Maybe this is the year for Greg Jones.
Last offseason, in separate interviews with Jaguars running backs Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor, both said Jones would cut into their playing time in 2007. Jones-Drew even said "everyone is going to want a three-back system because they're going to see we're going to have more rushing yards next year."
That never happened.
Jones-Drew rushed for 768 yards and nine touchdowns and caught 40 passes for 407 yards. Taylor rushed for 1,202 yards and five touchdowns and had nine catches for 58 yards.
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Jones? He was the fullback, clearing the way for Jones-Drew and Taylor. He still managed to rush for 119 yards and two touchdowns and caught 11 passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns. He wasn't completely useless for Fantasy owners, but he didn't play the role Jones-Drew and Taylor hyped prior to the season.
That could change this year. Jones was coming off a torn left ACL in 2006, and he wasn't 100 percent recovered last year, which limited what he was able to do. He was strong enough to block and get short-yardage carries but not fit to handle additional work.
But Jones said in a recent interview with CBSSports.com that his knee feels great, and he's ready to contribute more. The Jaguars might be more committed to Jones after giving him a five-year deal in February.
"I feel real good," Jones said. "I've been working real hard during the offseason. I'm hoping for good things."
Now, it's not like Jones is going to surpass Jones-Drew or Taylor on the depth chart. Taylor, despite his advanced age at 32, continues to be impressive. He will remain the starter in 2008.
Jones wasn't sure when Taylor would slow down.
"I don't know," Jones said. "Every year, the older he gets, the better he gets it seems. As long as he keeps doing what he's doing, I don't know what it is. He just works out in the offseason and keeps getting better. As long as he keeps doing that, I can't complain."
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Greg Jones has shown ability when given the opportunity.
(Getty Images)
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And Jones-Drew will remain the change-of-pace running back and play on third downs. Jones doesn't mind working in with his two teammates. He likes being part of this successful trio.
"We got Freddy T, Maurice Jones-Drew and me," Jones said. "We're competing and having fun and pushing everyone. It feels real good."
But Jones also wants to get more carries. Before he hurt his knee, Jones was expected to play the Jones-Drew role in 2006. Instead, Jones watched as Jones-Drew had a tremendous rookie season and became a Fantasy darling.
Jones may get his chance this season, but the Jaguars might find it hard to give three running backs carries since they will be more committed to the passing game. Jacksonville added wide receivers Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson this offseason. Along with wide receivers Reggie Williams and Matt Jones, QB David Garrard should continue to develop into a standout passer and great Fantasy option in 2008.
"It's going to help (Garrard) a lot," Jones said of the offseason additions at receiver. "Porter is a veteran receiver. He'll stretch the field for him. But (Garrard) can make plays by himself. He's a running back and quarterback at the same time. He doesn't need any help. At the same time, you want help when you need it."
Jones again will start at fullback this year and get his share of short-yardage carries. He might not get 10 carries a game, but he could be a useful bye-week replacement or even a decent option in touchdown-only Fantasy leagues.
The Jaguars will probably wait to expand Jones' role once Taylor decides to retire or is no longer productive. And if Taylor or Jones-Drew got injured this year, Jones will be a hot commodity off the waiver wire.
Jones will be a running back worth watching for Fantasy owners this year. If what Jones-Drew and Taylor said last year comes to fruition, Jones might be a good reserve at the end of your bench.
Otherwise, Jones might have to wait his turn, and then it could be another frustrating year for a running back with a lot of promise but no place to run.
