Running on Empty? Not This Fullback

Randy's Radar

Running on Empty? Not This Fullback

Published: Thu, March 6, 2008 - 3:27pm EDT
Eric Allen

By Eric Allen

Allen is the senior managing editor of newyorkjets.com. He is in his seventh season with the Jets.


File Under: Minnesota, Thomas Jones, Brad Childress, Tony Richardson

03/06 — Following the 2007 regular season, 36-year-old Tony Richardson didn’t sound like a man who was heading for a change of address.

"I don't want to move at this point in my career. I had a good meeting with the [Vikings] owners,” Richardson told ESPN last month. “I've got some gas left in the wheel and want to keep playing. I feel like I'm 25.''

Tony Richardson

The 13-year vet had just been selected to his third Pro Bowl after the Vikings had set a franchise rushing mark with 2,364 yards.

"I'm up this year and obviously I want to stay in Minnesota,'' he said. "I have two guys, Chester Taylor and Adrian Peterson, to work with. I couldn't ask for a better situation. All signs are pointing to me staying, but it's a business.”

The Vikings made a business decision to move in a different direction, signing Eagles FB Thomas Tapeh in free agency. The Purple & Gold thought the 27-year-old Tapeh, a University of Minnesota product, would be a better fit in their West Coast offense.

"I think it's more about Thomas, and I'll stay away from Tony,” said Vikes coach Brad Childress. “There's absolutely nothing bad I'm going to say about Tony Richardson."

That move allowed the Jets to swoop in and grab an old-school FB, a guy who’s going to pave the way for Thomas Jones in ’08. Richardson, a 6’1”, 238-pounder who played his first 11 seasons in Kansas City, has averaged six rushing attempts and 11 receptions over the past three seasons.

Is there a happier Jet out there than Jones? In less than a week, TJ’s picked up perhaps the best LG in football — Alan Faneca — a versatile lineman who will probably start at RT — Damien Woody — and a thumper to lead him in the backfield. Those third-and-1's and fourth-and-1's the Jets struggled with last year shouldn’t be a problem in ’08.

Richardson, who owns an MBA from Webster University and has talked about a potential future in an NFL front office, will fit in well with his new club. He’s tough, he’s smart and he’s civic-minded.

You might also expect T-Rich to be adaptable. The son of Sgt. Major Ben Richardson lived in Germany the first eight years of his life, so this move, while somewhat unexpected, isn’t dramatic.

Richardson has been a member of two No. 1-ranked rushing offenses — Kansas City as a rookie in 1995, Minnesota last season — and has contributed to nine top-six rushing offenses in his 13 seasons. Here is a chart showing three phases of Richardson's career (PBs–Pro Bowls):

Seasons Team(s) GP-S Touches Yards Avg/Tch TDs PBs
1995-98 KC 55- 2 41 121 2.2 6 0
1999-2002 KC 60-52 449 2355 5.2 17 0
2003-07 KC-MIN 71-52 118 623 5.3 1 3
Totals   186-106 608 3099 5.1 24 3

 

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Fans Respond

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Ben Davis Said:

Sat, March 15, 2008 - 2:20pm EDT

"The reason the Jets could consider getting McFadden is the fact Thomas is getting up in age, and running backs start to decline in a decade. McFadden did have 23 fumbles, 9 lost, in Arkansas, but it's not like he can't fix that(See Tiki Barber) I know we have Leon too, and I love the guy. But Thomas has 2 years left and I don't want to pass on a potential phenom. Gholston is my next favorite guy."

Tom Spicer Said:

Sat, March 15, 2008 - 9:38pm EDT

"drew hogan & frank 9 fumbles in 36 games is not alot of fumbles that is 3 per season or 1 every 4 games & he breaks tackles left & right his bio says he looks to run guys over & has a strong stiff arm. Also taking snaps at QB is a strength he can keep D'S off balance he can run pass or pitch it to another back "

Row Said:

Wed, March 19, 2008 - 7:05pm EDT

"Mcfadden is going to be an overpaid reggie bush who barely sees the ball 10 times a game. "