Christine Michael (1 Viewer)

[Sabertooth]

Chris nails it...like he usually does

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000523751/article/robinson-christine-michael-should-start-for-cowboys?campaign=Twitter_atn

Robinson: Christine Michael should start for Cowboys

• 
• By Chris Wesseling
• Around the NFL Writer
• Published: Sept. 7, 2015 at 08:01 p.m.
• Updated: Sept. 7, 2015 at 08:08 p.m.

Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones acknowledged Monday afternoon that newly acquired running back Christine Michael is a "long shot" to suit up versus the New York Giants in the season premier of NBC's Sunday Night Football.

"We're very content with the three backs that we have as we head into the Giants game," Jones added. "I think they're all healthy and hitting on all cylinders, so I'm looking forward to seeing how those guys do."

What Cowboys fans and fantasy football heads want to know is whether a freakishly talented butfrustratingly immature young player acquired on the cheap for a conditional seventh-round draft pick can rise to the top of the backfield depth chart in the near future.

Pointing out that his new power back has "a lot of traits," coach Jason Garrett suggested Michael's role will depend solely on his ability to outplay the competition in practice.

"There's opportunity every day in practice," Garrett said Monday, via the team's official website. "We're going to evaluate guys in practice, and if they show that they're worthy of being part of our roster on Sundays, we'll give them a chance to do that. If they're worthy of getting some opportunities to carry the football, we'll give them a chance to do that, as well."

In other words, the door is wide open for each of the Cowboys' running backs to separate from the pack as the season plays out.


NFL Media's Michael Robinson, a fullback who blocked for Michael two years ago, fully believes his former teammate is a "complete runner" who "will take the No. 1 job" if given the opportunity.

Robinson pointed out that Michael was asked to do a lot more in Seattle than he will in Dallas behind a dominant offensive line with No. 1 receiver Dez Bryant drawing safeties out of the box.

"He's going to be able to really get to the line, get a clean entry point to the line of scrimmage, and he is explosive," Michael explained. "... He's never seen some of the holes that this line can provide for him.

"I talked to him today. He's very, very excited to be coming home and to be a Cowboy."

Michael has an unquestioned talent advantage over role player Joseph Randle and an injury-prone, declining Darren McFadden.

The Beaumont, Texas native set an NFL Scouting Combine record for his position with a 43-inch vertical leap in 2013. He was also the top performer in the broad jump (10-foot-5), three-cone drill (6.69), 20-yard shuttle (4.02), and bench press (27 reps) that year.

Former NFL scout and front office executive Louis Riddick praised Michael last offseason as themost gifted running back drafted in the past five years.

The Texas A&M strength coach who trained both Michael and Adrian Peterson told Riddick that Michael's "athletic explosiveness is on par" with Peterson's.

The nifty 25-yard catch-and-run to the right shows a player who passes the eye test with flying colors.


If Michael is oozing with difference-making potential and playmaking ability, why did a model organization such as the Seahawks throw in the towel just a year after vowing to take advantage of his "God-given ability" and "breakaway speed and power behind his pads"?

Jayson Jenks of The Seattle Times offered an eye-opening breakdown of Michael's issues on Monday.

When Robinson explains that Michael was asked to do more in Seattle's offense, he's hinting at a running back who struggled with footwork, reads and assignments in Tom Cable's zone-blocking scheme that asks backs to patiently wait for "dark creases" to open.

"You might see the great cut one time and then not the next, and it's the exact same scenario," Cable said last year. "He comes across and makes a great blitz pickup one play and then he's supposed to chip and then, 'Oh, I'm going to get out for my route, and oops I forgot to chip.' It's just being able to put a good play together and then a good one the next time and the next time. When that becomes his habit, then he owns it. Right now he doesn't own it."

Whereas Marshawn Lynch has proven to be the ideal runner for Cable's scheme, Michael has proven to be a tease, unable to master the fundamentals.

Because NFL defenses rarely offer the gaping creases that are seen in college football, running backs must be graded on how they perform on their first steps to and through the hole. That's where Michael has been found wanting.

"Once he gets to point B, his God-given ability takes over," former Seahawks fullback Kiero Smallexplained last year. "It's getting from A to B with him."

Was that problem exacerbated by Michael's frustration and lack of focus while adjusting to a limited role in Seattle? Pete Carroll suggested as much last offseason.

Perhaps Cowboys coaches will discover a more engaged Michael once they expand his role.

The key question, however, is to what extent Dallas' road-grading offensive line unlocks Michael's game-breaking potential by opening gaping holes as they did for reigning Offensive Player of the Year DeMarco Murray, who had nine more runs of 15+ yards than any back in the league last season.

Back in 2000, the Green Bay Packers struck gold by trading a sixth-round pick to the Seahawks for a wildly talented but technically unsound prospect stuck behind Ricky Watters and Shaun Alexander.

Ahman Green went on to become one of the NFL's most productive backs over the next half-decade, earning four Pro Bowl berths and averaging 1,370 rushing yards per season.

It will interesting to see if lightning strikes twice with an enigmatic reclamation project essentially given up for dead by the Seahawks.

Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones after acquiring Christine Michael

"We're very content with the three backs that we have as we head into the Giants game," Jones added. "I think they're all healthy and hitting on all cylinders, so I'm looking forward to seeing how those guys do."

Ummm???? Then why did you just trade for another RB?

Reminds me of this guy.

 

[ImTheScientist]

Does anyone believe in DMC or Randle?

Im pretty sure Sig is a fan of Randle..Isnt DMC kinda like a Diva or something? I know he was bad when he should been good Great when he shoulda probably been bad?

Sig is a fan of what was Randles upside in the 5th round as an RB3 for a fantasy team. Randle isn't a talented runner, he is average. Most in love with Randles love the offensive line.Given the opportunity, cmike will win the job and not look back. They may or may not give him the opportunity.

If they don't give him the opportunity it's because he isn't good.

Do you really believe that every player that is good and can play always gets an opportunity?

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Does anyone believe in DMC or Randle?

Im pretty sure Sig is a fan of Randle..Isnt DMC kinda like a Diva or something? I know he was bad when he should been good Great when he shoulda probably been bad?

Sig is a fan of what was Randles upside in the 5th round as an RB3 for a fantasy team. Randle isn't a talented runner, he is average. Most in love with Randles love the offensive line.Given the opportunity, cmike will win the job and not look back. They may or may not give him the opportunity.

If they don't give him the opportunity it's because he isn't good.

Do you really believe that every player that is good and can play always gets an opportunity?

I think that by the time someone has been on multiple teams, one of which is considered to have possibly the worst RB competition in the league, he's had an opportunity.

 

[The General]

Does anyone believe in DMC or Randle?

Im pretty sure Sig is a fan of Randle..Isnt DMC kinda like a Diva or something? I know he was bad when he should been good Great when he shoulda probably been bad?

Sig is a fan of what was Randles upside in the 5th round as an RB3 for a fantasy team. Randle isn't a talented runner, he is average. Most in love with Randles love the offensive line.Given the opportunity, cmike will win the job and not look back. They may or may not give him the opportunity.

If they don't give him the opportunity it's because he isn't good.

Do you really believe that every player that is good and can play always gets an opportunity?

We are talking about Michael not every player, but generally 2nd rounders get plenty of opportunities.

If he doesn't get a chance with Dallas the problem is him.

 

[bumpman]

Does anyone believe in DMC or Randle?

Im pretty sure Sig is a fan of Randle..Isnt DMC kinda like a Diva or something? I know he was bad when he should been good Great when he shoulda probably been bad?

Sig is a fan of what was Randles upside in the 5th round as an RB3 for a fantasy team. Randle isn't a talented runner, he is average. Most in love with Randles love the offensive line.Given the opportunity, cmike will win the job and not look back. They may or may not give him the opportunity.

If they don't give him the opportunity it's because he isn't good.

Do you really believe that every player that is good and can play always gets an opportunity?

I think that by the time someone has been on multiple teams, one of which is considered to have possibly the worst RB competition in the league, he's had an opportunity.

Justin Forsett disagrees

 

[ghostguy123]

I think that by the time someone has been on multiple teams, one of which is considered to have possibly the worst RB competition in the league, he's had an opportunity.

Justin Forsett disagrees

So is your view set in stone that if Michael does not get an opportunity in Dallas that it is on Dallas, rather than on Michael?

There will always be outliers, but if a RB in in the league for a few years and plays for a few teams, yet never gets an opportunity to showcase his game in NFL games, chances are it is HIM, not the teams. A very high chance that is.

As for Forsett, it is also possible he IMPROVED over time. It happens. It happens about as often as good players not getting an opportunity.

 

[ghostguy123]

Looking forward to some Michael trades though. CHances are there won't be many. The people who have had him for the past few years probably kept him, and now they think his value skyrocketed again.

 

[bulger2holt]

Guy on NFLN thinks Michael will take over the #1 job in Dallas very soon.

 

[pghrob]

Looking forward to some Michael trades though. CHances are there won't be many. The people who have had him for the past few years probably kept him, and now they think his value skyrocketed again.

Interestingly I was offered CMike today along with a 2016 1st round rookie pick for Travis Kelce. 12 team ppr. Guy drafted CMike high as a rookie. Maybe no longer a believer in him. Odd now that there is a glimmer of hope in Dallas. I know the guy wants Kelce quite badly. Not sure if I will accept the offer.

 

[ghostguy123]

Guy on NFLN thinks Michael will take over the #1 job in Dallas very soon.

He is the best RB on the roster easily, but I can't see him stepping into the starter role for a while. Maybe some veteran who has had some game experience and played in a few offense could step in and win the starting job after a few weeks, but not Michael.

But for every "guy" on ESPN that think he will start soon, several others probably think it will take till the end of the year

 

[slackjawedyokel]

Just a quick take on some logistics. He will probably have to sell a house in Seattle, get moved and settled back in TX, and start to assimilate into the new team environment. None of that is insignificant as these players are humans handling change just like we would need to if relocating. All that to say, I can see it taking a few weeks for him to get life in order and then several more weeks to be eased into any type of contributory role. Let's not be shocked and make a judgment, neither the Michael optimists or pessimists, if nothing happens in September/October.

 

[Capella]

Looking forward to some Michael trades though. CHances are there won't be many. The people who have had him for the past few years probably kept him, and now they think his value skyrocketed again.

Just traded him for Matt Jones.

 

[scott46984]

Agree with the opinion that we should know a lot by week 7, after the week 6 bye. If he's not a significant contributor by then I would interpret that to mean he's going to be just another backup who will only be relevant with an injury to those ahead of him. If his talent/skills are better than the other RB's, his role should reflect that by then. If not, that will be the time to drop and move on.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

If Christine Michael was that good the Seahawks would have kept him to replace their 30 year old RB who is on his last legs in the next year or so.

Really, this is what I keep thinking. Seahawks could have locked him up after the year with a long term deal for not-big dollars.

If he was this insane talent, they could have tried to keep him. He was traded for what guys that are about to get cut get traded for.

They think Rawls is better than him.

They could be wrong, every team is from time to time, but none of what has happened with him in years is very good.

Plus they traded him to one of the teams that were serious contenders for the NFC crown last season, that were buoyed by their running game, and lost their best RB.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Sherman Smith Seahawks RB coach

"C-Mike (Christine Michael) is a guy that has so much talent, but the consistency needs to get there," said Smith. "Can't have a good play then a bad play. So, I wouldn't be surprised if he went out there and broke one for 90 yards, but then I'm not surprised if he puts one on the ground. So, we're just telling him, he has to become more consistent. Talent-wise, the guy has all of it, but we just want more consistency from him."

Smith continued:

"It's frustrating because he's such a good player. He has such talent. We want him to 'get it.' 'Here's what it takes for you to play in this league.' You should say to yourself: 'I'm a second-round draft pick, I haven't played in two years, what do I need to do?' So we tell him, you need to become more consistent.

"I told him, talent-wise, your talent scale is higher than Turbo's," said Smith. "But, dependability-wise, professional-wise, you need to learn something from him. So the frustrating part is not seeing him be what he can be as a player. So, I just want to see that happen for him. We try to coach him the right way. Be positive with him. We tell him, 'It's not about you proving us wrong, prove us right. You were a second-round draft pick. Prove us right, why we drafted you.' So that's why we keep encouraging him."

What it came down to, I think, is that Michael just wasn't trustworthy with the football, and for a team whose main, core tenet is "It's all about the ball," that was an enormous deal. The coaches simply did not trust him with the football. It's hard to play a guy -- even one as talented as Michael is -- if you fear that he'll cough up the rock for you. Turnovers can and do decide games every week.

 

[Our Gang]

Good news for cmike is that Dallas doesn't care about turnovers.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Sherman Smith Seahawks RB coach

"C-Mike (Christine Michael) is a guy that has so much talent, but the consistency needs to get there," said Smith. "Can't have a good play then a bad play. So, I wouldn't be surprised if he went out there and broke one for 90 yards, but then I'm not surprised if he puts one on the ground. So, we're just telling him, he has to become more consistent. Talent-wise, the guy has all of it, but we just want more consistency from him."

Smith continued:

"It's frustrating because he's such a good player. He has such talent. We want him to 'get it.' 'Here's what it takes for you to play in this league.' You should say to yourself: 'I'm a second-round draft pick, I haven't played in two years, what do I need to do?' So we tell him, you need to become more consistent.

"I told him, talent-wise, your talent scale is higher than Turbo's," said Smith. "But, dependability-wise, professional-wise, you need to learn something from him. So the frustrating part is not seeing him be what he can be as a player. So, I just want to see that happen for him. We try to coach him the right way. Be positive with him. We tell him, 'It's not about you proving us wrong, prove us right. You were a second-round draft pick. Prove us right, why we drafted you.' So that's why we keep encouraging him."

What it came down to, I think, is that Michael just wasn't trustworthy with the football, and for a team whose main, core tenet is "It's all about the ball," that was an enormous deal. The coaches simply did not trust him with the football. It's hard to play a guy -- even one as talented as Michael is -- if you fear that he'll cough up the rock for you. Turnovers can and do decide games every week.

Yeah, this makes a lot of sense. Confirms what many have been saying. Crazy talent as an athlete and runner. But just missing something major that is needed to succeed as a professional football player.If the lightbulb goes on, he could be exceptional. I put those odds very low however......

 

[rjv]

Sherman Smith Seahawks RB coach

"C-Mike (Christine Michael) is a guy that has so much talent, but the consistency needs to get there," said Smith. "Can't have a good play then a bad play. So, I wouldn't be surprised if he went out there and broke one for 90 yards, but then I'm not surprised if he puts one on the ground. So, we're just telling him, he has to become more consistent. Talent-wise, the guy has all of it, but we just want more consistency from him."

Smith continued:

"It's frustrating because he's such a good player. He has such talent. We want him to 'get it.' 'Here's what it takes for you to play in this league.' You should say to yourself: 'I'm a second-round draft pick, I haven't played in two years, what do I need to do?' So we tell him, you need to become more consistent.

"I told him, talent-wise, your talent scale is higher than Turbo's," said Smith. "But, dependability-wise, professional-wise, you need to learn something from him. So the frustrating part is not seeing him be what he can be as a player. So, I just want to see that happen for him. We try to coach him the right way. Be positive with him. We tell him, 'It's not about you proving us wrong, prove us right. You were a second-round draft pick. Prove us right, why we drafted you.' So that's why we keep encouraging him."

What it came down to, I think, is that Michael just wasn't trustworthy with the football, and for a team whose main, core tenet is "It's all about the ball," that was an enormous deal. The coaches simply did not trust him with the football. It's hard to play a guy -- even one as talented as Michael is -- if you fear that he'll cough up the rock for you. Turnovers can and do decide games every week.

Yeah, this makes a lot of sense. Confirms what many have been saying. Crazy talent as an athlete and runner. But just missing something major that is needed to succeed as a professional football player.If the lightbulb goes on, he could be exceptional. I put those odds very low however......

Randle isn't the brightest bulb in the bunch either.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Sherman Smith Seahawks RB coach

"C-Mike (Christine Michael) is a guy that has so much talent, but the consistency needs to get there," said Smith. "Can't have a good play then a bad play. So, I wouldn't be surprised if he went out there and broke one for 90 yards, but then I'm not surprised if he puts one on the ground. So, we're just telling him, he has to become more consistent. Talent-wise, the guy has all of it, but we just want more consistency from him."

Smith continued:

"It's frustrating because he's such a good player. He has such talent. We want him to 'get it.' 'Here's what it takes for you to play in this league.' You should say to yourself: 'I'm a second-round draft pick, I haven't played in two years, what do I need to do?' So we tell him, you need to become more consistent.

"I told him, talent-wise, your talent scale is higher than Turbo's," said Smith. "But, dependability-wise, professional-wise, you need to learn something from him. So the frustrating part is not seeing him be what he can be as a player. So, I just want to see that happen for him. We try to coach him the right way. Be positive with him. We tell him, 'It's not about you proving us wrong, prove us right. You were a second-round draft pick. Prove us right, why we drafted you.' So that's why we keep encouraging him."

What it came down to, I think, is that Michael just wasn't trustworthy with the football, and for a team whose main, core tenet is "It's all about the ball," that was an enormous deal. The coaches simply did not trust him with the football. It's hard to play a guy -- even one as talented as Michael is -- if you fear that he'll cough up the rock for you. Turnovers can and do decide games every week.

Yeah, this makes a lot of sense. Confirms what many have been saying. Crazy talent as an athlete and runner. But just missing something major that is needed to succeed as a professional football player.If the lightbulb goes on, he could be exceptional. I put those odds very low however......

Randle isn't the brightest bulb in the bunch either.

He posted a 32 on the wonderlic (a pretty lofty score). Compared to CMs 11.

 

[I Am the Stig]

Sherman Smith Seahawks RB coach

"C-Mike (Christine Michael) is a guy that has so much talent, but the consistency needs to get there," said Smith. "Can't have a good play then a bad play. So, I wouldn't be surprised if he went out there and broke one for 90 yards, but then I'm not surprised if he puts one on the ground. So, we're just telling him, he has to become more consistent. Talent-wise, the guy has all of it, but we just want more consistency from him."

Smith continued:

"It's frustrating because he's such a good player. He has such talent. We want him to 'get it.' 'Here's what it takes for you to play in this league.' You should say to yourself: 'I'm a second-round draft pick, I haven't played in two years, what do I need to do?' So we tell him, you need to become more consistent.

"I told him, talent-wise, your talent scale is higher than Turbo's," said Smith. "But, dependability-wise, professional-wise, you need to learn something from him. So the frustrating part is not seeing him be what he can be as a player. So, I just want to see that happen for him. We try to coach him the right way. Be positive with him. We tell him, 'It's not about you proving us wrong, prove us right. You were a second-round draft pick. Prove us right, why we drafted you.' So that's why we keep encouraging him."

What it came down to, I think, is that Michael just wasn't trustworthy with the football, and for a team whose main, core tenet is "It's all about the ball," that was an enormous deal. The coaches simply did not trust him with the football. It's hard to play a guy -- even one as talented as Michael is -- if you fear that he'll cough up the rock for you. Turnovers can and do decide games every week.

Yeah, this makes a lot of sense. Confirms what many have been saying. Crazy talent as an athlete and runner. But just missing something major that is needed to succeed as a professional football player.If the lightbulb goes on, he could be exceptional. I put those odds very low however......

Randle isn't the brightest bulb in the bunch either.

He posted a 32 on the wonderlic (a pretty lofty score). Compared to CMs 11.

That is like saying he did well on Celebrity Jeopardy.

 

[Milkman]

The real wager is not on his talent it's on his maturity. Which should kill some excitement.

 

[rjv]

Sherman Smith Seahawks RB coach

"C-Mike (Christine Michael) is a guy that has so much talent, but the consistency needs to get there," said Smith. "Can't have a good play then a bad play. So, I wouldn't be surprised if he went out there and broke one for 90 yards, but then I'm not surprised if he puts one on the ground. So, we're just telling him, he has to become more consistent. Talent-wise, the guy has all of it, but we just want more consistency from him."Smith continued:"It's frustrating because he's such a good player. He has such talent. We want him to 'get it.' 'Here's what it takes for you to play in this league.' You should say to yourself: 'I'm a second-round draft pick, I haven't played in two years, what do I need to do?' So we tell him, you need to become more consistent."I told him, talent-wise, your talent scale is higher than Turbo's," said Smith. "But, dependability-wise, professional-wise, you need to learn something from him. So the frustrating part is not seeing him be what he can be as a player. So, I just want to see that happen for him. We try to coach him the right way. Be positive with him. We tell him, 'It's not about you proving us wrong, prove us right. You were a second-round draft pick. Prove us right, why we drafted you.' So that's why we keep encouraging him."What it came down to, I think, is that Michael just wasn't trustworthy with the football, and for a team whose main, core tenet is "It's all about the ball," that was an enormous deal. The coaches simply did not trust him with the football. It's hard to play a guy -- even one as talented as Michael is -- if you fear that he'll cough up the rock for you. Turnovers can and do decide games every week.

Yeah, this makes a lot of sense. Confirms what many have been saying. Crazy talent as an athlete and runner. But just missing something major that is needed to succeed as a professional football player.If the lightbulb goes on, he could be exceptional. I put those odds very low however......

Randle isn't the brightest bulb in the bunch either.

He posted a 32 on the wonderlic (a pretty lofty score). Compared to CMs 11.

That is impressive but why steal underwear?

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Basics of intelligence vs wisdom.

1) You know cigarette smoking is bad for you, can kill you and even harm those around you.

2) You smoke anyway.

 

[Sabertooth]

Does anyone believe in DMC or Randle?

Im pretty sure Sig is a fan of Randle..Isnt DMC kinda like a Diva or something? I know he was bad when he should been good Great when he shoulda probably been bad?

Sig is a fan of what was Randles upside in the 5th round as an RB3 for a fantasy team. Randle isn't a talented runner, he is average. Most in love with Randles love the offensive line.Given the opportunity, cmike will win the job and not look back. They may or may not give him the opportunity.

If they don't give him the opportunity it's because he isn't good.

Do you really believe that every player that is good and can play always gets an opportunity?

I think that by the time someone has been on multiple teams, one of which is considered to have possibly the worst RB competition in the league, he's had an opportunity.

I agree. Not always the case, but for the most part if Michael can't make some kind of splash this season, he's probably not going to. I think he's going to. Dallas has a rough schedule though for fantasy playoffs with Green Bay followed by the Jets and Bills.

 

[Todem]

Sherman Smith Seahawks RB coach

"C-Mike (Christine Michael) is a guy that has so much talent, but the consistency needs to get there," said Smith. "Can't have a good play then a bad play. So, I wouldn't be surprised if he went out there and broke one for 90 yards, but then I'm not surprised if he puts one on the ground. So, we're just telling him, he has to become more consistent. Talent-wise, the guy has all of it, but we just want more consistency from him."

Smith continued:

"It's frustrating because he's such a good player. He has such talent. We want him to 'get it.' 'Here's what it takes for you to play in this league.' You should say to yourself: 'I'm a second-round draft pick, I haven't played in two years, what do I need to do?' So we tell him, you need to become more consistent.

"I told him, talent-wise, your talent scale is higher than Turbo's," said Smith. "But, dependability-wise, professional-wise, you need to learn something from him. So the frustrating part is not seeing him be what he can be as a player. So, I just want to see that happen for him. We try to coach him the right way. Be positive with him. We tell him, 'It's not about you proving us wrong, prove us right. You were a second-round draft pick. Prove us right, why we drafted you.' So that's why we keep encouraging him."

What it came down to, I think, is that Michael just wasn't trustworthy with the football, and for a team whose main, core tenet is "It's all about the ball," that was an enormous deal. The coaches simply did not trust him with the football. It's hard to play a guy -- even one as talented as Michael is -- if you fear that he'll cough up the rock for you. Turnovers can and do decide games every week.

Yeah, this makes a lot of sense. Confirms what many have been saying. Crazy talent as an athlete and runner. But just missing something major that is needed to succeed as a professional football player.If the lightbulb goes on, he could be exceptional. I put those odds very low however......

Randle isn't the brightest bulb in the bunch either.

He posted a 32 on the wonderlic (a pretty lofty score). Compared to CMs 11.

What does that have to do with holding on to the football better?

Look.....kid has uber talent....but puts the ball on the ground. Tiki had that problem. He fixed it.

Marshawn Lynch was run out of town in Buffalo. Total knucklehead, wasted physical talent, now look at him. Thomas Jones was an after thought, then had a nice career later.

Then there are a dozen stories of guys who never make it.

Let's see what happens to this kid in a new environment, on a team in desperate need of a special talent at RB. What they have now is an extremely average back in Randle and at best a 3rd down back in McFadden who will be hurt any minute now.

I took him last night in round 15. No risk. If he pans out? Grand Slam.

 

[mikmak8902]

He didn't get it, but he still averaged 4.9 ypc

This is the baffling thing to me. I don't know what he wasn't getting. In limited action the guy gained almost 5ypc. I understand that stat can be a bit misleading but I've watched him run and he definitely passes the eye test as well.

I have to admit, I'm a CM supporter that just doesn't know what to think here. I can completely understand the sentiment that they guy can't be any good if he was traded for a late draft pick and replaced by the George Burns of active NFL RB's. However, I've SEEN him play. In college and in the NFL and he looks elite. He really does. I just don't get it.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Just some objective research here. I was surprised to see RW only has Michael as the 4th pickup in their Waiver Wired article:

4. Christine Michael, Cowboys – Owned in 11 percent of Yahoo leagues
Christine Michael will be perhaps the hottest name on the wire Week 1, but it is important to remember that everything about his “upside” is theoretical. Despite being more physically gifted than Robert Turbin, Michael was never able to climb him on the Seahawks’ depth chart because of inconsistency and his inability to, as his position coach in Seattle said, “get it.” The light may flip on now that he has been traded, but that is not a given. It is also not a given he will get any meaningful snaps with the Cowboys. Michael is unlikely to be active Week 1, and the Cowboys are not going to thrust him into the starting lineup if they cannot trust him. It is more likely Michael gets under 50 carries this year than it is he gets over 200. He is worth a speculative add in deep leagues or for a team with open roster spots, but that is all.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Sherman Smith Seahawks RB coach

"C-Mike (Christine Michael) is a guy that has so much talent, but the consistency needs to get there," said Smith. "Can't have a good play then a bad play. So, I wouldn't be surprised if he went out there and broke one for 90 yards, but then I'm not surprised if he puts one on the ground. So, we're just telling him, he has to become more consistent. Talent-wise, the guy has all of it, but we just want more consistency from him."

Smith continued:

"It's frustrating because he's such a good player. He has such talent. We want him to 'get it.' 'Here's what it takes for you to play in this league.' You should say to yourself: 'I'm a second-round draft pick, I haven't played in two years, what do I need to do?' So we tell him, you need to become more consistent.

"I told him, talent-wise, your talent scale is higher than Turbo's," said Smith. "But, dependability-wise, professional-wise, you need to learn something from him. So the frustrating part is not seeing him be what he can be as a player. So, I just want to see that happen for him. We try to coach him the right way. Be positive with him. We tell him, 'It's not about you proving us wrong, prove us right. You were a second-round draft pick. Prove us right, why we drafted you.' So that's why we keep encouraging him."

What it came down to, I think, is that Michael just wasn't trustworthy with the football, and for a team whose main, core tenet is "It's all about the ball," that was an enormous deal. The coaches simply did not trust him with the football. It's hard to play a guy -- even one as talented as Michael is -- if you fear that he'll cough up the rock for you. Turnovers can and do decide games every week.

Yeah, this makes a lot of sense. Confirms what many have been saying. Crazy talent as an athlete and runner. But just missing something major that is needed to succeed as a professional football player.If the lightbulb goes on, he could be exceptional. I put those odds very low however......

Randle isn't the brightest bulb in the bunch either.

He posted a 32 on the wonderlic (a pretty lofty score). Compared to CMs 11.

What does that have to do with holding on to the football better?

Look.....kid has uber talent....but puts the ball on the ground. Tiki had that problem. He fixed it.

Marshawn Lynch was run out of town in Buffalo. Total knucklehead, wasted physical talent, now look at him. Thomas Jones was an after thought, then had a nice career later.

Then there are a dozen stories of guys who never make it.

Let's see what happens to this kid in a new environment, on a team in desperate need of a special talent at RB. What they have now is an extremely average back in Randle and at best a 3rd down back in McFadden who will be hurt any minute now.

I took him last night in round 15. No risk. If he pans out? Grand Slam.

I have to admit, I'm a CM supporter that just doesn't know what to think here. I can completely understand the sentiment that they guy can't be any good if he was traded for a late draft pick and replaced by the George Burns of active NFL RB's. However, I've SEEN him play. In college and in the NFL and he looks elite. He reall

I wasnt the one who brought up the intelligence thing. Just corrected a misrepresentation.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Waldman:

...Sure, Dallas may have just got a player capable of rushing for 1300 yards and 10 touchdowns–if not more–but they also got a player who hasn’t shown the work ethic to avoid mental errors that cost his team first downs, turnovers, injuries to teammates based on missed assignments, and ultimately games.

Michael is 24-25 years old. He’s a third-year player and young men can mature. Michael could realize that he has to apply himself in ways he didn’t in Seattle. But that’s all up to Michael ...

http://mattwaldmanrsp.com/2015/09/07/thoughts-on-christine-michael-in-dallas-rsp-sample/

 

[SpruceGoose]

Sherman Smith Seahawks RB coach

"C-Mike (Christine Michael) is a guy that has so much talent, but the consistency needs to get there," said Smith. "Can't have a good play then a bad play. So, I wouldn't be surprised if he went out there and broke one for 90 yards, but then I'm not surprised if he puts one on the ground. So, we're just telling him, he has to become more consistent. Talent-wise, the guy has all of it, but we just want more consistency from him."Smith continued:"It's frustrating because he's such a good player. He has such talent. We want him to 'get it.' 'Here's what it takes for you to play in this league.' You should say to yourself: 'I'm a second-round draft pick, I haven't played in two years, what do I need to do?' So we tell him, you need to become more consistent."I told him, talent-wise, your talent scale is higher than Turbo's," said Smith. "But, dependability-wise, professional-wise, you need to learn something from him. So the frustrating part is not seeing him be what he can be as a player. So, I just want to see that happen for him. We try to coach him the right way. Be positive with him. We tell him, 'It's not about you proving us wrong, prove us right. You were a second-round draft pick. Prove us right, why we drafted you.' So that's why we keep encouraging him."What it came down to, I think, is that Michael just wasn't trustworthy with the football, and for a team whose main, core tenet is "It's all about the ball," that was an enormous deal. The coaches simply did not trust him with the football. It's hard to play a guy -- even one as talented as Michael is -- if you fear that he'll cough up the rock for you. Turnovers can and do decide games every week.

Yeah, this makes a lot of sense. Confirms what many have been saying. Crazy talent as an athlete and runner. But just missing something major that is needed to succeed as a professional football player.If the lightbulb goes on, he could be exceptional. I put those odds very low however......

Randle isn't the brightest bulb in the bunch either.

He posted a 32 on the wonderlic (a pretty lofty score). Compared to CMs 11.

That is impressive but why steal underwear?

these guys are basically kids man.

You can walk on any college campus and be confused by a lot of behavior you see.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Seriously...

Was CMike ever the starter (sans injury) for Texas A&M in his 4 seasons?

 

[Dismattle]

Seriously...

Was CMike ever the starter (sans injury) for Texas A&M in his 4 seasons?

Michael (whose first name is pronounced chris-TIN) has been a consistent contributor for the Aggies since coming to College Station – when healthy. Now that Cyrus Gray is off to the NFL (sixth round pick of the Chiefs in April), expect him to get the vast majority of carries for new head coach Kevin Sumlin. If he can finish the season the way he’s started the last two, scouts will consider him a potential impact back.

He started his career with a bang, leading the team in rushing (844 yards, 10 touchdowns) and being named Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year by league coaches while forming a strong backfield duo with Gray in 2009. Michael started his sophomore season with three 100-yard games, but his production tailed off a bit, and then the season ended prematurely after breaking his right tibia (leg) against Texas Tech in the eighth game of the year. He finished with 631 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Michael worked himself back onto the field to start his junior year, and broke out with a 230-yard, three-touchdown outing in A&M’s disappointing loss to Arkansas at Cowboys Stadium. He continued his strong play for another five weeks (finishing the year with 899 yards and eight scores) before once again seeing his season end before its time – he suffered a torn left ACL against Oklahoma in November

.http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/christine-michael?id=2539322

CMike had 400 yds his Senior season..

http://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/christine-michael-1.html

From the stats, I would think that he was labeled "Starter" or Co-Starter at best.. Big 12 Freshman of the Year doesn't sound too shabby. The man then dealt w/ injurys

If ya click on "game logs" for 2012, between Mazel and Ben Malena, there wasn't many attempts left to be had by CMike.. It did look like CMike had starter numbers in the first game back from his ACL

 

[kOOk]

Please stop calling him CMike.

 

[Dismattle]

Would ya prefer RB4? or anything special Im pretty sure we all know Christine Michael by something similar to "CMike"

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Sharing time and often sitting behind Cyrus Gray and Malena while possessing all-world talent is a serious problem. His maturity problems affected him there too and that's not exactly a complex offense either.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

All world talents who succeed and don't succeed range from Marcus Dupree and Cecil Collins to Ricky Williams. Ricky worked damned hard to get his head and game straight, others...

 

[Dinsy Ejotuz]

As far as I can tell Kevin Sumlin hated Michael, and in his last game at A&M Michael didn't see the field at all. Suited up and then stood on the sideline for the entire game with no explanation from the coach. Basically a giant #### you to Michael.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Aggies and OSU were in the same conference 2010-11 when Michael and Randle were both playing at the same time. 2012 OSU of course was still in Big12 while the Ags moved to the SEC.

2012 Randle left after his Junior year, Michael left as a Sr. In a way, this makes Randle a 2nd year NFL back, consider 2013 his NFL redshirt.

Randle had 564 carries, 3085 yards, 5.5, 40 TD, 108 rec, 917 yr (8.5), 3 TD. His teams go 11-2, 12-1, 8-5. Best seasons were 1216 & 1417.

In 4 seasons, mostly in the same conference, Michael goes 529, 2791, 5.3, 34 TD, 44 rec, 323 yr (7.3), 1 TD. Freshman season he had 844 yards, Senior season he had 417 yards. Ags went 6-7, 9-4, 7-6, 11-2. Best season was 899, Jr. year.

Randle is a 5th round pick who has judgement issues but tests smart and has worked hard to stick until he had a chance to start 3 years later.

Michael is a 2nd round pick who by all accounts has missed on chance after chance in a run first offense and was 3rd string when let go (er, traded for a basement pick). His failure wasn't his inability to unseat Lynch, it was his inability to unseat Turbin, a 4th round pick who had had 4 productive seasons at Utah State, including 2 1000 yard seasons.

 

[FF Ninja]

Seriously...

Was CMike ever the starter (sans injury) for Texas A&M in his 4 seasons?

Yes. Even though Cyrus Gray had a nice college career and has been a backup in the NFL, it was always pretty clear that Michael was the better back. Had it not been for injuries, Gray wouldn't have ever gotten the chance to break out and probably wouldn't have been drafted.

I remember watching him mistakenly steal the ball from Tannehill on what was supposed to be a fake handoff for a play-action pass and take it for like a 32 yard score. That play really epitomizes him as a player. Supremely talented but boneheaded.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Seriously...

Was CMike ever the starter (sans injury) for Texas A&M in his 4 seasons?

Yes. Even though Cyrus Gray had a nice college career and has been a backup in the NFL, it was always pretty clear that Michael was the better back. Had it not been for injuries, Gray wouldn't have ever gotten the chance to break out and probably wouldn't have been drafted.

I remember watching him mistakenly steal the ball from Tannehill on what was supposed to be a fake handoff for a play-action pass and take it for like a 32 yard score. That play really epitomizes him as a player. Supremely talented but boneheaded.

Wow. That is a priceless example of Michael's "special traits."

 

[AcerFC]

If you guys are hoping that the dallas rbs falter Sunday night, you will be disappointed. The Giants defense is awful. Fully expect both guys to have 100 and a TD

 

[lod01]

If you guys are hoping that the dallas rbs falter Sunday night, you will be disappointed. The Giants defense is awful. Fully expect both guys to have 100 and a TD

If McFadden gets 100 yards and a TD, there is a good chance he sits out 3+ weeks with a sore #####.

 

[Unclegut]

So who either drafted Michael late this year, or is going to roll the dice and pick him up off waivers?

 

[Daywalker]

So who either drafted Michael late this year, or is going to roll the dice and pick him up off waivers?

I'm wearing sweatpants and too busy staring at my boner.

 

[Chaka]

So who either drafted Michael late this year, or is going to roll the dice and pick him up off waivers?

Picked him up in my redraft after Jonas Gray was cut.

It's a swing for the fences. I don't expect it to pan out but why not take the chance. My expectation is that I don't think he can possibly be relevant until after the Cowboys week 6 bye. However if he does earn the playing time he could be gold for the second half of the fantasy season. So why not?

 

[DexterDew]

picked him up as a lottery ticket in two redrafts (last player picked and open WW). Have a bid in one redraft as I have Randle, but not using too much BB$

in dynasty the price is too rich for my taste (as the current owners have drank the Kool Aid for years and are immune to the logic of Snapple)

 

[bulger2holt]

So who either drafted Michael late this year, or is going to roll the dice and pick him up off waivers?

Picked him up in my redraft after Jonas Gray was cut.It's a swing for the fences. I don't expect it to pan out but why not take the chance. My expectation is that I don't think he can possibly be relevant until after the Cowboys week 6 bye. However if he does earn the playing time he could be gold for the second half of the fantasy season. So why not?

My thoughts too. Stash and wait

 

[FreeBaGeL]

So who either drafted Michael late this year, or is going to roll the dice and pick him up off waivers?

Drafted him in the 11th round of a 12 team league last night.

 

[chad in Indy]

So who either drafted Michael late this year, or is going to roll the dice and pick him up off waivers?

Picked him up in my redraft after Jonas Gray was cut.It's a swing for the fences. I don't expect it to pan out but why not take the chance. My expectation is that I don't think he can possibly be relevant until after the Cowboys week 6 bye. However if he does earn the playing time he could be gold for the second half of the fantasy season. So why not?

My thoughts too. Stash and wait

I did too, but the problem is when bye week start coming into play and you are forced to decide whether to drop this "lottery ticket" to pick up a bye week fill-in. I just hope the Cowboys backfield plays out sooner rather than later. Holding for 6 weeks is difficult unless you're ahead of your league in your W-L record.

 

[Touchdown There]

Christine Michael has fumbled 0 times in the NFL and averaged 4.9 ypc. The running backs coach above was just blabbing excuses. The truth of the matter is that the Seahawks knew that Marshawn Lynch would freak out if he started to take significant snaps. Lynch was threatened by Michael and his talent level and no one wants to see what an overdose on Skittles looks like. The administration caved to Lynch, paid him more and the Seahawks lost a talent because of it. It is more logical to get trade value for a guy on your roster than it is to unhappily bury him for 4 years. They didn't trade him because he sucks, they traded him because it improved their locker room and draft.

I doubt Michael is active this week, or even next, but he will learn the playbook and is in a much better position to succeed. I believe Dallas knows that McFadden is better than Randle. If McFadden can't stay healthy and Randle is the only other option, it won't take C Michael long to show what he has.

BTW, the real knucklehead on this team is Randle, he has been arrested twice since entering the NFL. The guy with the lower Wonderlic can stay out of jail. I would love to see him break out and have all the haters eat their words - NO REASON to dislike this guy.