Analysis: Ex-Buckeye Pittman roster spot in jeopardy.
Former Buckeye star RB Antonio Pittman is 23 and won't turn 24 until the week before Christmas. Even so, his career is in jeopardy. Last year when Rams' starter Steven Jackson was dinged up, Pittman had worked himself into the #2 role. He did OK but not great while starting 5 games for the Rams. This year he is struggling to stay at the 3rd RB role. The Rams may only keep 3 RBs on the roster due to needs in other positions.
Jackson is a star and will be the #1 guy as long as he stays healthy. The Rams O will depend to a great degree on his getting back to his 06 form when he ran for 4.4 yards per carry and scored 13 rushing TDs. The new administration of the Rams picked Chris Ogbonnaya in the second round of the 09 draft. He is sure to make the roster.
The battle for 3rd is between Pittman, vet Samkon Gado and former Alabama back Kenneth Darby. Darby has been on several team's cab squads and appeared in 1 game for the Rams last year. He is a slashing type back as well as good receiver. He looked indecisive in the first preseason game against the Jets averaging only 2.7 yards/att. But in game 2 against the Falcons, he averaged 4.3.
Gado broke a 77 yard TD against the Jets but fumbled against the Falcons while averaging only 0.4 yards on 12 carries.
So far, Pittman has only 9 carries for 51 yards and a healthy 5.67 yards per attempt. The problem is that he has only gotten 9 carries. Gado has had 18 carries and Darby has gotten 13. Only time and his production in the final 2 preseason games will tell if he will make the final roster. You can bet he will be giving it all he has like he did for the Buckeyes.
That's what I think. Tell me what you think.
Bill Smith is a former coach of several semi-pro teams, has officiated both football and basketball, done color on radio for college football and basketball and has scouted talent. He is a senior writer for http://NFLDraftDog.com and edits http://fryingpansports.com. He has also published several novels on http://www.eBooks-Library/Contemporary/Author.cfm?AuthorID=1003 and edits http://fryingpanpolitics.blog.com.