Reaction: Steven Jackson to Patriots

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Jackson confirmed his return to the NFL with a post on his Twitter account:

Jackson was released by Atlanta with one year remaining on the contract he signed in 2013, but his time with the Falcons was largely unproductive. He ran for a total of 1,250 yards with 13 total touchdowns (12 rushing) in 27 games.

After his release, Jackson wrote a blurb on his personal website to declare he wasn’t considering retirement:

There are questions about my age, and what I have left in the tank. Of that, I will simply say this. For the first nine years of my career, I was used like a battering ram, punishing opposing defenses over four quarters of a game. Maybe you stopped me the first five times I got the ball, but by the 15th or 20th time I got it, late in a game—let’s just say you were really feeling me at that point.

Make no mistake: I can still punish a defense. I still have a warrior’s heart. There are 1,000-yard seasons left in these legs. I know what I am still capable of, and I have every intention of proving it.

Jackson attended Oregon State University, where he played for the Oregon State Beavers football team for three seasons. In 36 games, he carried 743 times for 3,625 yards for a 4.9-yard average and 39 touchdowns while adding 680 yards and 6 touchdowns on 66 catches and 240 yards with a touchdown on 7 kickoff returns. His 4,545 all-purpose yards rank second in school history, while he ranks third on the school’s all-time scoring list with 276 points. His sophomore season, Jackson led the Pac-10 Conference in rushing and finished the season eighth nationally with 1,690 yards; an average of 130 yards per game. As a junior, he ranked tenth in the nation in rushing, ninth in all-purpose yardage, and fourth in scoring; he carried the ball 350 times for 1,545 yards and 19 touchdowns, adding 44 receptions for 470 yards and 3 touchdowns. His 2,015 all-purpose yards set a school record.

Even though the numbers haven’t been kind to him recently, he’s still a functional runner who can provide a powerful change of pace in a two-back set. He’s been durable, playing at least 15 games in five of the last six years.

Teams are always looking to add depth at running back since players take such a beating at the position. Jackson doesn’t have to be a workhorse anymore, but he has the frame and style to provide power when a team needs to pick up a couple of yards.

As long as Jackson is used in a scheme that takes advantage of the things he does well, this has the potential to be a fruitful marriage.

By Adam Wells , Featured Columnist Dec 21, 2015
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2388390-steven-jackson-to-patriots-latest-contract-details-comments-and-reaction