Does Martin have any gas left in the tank?

By Hugo Guzman  |   Tuesday, February 28, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

New York Jets
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Curtis Martin has been the New York Jets' most consistent performer for nearly a decade. However, as he approaches his 33rd birthday, some might question his ability to continue in a starting capacity for Gang Green.

Last week the New York Jets front office successfully restructured the future Hall of Famer's contract, which will allow him to remain with the team through at least the '06 season. Yet the question remains: can he still be the 1,000+ yard rusher that he was for the first 10 years of his career?

We've all heard about his maniacal offseason workouts and his legendary durability, but the fact remains that Martin is coming off an injury-shortened season in which he failed to reach the millenium mark for the first time in his career. Rehab from the knee injury seems to be coming along nicely, but at his age it may take longer than usual to get back up to NFL speed.

Fortunately, Martin's backup Cedric Houston might provide some much needed relief for the aging legend. He rushed for 302 yards and 2 touchdowns on 81 carries in '05, posting his best outing in a 24-20 loss to the Miami Dolphins where he rushed for 84 yards on just 15 carries. Still, Houston is still too inexperienced to carry the load for the Jets, so for now the offense will still be centered on Martin.

The New York Jets aren't expected to be world-beaters this upcoming season and there are currently more pressing questions on offense, like what's going to happen with Chad Pennington and the quarterback position in general. Still, if the Jets want to return to respectability this year, they will have to ride on the aging legs of Curtis Martin. Hopefully, he'll be up for the task.
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About Hugo Guzman

Trying to bring an objective approach to NFL analysis.
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