Who needs receivers when the Julius Jones Express is operating in high gear for the Seahawks? Seattle avoided starting the season 0-3 for the first time since 2002 with a 37-13 rout of the division-rival Rams at Qwest Field Sunday, and Jones, the former Cowboy who was signed as a free agent this offseason to help revive the team’s ground game, did much of the damage.
One week after a 127-yard rushing performance in a loss at home to the Niners, Jones stampeded for 140 yards against the Rams, including a 29-yard TD that featured a key block from Seahawks QB Matt Hasselbeck. Through three games, Jones is third in the NFC in rushing behind Falcons RB Michael Turner and Vikings RB Adrian Peterson with 312 yards and a pair of scores. He is averaging an impressive 5.1 yards a crack.
The PFW spin
No pun intended, but Jones appears to be in a perpetual quest for excellence when performing at Seattle’s Qwest Field, dating back to his 30-carry, 198-yard Monday-night performance as a Cowboys rookie in 2004. In his four games at Qwest, Jones has four triple-digit rushing performances. In his latest performance, the Seahawks focused heavily on a run-oriented attack, rushing more than twice as often as they passed the ball. The strategy was dictated primarily by the team’s well-documented litany of injuries to its wide receivers, which has significantly limited the passing game. But considering the way Jones is grinding out yardage — in great part due to what has been excellent run blocking by all of his teammates, including Hasselbeck in the most recent game — it would not be a shock if head coach Mike Holmgren continues to count on Jones carrying the rock a lot more often.
It should be noted that the Rams’ defense has been embarrassingly easy pickings for every one of its opponents so far, which might be partly responsible for Seattle’s offensive dominance in Week Three. Nevertheless, Jones is really starting to look more comfortable in the offense. With no guarantee at all that key WRs Bobby Engram and Deion Branch will be at peak efficiency when they finally return from their prolonged injuries — they are expected back for the team’s next game on the road against the Giants Oct. 5 after this week’s bye — future game plans featuring Jones as the centerpiece might not be a bad idea.
RB Maurice Morris is also expected to return after the bye, and it will be interesting to see if Holmgren reverts back to his RB-by-committee plans, with Jones and Morris equally sharing the load.
Our fantasy take
Even if Morris returns to steal some of his thunder, Jones figures to continue being a legitimate fantasy force, especially in home games. In addition, expect Hasselbeck to gradually get his fantasy proficiency back in order as his customary weapons start making their presence felt again.
