This Week on the Cover….
2009 is the year of Ram!
The return of Action Jackson
In 2004 the Rams in a surprising move selected running back Steven Jackson out of Oregon State University. At the time the Rams heralded future hall-of-fame running back Marshall Faulk. Jackson was selected 24th overall and at the time was expected to be the back-up for Faulk.
It only took a year for the team to decide it was Jackson’s time. In 2005 Jackson was named the starter and a new era was born. Steven was solid in his first year as the starter, but it was 2006 when he unleashed his full potential on the league and elevated his status to one of the leagues elite. Jackson would run for over 1,500-yards, score 13 rushing touchdowns, catch 90 passes, add another 800-yards receiving, and have 16 plays of 20-yards or more.
During the 2006 campaign “Action” Jackson had become a household name in the fantasy world and would undoubtedly earn the top spot in most 2007 fantasy drafts.
Since his break-through season Jackson has done an about-face with injuries being the main culprit. In 2007 Jackson missed four starts and then again in 2008 he missed another five all due to injury. Despite the shortened seasons, the Rams featured runner still tallied 1,200-yards of offense with at least a half-dozen scores.
With the 2009 season on the horizon it’s a new start. The Rams have brought in a new regime (Steve Spagnuolo) that appears to be dedicated to the run and a major supporter of the Jackson bandwagon. With the Ram’s superstar runner having spent the offseason healing and getting ready for the new season, 2009 comes with a lot of promise.
Jackson has spent this past offseason with one goal in mind for 2009, to be in the best shape of his career. With his injuries looking to be things of the past, Steven appears focused and ready for action once again. With his great size and exceptional speed Jackson has the right equipment to be a huge success again.
We have seen what “Action” Jackson can do in the past and if the new administration is committed and utilizes his tremendous talents, he could once again rise to the top of the fantasy world. His 2006 resume should tell you all you need to know about his receiving skills; Jackson has 230 career receptions in five seasons. With an average of just 245 carries the past two seasons, Jackson should have a full tank and plenty fresh legs for the upcoming drive.
With his recent injury setbacks Jackson is likely to fall a few spots in most fantasy drafts. We believe he still possesses all the tools and talent in the world to be an elite RB1 in fantasy. He’ll be a huge risk and reward pick no doubt, but all the signs seem to be pointing toward his return to the top.
If you are drafting with the third pick or later in your draft, just remember one thing, 2009 could be the year of the Ram!
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