[Bengal Cat]

I don't know if I'd make Watson the featured back just yet. He certainly had a career day against the Jets, but I'm not sure he can take that kind of pounding every week. I suspect he could start to wear down after a few more games of 30+ carries. Also, I think Rudi is still too young to relegate him only to goal-line situations.

IMO, part of the reason Watson had such a great day was the blocking by the line. If I'm not mistaken, that was the first game all year where we've had all 5 starters healthy and in their proper positions on the line. Some of those holes were so big I believe I could've ran for 8-10 yards.

Again, I don't mean to put down Watson, we would've been in deep trouble without him. But I just think that Rudi would also put up good numbers with the O-line back to full strength.

Now, the big question: what to do if Rudi and Chris Perry both return this week? How do you split the carries between the three of them?

I heard Marvin say on Bengals line that Rudi would be the starter when he returned. As I stated in another post the success in the running game and the offense in general was due to the O-line (not taking anything away from Watson). They finally had the 5 lineman on the field together that they had intended to have starting and it showed. Now having said that......I'm sure Rudi will start, but is there any doubt that Watson hits the holes faster than Rudi? There were several plays where Watson got an extra 5-7 yards where Rudi might have been tackled. Also I wonder if the Jets defender ever picked up his jock that he lost when Dorsey put that move on him in the backfield?.......lol. You want to talk about a nice problem to have? Think about the stable of running backs next year at camp. Rudi, Chris Perry, Watson, Dorsey and Irons. Not too shabby.