Memo to Steven Jackson
September 18th, 2007 | by Kevin Morris |
By Bernie Miklasz
Tuesday, Sep. 18 2007
I believe Rams RB Steven Jackson has a good heart, and that he wants to win. I also respect that he wants the ball in his hands with a game on the line. The great competitors always want to make the difference when it matters most.
That said, Jackson shouldn’t be showing up his head coach, Scott Linehan, by screaming at the boss on the sideline late in the game, as S.Jax did Sunday with the Rams going down to the 49ers.
Though Jackson was diplomatic in his comments the day after the 17-16 loss to San Francisco, he clearly was irate on Sunday afternoon when the Rams blew the chance to win.
Jackson apparently wants the ball more often in meaningful situations. He doesn’t want to removed from a game when it can still be a win. I can respect that.
But here’s the deal, delivered with some straight talk:
Jackson is no victim here. He can play much better than he has, so he shouldn’t be fuming at others.
Jackson lost two critical fumbles in the opening loss to Carolina. And against the Niners, Jackson did a terrible job on his blitz pickups, and was directly responsible for multiple body blows absorbed by QB Marc Bulger.
Moreover, Jackson wasn’t sharp with his run reads. He missed a few excellent chances for cutback runs. And he did the Peter Pan too often, fluttering and floating instead of powering into the hole.
Jackson is a huge talent. I also think he’s a good dude. He is capable of greatness. But that is earned. So is the respect that Jackson craves.
The NFL isn’t a Nike commercial. In the real game, backs have to make blocks and run hard and take care of business on the field.
And before hollering at the coach over the job he’s doing, make sure that you’re doing your own job to the best of your ability.
