priorities (If not the top) this offseason is to sign him long-term even if he would cost starting RB money. He has won games for this team in the past whether it be on a screen pass (Miami in 06') a game breaking run or a kick return. He is by far the best playmaker on offense and should be paid as such. The staff needs to get him more carries (about 5-10 per game or so) and more opportunities to make plays on screen passes. This is another key to victory along with blitzes and more aggressive defenses.
That's something that would piss me off... if they were restricting his carries due to his contract status.
He's going to need to get paid after this season...we better not let him become a featured weapon on some other team.
I agree that Leon needs more touches, but no more than 10 a game. The effectiveness comes from the fact that he isn't overexposed to the rest of the league. With that said, there's no reason he should have under 5, but he shouldn't have over 10-12.
Agreed. Any playmaker at a skill position, you find a way to get the ball in his hands. It's the same thing with Brad Smith. Knock the guy all you want; when he gets the ball in space, he makes plays because he has that same natural ability Leon does -- only Leon is much quicker. I have a question, which may or may not have been addressed during Leon's tenure here: how come we don't see more sets where Leon and TJ are both in at the same time -- both in the backfield, one split wide, one motioning out of the backfield, etc? I'd think, along with Keller, this would create some confusion for the D, while allowing more opportunities for playmakers to get the ball.
