As Blake has eluded to previously, the team will go as far as these guys can take them. We need to be able to control the game and finish teams out and that only gets accomplished with a great running game. They each looked fantastic Thursday night, running decisively and controlling the game the entire time they were in there, even being down two of our best linemen. Granted, Wilkerson was out for the Jets, but I was particularly impressed with Yeldon. He seems to be a much more decisive runner than he was last year, which shows he's getting more comfortable and both he and Ivory can make plays in the passing game as well. This has been largely understated, with everyone focusing on our great crop of young WR's, but it is equally possible that we have one of the best young backfields in the NFL, with Ivory being 28 and the reigning AFC rushing champ and Yeldon just 22 and poised for a breakout year. They will work well off of one another and ensure fresh legs and hopefully extended NFL shelf life. I have to agree with Blake that their play will be one of the most understated, but important storylines of the upcoming season. Since 2014 we have only had 4 100+ yard rushing performances, 2 by D-Rob and 2 by Yeldon last year. I think we see that change moving forward.
Ivory and Yeldon make a great tandem.
They'll make things easier for this team this season. If Beachum/Joeckel/Linder can be full-go on the left side for week one, I think the ground game will be strong.
Quote:Ivory and Yeldon make a great tandem.
They'll make things easier of for this team this season. If Beachum/Joeckel/Linder can be full-go on the left side for week one, I think the ground game will be strong.
Yes! And consider that Cann/Parnell were flat out dominant against the Jets! I'm cautiously optimistic about the o-line.
Quote:Yes! And consider that Cann/Linder were flat out dominant against the Jets! I'm cautiously optimistic about the o-line.
Considering Linder didn't play....
Quote:Considering Linder didn't play....
Excuse me, I meant to say Parnell. The right side of the line was dominant.
Quote:Excuse me, I meant to say Parnell. The right side of the line was dominant.
Yeah they were.
A strong running game becomes more prevalent when you can count on the defense. It's hard to stick with running the football when you fall behind every game and the defense can't get off the field. I still can't figure out how Gus hasn't gotten anything useful out of this defense since he got here. We're probably competing with the Saints for softest defense in the league. We definitely have the best roster we've had on that side of the ball. Hopefully Gus gets fired despite the extra year on his contract when we continue to lose because of the horrible defense that he is supposed to be an expert on.
Quote:A strong running game becomes more prevalent when you can count on the defense. It's hard to stick with running the football when you fall behind every game and the defense can't get off the field. I still can't figure out how Gus hasn't gotten anything useful out of this defense since he got here. We're probably competing with the Saints for softest defense in the league. We definitely have the best roster we've had on that side of the ball. Hopefully Gus gets fired despite the extra year on his contract when we continue to lose because of the horrible defense that he is supposed to be an expert on.
I guess we're going to ignore the fact that there hasn't been much talent on that side of the ball since he's been here. Maybe Gus will be fired, but if you want him gone no need to pretend like he's had the players he needed to run his scheme. Just be like," I don't like him and I want him fired." There's way more truth in that.
Quote:I guess we're going to ignore the fact that there hasn't been much talent on that side of the ball since he's been here. Maybe Gus will be fired, but if you want him gone no need to pretend like he's had the players he needed to run his scheme. Just be like," I don't like him and I want him fired." There's way more truth in that.
I was thinking the same thing. Defense and Kicking has had little talent and consistency...
Either one could be a featureback
This will be biggest improvement this season on offense
Quote:Ivory and Yeldon make a great tandem.
They'll make things easier of for this team this season. If Beachum/Joeckel/Linder can be full-go on the left side for week one, I think the ground game will be strong.
It's really a great tandem. Yeldon looks a lot quicker this year.
Only just getting a chance to see the preseason.
I am so impressed with our one two punch. If they can stay healthy we really have something.
Very like Bernard and hill for the bengals
Only think our running game is missing is that home run hitter. That back that can hit a long TD run.
Quote:Only think our running game is missing is that home run hitter. That back that can hit a long TD run.
Well, they do have Corey Grant. :thumbsup:
Quote:Well, they do have Corey Grant. :thumbsup:
My statement still stands. I'm not a believer in Grant.
I love Yeldon's receiving ability as well.
Ain't gone lie. Yeldon & Ivory are sick.
Fire and Ice. Or thunder and lighting.
Quote:It's really a great tandem. Yeldon looks a lot quicker this year.
I was thinking the same thing.
He looks like he's getting shot out of a cannon once bb5 hands him the rock.
I have to keep telling myself this is just pre-season.