Hawks not done at running back
Just days after Seattle signs Duckett, Jones pays a visit
By CLARE FARNSWORTH
P-I REPORTER
KIRKLAND -- Tim Ruskell wasn't kidding about doing everything possible to upgrade the Seahawks' running game.
So much so that the team president is leaving no running back unturned in free agency.
Case in point: Julius Jones, the leading rusher for the Dallas Cowboys three of the past four seasons, began a two-day visit with the Seahawks on Thursday.
While it might seem odd, considering the team just signed free-agent running back T.J. Duckett, it's just the latest indication the club will not sit through another season of averaging 101.2 rushing yards per game and 3.8 yards per carry -- the Seahawks' lowest since 1999, Mike Holmgren's first season as coach.
"That is a major offseason fix," is how Holmgren put it in recapping his frustrations from the 2007 season.
"Now what does that mean? You're talking about scheme; you're talking about players. The whole deal. You've got to be able to run the ball in this league better than we ran it."
That's why Mike Solari was hired to be the new offensive line coach. That's why the Seahawks jumped at signing former Pro Bowl guard Mike Wahle as soon as the Carolina Panthers released him last month. That's why getting right tackle Sean Locklear signed to a five-year deal before he could become an unrestricted free agent was a priority.
And that's why Jones is in for a visit, two days after Duckett agreed to sign with Seattle.
Visiting is one thing, signing is another -- especially for Jones, who is considered the top back available in free agency now that former San Diego Chargers backup Michael Turner has signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Seahawks still have little wiggle room under their salary cap, and still have running backs Shaun Alexander and Maurice Morris on the roster. Jones also visited the Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans this week, teams with a lot more money to spend and greater needs than the Seahawks at such a pivotal position. The Titans considered trading for Jones last year when he was a restricted free agent.
But the fact that Jones is here indicates he has yet to find what he's seeking.
A second-round draft choice in 2004, Jones rushed for 2,896 yards and 16 touchdowns in his first three seasons with the Cowboys. Last year, however, the focus shifted to Marion Barber, who racked up 975 yards and 10 touchdowns en route to being voted to the Pro Bowl. Jones, despite starting 16 games and running behind a line that included three Pro Bowl blockers, had career lows in attempts (164), yards (588), average per carry (3.6) and touchdowns (two).
Jones, 26, has had durability issues. He missed 11 games his first two seasons because of bruised ribs, a fractured scapula (2004) and a sprained ankle (2005). But he still rushed for 819 yards as a rookie and 933 in his second season.
He has started all 16 games the past two seasons, with his only 1,000-yard performance coming in 2006 (1,084).
Where would Jones fit with the Seahawks, especially if they select another running back in the April draft?
Ruskell's plan, as he has done at other positions, is to add to the pile and then let the backs sort themselves out during the spring minicamps and training camp.
Duckett (6 feet, 254 pounds) was brought in to supply some needed power in short-yardage situations. Alexander is coming off two injury-interrupted seasons of diminished production. Morris is a good counterpunch runner, but not the long-term answer as a feature back.
The additions of Jones (5-10, 208) and a college back definitely would change the dynamic at the position, not to mention possibly altering the personnel on the Seahawks' 2008 roster.
Just days after Seattle signs Duckett, Jones pays a visit
By CLARE FARNSWORTH
P-I REPORTER
KIRKLAND -- Tim Ruskell wasn't kidding about doing everything possible to upgrade the Seahawks' running game.
So much so that the team president is leaving no running back unturned in free agency.
Case in point: Julius Jones, the leading rusher for the Dallas Cowboys three of the past four seasons, began a two-day visit with the Seahawks on Thursday.
While it might seem odd, considering the team just signed free-agent running back T.J. Duckett, it's just the latest indication the club will not sit through another season of averaging 101.2 rushing yards per game and 3.8 yards per carry -- the Seahawks' lowest since 1999, Mike Holmgren's first season as coach.
"That is a major offseason fix," is how Holmgren put it in recapping his frustrations from the 2007 season.
"Now what does that mean? You're talking about scheme; you're talking about players. The whole deal. You've got to be able to run the ball in this league better than we ran it."
That's why Mike Solari was hired to be the new offensive line coach. That's why the Seahawks jumped at signing former Pro Bowl guard Mike Wahle as soon as the Carolina Panthers released him last month. That's why getting right tackle Sean Locklear signed to a five-year deal before he could become an unrestricted free agent was a priority.
And that's why Jones is in for a visit, two days after Duckett agreed to sign with Seattle.
Visiting is one thing, signing is another -- especially for Jones, who is considered the top back available in free agency now that former San Diego Chargers backup Michael Turner has signed with the Atlanta Falcons.
The Seahawks still have little wiggle room under their salary cap, and still have running backs Shaun Alexander and Maurice Morris on the roster. Jones also visited the Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans this week, teams with a lot more money to spend and greater needs than the Seahawks at such a pivotal position. The Titans considered trading for Jones last year when he was a restricted free agent.
But the fact that Jones is here indicates he has yet to find what he's seeking.
A second-round draft choice in 2004, Jones rushed for 2,896 yards and 16 touchdowns in his first three seasons with the Cowboys. Last year, however, the focus shifted to Marion Barber, who racked up 975 yards and 10 touchdowns en route to being voted to the Pro Bowl. Jones, despite starting 16 games and running behind a line that included three Pro Bowl blockers, had career lows in attempts (164), yards (588), average per carry (3.6) and touchdowns (two).
Jones, 26, has had durability issues. He missed 11 games his first two seasons because of bruised ribs, a fractured scapula (2004) and a sprained ankle (2005). But he still rushed for 819 yards as a rookie and 933 in his second season.
He has started all 16 games the past two seasons, with his only 1,000-yard performance coming in 2006 (1,084).
Where would Jones fit with the Seahawks, especially if they select another running back in the April draft?
Ruskell's plan, as he has done at other positions, is to add to the pile and then let the backs sort themselves out during the spring minicamps and training camp.
Duckett (6 feet, 254 pounds) was brought in to supply some needed power in short-yardage situations. Alexander is coming off two injury-interrupted seasons of diminished production. Morris is a good counterpunch runner, but not the long-term answer as a feature back.
The additions of Jones (5-10, 208) and a college back definitely would change the dynamic at the position, not to mention possibly altering the personnel on the Seahawks' 2008 roster.
