Why the Rams Need Steven Jackson So Badly

Derek Lofland, NFL director for Fantasy Football Maniaxs

The Rams need to get Steven Jackson’s contract figured out—fast. In two preseason games, the Rams have looked horrific on offense. They scored just seven points in their 7-6 win against San Diego. They lost their opener to Tennessee, 34-13.

A couple of things in the Rams' favor: 1. Jackson would not have played four quarters in those games. 2. While they only had 76 yards against the Titans on the ground, they did record 183 rushing yards against the Chargers.

This isn’t so much an opinion I have because the offense has struggled in preseason. I feel they need him because of what he's meant to their offense the last two regular seasons.

Jackson got hurt in Week 3 last season. He came back in Week 8. The result was a 0-4 stretch during which the Rams scored seven points against the Cowboys, three against the Ravens, and six against the Seahawks. The only game in which their offense looked good was their 34-31 loss to Arizona.

Steven Jackson is a beast. In 2006, he recorded 2,334 yards from scrimmage, which ranks fifth in NFL history. It was only 95 yards shy of Marshall Faulk’s 1999 NFL record. He also scored 16 touchdowns that season. 

Last year, despite missing those four starts, he still recorded 1,002 yards rushing and scored five touchdowns. He scored a touchdown in six of the nine games after he came back from injury.

This holdout is looking a lot like the one from Larry Johnson last season. It looks like it could drag into the eve of the regular season. It will take him a couple games to warm up. Holdouts of this nature can be a precursor to injuries.

The Rams can’t afford that. On paper, they don’t appear particularly strong, even with Jackson in the lineup. While Holt and Bulger can move the ball through the air, they won’t be nearly as effective if defenses don’t have Steven Jackson to contend with. 

This offense needs a healthy Steven Jackson this season. The Rams need to get him into camp as soon as possible to put him in the best possible position to do that.