Toby Gerhart's first chance as a featured NFL running back fell flat.
The Jacksonville Jaguars' tailback was frank about 2014.
"Last year sucked, bluntly," Gerhart said, via the team's official website.
He's not exaggerating.
Dealing with injuries that kept him out of two games and hindered him in many others, Gerhart ran for just 326 yards on 101 attempts, for a paltry 3.2 yards per carry and two touchdowns.
It wasn't what the Jags had in mind when they signed Adrian Peterson's former backup last offseason. It was especially disappointing the big back couldn't create holes behind one of the shakiest offensive lines in the NFL.
The Jags drafted T.J. Yeldon, who the team believes can be a three-down player. Denard Robinson is likely to be the change-of-pace back.
Still, the Jags haven't given up on Gerhart.
"He looks even quicker and faster than he did last year," general manager David Caldwell said this week. "I think he's going to help us a lot this year."
Caldwell's comment screams of training camp optimism. We'll have to see it in preseason games to believe Gerhart will have anything other than a bit part as the big back.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast features Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo sharing his thoughts on the upcoming season.
