Steven Jackson working on being a "complete" back
St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson has the goal of being a "complete running back" in 2009, per Bill Moats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
And this time he means it.
"I'm working on being a complete running back," he said. "I've said that in the past, but this year I'm really getting detailed coaching."
Jackson credits new running backs coach Sylvester Croom with helping him understand the game better.
"He's really big on making sure you understand; he's a teacher," he said. "Some things that you feel like you know, he double-checks you. He's a guy that come September ... I'm going to be coached up enough that I'm going to know my responsibilities, I'm going to know my assignments so I'm able to play fast."
For the second season in a row, Jackson has missed four games or a quarter of the season. According to Jackson, "a torn groin or a torn hamstring, it just happens."
Nonetheless, Jackson, who was the Rams' first-round pick in 2004, still had back-to-back 1000-yard rushing seasons. In fact, he has had four in a row since his rookie season.
However, Jackson has seen his receiving totals decline sharply. He had 90 receptions for 806 yards in 2006. In 2007 and 2008 combined, he had 78 receptions for 650 yards.
With the improved coaching and talent on the offensive line (the Rams drafted tackle Jason Smith second overall), Jackson is poised for a big year in 2009. And even though I've said it before, I mean it this time (too).
And this time he means it.
"I'm working on being a complete running back," he said. "I've said that in the past, but this year I'm really getting detailed coaching."
Jackson credits new running backs coach Sylvester Croom with helping him understand the game better.
"He's really big on making sure you understand; he's a teacher," he said. "Some things that you feel like you know, he double-checks you. He's a guy that come September ... I'm going to be coached up enough that I'm going to know my responsibilities, I'm going to know my assignments so I'm able to play fast."
For the second season in a row, Jackson has missed four games or a quarter of the season. According to Jackson, "a torn groin or a torn hamstring, it just happens."
Nonetheless, Jackson, who was the Rams' first-round pick in 2004, still had back-to-back 1000-yard rushing seasons. In fact, he has had four in a row since his rookie season.
However, Jackson has seen his receiving totals decline sharply. He had 90 receptions for 806 yards in 2006. In 2007 and 2008 combined, he had 78 receptions for 650 yards.
With the improved coaching and talent on the offensive line (the Rams drafted tackle Jason Smith second overall), Jackson is poised for a big year in 2009. And even though I've said it before, I mean it this time (too).
