I've been tasked by a northern neighbor to write something about Steven Jackson vs. Frank Gore. I wrote a comment in a recent thread asking why Steven Jackson is considered old and used up but Frank Gore is still a viable back. I gave some quick stats to show how I didn't believe that to be true but another TSTer came up with a stat to counter my argument.

Now this aforementioned neighbor, I will only give a numbered clue (1313), thought that a post would be in order to help prove my point. Now, I have never claimed to be an expert and am far from it, but my loyalties to the Rams and to Steven's career make this a task I can't pass up.

I have to admit, it would be fruitless to just use Steven and Frank as my only comparison because it limits me in their evaluation against each other. I decided to add a few more names for comparison purposes. The other names are all current Hall of Fame Running Backs. I only used the ones that are equal to the stat the other TSTer mentioned. Let's get started;

As you can see by this table most everyone has the same Yards per Attempt except for Frank Gore. He is about 9% above the others. Even though the 49ers OL hasn't been great since Gore has been with them they've been at least average and the past two years they've been above average. The Rams OL has been absolutely dreadful until last season when they became average. Steven has one more year in the league than Frank but the discrepancy is apparent. Frank Gore would have to have a phenomenal year and Steven would have to sit out just to match the stats.

I added one more column in this table to show something no-one talks much about. That, is the fumble column, taking care of the football. You may notice that the HOF'er in this table with the lowest fumble total is our own Marshall Faulk. You may also notice that Steven has less fumbles than Frank even after being in the league an extra year.

I'm sorry if I seem to be rambling. This is my first post and it is a passionate one for me. Steven has an opportunity to leave the Rams and I for one do not want that to happen. A little encouragement came today in the Les Snead interview with NFL AM. He stated Steven and his situation is "priority" and is currently being worked on. I believe Steven wants to be here and I believe he is needed here for a couple more years. I know some want to move on from Steven and I'm fine with that. Everyone gets an opinion but I, personally, would like to see Steven get to the playoffs in the next two seasons and finish his career with the Rams. So, thank you all for reading. I am now willing to accept your opinions and criticism.