Christine Michael (2 Viewers)

[tone1oc]

From Pete Carroll's press conference today.

LINK

(On Christine Michael’s performance…) “Oh it was terrific getting him out there. We’ve been looking for our chance. We saw what we saw in preseason, that he’s got exceptional quickness and he’s got big play ability in him. He needs these plays to grow with us and really so we can all feel comfortable with him in there. It was a great opportunity and he did a really good job with the chances that he had. Cool.”

(On the areas that Christine Michael would need to show to play more…) “All of the areas really. All of them and he hasn’t had a chance to really be tested. The biggest challenge is pass protection for him right now. Not only knowing who he’s blocking but blocking them and he hasn’t had a lot of opportunities in live situations. So it’s going to take him a while there. It’s always the hardest challenge… the most difficult challenge for the running backs is just knowing who to block and the confusion of the pass protections. But in reading the running game, he just needs reps. He just needs turns. He’s going to be an effective player. He’s got a lot of juice when he gets the ball in his hands.”

Exactly. They dont feel comfortable with (i.e. trust) him out there.

Nothing about that to me is an indictment on him. Whereas it seems to me that this is just coach-speak; with praise they also need to mention that they need to get better too. Most rookie RBs will need to improve in pass pro, and all have to earn their trust.

I think in the case of Michael he is well on his way. If they stick with Lynch for another year I believe it will be in a true RBBC with Michael and Turbin in passing downs.

 

[Bobbyn2022]

So drop Steven Jackson for the future huh. Man Jackson plays TB this week...Uhhh I hope this gamble pays off in the long run.

 

[Tito the Builder]

Larry Seely was right.

 

[Sabertooth]

They are 9-1 right now. I don't think I can fault their handling of anything. Carroll is running the best team in the league right now. Michael needs some experience but he's working him correctly. I think Michael might be one of those guys like Ahman Green who goes elsewhere in a few seasons and puts up a 1600-1800 season. No reason to rush a rookie in there right now. Turbin is a fine backup plan to Lynch. No real weaknesses to his game and they'd probably feel comfortable rolling with him if Lynch went down.

Michael's opportunity is going to limit him for a while. However he has got the skillset to shine. Patience is going to be key with him. He's a much better bet than Lattimore for long term success I think. Higher floor and ceiling.

 

[TheFanatic]

From Pete Carroll's press conference today.

LINK

(On Christine Michael’s performance…) “Oh it was terrific getting him out there. We’ve been looking for our chance. We saw what we saw in preseason, that he’s got exceptional quickness and he’s got big play ability in him. He needs these plays to grow with us and really so we can all feel comfortable with him in there. It was a great opportunity and he did a really good job with the chances that he had. Cool.”

(On the areas that Christine Michael would need to show to play more…) “All of the areas really. All of them and he hasn’t had a chance to really be tested. The biggest challenge is pass protection for him right now. Not only knowing who he’s blocking but blocking them and he hasn’t had a lot of opportunities in live situations. So it’s going to take him a while there. It’s always the hardest challenge… the most difficult challenge for the running backs is just knowing who to block and the confusion of the pass protections. But in reading the running game, he just needs reps. He just needs turns. He’s going to be an effective player. He’s got a lot of juice when he gets the ball in his hands.”

Exactly. They dont feel comfortable with (i.e. trust) him out there.

Nothing about that to me is an indictment on him. Whereas it seems to me that this is just coach-speak; with praise they also need to mention that they need to get better too. Most rookie RBs will need to improve in pass pro, and all have to earn their trust.

I think in the case of Michael he is well on his way. If they stick with Lynch for another year I believe it will be in a true RBBC with Michael and Turbin in passing downs.

Combine that with the fact he was a DNP in all but 2 games is more than coach speak.

 

[Bobbyn2022]

So do I drop Steven Jackson we start 3 Rbs

Spiller

Gore

Brown

Ridley

Jackson

Michael

All my RB have had byes I'm not sure if Jackson is worth keeping for just this year or Michael is the guy for my future? I'm the number 1 team but not by much. Jackson's playoff schedule sucks.

 

[tone1oc]

From Pete Carroll's press conference today.

LINK

(On Christine Michael’s performance…) “Oh it was terrific getting him out there. We’ve been looking for our chance. We saw what we saw in preseason, that he’s got exceptional quickness and he’s got big play ability in him. He needs these plays to grow with us and really so we can all feel comfortable with him in there. It was a great opportunity and he did a really good job with the chances that he had. Cool.”

(On the areas that Christine Michael would need to show to play more…) “All of the areas really. All of them and he hasn’t had a chance to really be tested. The biggest challenge is pass protection for him right now. Not only knowing who he’s blocking but blocking them and he hasn’t had a lot of opportunities in live situations. So it’s going to take him a while there. It’s always the hardest challenge… the most difficult challenge for the running backs is just knowing who to block and the confusion of the pass protections. But in reading the running game, he just needs reps. He just needs turns. He’s going to be an effective player. He’s got a lot of juice when he gets the ball in his hands.”

Exactly. They dont feel comfortable with (i.e. trust) him out there.

Nothing about that to me is an indictment on him. Whereas it seems to me that this is just coach-speak; with praise they also need to mention that they need to get better too. Most rookie RBs will need to improve in pass pro, and all have to earn their trust.

I think in the case of Michael he is well on his way. If they stick with Lynch for another year I believe it will be in a true RBBC with Michael and Turbin in passing downs.

Combine that with the fact he was a DNP in all but 2 games is more than coach speak.

I think that it had a whole lot more to do with him being behind a top 5 RB that is a beast.

 

[EBF]

From the Seahawks fan forums:

BTW
Pete said in his presser that Michael had/has some problems with blocking. I think, specifically, he was asked what aspects CM needed to improve upon and he said "all aspects" but then he went on to talk about one or two whiffs on blocking assignments.

Hope everyone who has asked why Michael doesn't get on the field listens to yesterday's presser. As far as i am aware, it's the first time Pete has addressed his playing time. There are areas that Michael does need to improve, and Pete specifically pointed out pass blocking. Up until now it was assumed that pass blocking was an issue. Pete has now stated it's an issue. Now you can go and say, "Well, it's been ten weeks so it can't still be an issue." Remember, live contact is very very limited in practices following the last CBA. If you listen to what Pete says, he needs to see improvement during live contact, in other words, in the game time situations. Pete isn't willing to throw Michael in there on the chance he whiffs an assignment, so the only way Michael is going to see the field and have a chance for improvement this year is if the team starts blowing out opponents and Michael gets his touches in garbage time.

I don't think you can judge Michael's pass blocking in the preseason as evidence that he can pass block in the regular season. You simply don't get the same defensive looks and reads that the RB would need to adjust to. Pete stated hes not ready to have Michael make those adjustments in game time situations yet. Based on Michael's playing time this far and Pete's explanation, you can't really say it doesn't explain the situation. Pete's response to Michael's playing time is consistent with the evidence.

If we get more blowouts and more Michael late in games, you'll see more of Michael in the future. It's a very simple explanation, albeit a frustrating one for many fans. If they allowed more live contact in practice, we'd see more of Michael.

Some confirmation of what has long been suspected. Blocking has been a big factor in the lack of PT this season.

 

[Eminence]

This Lynch's team. They are 9-1. If it aint broken, don't fix it.

 

[tone1oc]

This Lynch's team. They are 9-1. If it aint broken, don't fix it.

This. I'm sorry but it's blocking, any (for the most part) RB can become good enough at it with enough reps. Sure, Michael might not be where Carroll would like, but its not like you can really figure it out in practice when players aren't going full speed. Pass pro is something that can be corrected rather quickly. I'd be more concerned if they were saying that he isn't holding on to the ball, indecisive or wasn't good at you know, running the ball.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

This Lynch's team. They are 9-1. If it aint broken, don't fix it.

This. I'm sorry but it's blocking, any (for the most part) RB can become good enough at it with enough reps. Sure, Michael might not be where Carroll would like, but its not like you can really figure it out in practice when players aren't going full speed. Pass pro is something that can be corrected rather quickly. I'd be more concerned if they were saying that he isn't holding on to the ball, indecisive or wasn't good at you know, running the ball.

First you said it was coaches speak. Then EBF posted a post that includes the head coach saying "all aspects".

Now you act as if you know better then the coaches and what has flatly been stated now and was even alluded to in preseason.

Its more then just blocking. Though keeping Wilson upright may be the largest of those issues.

 

[One]

Good Lord, CM's fun to watch.

I'm stashing in a deep Redraft 14-Teamer in case of late season use. Too many better options in my 12rs.

 

[tone1oc]

This Lynch's team. They are 9-1. If it aint broken, don't fix it.

This. I'm sorry but it's blocking, any (for the most part) RB can become good enough at it with enough reps. Sure, Michael might not be where Carroll would like, but its not like you can really figure it out in practice when players aren't going full speed. Pass pro is something that can be corrected rather quickly. I'd be more concerned if they were saying that he isn't holding on to the ball, indecisive or wasn't good at you know, running the ball.

First you said it was coaches speak. Then EBF posted a post that includes the head coach saying "all aspects".

Now you act as if you know better then the coaches and what has flatly been stated now and was even alluded to in preseason.

Its more then just blocking. Though keeping Wilson upright may be the largest of those issues.

What else is alluded to in those quotes other than blocking? That was what Carroll specifically mentioned when addressing "trust" issues in those quotes.

Pass pro is very important, and he'll have to get better, which he will, as most rookie RBs do with live reps.

 

[karmarooster]

Wait a minute....

Christine Michael had 1 carry for 9 yards in a blowout, but Turbin had 7 carries for 17 yards, including a reception for 12 yards. What's going on here? Is Turbin the backup or is Michael? And if Michael is the backup why did he only get 1 carry? And isn't he better than Turbin judging by that YPC? I mean, Lynch averaged 3.2 but Turbin at 2.4 and Michael at 9.0. If Lynch goes down, who plays here? And if it's Michael, why does Turbin have more carries? Is Turbin a backup or COP? Is Lynch going to be on this team next year? In 2015? What about his DUI? Is Michael worth holding in Dynasty? Is he a top 20 dynasty RB? What's with all the DNPs by Michael? Is it pass-pro or is he just not that good or is it coach speak....

Can we get the same cast of characters in here to have our weekly argument over difficult to discern subjects based mostly on talent evaluation and opinion and try to make sweeping conclusions based on a sentence or two in the off-season or at a press conference, and then add on top some evaluation of a handful of carries?

I know exactly how this is going to play out, but I enjoy the ride so much....

 

[bumpman]

Nice post Karma, lol. One thing worth noting is that Seattle seems well on its way to locking up its division very early and maybe even home field throughout once it plays New Orleans. As a dynasty owner of Michael, I am looking forward to seeing him in something other than blowout situations.

 

[Hooper31]

Michael had one carry in garbage time yesterday. He immediately tapped out and Lynch had the next carry. Lynch was standing there on the sideline and Turbin wasn't expecting to go right back in. Lynch got one carry before they put Turbin back in.

Turbin is the backup for now.

 

[EBF]

He could be a week 17 all-star this year. Maybe even week 16 depending on what happens the next few games. Seattle is nearly a lock for a top 2 seed as is.

 

[EBF]

Seattle Post:

http://blog.seattlepi.com/hawkblogger/2013/11/18/the-morning-after-seahawks-head-to-the-bye-in-style-41-20-over-vikings/

One player who is struggling to justify the reps he is getting is Robert Turbin. He lacks elusiveness as a runner, which would be okay if he was not going down on first contact so often. Pete Carroll has made it clear that Christine Michael is being held back by his lack of polish in the passing game in terms of blitz pickup and general pass protection. There is no credible case for saying Turbin is a better asset as a runner, which further reinforces the notion that this is about less glamorous jobs like pass blocking.

It has been eleven games now, fifteen if you include pre-season. At some point, this becomes about the coaches inability to get Michael prepared to take the field. Inserting yet another wildcard into the pass blocking while Russell Okung and Breno Giacomini and Max Unger were missing games probably did not make a lot of sense. Now that they are back, the Seahawks would be wise to start mixing Michael in more regularly. He is a weapon that could change a game. Turbin simply has not shown evidence that he is more than a solid back-up runner. One story line to follow will be whether coaches look to Harvin to take some snaps from Turbin. In any case, we should see less of Turbin the rest of the way if the coaches are looking to optimize this offense.

 

[Milkman]

Omg One time dealer!

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Coach Pete Carroll suggested that he's not ready to give Christine Michael more chances anytime soon.
Michael has just 18 carries in four appearances this season, playing behind Robert Turbin often. "He's working his way in and we think he has great promise for the future," Carroll said Monday. "But he's still a young guy trying to break in." We're still extremely high on Michael's Dynasty stock as his natural running ability pops off the tape. Marshawn Lynch will turn 28 in April, is facing DUI charges and is owed $7.5 million in 2015 total salary.

Source: ESPN.com

 

[Milkman]

The Seahawks need playmakers. You would think they would be doing what they could to get what appears to be an explosive playmaker on the field to help their football team. Not sure what Christine Michael has to do but it looks like he is buried on the depth chart to start next season as well.

 

[mad sweeney]

The Seahawks need playmakers. You would think they would be doing what they could to get what appears to be an explosive playmaker on the field to help their football team. Not sure what Christine Michael has to do but it looks like he is buried on the depth chart to start next season as well.

Carroll and Schneider have shown themselves to be shrewd judges of talent. They can obviously be wrong, and maybe that's what's going on here, but their track record suggests that if they don't want him on the field, there's a reason.

 

[domvin]

hasnt it already beensaid? Turbin plays special teams. Michael doesnot.....

Michael has top 10 ability. Turbin does not

 

[Milkman]

The Seahawks need playmakers. You would think they would be doing what they could to get what appears to be an explosive playmaker on the field to help their football team. Not sure what Christine Michael has to do but it looks like he is buried on the depth chart to start next season as well.

Carroll and Schneider have shown themselves to be shrewd judges of talent. They can obviously be wrong, and maybe that's what's going on here, but their track record suggests that if they don't want him on the field, there's a reason.

Yeah I agree. I thought Carroll suggested that is was Christine Michael's pass protection that needed work. Which he then indicated was hard to practice because there is not much time to practice at game speed. If that's the case I'm not sure how he gets better at it unless they let him play........

 

[mad sweeney]

The Seahawks need playmakers. You would think they would be doing what they could to get what appears to be an explosive playmaker on the field to help their football team. Not sure what Christine Michael has to do but it looks like he is buried on the depth chart to start next season as well.

Carroll and Schneider have shown themselves to be shrewd judges of talent. They can obviously be wrong, and maybe that's what's going on here, but their track record suggests that if they don't want him on the field, there's a reason.

Yeah I agree. I thought Carroll suggested that is was Christine Michael's pass protection that needed work. Which he then indicated was hard to practice because there is not much time to practice at game speed. If that's the case I'm not sure how he gets better at it unless they let him play........

They're right more than they're wrong. They got him for a reason, they're not playing for a reason. A lot of first year RBs pick it up enough to get on the field. I dunno. Maybe they'll put him in to return kicks. I think he did it some in college.

 

[msommer]

The Seahawks need playmakers. You would think they would be doing what they could to get what appears to be an explosive playmaker on the field to help their football team. Not sure what Christine Michael has to do but it looks like he is buried on the depth chart to start next season as well.

Carroll and Schneider have shown themselves to be shrewd judges of talent. They can obviously be wrong, and maybe that's what's going on here, but their track record suggests that if they don't want him on the field, there's a reason.

Yeah I agree. I thought Carroll suggested that is was Christine Michael's pass protection that needed work. Which he then indicated was hard to practice because there is not much time to practice at game speed. If that's the case I'm not sure how he gets better at it unless they let him play........

TC should help

 

[Milkman]

The Seahawks need playmakers. You would think they would be doing what they could to get what appears to be an explosive playmaker on the field to help their football team. Not sure what Christine Michael has to do but it looks like he is buried on the depth chart to start next season as well.

Carroll and Schneider have shown themselves to be shrewd judges of talent. They can obviously be wrong, and maybe that's what's going on here, but their track record suggests that if they don't want him on the field, there's a reason.

Yeah I agree. I thought Carroll suggested that is was Christine Michael's pass protection that needed work. Which he then indicated was hard to practice because there is not much time to practice at game speed. If that's the case I'm not sure how he gets better at it unless they let him play........

TC should help

Yeah we should know more about the areas Michael's is struggling/exceling at in TC. It should give a clearer picture moving forward. I'm super excited myself because Michaels is one Lynch injury or bad decision in the offseason away from significant playing time. Plus Lynch is pretty old and I could see him falling of a cliff in regards to production anytime. The flip side to that is Lynch could age well and Michaels could be the one the screws up this offseason. lol

 

[mad sweeney]

The Seahawks need playmakers. You would think they would be doing what they could to get what appears to be an explosive playmaker on the field to help their football team. Not sure what Christine Michael has to do but it looks like he is buried on the depth chart to start next season as well.

Carroll and Schneider have shown themselves to be shrewd judges of talent. They can obviously be wrong, and maybe that's what's going on here, but their track record suggests that if they don't want him on the field, there's a reason.

Yeah I agree. I thought Carroll suggested that is was Christine Michael's pass protection that needed work. Which he then indicated was hard to practice because there is not much time to practice at game speed. If that's the case I'm not sure how he gets better at it unless they let him play........

TC should help

Yeah we should know more about the areas Michael's is struggling/exceling at in TC. It should give a clearer picture moving forward. I'm super excited myself because Michaels is one Lynch injury or bad decision in the offseason away from significant playing time. Plus Lynch is pretty old and I could see him falling of a cliff in regards to production anytime. The flip side to that is Lynch could age well and Michaels could be the one the screws up this offseason. lol

Lynch is 27 and spent a lot of his third year on the sidelines. Age isn't anywhere near a concern yet.

 

[GeeYouknit]

Had a few people contact me interested in trading for him. What kind of value should I be asking? I doubt I would take any mid-late 1st for him since I do love his talent, and the fact there is no RB with his skill-set I could replace in this coming draft (as of now at least).

 

[karmarooster]

I would likely accept 1 to 1 offers for any of the following (non-obvious) RBs:

-Stacy

-Tate

-Potentially Bryce Brown

-Potentially Montee Ball

-Mathews

-Bell

-Lamar Miller?

-Ellington

TRich would be a good toss-up... on the one hand, that's clearly a crazy idea if this convo were a few months ago. On the other hand, there's very little to suggest TRich will ever be a 4.0+ yard per carry back.

 

[TheLurkerBelow]

Had a few people contact me interested in trading for him. What kind of value should I be asking? I doubt I would take any mid-late 1st for him since I do love his talent, and the fact there is no RB with his skill-set I could replace in this coming draft (as of now at least).

This guy is all upside. If you were looking to trade him I'd say do it for a prospect you like better, or a player who could help you in a 'win now' situation. I wouldn't trade him for a draft pick unless it was a top four, and I doubt anyone would offer one that high for him. You might have to wait two more years for a return on the Martin investment, but if it pays off it could be huge.

In dynasty this is what you want with your late first round and second round picks, you want to amass talent that has the potential to be top 10 at their position, regardless of the time frame it might take to pay off. I'd rather have a dynasty roster stashed with guys like Martin, Lattimore, Reuben Randle, De'Andre Hopkins, etc. instead of with players who might be on the field more often now, but destined for secondary/complimentary roles for their careers.

 

[EBF]

I would likely accept 1 to 1 offers for any of the following (non-obvious) RBs:

-Stacy

-Tate

-Potentially Bryce Brown

-Potentially Montee Ball

-Mathews

-Bell

-Lamar Miller?

-Ellington

TRich would be a good toss-up... on the one hand, that's clearly a crazy idea if this convo were a few months ago. On the other hand, there's very little to suggest TRich will ever be a 4.0+ yard per carry back.

I would be reluctant to trade him for any of those guys. Miller, Ellington, and Ball would be non-starters for me. I think Bell and Stacy have high opportunity/questionable talent whereas Michael has questionable opportunity/high talent. The problem with trading him for less gifted players is that once his opportunity corrects itself, there's a good chance he'll be a lot more valuable than them. That's coming from the standpoint that Stacy/Bell are basically replacement level starters and are thus at major risk of being supplanted within 1-2 years, which I know not everyone agrees with.

I rate Michael as a fringe RB1 for dynasty purposes. I'm pretty confident that he will become Seattle's starter within 1-2 years and that he has enough talent to thrive. My only reservation is that I think he might be a higher than average durability risk. That would prevent me from going all-in at massive nosebleed prices, but I'm still a buyer based on where his generic market value is today. I don't think now is the time to trade him. He's already a trendy player among a minority of owners, but once he becomes Seattle's starter and puts in a couple good performances his value will go through the roof.

 

[jurb26]

So, it's not concerning at all to people that he wasn't able to beat out Turbin on the depth chart this season? Really, not even able to challenge him for that spot at all.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

So, it's not concerning at all to people that he wasn't able to beat out Turbin on the depth chart this season? Really, not even able to challenge him for that spot at all.

FUTURE RB1

 

[Coeur de Lion]

So, it's not concerning at all to people that he wasn't able to beat out Turbin on the depth chart this season? Really, not even able to challenge him for that spot at all.

Turbin is a solid player himself IMO, and he adds ST value IIRC. Michael was extremely raw coming out -- his pass pro was a huge (-) which is correctable with coaching and hard work (the hard work part is a big ? given Michael's spotty college career). I personally am not going to downgrade him at all based on not getting on the field much this year.

I do think Michael is a bit over rated by people valuing him as if it's a foregone conclusion that he'll end up as a stud FF RB1 -- but that said, physically, I think he's the most gifted RB from last year's class. He's a huge boom / bust question mark, IMO, but if his head's on straight the potential is pretty intriguing.

 

[footballguy#1]

So, it's not concerning at all to people that he wasn't able to beat out Turbin on the depth chart this season? Really, not even able to challenge him for that spot at all.

FUTURE RB1

Or is he future Jonathan Stewart?

 

[jurb26]

So, it's not concerning at all to people that he wasn't able to beat out Turbin on the depth chart this season? Really, not even able to challenge him for that spot at all.

Turbin is a solid player himself IMO, and he adds ST value IIRC. Michael was extremely raw coming out -- his pass pro was a huge (-) which is correctable with coaching and hard work (the hard work part is a big ? given Michael's spotty college career). I personally am not going to downgrade him at all based on not getting on the field much this year.

I do think Michael is a bit over rated by people valuing him as if it's a foregone conclusion that he'll end up as a stud FF RB1 -- but that said, physically, I think he's the most gifted RB from last year's class. He's a huge boom / bust question mark, IMO, but if his head's on straight the potential is pretty intriguing.

I've always liked Michael as a talent and agree with everything you've said. I do find it concerning though that he wasn't able to scratch out more PY this year. Perhaps we are all just over stating his raw ability. I mean he's stuck at 3rd on the depth chart, not 2nd. Not many future RB1s take this path and maybe it's time to start reevaluating.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

So, it's not concerning at all to people that he wasn't able to beat out Turbin on the depth chart this season? Really, not even able to challenge him for that spot at all.

Turbin is a solid player himself IMO, and he adds ST value IIRC. Michael was extremely raw coming out -- his pass pro was a huge (-) which is correctable with coaching and hard work (the hard work part is a big ? given Michael's spotty college career). I personally am not going to downgrade him at all based on not getting on the field much this year.

I do think Michael is a bit over rated by people valuing him as if it's a foregone conclusion that he'll end up as a stud FF RB1 -- but that said, physically, I think he's the most gifted RB from last year's class. He's a huge boom / bust question mark, IMO, but if his head's on straight the potential is pretty intriguing.

I've always liked Michael as a talent and agree with everything you've said. I do find it concerning though that he wasn't able to scratch out more PY this year. Perhaps we are all just over stating his raw ability. I mean he's stuck at 3rd on the depth chart, not 2nd. Not many future RB1s take this path and maybe it's time to start reevaluating.

If Seattle wasn't the #1 overall seed in the NFC, I might be more concerned. But with a 12-3 record, best in the NFC, there is no burning platform to make a change.

 

[bumpman]

So, it's not concerning at all to people that he wasn't able to beat out Turbin on the depth chart this season? Really, not even able to challenge him for that spot at all.

Turbin is a solid player himself IMO, and he adds ST value IIRC. Michael was extremely raw coming out -- his pass pro was a huge (-) which is correctable with coaching and hard work (the hard work part is a big ? given Michael's spotty college career). I personally am not going to downgrade him at all based on not getting on the field much this year.

I do think Michael is a bit over rated by people valuing him as if it's a foregone conclusion that he'll end up as a stud FF RB1 -- but that said, physically, I think he's the most gifted RB from last year's class. He's a huge boom / bust question mark, IMO, but if his head's on straight the potential is pretty intriguing.

I've always liked Michael as a talent and agree with everything you've said. I do find it concerning though that he wasn't able to scratch out more PY this year. Perhaps we are all just over stating his raw ability. I mean he's stuck at 3rd on the depth chart, not 2nd. Not many future RB1s take this path and maybe it's time to start reevaluating.

The one that comes to mind is Deuce McAllister who had 16 carries as a rookie behind Ricky Williams. He also was a kick returner that year. During the offseason, NO traded Ricky Williams.

 

[jurb26]

So, it's not concerning at all to people that he wasn't able to beat out Turbin on the depth chart this season? Really, not even able to challenge him for that spot at all.

Turbin is a solid player himself IMO, and he adds ST value IIRC. Michael was extremely raw coming out -- his pass pro was a huge (-) which is correctable with coaching and hard work (the hard work part is a big ? given Michael's spotty college career). I personally am not going to downgrade him at all based on not getting on the field much this year.

I do think Michael is a bit over rated by people valuing him as if it's a foregone conclusion that he'll end up as a stud FF RB1 -- but that said, physically, I think he's the most gifted RB from last year's class. He's a huge boom / bust question mark, IMO, but if his head's on straight the potential is pretty intriguing.

I've always liked Michael as a talent and agree with everything you've said. I do find it concerning though that he wasn't able to scratch out more PY this year. Perhaps we are all just over stating his raw ability. I mean he's stuck at 3rd on the depth chart, not 2nd. Not many future RB1s take this path and maybe it's time to start reevaluating.

The one that comes to mind is Deuce McAllister who had 16 carries as a rookie behind Ricky Williams. He also was a kick returner that year. During the offseason, NO traded Ricky Williams.

Not really the same. He is 3rd string, not 2nd.

 

[Sabertooth]

So, it's not concerning at all to people that he wasn't able to beat out Turbin on the depth chart this season? Really, not even able to challenge him for that spot at all.

Turbin is a solid player himself IMO, and he adds ST value IIRC. Michael was extremely raw coming out -- his pass pro was a huge (-) which is correctable with coaching and hard work (the hard work part is a big ? given Michael's spotty college career). I personally am not going to downgrade him at all based on not getting on the field much this year.

I do think Michael is a bit over rated by people valuing him as if it's a foregone conclusion that he'll end up as a stud FF RB1 -- but that said, physically, I think he's the most gifted RB from last year's class. He's a huge boom / bust question mark, IMO, but if his head's on straight the potential is pretty intriguing.

I've always liked Michael as a talent and agree with everything you've said. I do find it concerning though that he wasn't able to scratch out more PY this year. Perhaps we are all just over stating his raw ability. I mean he's stuck at 3rd on the depth chart, not 2nd. Not many future RB1s take this path and maybe it's time to start reevaluating.

The one that comes to mind is Deuce McAllister who had 16 carries as a rookie behind Ricky Williams. He also was a kick returner that year. During the offseason, NO traded Ricky Williams.

Not really the same. He is 3rd string, not 2nd.

I think Michael can make a push for that spot in the offseason. If Marshawn weren't there, I think it would be a training camp battle. I own both and would welcome that competition.

 

[jurb26]

So now we are excite about this future stud RB being in a training camp battle with a 2nd string guy who's never really accomplished anything?

That is kind of my point.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

So now we are excite about this future stud RB being in a training camp battle with a 2nd string guy who's never really accomplished anything?

That is kind of my point.

Thanks for keeping us all grounded. I just cut Michael rather than continue to waste a roster spot on this 3rd string scrub.

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

I love Michael's physical tools, but do think his NCAA history and current role suggest there may be issues between the ears that might keep him from turning into an NFL stud. But I'd still rather have a 40/60 stud/flameout prospect than someone who might turn into a nice RB2.

I also suspect that the current Seahawks RB situation is more like something we see a lot at WR -- where a guy is the true backup to the #1, but is listed as the 4th WR. Turbin plays special teams, is excellent catching the ball and seems like he's a strong "assignment" guy. That doesn't mean he's Lynch's backup though.

 

[Milkman]

Yeah I think I'm going to just drop Christine Michael. He's nothing but a 3rd string RB. Nothing to see here........ I mean besides the fact he LIGHTS EVERYBODIES HAIR ON FIRE WHEN EVER HE TOUCHES THE BALL!

 

[Sabertooth]

So now we are excite about this future stud RB being in a training camp battle with a 2nd string guy who's never really accomplished anything?

That is kind of my point.

Well, don't worry about it if you aren't interested.

 

[Ghost Rider]

It's hard to judge a 3rd stringer off of a rookie season where he didn't touch the ball very much, but he is certainly not the first player to look like a superstar in the preseason and then go on to do nothing in the same season, so expectations have to be tempered a bit. Yes, he looked great against the Packers 2nd stringers in preseason (which ain't saying much since their 1st stringers aren't very good), but let's see this guy do something in the real games before we decide he is the next big thing.

 

[jurb26]

So now we are excite about this future stud RB being in a training camp battle with a 2nd string guy who's never really accomplished anything?

That is kind of my point.

Well, don't worry about it if you aren't interested.

I am interested which is why I'm saying maybe people should reevaluate. It seems the approach most of you are taking is put on the blinders and continue full speed ahead. I don't know why questioning his ability to beat out a 2nd string RB and him being stuck at 3rd string all season is such a temperamental question for some of you. It seems like a logical one to me and I ranked him as my 3rd overall RB in this rookie class 6 months ago. Quite frankly, I'd rank Kniles Davis above Michael at this point from what has happened this year.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

Pretty sure no one saying to drop him; you guys can stop setting up and knocking down that straw man anytime you want. It adds nothing to the conversation.

I liked Michael coming out, and liked him more based on his preseason, but there's absolutely nothing wrong at all with questioning his current value, which is really high in some circles, particularly considering his lack of a strong college resume and the logjam in the Seattle backfield.

If I can find someone like EBF that will cough up dynasty RB1 value, I'm strongly considering taking the safe ROI from a player I perceive as carrying significant risk (along with huge upside obviously). That's a discussion worth having. The childish bashing of anyone not fully on board the hype train needs to go away now that the regular season is over.

 

[Sabertooth]

So now we are excite about this future stud RB being in a training camp battle with a 2nd string guy who's never really accomplished anything?

That is kind of my point.

Well, don't worry about it if you aren't interested.

I am interested which is why I'm saying maybe people should reevaluate. It seems the approach most of you are taking is put on the blinders and continue full speed ahead. I don't know why questioning his ability to beat out a 2nd string RB and him being stuck at 3rd string all season is such a temperamental question for some of you. It seems like a logical one to me and I ranked him as my 3rd overall RB in this rookie class 6 months ago. Quite frankly, I'd rank Kniles Davis above Michael at this point from what has happened this year.

Yeah I don't know either. I own Marshawn, Michael, and Turbin in my only two dynasty leagues. I hope Marshawn stays put to be honest. But I do like the others as well. I am not so sure Michael gets this job let alone keeps it. But he might. Let's face it, mining future talent is scattershot at best. I feel fortunate to have three good players. I think at least one ends up being useful.

If sombody offered me a top 10 pick right now for Michael, I'd take it.