Pocket$ $traight
12-22-2006, 12:25 AM
I don't know -- Cartwright had 27 carries last year for 199 yards in the 3rd spot behind Portis and Betts. This year Duckett has 30 for 118. Not that big a difference.
With as much as he busts his tail for special teams, you'd think the coaches have the confidence in Rock to be the third back. I don't want him for long stretches mind you, but a player on T.J. Duckett's level meant that a draft choice had to be in the offering to get him.
I think we'd have been fine with Cartwright.
And that's what I think has been one of the factors to the team's demise this year: Overkill with personnel on offense, while neglecting the obvious age of the defensive line.
The only problem that I would see having only Cartwright and Betts is that 1. Cartwright is a cog on all of the special teams. Those guys are always a play away from a season ender (see Prieleau sp? I love Taylor on teams but what happens if he gets hurt)
2. Betts has a long history of nagging injuries. If they went into the season with only Betts and Cartwright, that would be a leap of faith.
Anyway, I love Betts and what he brings to the table. I also love Cartwright and his versatility, but I think they had to have another good back. Giving up a third rounder was stupid. Especially since that will probably be a top 7 pick in the 3rd round.
With as much as he busts his tail for special teams, you'd think the coaches have the confidence in Rock to be the third back. I don't want him for long stretches mind you, but a player on T.J. Duckett's level meant that a draft choice had to be in the offering to get him.
I think we'd have been fine with Cartwright.
And that's what I think has been one of the factors to the team's demise this year: Overkill with personnel on offense, while neglecting the obvious age of the defensive line.
The only problem that I would see having only Cartwright and Betts is that 1. Cartwright is a cog on all of the special teams. Those guys are always a play away from a season ender (see Prieleau sp? I love Taylor on teams but what happens if he gets hurt)
2. Betts has a long history of nagging injuries. If they went into the season with only Betts and Cartwright, that would be a leap of faith.
Anyway, I love Betts and what he brings to the table. I also love Cartwright and his versatility, but I think they had to have another good back. Giving up a third rounder was stupid. Especially since that will probably be a top 7 pick in the 3rd round.