The problem with your analysis is it can’t be proven since we don’t live in a parallel universe. There are too many variables that determine how effectively an offense functions. Coaching/scheme, QB play, OL performance, WR and RB performance, defenses played against, etc. All of those variable change from year to year.
So it’s impossible to say with any certainty or credibility that Austin didn’t help improve the offense. Using your logic, Gurley didn’t help improve it either. So Gurley was a wasted draft pick and Tre Mason is a better runner judging by the fact that the 2014 offense was better than the 2015 offense. Right? Right?
This analysis fails because it doesn’t allow for the possibility that the 2014 offense was better due to other variables such as the OL was better and the QB performance was better in 2014. Or maybe Schotty was a better OC… We can’t just hone in on the one variable that you happen to dislike.
As far as your second point, people have been saying he’ll get injured due to his size since his college days. It hasn’t happened yet right? Also, it’s really easy to say, ‘defenses will start taking it [Austin runs] away.’ But how? You think they haven’t tried already? And if they do, what else or who else does that free up?
I appreciate your opinion but I have to disagree. Having an explosive weapon that scores 9 TDs, and one that defenses worry about and spend time scheming to stop, is by definition greatly helpful to an offense.
