Summing Up the Backfield

by: Michael Steffes

It appears for now that Julius Jones will be the starting running back for the Hawks. However, I would describe this situation as tenuous at best. Mike Holmgren hinted that when Morris comes back he will be stealing away some of T.J. Duckett's carries, which makes sense since Duckett was playing in more than just short yardage situations versus the Rams. Holmgren also said that Morris is the furthest of all Seahawks from being ready to go. So, in essence, there is no need to make a decision this week. Jones will get most of the carries.

Once Morris is healthy, expect the carries to start to even out. Everything Jones is doing we can reasonably expect Morris to do as well. The ultimate goal here is not to have a feature back, but fresh backs late in the season. So just because it seems like Jones is the lead horse at the quarter pole, don't count Morris out just yet. Once he gets healthy, expect the team to move back towards the even split they originally envisioned. If you have noticed, in the games since Morris has gone down, Jones has gotten dinged at different points. Morris is already hurt. Having a second capable back means a lighter workload for both, and a better running game deep into the season. ~END~