Steven Jackson says he wants 25-30 touches per game. It wouldn’t be wise for the Rams to go along.
True, Jackson reported to camp in terrific shape: 234.pounds, instead of his normal 240, with 5.1 percent body fat. He’s understandably pumped about the Rams reverting to a power-oriented run game under coach Jeff Fisher and coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
But at 29 Jackson is an effective, not elite, runner.
Those extra carries need to go to explosive rookie Isaiah Pead, who scored 15 touchdowns and amassed 1,578 rushing and receiving yards last year at Cincinnati. After years of ignoring the position, St. Louis finally drafted a quality back to pair with Jackson. Pead needs to be more than a backup.
Jackson graded out as the NFL's 24th-best tailback last year, according to Pro Football Focus’ exclusive ratings.
His 4.4-yards-per-carry average tied him for 28th, and his average of 2.6 yards after contact tied for 26th.
He broke or avoided 23 tackles, which tied him for 21st. Jackson ranked 23rd in blocking.
With an improved offensive line and a healthy Bradford to keep defenses honest, Jackson could have a very productive year. But he’s not likely to do it carrying another monster workload. Jackson averaged 305 carries the past three seasons, and has gotten 70 percent of the team’s carries the last seven years.
Jackson rested Wednesday while Pead took first-team reps. Pead, who ran one 40-yard dash at the combine in 4.35 seconds, brings a burst and elusiveness Jackson can’t duplicate.
“Isaiah has looked very impressive in this camp,” Jackson told the Associated Press. “Isaiah is someone who is very shifty, has a good understanding of the game of football.”
Schottenheimer told the AP his goal is “to try to get a number of people involved,” referring also to rookie running back Daryl Richardson. “Obviously, Steven’s the bell cow.”
The Rams would be smart to keep Jackson in the 15-18 touch range and use Pead extensively.
Get more Rams updates and analysis from Larry Hartstein @CBSSportsNFLSTL.
