LeSean McCoy on the trading block?

[Boca BIlls]

Bills aren't drafting a RB this year. 

They are going to have 2 1st round picks and 2 seconds. 

Drafting a RB next year is better. Just grab a bunch of FA's

[junior]

12 hours ago, blacklabel said:

Haven't they said several times that Shady is firmly in their plans for 2019? I know things can  be fluid in this business but I think it'd take quite the offer for them to move him.

 

I believe Beane has said, "Shady is a big part of our plan" for 2019. 

 

If we want to break down GM speak, he could mean Shady is a "big part" of their plan because he is being traded and that returned asset is valuable.

[Alphadawg7]

He’s not.

 

End thread.

[Starr Almighty]

12 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

Yeldon had 100 fewer rushing yards (in the same number of games), more all-purpose yards and more TDs.  Plus he'll be 25 when the season starts; not 31.

 

11 hours ago, eball said:

 

If Yeldon had been signed as the Bills' feature back I think there would be reason for concern.  But he wasn't.  And he caught 65 passes last season.

 

This is the kind of move the Pats*** would make and everyone would rave about how much they'll get out of him in a RBBC system.  But it's the Bills so nah.

 

8 hours ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

He had a 4.0 YPC and Fournette had a 3.3?

He had 3 times as many receptions as Fournette?

He had 5 TDs as a secondary RB and Fournette had only 6 as the primary.

 

Yeldon is signed as the Bills 3rd RB who will be primarily a 3rd down back.

I really don't get the problem with this.

 

Shady only had a 3.2 YPC with 3 TDs and 30 less receptions.

?

Why did Jax draft a RB with Yeldon already on the team?

[Gugny]

5 hours ago, Starr Almighty said:

 

 

Why did Jax draft a RB with Yeldon already on the team?

 

I don't think anyone (at least I'm not) is saying that Yeldon is going to be the Bills' featured back for the next couple years.  He's going to be situational.  He's proven he can catch the ball out of the backfield.  And 2019 Yeldon is an upgrade over 2019 McCoy.

[GunnerBill]

11 hours ago, Chicken Boo said:

 

He's 31, I'd be skeptical if he hadn't lost a step.

 

Still, the main issue has been the line.  Looking at the free agency acquisitions, Beane seems to agree.

 

This.

 

Is Shady who he was? Probably not. What was the main issue for him last year? It was the line.

 

The Shady haters will shout about him not having the same speed to be able to dance around behind the line that he used to have and implore him to hit the hole faster. But the more limited Chris Ivory who does just run towards the whole averaged a whole 0.1 yard per carry more in 2018. That was because the line was awful. There were no holes to hit. If the line makes holes for Shady this year he will amass in that 850-1,000 yards range and be back around 4.5 yards per carry. He isn't the back he was.... but he is not a busted flush in my opinion.

[MAJBobby]

15 hours ago, formerlyofCtown said:

3.3 yards per carry is productive.

Hmmm interesting

Also so much better than Shadys 3.2.

 

Apparently you have also fallen off a cliff and landed on your head

 

 

So a less dynamic RB that has been JAG matches one of the best yeah McCoy production didn’t hit a cliff. 

13 hours ago, Binghamton Beast said:

 

No.

 

Not really interesting at all.

 

Two different backs. No shifty back was going to have as much success as a straight ahead runner would behind that o-line.

 

More excuses. When facts all point to Shady hitting than 30 year old number that RBs start the decline. 

 

 

Shady started looking old very fast last year. So yeah should have moved him for value. Instead of holding onto a player too long.

Edited April 23, 2019 by MAJBobby

[Beast]

11 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

 

So a less dynamic RB that has been JAG matches one of the best yeah McCoy production didn’t hit a cliff. 

 

More excuses. When facts all point to Shady hitting than 30 year old number that RBs start the decline. 

 

 

Shady started looking old very fast last year. So yeah should have moved him for value. Instead of holding onto a player too long.

 

No, not excuses at all. Some backs run better behind certain lines and schemes.

 

To even insinuate Ivory is better than McCoy is moronic.

Edited April 23, 2019 by Binghamton Beast

[formerlyofCtown]

44 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

 

So a less dynamic RB that has been JAG matches one of the best yeah McCoy production didn’t hit a cliff. 

 

More excuses. When facts all point to Shady hitting than 30 year old number that RBs start the decline. 

 

 

Shady started looking old very fast last year. So yeah should have moved him for value. Instead of holding onto a player too long.

Yet he had one of the fastest TDs of the season.  Running 20+ MPH.  Im not saying he is what he once was but he hasnt fallen off a Cliff.  If he doesnt have a good line he cant produce like he used to, but with a decent line he will still do well.  People said AP was washed up as well and they were wrong and so are you.

37 minutes ago, Binghamton Beast said:

 

No, not excuses at all. Some backs run better behind certain lines and schemes.

 

To even insinuate Ivory is better than McCoy is moronic.

He has preconcieved ideas and wont even acknowledge he may be wrong.  Hey maybe this will be the season McCoy does fall off the Cliff, I doubt it though.  Hes was still pretty quick last season and he is still fast.

[Starr Almighty]

2 hours ago, Gugny said:

 

I don't think anyone (at least I'm not) is saying that Yeldon is going to be the Bills' featured back for the next couple years.  He's going to be situational.  He's proven he can catch the ball out of the backfield.  And 2019 Yeldon is an upgrade over 2019 McCoy.

This is a very confusing answer. You say that he isn't the featured back but then say he's better than the featured back (Shady) in 2019. Yeldon has 1800 yards rushing  in 4 years in the league. He's a running back not a WR. I agree he can catch the ball but he's not a good RB he's averaging 450 yards a season rushing.

Edited April 23, 2019 by Starr Almighty

[Gugny]

2 minutes ago, Starr Almighty said:

This is a very confusing answer. You say that he isn't the featured back but then say he's better than the featured back (Shady) in 2019.

 

I never expected McCoy to be the featured back in 2019.  He shouldn't have been the featured back in 2018.  Dude is toast.  It happens.  He's too old.  Love him, but he's a liability now.

[Starr Almighty]

Just now, Gugny said:

 

I never expected McCoy to be the featured back in 2019.  He shouldn't have been the featured back in 2018.  Dude is toast.  It happens.  He's too old.  Love him, but he's a liability now.

I wanted Bell myself. I'm sure you agree that he's an upgrade. But most didn't want to pay on this board. I would of liked Tevin Coleman instead of Yeldon. 

[Gugny]

Just now, Starr Almighty said:

I wanted Bell myself. I'm sure you agree that he's an upgrade. But most didn't want to pay on this board. I would of liked Tevin Coleman instead of Yeldon. 

 

I think paying MOST running backs that kind of money is crazy.  The situation has to be right (i.e. - the Rams) and the RB has to be young and awesome.

 

I think people will see that Bell was the beneficiary of having a HOF QB and WR on his offense.  He will have neither this season.  He's a great RB, but the Bills are far from "a great RB away" from being contenders.  I just don't think it would have made financial sense at this time.

 

I'm a firm believer that building a great O Line will make any good RB a great one.

[ddaryl]

6 minutes ago, Gugny said:

 

I never expected McCoy to be the featured back in 2019.  He shouldn't have been the featured back in 2018.  Dude is toast.  It happens.  He's too old.  Love him, but he's a liability now.

 

 

The Dude is far from toast... I have no idea why anyone thinks this... We had a very ***** OL and O last year that was compounded by not having a vet QB and a rookie learning the ropes. Give Shady some good intial OL push and a secondary block or 2 and shady can still run for 1500

Just now, Gugny said:

 

  He's a great RB, but the Bills are far from "a great RB away" from being contenders. 

 

 

Really.. I think we are simply a Josh Allen away from being VERY Serious contenders

[Gugny]

22 minutes ago, ddaryl said:

 

 

The Dude is far from toast... I have no idea why anyone thinks this... We had a very ***** OL and O last year that was compounded by not having a vet QB and a rookie learning the ropes. Give Shady some good intial OL push and a secondary block or 2 and shady can still run for 1500

 

 

Really.. I think we are simply a Josh Allen away from being VERY Serious contenders

 

I will respectfully disagree re: McCoy.  I agree that Josh Allen IS a huge piece and gets us closer to contention.  I'd like to see the OL, DL and WR situations improve - more so than RB.

[Victory Formation]

12 hours ago, Bills Fan of Maryland said:

Shady's going to go to Philly on draft day. Perhaps day two. He's still got talent and gas in the tank, but he's not a good fit in Buffalo. IMHO...

I agree. The social dichotomy between fans that are pro Shady and against Shady is so polarizing profound and immense. It's an explosive topic. Fans laugh off people you and me but you know what? I think we will get the last laugh in the end. Shady looked hurt all of last year. He's too old, fans need to let go.

[Stank_Nasty]

37 minutes ago, Gugny said:

 

I think paying MOST running backs that kind of money is crazy.  The situation has to be right (i.e. - the Rams) and the RB has to be young and awesome.

 

I think people will see that Bell was the beneficiary of having a HOF QB and WR on his offense.  He will have neither this season.  He's a great RB, but the Bills are far from "a great RB away" from being contenders.  I just don't think it would have made financial sense at this time.

 

I'm a firm believer that building a great O Line will make any good RB a great one.

lets not forget arguably a top 3 line over the last 4-5 years.... that's an O-line that resurrected an over the hill DeAngelo Williams' career early on when bell was dealing with injuries and suspensions and then saw a 3rd rounder come in this year and basically match bells production..... then conner goes down and their rookie samuels goes for 130 in a game.

 

bells whole surroundings got much worse. I personally think he may be in for a rude awakening.

11 minutes ago, NewDayBills said:

I agree. The social dichotomy between fans that are pro Shady and against Shady is so polarizing profound and immense. It's an explosive topic. Fans laugh off people you and me but you know what? I think we will get the last laugh in the end. Shady looked hurt all of last year. He's too old, fans need to let go.

he'll play out his deal this year as a bill. he's worth much more in the locker room and huddle now, even with deteriorated skill set, than any 6th rounder we are gonna get for him.... and you're right, I think its laughable that people think he's gonna be traded now when his value is at an all time low. 

[Victory Formation]

7 minutes ago, Stank_Nasty said:

 

he'll play out his deal this year as a bill. he's worth much more in the locker room and huddle now, even with deteriorated skill set, than any 6th rounder we are gonna get for him.... and you're right, I think its laughable that people think he's gonna be traded now when his value is at an all time low. 

Leaders don't get dropped like a sack of potatoes at first contact. RB is a position where the occasional UDFA comes in and tears it up right away. One of the most mindless positions in all of sports.

[ddaryl]

36 minutes ago, Gugny said:

 

I will respectfully disagree re: McCoy.  I agree that Josh Allen IS a huge piece and gets us closer to contention.  I'd like to see the OL, DL and WR situations improve - more so than RB.

 

 

well everything is Josh Allen, he is the key... Our OL is going to be very improved as is our WR position and our DL and this is before the draft.

 

As for improving RB position we do not have to we have Shady.. But we did anyways with the addition of Gore and Yeldon... 

 

What did you see last year that has you thinking Shady is done ?   No RB was going to do well with the mess we put forth last year with our OL

 

 

Edited April 23, 2019 by ddaryl

[MAJBobby]

4 hours ago, Binghamton Beast said:

 

No, not excuses at all. Some backs run better behind certain lines and schemes.

 

To even insinuate Ivory is better than McCoy is moronic.

 

So a 9M a year back is limited to a very specific line and scheme.  Hmmm 

4 hours ago, formerlyofCtown said:

Yet he had one of the fastest TDs of the season.  Running 20+ MPH.  Im not saying he is what he once was but he hasnt fallen off a Cliff.  If he doesnt have a good line he cant produce like he used to, but with a decent line he will still do well.  People said AP was washed up as well and they were wrong and so are you.

He has preconcieved ideas and wont even acknowledge he may be wrong.  Hey maybe this will be the season McCoy does fall off the Cliff, I doubt it though.  Hes was still pretty quick last season and he is still fast.

 

Sorry I can get the same production out of a Rookie back that I can get from a 9M dollar back it is time to move on. That is the reality. People have to stop wanting to keep players past their value.  

 

Get more in line with NE. Better to move a player and maximize value a couple years too early than hold on to him and watch him his that wall. And the value plummet like we are now with McCoy 

4 hours ago, formerlyofCtown said:

Yet he had one of the fastest TDs of the season.  Running 20+ MPH.  Im not saying he is what he once was but he hasnt fallen off a Cliff.  If he doesnt have a good line he cant produce like he used to, but with a decent line he will still do well.  People said AP was washed up as well and they were wrong and so are you.

He has preconcieved ideas and wont even acknowledge he may be wrong.  Hey maybe this will be the season McCoy does fall off the Cliff, I doubt it though.  Hes was still pretty quick last season and he is still fast.

 

Sorry I can get the same production out of a Rookie back that I can get from a 9M dollar back it is time to move on. That is the reality. People have to stop wanting to keep players past their value.  

 

Get more in line with NE. Better to move a player and maximize value a couple years too early than hold on to him and watch him his that wall. And the value plummet like we are now with McCoy. 

Edited April 23, 2019 by MAJBobby

[formerlyofCtown]

10 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

 

So a 9M a year back is limited to a very specific line and scheme.  Hmmm 

 

Sorry I can get the same production out of a Rookie back that I can get from a 9M dollar back it is time to move on. That is the reality. People have to stop wanting to keep players past their value.  

 

Get more in line with NE. Better to move a player and maximize value a couple years too early than hold on to him and watch him his that wall. And the value plummet like we are now with McCoy 

 

Sorry I can get the same production out of a Rookie back that I can get from a 9M dollar back it is time to move on. That is the reality. People have to stop wanting to keep players past their value.  

 

Get more in line with NE. Better to move a player and maximize value a couple years too early than hold on to him and watch him his that wall. And the value plummet like we are now with McCoy. 

Like Trent Richardson.  

 

Very few RBs can have any sort of production behind an Oline like the crap we had last year.  Youre just trying to grab onto anything you can huh. 

Youre going to be very disappointed when Shady is still carrying the Rock in Buf.  That is until you realize youre wrong.  Just like people were wrong about AP.  I do think if the value is right we take a RB.  Shadys Cliff is coming in a couple of years, its just not here yet.

Edited April 23, 2019 by formerlyofCtown

[Stank_Nasty]

6 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

 

So a 9M a year back is limited to a very specific line and scheme.  Hmmm 

 

Sorry I can get the same production out of a Rookie back that I can get from a 9M dollar back it is time to move on. That is the reality. People have to stop wanting to keep players past their value.  

 

Get more in line with NE. Better to move a player and maximize value a couple years too early than hold on to him and watch him his that wall. And the value plummet like we are now with McCoy 

can we stop bringing up money as a reason here? it means slim to none when it comes to this situation. mccoys contract isn't keeping us from doing anything this offseason. 

 

there are plenty of reasons to move on or keep him. money at this point doesn't even need to be brought up. although I agree that if he was gonna be shipped out it needed to happen already. i'll keep McCoy at this point over the 6th rounder a team would send over.

Edited April 23, 2019 by Stank_Nasty

[MAJBobby]

3 minutes ago, formerlyofCtown said:

Like Trent Richardson.

 

Nah more like Lindsey I can stop names too 

4 minutes ago, Stank_Nasty said:

can we stop bringing up money as a reason here? it means slim to none when it comes to this situation. mccoys contract isn't keeping us from doing anything this offseason. 

 

there are plenty of reasons to move on or keep him. money at this point doesn't even need to be brought up. although I agree that if he was gonna be shipped out it needed to happen already. i'll keep McCoy at this point over the 6th rounder a team would send over.

 

May this point he is here for the year. But that specifically points to holding on too late. He walks next year as he should. 

 

Mans yes I bring up Money only in the context of if you are paying a Running Back 9M a year he better not be so scheme and OL limited as everyone wants to use for the production falling off a cliff. 

[formerlyofCtown]

2 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

 

Nah more like Lindsey I can stop names too 

My point is that you could draft a guy and cut Shady and end up with a worse back, but you already know that huh.  

 

You just dont want to acknowledge you could be wrong.  Heck I could be wrong.  He could hit that wall over the offseason.

 

BTW what exactly is "stopping names"?

[MAJBobby]

Just now, formerlyofCtown said:

My point is that you could draft a guy and cut Shady and end up with a worse back, but you already know that huh.  

 

You just dont want to acknowledge you could be wrong.  Heck I could be wrong.  He could hit that wall over the offseason.

 

BTW what exactly is "stopping names"?

 

My point is in that Position history says otherwise 

[formerlyofCtown]

1 minute ago, MAJBobby said:

 

My point is in that Position history says otherwise 

So Beane is playing scratchoffs now.  Im all for Buf grabing a RB after the 2nd.  But they arent likely to beat out Shady.

[MAJBobby]

I get it you think Shady is amazing. He used to be. 30 year old backs fall quick and hate to say you saw the glimpse of this last year

[ColoradoBills]

9 minutes ago, Stank_Nasty said:

can we stop bringing up money as a reason here? it means slim to none when it comes to this situation. mccoys contract isn't keeping us from doing anything this offseason. 

 

there are plenty of reasons to move on or keep him. money at this point doesn't even need to be brought up. although I agree that if he was gonna be shipped out it needed to happen already. i'll keep McCoy at this point over the 6th rounder a team would send over.

 

I suspect it's a lot more than even that.  The "worth" as posters put it is not being considered by Beane and McDermott.

They want him on the team this year and many cannot understand why.

 

It has to be things many are not considering.  Leadership, "buying into the process", marquise (maybe former now) player staying in Buffalo,

and I think he really WANTS to stay here.   

 

A healthy Shady with a lower amount of snaps (I'm suspecting 150-175) in a much improved offense could be a big difference this year.

He was the only Buffalo Bill that defenses needed to plan against last year and it showed especially behind that OL.

 

Beane is sticking with an extreme veteran RB stable who will split snaps and it will show JA what RBs in the NFL need to be doing.

Shady, Gore and Yeldon all bring something different to the table and if anyone thinks that will not help JA they will have to prove that to me.

I think this is a wise move compared to having a rookie take 225 snaps in the backfield with Josh Allen.

 

 

[Stank_Nasty]

2 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

I suspect it's a lot more than even that.  The "worth" as posters put it is not being considered by Beane and McDermott.

They want him on the team this year and many cannot understand why.

 

It has to be things many are not considering.  Leadership, "buying into the process", marquise (maybe former now) player staying in Buffalo,

and I think he really WANTS to stay here.   

 

A healthy Shady with a lower amount of snaps (I'm suspecting 150-175) in a much improved offense could be a big difference this year.

He was the only Buffalo Bill that defenses needed to plan against last year and it showed especially behind that OL.

 

Beane is sticking with an extreme veteran RB stable who will split snaps and it will show JA what RBs in the NFL need to be doing.

Shady, Gore and Yeldon all bring something different to the table and if anyone thinks that will not help JA they will have to prove that to me.

I think this is a wise move compared to having a rookie take 225 snaps in the backfield with Josh Allen.

 

 

I like McCoy. I'm glad we are keeping him but IMO the people fighting for him around here are drastically overrating his on the field value. I personally think there is no way any team would ever consider more than a 5th for him. I DO think he bounces back in large way this year with an improved line. which leads me to my next point, which I've already stated, and I think we are in a agreement on.... his value as a leader and veteran that can still have even just solid on the field impact is MUCH more valuable than the 5th or probably 6th they would get in return. 

[ColoradoBills]

4 minutes ago, Stank_Nasty said:

I like McCoy. I'm glad we are keeping him but IMO the people fighting for him around here are drastically overrating his on the field value. I personally think there is no way any team would ever consider more than a 5th for him. I DO think he bounces back in large way this year with an improved line. which leads me to my next point, which I've already stated, and I think we are in a agreement on.... his value as a leader and veteran that can still have even just solid on the field impact is MUCH more valuable than the 5th or probably 6th they would get in return. 

 

I agree.  I hope we are both right.

[Buffalo Barbarian]

He should be.

 

not sure what we can get now, MAYBE a third, should have traded him two years ago.

 

 

[Gugny]

17 minutes ago, Stank_Nasty said:

I like McCoy. I'm glad we are keeping him but IMO the people fighting for him around here are drastically overrating his on the field value. I personally think there is no way any team would ever consider more than a 5th for him. I DO think he bounces back in large way this year with an improved line. which leads me to my next point, which I've already stated, and I think we are in a agreement on.... his value as a leader and veteran that can still have even just solid on the field impact is MUCH more valuable than the 5th or probably 6th they would get in return. 

 

I'm not sure he'll bounce back, but I certainly hope he can/does.  I wouldn't let him go for a 5th.  I probably would for a 4th.  I honestly don't know what kind of a leader he is on the team.  I've been a McCoy fan since we got him.  My gut just tells me that he's done.  I'd rather get a 4th for him and let Gore be the veteran leader, personally.  That said, I won' t be upset in the least if he sticks around.

[Dr.Sack]

Was our OLine depeleted last season or is McCoy washed up? 

[Bill from NYC]

11 minutes ago, Dr.Sack said:

Was our OLine depeleted last season or is McCoy washed up? 

Good question. I am thinking that some of both were at play.

[Stank_Nasty]

25 minutes ago, Gugny said:

 

I'm not sure he'll bounce back, but I certainly hope he can/does.  I wouldn't let him go for a 5th.  I probably would for a 4th.  I honestly don't know what kind of a leader he is on the team.  I've been a McCoy fan since we got him.  My gut just tells me that he's done.  I'd rather get a 4th for him and let Gore be the veteran leader, personally.  That said, I won' t be upset in the least if he sticks around.

I’ll be perfectly honest. Me thinking he bounces to a solid level is 100% the bills fan in me. If it were any other great back turning 31 on any other team I would say “stick a fork in’m“ 

 

the line improving(big time, if only on paper) doesn’t hurt either. 

 

 

[Bill from NYC]

1 hour ago, MAJBobby said:

 

So a 9M a year back is limited to a very specific line and scheme.  Hmmm 

 

Sorry I can get the same production out of a Rookie back that I can get from a 9M dollar back it is time to move on. That is the reality. People have to stop wanting to keep players past their value.  

 

Get more in line with NE. Better to move a player and maximize value a couple years too early than hold on to him and watch him his that wall. And the value plummet like we are now with McCoy 

 

You made some very solid, true statements in this post.

[John from Riverside]

1 hour ago, MAJBobby said:

I get it you think Shady is amazing. He used to be. 30 year old backs fall quick and hate to say you saw the glimpse of this last year

I want to see how he plays behind this OL....which I expect to be improved.

 

 

[GreggTX]

No. He'll play this last season on his contract, gain over 1,000 yards and move on. He'll be well remembered for never calling out a horrendous OL that failed him all of last season when a lot of other guys would have run crying to the press. Shady accepted his situation like a man and this year he will look like the real McCoy once again.

[Mat68]

I could see him as a throw in for a possible trade.  I think his value will be low and chance of trade is awell.

[folz]

On ‎4‎/‎22‎/‎2019 at 12:25 PM, iinii said:

As my Grandfather told me many years ago, everything is for sale. Should the “right” buyer come along, he could be gone baby gone.

 

Sorry to be the one to tell you, but your grandpappy was wrong ?

 

(to take it to an extreme) is your honor and integrity for sale? Is someone's loyalty for sale? Are your children for sale? Some things are not negotiable.

 

Shady will be a Bill in 2019.

 

As to the 30-year old RB wall, yes, it is legitimate. RBs on average do significantly decline starting at age 28 for normal backs and around 30 for elite backs. But, averages are just that. It means there are exceptions to those averages, otherwise the averages would be even lower.

 

Since 1990, 31 RBs have had a 1,000 yard season over the age of 30. So, on average, at least one 30-plus-year old RB each season has a 1,000 yard year. AP did it last year at 33 years old. Frank Gore did it in 2016 at age 33 (and followed it up in 2017 with 961 yards at age 34). Tiki Barber had his two best seasons as a pro at age 30 and 31 (going for 1860 and 1662 yards respectively). Our own Fred Jackson had 1,277 yards from scrimmage at age 32 and 1,027 yards from scrimmage at age 33. Emmitt Smith had 937 yards and 9 TDs at age 35. 

 

All I'm saying is that to claim Shady is done with no evidence besides his age seems ridiculous. Our line stunk last year. Our backs were consistently met 2-3 yards in the backfield all season long. The only reason Ivory looked better at times is because he is a plow ahead runner. So, he took what was available. Shady on the other hand was always trying to make something happen, but when the entire line is breaking down, there is no where to go. So, you can blame him for trying to make too much happen last year and not just taking the meager gains that were there, but I saw no evidence that he lost a step. When he did get to the open field, he didn't look slow, he hadn't lost his juke moves. If Ivory was the better back, then why is he gone and Shady still here? If the O-line wasn't the problem, then why did they just completely overhaul it? And that is not even to mention our QB situation. Every team we faced for at least the first 8-10 games stacked the box because they knew we didn't have a passing game. To lay all of that at Shady's feet seems to be lacking a full picture of what was going on.

 

Plus the reason so many backs slow down at that age (28-30) is not just because they get slower, but because of the serious pounding that workhorse backs take over the years. The body starts to break down overall. And as has been said many a times, Shady is a back who has avoided a lot of that heavy pounding due to his running style. He hasn't taken the big shots over the years, pounding into the line over and over. I just see no evidence that he is done yet.

 

Plus, having Gore and Yeldon should keep all three backs fresh. Shady won't be asked to be the lone workhorse. They don't need him to have a 1,600 yard season. How about 1,000 for Shady; 600 for Gore; and 400 for Yeldon, or something like that. Provided the line comes together, I think Shady will have a very productive year and our running game will creep back into the top 5 in the league.

 

 

Top 10 rushing seasons by a 30+ RB

Player	Yr.	Age	Team	Yds.
Tiki Barber	'05	30	NYG	1,860
Curtis Martin	'04	31	NYJ	1,697
Walter Payton	'84	30	CHI	1,684
Tiki Barber	'06	31	NYG	1,662
Corey Dillon	'04	30	NWE	1,635
Walter Payton	'85	31	CHI	1,551
Barry Sanders	'98	30	DET	1,491
Priest Holmes	'03	30	KAN	1,420
Warrick Dunn	'05	30	ATL	1,416
Thomas Jones	'09	31	NYJ	1,402