It’s not like he was suddenly going to start caring about pass-blocking, after all.

I don’t think we can function with LJ carrying it in the sub 20/game range, especially at the money we’re paying him. If we want to run a “ball control” offense, then we will be running it as a team well over 30 times. If LJ is restricted in attempt to prevent him breaking 300 carries, that is less than 19 carries a game… which means he would almost be splitting the workload evenly with the backups. At that point, what is his value? Why not just have a committee of 3 backs that can split the load evenly? We would almost be in that situation. We’re talking in the range of 10 carries a half? I don’t see how that works with a back like LJ. I agree with Crawford, resting him on 3rd downs should suffice.

I think LJ can handle 300+ carries if we use him properly. If we have a solid lead in a game, pull him early and let Smith, Charles and whoever else carry the rest of the game. Let LJ start his recovery early. If it’s a close game and he is being effective, let him carry a little more to help us win the game.

No running back will last forever. I’m not suggesting we let him pull close to 400 carries, but I think the low-mid 300’s would work, somewhere around 20-22 a game. He retains his status as the team’s premier back (which keeps him from turning in to a whiny, unproductive crybaby) and also keeps him from grinding down to a nub too fast/early.

Just keep the dude healthy.

I dont think he has the attitude problems as someone like Shaun Alexander in that Shaun gave up trying hard when he got his cash. L.J. at least seems to have a sense of history and wants to become a historically renowned running back. At least thats what he says…

I love the sound of LJ 25+ times a game. I still feel that he is our best offensive player, meaning that he should be the centerpiece of the offense. As UCrawford said, it would be pointless to even have him on our team if we would be taking him below 20 carries a game. Players like LaDainian Tomlinson and Clinton Portis can get away with that because they are more versatile players and recieve a fair amount of throws as well. Also, lets not forget that while LJ’s hands aren’t the greatest, they have up with some clutch catches in the past, coming in the form of screens or swings.

When healthy, LJ is arguably the best pure rusher in football right now. Some people would say that LJ was just a product of our HOF studded O-Line, but it is those same people who up until our first preseason game believed that Tyler Thigpen was competing with Brodie Croyle for the starting spot. I am so sick of reading how “Hot” our QB competition is for the starting spot.

"After going 6-10 against the bears on thursday, Brodie Croyle may have won the starting job over his counterpart Thigpen*)

As far as LJ’s injury is concerned, he is completely healed and shows no ill-effects.

Our O-line will definetly limit LJ’s stats, but hopefully not enough that we can win the game. If our offense can keep our defense off of the field with long drives of LJ pounding the ball, then hopefully they can be fresh enough to keep the score low and help us win a game of two. As far as I am concerned, LJ needs to be getting the majority of the workload in order for us to have the best chance at success.