| | ESPN NFL analyst Tom Jackson recently stopped by for his weekly chat with ESPN.com users and gave his insight into the running game and just how important it is in today's game.
According to Jackson, teams who attempts the most run plays will win almost every time. In Week 3, 12 of 13 games followed this formula.
"I want everyone to keep track and watch that stat and we'll talk about it again next week," advised Jackson.
For this and more interesting tidbits, check out the edited transcript from Jackson's September 18 chat.
Scott, Cincinnati: What do you think of the Corey Dillon situation and will he stay with the Bengals?
Tom Jackson: It is hard to judge the mentality of a ball player. If changes are made with the coaching position,
I think that Dillon would love to stay. If not, and they continue to lose like they have the last
decade, you can understand a player, as he goes toward the end of his career, wanting to be
somewhere he can win. Losing
your home opener to the Browns in your new stadium is a loss that will stick with them the
whole year.
Matthew Moroney: With all the experience you have at linebacker, and a great nack for teaching and explaining
things, have any teams contacted you on being a linebackers coach?
Tom Jackson:
I had the opportunity when I left the game in 1987. Dan Reeves offered me an opportunity then,
but I passed and chose to be a TV analyst. The pressure of being an NFL player is incredible
and nothing you will ever experience. After being in the game for 25 years, it was time for
a change.
|
 |
|
|
Tue, May
2
Jackson, a former Denver Broncos linebacker (1973-1986), is ESPN's NFL studio analyst for NFL Countdown (formerly NFL GameDay) and NFL PrimeTime -- ESPN's Sunday pre-game and wrap-up NFL shows. Jackson has also contributed reports for SportsCenter and provided analysis for ESPN's coverage of the NFL Draft since joining the network in September 1987 upon retirement from the NFL. Jackson's illustrious career enabled him to be the 14th Bronco inducted into Denver's "Ring of Fame" in ceremonies Oct. 4, 1992. He played in Super Bowls XII and XXI for the Broncos, and still holds Denver team records for most seasons (14) and games played (191). He retired with 20 career interceptions, including three returned for touchdowns.
|
|
|
Russ: Is the Vikings defense that nice or is it just the case of them going up against a bunch
of struggling offenses?
Tom Jackson:
What you have seen is Dennis Green and his staff being able to manipulate their defense with
what they have. They are taking advantage of their strengths -- stopping the run. This leaves their defensive back on an island and so far they haven't paid for it
yet.
On offense, in talking with Dennis Green, he told me, "I have two wide receievers that can get
open on anyone. If they are not open, Daunte Culpepper is 260 pounds, so pull it down and
make some plays."
I think the Vikings at 3-0 is the biggest surprise in the league. But I think they can continue it.
Jeff in TN: What players are you most surprised with after the first three weeks of the season?
Tom Jackson:
Not because I am a Bronco, but RB Mike Anderson has been amazing. If Olandis Gary was a
surprise this year, Anderson is the surprise this year. Also on my list would be Tiki Barber who leads the league in rushing
yards, just ahead of Anderson. My third person(s) would be Daunte Culpepper and Tim Couch. Couch
has played very well and it has not surprised me the Browns are 2-1.
On the negative, it would be Green Bay, Drew Bledsoe and the Patriots and how far the Steelers have fallen. I
can't believe those three teams could be this bad, this quickly.
Big Erk: Do you think the Chiefs are changing their scheme, or was Elvis Grbac's five TD performance just
a by-product of a bad San Diego defense?
Tom Jackson:
San Diego has a great defense or is on the verge of being great. I think it was a day where Elvis found
a WR to his liking in Sylvester Morris. They had a decent day running and it allowed them to do the
things Gunther Cunningham wanted to do -- set things up with the play action.
If you want to watch a stat week to week, the teams with the most rushing attempts usually
wins. 12 of the 13 winners yesterday out "attempted" their opponents. That is what set up Elvis
yesterday -- the running game and it is the bread and butter of this league.
JohnCleve: Do you think Chris Palmer is beginning to put it together with the additions of the offensive
and defensive lines through free agency and the last two draft years?
Tom Jackson:
Yes, that is part of it. You have to look at where you draft in a expansion draft, you will be able
to get guys that will make immediate impacts.
You look at Tim Couch, you knew he was going to be a good player and they knew he would
have to learn on the field. I really liked the way the front office addressed the defense and got
Couch the wide receivers he needed.
Sunday's game will focus on Kent Graham's mistakes, but Cleveland put together some very
impressive drives and Courtney Brown made a great play on the final play. I don't think anyone
can admit that they felt the Browns would be 2-1 and at the top of this division when the season
started.
Jay: How good are the Jets? How good is their offensive line?
Tom Jackson:
They are very solid, very young, and very aggressive. I have talked with Al Groh and you have
to understand the mentality of this team. The offensive line has come to him and ask to run the
ball more. Man to man, they can move people around.
If this team is going to be successful, it will be because of this offensive line led by Kevin
Mawae. In this league, all of the teams at the top of their division have solid offensive lines.
Matt NY: Who do you like in Bucs-Jets matchup? and can the Bucs move the ball against the Jets defense?
Tom Jackson:
The Jets defense is a bend-don't-break defense. Teams have been able to move the ball on
them, they just haven't given up the points. They make you settle for a lot of field goals and not
as many touchdowns.
Tampa Bay, with the OL they have and defenses having to double up Keyshawn Johnson, it has opened
up things for the other receivers and the running backs. Plus, I think they have the best defense
in the league.
So, yes, I think they will be able to move the ball. The question is will the Jets offensive line be able to
run the ball and set up some big plays for the Jets against a very solid defense in TB.
Rothman7: Were the Ravens stopped most last night by hurricane Gordon, Zach Thomas and co., or by
the Dan Marino celebration and the emotion it created for the Dolphins?
Tom Jackson:
I thought Jay Fielder played a very well controlled ball game last night.
The emotion of Marino's celebration could have been a distraction for both teams. I thought
Tony Banks management of this game was terrible. He threw too many bad balls in that horrible
weather. Jamal Lewis had to be a factor running the ball and he wasn't.
I think Miami has another of the league's solid defenses. I think it was the scheme the Dolphins'
defense played that really messed up the Ravens. When you have that in-your-face defense, they
can be effective and get in the QBs face.
Billy Peterson: What do you think of the Atlanta Falcons? With Jamal's performance yesterday, what chance
do the Falcon's have to upset the Rams? Are we a playoff team?
Tom Jackson:
They will certainly be close to the playoffs. I said yesterday that Dan Reeves would "will" the
Falcons to a win.
I think his game plan is so sound that he gives his team a chance to win each week. They didn't
pass the ball very well, but they controlled the clock and were able to run the ball.
Yes, I think the Falcons have a chance. They are at home and I think this is the best chance to
beat the Rams before they go 8-0. I think they need to get Jamal 30 carries or more and keep
the Rams offense off the field. I think if you can do that and get late in the game, you can take
advantage of a small Rams defense.
Dave: Although the Jags are 2-1 and playing good, although inconsistent football (even with
Fred Taylor being injured), why has there been such negative press about their start?
Tom Jackson:
Because the expectations have been so high on this team in the past. Human nature is that when you get so excited about a
team of the last 2-3 years and that team doesn't reach that plateau, you start to lessen your
expectations.
They have so many question marks with all of their injuries. They have a decent defense but not
as tough as it has been in the past. I just think people are leary of picking the Jags again
because they haven't been able to win the big game.
They are a different team when Fred Taylor is playing. When he is healthy, he is one of the top
four backs in the league but they don't have a great backup for him like they had last year.
Once he gets healthy, I think people will look at them in a different light.
That is all the time I have for today.
But I want to drive home the point about rushing attempts. I want everyone to keep track and
watch that stat and we'll talk about it again next week.
Take care. | |
ALSO SEE
NFL chat room
|
