Black & Gold Woes: Welcome Felix Jones

When Jerome Bettis retired in 2006 fans knew they had an issue. Guys like “The Bus” only come around so often and when they do, they’re near impossible to replace. The Steelers have spent years and millions of dollars trying to find a running back with Bettis’ combination of speed and strength.  Injuries and players who have never fully lived up to their potential have added to this desperation. Insert: Felix Jones.

Felix Jones was drafted in the first round in 2008 by the Dallas Cowboys after playing for University of Arkansas. In 2007 he played in 13 games rushing for 1,160 yards with an average of 8.7 yards a carry- a fairly impressive number.

Jones is considered one of the fastest running backs in the league when healthy and has worked as a part time return specialist in his career. With questions surrounding the severity of Stephens-Howling’s sprain this could be a big boost in value to the running back. 

One of the biggest weaknesses regarding Felix Jones is that he has had constant and consistent injuries. At 26 this could be the sign of a bigger issue and one that the Steelers should pay special attention to when making their decision on the starting running back position. If he can stay healthy though, he has an impressive combination of speed and agility, generally a requirement of a first round draft pick.  

With Jones' arrival, the Steelers cut Baron Batch after Saturday night's preseason loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, giving Jones a much better chance to make the team. Jones got the bulk of the carries, although he didn't do much with them ending with a stat line of 9 carries for 29 yards. Bleh

The fact remains that Felix Jones has never lived up to his potential.  He has the talent to be a featured running back in the NFL but has lacked consistency. His numbers are choppy, at best, and unless he can stay healthy they will not improve. For Steelers fans and for Ben I hope that he does.