Jets' key signing of FB Richardson flies under radar
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- The New York Jets shook up the NFL when they spent millions to acquire veterans Alan Faneca, Kris Jenkins and Calvin Pace, but one of their most significant -- and underrated -- moves was one that cost them little.
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| Tony Richardson figures to give a big boost to the Jets' ground game. (AP) |
Maybe you remember him with Minnesota. Surely you remember him with Kansas City. In both places he did what the Jets hope he can here, which was to serve as the lead blocker for a 1,000-yard rusher.
Priest Holmes. Larry Johnson. Chester Taylor. Adrian Peterson. It doesn't make a difference. If a running back is paired with Richardson he has a future in real estate. And the envelope, please:
• Richardson was there when Johnson set a Chiefs' rushing record in 2005.
• He was there when Holmes set the league record for touchdowns in 2003.
• He paved the way for Taylor's career-high 1,216 yards in 2006.
• And he was the other guy in the backfield last season when Peterson, the league's Offensive Rookie of the Year, ran for an NFC-best 1,341 yards.
"I'm not taking credit for that at all," said Richardson, who is as gracious off the field as he is punishing on it. "I've been fortunate to have been around some very, very talented running backs and to have played with some Hall of Fame offensive linemen like Willie Roaf and Will Shields. It's obviously a combination of the offensive linemen and the backs I've been fortunate to block for."
Maybe, but that shouldn't undersell Richardson's value. The guy can block, much like Lorenzo Neal in San Diego, and the results speak for themselves: Richardson has been chosen four times for the Pro Bowl, including last year with Minnesota.
That's important to remember, Jets fans, because even though the guy turns 37 this season, he could have as much impact on New York's offense as, say, Faneca or right tackle Damien Woody.
And here's why: The Jets are making a commitment to the run this season, right? Well, what better way to start than by improving your blockers? But I'm not talking only about the big guys up front; I'm talking about a superior blocker at fullback.
Someone like Tony Richardson.
