Dominic Rhodes (1 Viewer)

[packersfan]

Let me preface the following by saying I'm not a big fan of Dominic Rhodes. I'm not a Rhodes owner and at this time he's not someone I'm targeting for my team in 2006. All that being said I'm starting to wonder if he could turn out to be this year's version Mike Anderson:

In other words a "starter" who ends up being the main guy in his team's running attack for the entire (or at least the bulk of the) season.

Last year, Anderson had a huge camp and emerged as the Broncos' Week 1 starter. Many people at the time assumed it would just be a matter of time before Anderson wore down and/or Tatum Bell took over. That never happened. While Bell had some moments, Anderson remained the starter and became one of 2006's best value picks (especially if you drafted earlier in the summer).

This year, Rhodes will enter camp as the Colts' starting RB. First-round pick Joseph Addai is waiting in the wings and many people are assuming it will just be a matter of time before Addai wins the job. But who's to say it won't remain a time share the entire season? Like Anderson, Rhodes isn't a dynamic RB and like Anderson his best season came prior to a major injury. Many of the things people said about Anderson are now being said about Rhodes.

But like Anderson, Rhodes is dependable. He knows the system (a huge advantage at the present time over Addai) and if he proves to be someone the Colts can put on the field and trust -- as was the case last season with Anderson -- it may not matter what Addai does. The good news for Rhodes is outside of Addai there's really no competition for carries. So it will come down to one of them or (as Polian has said) both handline the carries in the backfield. The running game is a major question for the Colts obviously with Edge gone. In fact, their attempt to make it to the Super Bowl could hinge on the production they get at that position. If Rhodes has a good camp and shows he can be trusted and can perform at no worse than a solid level I wouldn't be surprised if, like Anderson in 2005, he ended up getting the bulk of the carries in the Indy backfield this season.

Just some food for thought.

 

[chedha]

I think this years Mike Anderson is Ron Dayne, I think Dayne's numbers this year will be a carbon copy of what anderson did last year.. As far as Rhodes, it's really hard to say at this point because no one knows what the split will between him and addai. 50/50?60/40?. There hasn't been a RBBC in Indy, so i think it will be interesting to see how it plays out in TC...

 

[Bird]

Does Rhodes still have that problem where his shoulders pop out of joint? If so, I can't see him as a featured RB.

 

[Frank Black]

Let me preface the following by saying I'm not a big fan of Dominic Rhodes. I'm not a Rhodes owner and at this time he's not someone I'm targeting for my team in 2006. All that being said I'm starting to wonder if he could turn out to be this year's version Mike Anderson:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It is a shame that we have to preface some of our advocacy for certain players with this kinf of preamble. Sometimes, if we don'w write this kind of preface, we get blasted by others for being biased in favor of our own players.That said, Rhodes seems to be a prime candidate for the Anderson phenomenon.

 

[GO TAYLOR]

I definitley think he could be a major contributor. as someome eluded to his knowledge of the system puts him way ahead the curve in my eyes.

also in past years rhodes was sometimes used aroung the goaline.. is this rookie a goal line type back????

 

[Dolfan]

I think this years Mike Anderson is Ron Dayne, I think Dayne's numbers this year will be a carbon copy of what anderson did last year.. As far as Rhodes, it's really hard to say at this point because no one knows what the split will between him and addai. 50/50?60/40?. There hasn't been a RBBC in Indy, so i think it will be interesting to see how it plays out in TC...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When did Dayne or Rhodes ever have a 1500 yard, 15 TD season before?Pretty poor comparison if you ask me (I know..... You didn't)...

 

[Mr. Vegas]

Does Rhodes still have that problem where his shoulders pop out of joint?  If so, I can't see him as a featured RB.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hope it's fixed. But that is my concern.I have Him, am high on Him and think He could be top 10.

The way I look at it, it's all or nothing.

 

[Nigel Tufnel]

Does Rhodes still have that problem where his shoulders pop out of joint?  If so, I can't see him as a featured RB.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hope it's fixed. But that is my concern.I have Him, am high on Him and think He could be top 10.

The way I look at it, it's all or nothing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

"Him," capitalized? He's not Jesus, you know?

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Let me preface the following by saying I'm not a big fan of Dominic Rhodes. I'm not a Rhodes owner and at this time he's not someone I'm targeting for my team in 2006. All that being said I'm starting to wonder if he could turn out to be this year's version Mike Anderson:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It is a shame that we have to preface some of our advocacy for certain players with this kinf of preamble. Sometimes, if we don'w write this kind of preface, we get blasted by others for being biased in favor of our own players.That said, Rhodes seems to be a prime candidate for the Anderson phenomenon.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I agree, I find it annoying. I'm in so many leagues during the season, there are so many players that are on my team I'd be saying I'm an owner to just about everyone.Just give an honost opinion/fact about said player and that's it.

As far as D. Rhodes, he's not a feature back. He's got decent pass receiving skills and when healthy is a pretty good runner. The reason I say feature is because he will not be able to take the pounding of an entire season plus the playoffs, not even close.

 

[BigRed]

Not a bad comparison, but don't think it holds up. I don't think Dungy has the interest or patience for RBBC that Shanny does - he'd like to see 1 back emerge w/the other a more minor or "change of pace" back, and Addai has a better chance of that - he's no Bell (I never did get the hype with him). Plus Rhodes can't block.

Both are far from a lock and it looks pretty up in the air right now, but I'd be very surprised if Rhodes does better than RBBC, if that.

 

[BigRed]

I think this years Mike Anderson is Ron Dayne, I think Dayne's numbers this year will be a carbon copy of what anderson did last year.. As far as Rhodes, it's really hard to say at this point because no one knows what the split will between him and addai. 50/50?60/40?. There hasn't been a RBBC in Indy, so i think it will be interesting to see how it plays out in TC...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When did Dayne or Rhodes ever have a 1500 yard, 15 TD season before?Pretty poor comparison if you ask me (I know..... You didn't)...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Back to Analogies 101 w/you and study this time.

 

[joffer]

I think this years Mike Anderson is Ron Dayne, I think Dayne's numbers this year will be a carbon copy of what anderson did last year.. As far as Rhodes, it's really hard to say at this point because no one knows what the split will between him and addai. 50/50?60/40?. There hasn't been a RBBC in Indy, so i think it will be interesting to see how it plays out in TC...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When did Dayne or Rhodes ever have a 1500 yard, 15 TD season before?Pretty poor comparison if you ask me (I know..... You didn't)...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

1100/9 in 10 starts for Rhodes (2001) is pretty damn close

 

[Mr. Vegas]

Does Rhodes still have that problem where his shoulders pop out of joint?  If so, I can't see him as a featured RB.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hope it's fixed. But that is my concern.I have Him, am high on Him and think He could be top 10.

The way I look at it, it's all or nothing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

"Him," capitalized? He's not Jesus, you know?
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No, but after this season some will think He's God.

 

[chedha]

I think this years Mike Anderson is Ron Dayne, I think Dayne's numbers this year will be a carbon copy of what anderson did last year.. As far as Rhodes, it's really hard to say at this point because no one knows what the split will between him and addai. 50/50?60/40?. There hasn't been a RBBC in Indy, so i think it will be interesting to see how it plays out in TC...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When did Dayne or Rhodes ever have a 1500 yard, 15 TD season before?Pretty poor comparison if you ask me (I know..... You didn't)...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

[Dolfan]

I think this years Mike Anderson is Ron Dayne, I think Dayne's numbers this year will be a carbon copy of what anderson did last year.. As far as Rhodes, it's really hard to say at this point because no one knows what the split will between him and addai. 50/50?60/40?. There hasn't been a RBBC in Indy, so i think it will be interesting to see how it plays out in TC...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When did Dayne or Rhodes ever have a 1500 yard, 15 TD season before?Pretty poor comparison if you ask me (I know..... You didn't)...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

1100/9 in 10 starts for Rhodes (2001) is pretty damn close
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good one...

I didn't realize Rhodes had such a good season under his belt already

 

[BeTheMatch]

I think this years Mike Anderson is Ron Dayne, I think Dayne's numbers this year will be a carbon copy of what anderson did last year.. As far as Rhodes, it's really hard to say at this point because no one knows what the split will between him and addai. 50/50?60/40?. There hasn't been a RBBC in Indy, so i think it will be interesting to see how it plays out in TC...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When did Dayne or Rhodes ever have a 1500 yard, 15 TD season before?Pretty poor comparison if you ask me (I know..... You didn't)...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

1100/9 in 10 starts for Rhodes (2001) is pretty damn close
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

2001 being the key piece of info there.

 

[Rev]

If Rhodes were starting for the Niners, I'd say that he'd be flipping burgers by November. But he's starting for the Colts, so I'm predicting him to have his 2nd 1000 yard season. Beyond that, it depends on how Addai develops.

I'd also note that Addai's college career was as a committee/part time rusher. They didn't bring him in to be a 20-25 carry back, but to share the load at most.

 

[bagger.]

I think this years Mike Anderson is Ron Dayne, I think Dayne's numbers this year will be a carbon copy of what anderson did last year.. As far as Rhodes, it's really hard to say at this point because no one knows what the split will between him and addai. 50/50?60/40?. There hasn't been a RBBC in Indy, so i think it will be interesting to see how it plays out in TC...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This post makes me wonder if people still thought the Titanic was unsinkable when half of it was underwater.

 

[stbugs]

I think this years Mike Anderson is Ron Dayne, I think Dayne's numbers this year will be a carbon copy of what anderson did last year.. As far as Rhodes, it's really hard to say at this point because no one knows what the split will between him and addai. 50/50?60/40?. There hasn't been a RBBC in Indy, so i think it will be interesting to see how it plays out in TC...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When did Dayne or Rhodes ever have a 1500 yard, 15 TD season before?Pretty poor comparison if you ask me (I know..... You didn't)...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You probably didn't ask me either , but Rhodes had quite a season when he filled in for Edge in 2001. Not quite 1500 and 15TDs, but close and Rhodes started only 10 games since Edge played 6 games.Rhodes 2001:

233 carries for 1104 yards, 4.7 ypc and 9 TDs

34 receptions for 224 yards, 6.6 ypr

Don't forget, Edge played in 2001 as well:

151 carries for 662 yards, 4.4 ypc and 3 TDs

24 receptions for 193 yards, 8.0 ypr

I would say that based on Rhodes 2001 production, I would say that he is a good comparison as if Edge got hurt in preseason, then Rhodes could have had a monster, monster season on the order of Anderson's best.

 

[stbugs]

I think this years Mike Anderson is Ron Dayne, I think Dayne's numbers this year will be a carbon copy of what anderson did last year.. As far as Rhodes, it's really hard to say at this point because no one knows what the split will between him and addai. 50/50?60/40?. There hasn't been a RBBC in Indy, so i think it will be interesting to see how it plays out in TC...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When did Dayne or Rhodes ever have a 1500 yard, 15 TD season before?Pretty poor comparison if you ask me (I know..... You didn't)...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

1100/9 in 10 starts for Rhodes (2001) is pretty damn close
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

2001 being the key piece of info there.
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why? Did you think Rhodes would start over Edge? Rhodes got 2/3 of a season to perform in the Colts offense with Manning and he did very well. Who cares if it was 2001? It isn't like Rhodes has a ton of mileage on him and he is only 27 and it isn't like Manning, Harrison and Wayne are gone.Point being that in a redraft/keeper (not dynasty) league like mine, you can probably pick up the tandem of Rhodes/Addai for a lot less than what Edge cost last year.

 

[David Yudkin]

I think this years Mike Anderson is Ron Dayne, I think Dayne's numbers this year will be a carbon copy of what anderson did last year.. As far as Rhodes, it's really hard to say at this point because no one knows what the split will between him and addai. 50/50?60/40?. There hasn't been a RBBC in Indy, so i think it will be interesting to see how it plays out in TC...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When did Dayne or Rhodes ever have a 1500 yard, 15 TD season before?Pretty poor comparison if you ask me (I know..... You didn't)...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

1100/9 in 10 starts for Rhodes (2001) is pretty damn close
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good one...

I didn't realize Rhodes had such a good season under his belt already

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

5 years ago. What has he done since then? 130 carries for 530 yards with 19 receptions and 6 total TD.5 years ago, Marshall Faulk, Priest Holmes, Curtis Martin, Antowain Smith, Stephen Davis, Garrison Hearst, Anthony Thomas, and Lamar Smith were all stud RBs then.

Maybe Rhodes does well, but I am not holding my breath for him to replicate his 2001 numbers nor do I see him being the clear #1 back.

 

[Futeki]

I think this years Mike Anderson is Ron Dayne, I think Dayne's numbers this year will be a carbon copy of what anderson did last year.. As far as Rhodes, it's really hard to say at this point because no one knows what the split will between him and addai. 50/50?60/40?. There hasn't been a RBBC in Indy, so i think it will be interesting to see how it plays out in TC...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When did Dayne or Rhodes ever have a 1500 yard, 15 TD season before?Pretty poor comparison if you ask me (I know..... You didn't)...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

1100/9 in 10 starts for Rhodes (2001) is pretty damn close
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good one...

I didn't realize Rhodes had such a good season under his belt already

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

5 years ago. What has he done since then? 130 carries for 530 yards with 19 receptions and 6 total TD.5 years ago, Marshall Faulk, Priest Holmes, Curtis Martin, Antowain Smith, Stephen Davis, Garrison Hearst, Anthony Thomas, and Lamar Smith were all stud RBs then.

Maybe Rhodes does well, but I am not holding my breath for him to replicate his 2001 numbers nor do I see him being the clear #1 back.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would expect better comparison than that list. All of those backs (except A-Train) are well into their 30s. Rhodes is only 27. And if A-Train got a starting gig like Rhodes might have, I think he would do quite well still.That said, I do see definite similarities betwee the Anderson situation last year and Rhodes this year.

 

[packersfan]

5 years ago.  What has he done since then?  130 carries for 530 yards with 19 receptions and 6 total TD.

5 years ago, Marshall Faulk, Priest Holmes, Curtis Martin, Antowain Smith, Stephen Davis, Garrison Hearst, Anthony Thomas, and Lamar Smith were all stud RBs then.

Maybe Rhodes does well, but I am not holding my breath for him to replicate his 2001 numbers nor do I see him being the clear #1 back.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When last season began do you know when Mike Anderson's last big season was? That's right, five years previous (in 2000). Again, the more I look at Rhodes and the more comments I see about Addai -- and the excitement being generated about his potential -- the more it reminds me of Anderson and Bell last season. And as we saw with Anderson last season Rhodes won't need to carry the ball 20-25 games every game to have quality fantasy value. In fact, Anderson only had seven games the entire season where he had more than 15 carries in a game. So even if Rhodes can't handle or isn't given a massive workload that won't prevent him from potentially being a quality source of fantasy production.

In fact, fewer carries per game could enhance his fantasy standing if it prevents him from wearing down during the season. Again, I'm not sold on him but I think people might be writing him off a little too quickly -- just like Anderson got written off by quite a few people who kept saying Bell would eventually be the starter in Denver last season.

 

[David Yudkin]

5 years ago.  What has he done since then?  130 carries for 530 yards with 19 receptions and 6 total TD.

5 years ago, Marshall Faulk, Priest Holmes, Curtis Martin, Antowain Smith, Stephen Davis, Garrison Hearst, Anthony Thomas, and Lamar Smith were all stud RBs then.

Maybe Rhodes does well, but I am not holding my breath for him to replicate his 2001 numbers nor do I see him being the clear #1 back.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When last season began do you know when Mike Anderson's last big season was? That's right, five years previous (in 2000). Again, the more I look at Rhodes and the more comments I see about Addai -- and the excitement being generated about his potential -- the more it reminds me of Anderson and Bell last season. And as we saw with Anderson last season Rhodes won't need to carry the ball 20-25 games every game to have quality fantasy value. In fact, Anderson only had seven games the entire season where he had more than 15 carries in a game. So even if Rhodes can't handle or isn't given a massive workload that won't prevent him from potentially being a quality source of fantasy production.

In fact, fewer carries per game could enhance his fantasy standing if it prevents him from wearing down during the season. Again, I'm not sold on him but I think people might be writing him off a little too quickly -- just like Anderson got written off by quite a few people who kept saying Bell would eventually be the starter in Denver last season.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Rhodes would need to cash in on a lot of goal line plunges to come close to Anderson's numbers from last year.Anderson had 12 TD in 239 carries. Edge had 13 in 360. If Addai gets half the workload (which I think will happen), I see both Rhodes and Addai as Top 25 RB but neither near the Top 10.

 

[djcolts]

One thing to add - Mungro might be the goal-line back this year - which would further hurt Addai's and Rhodes' value.

 

[IndyHavoc]

Just 1 man's opinion...

I get the feeling that this will be Addai as the primary ball carrier and Rhodes keeping about the same # of carries as the last few years. I'm basing this off a couple of things:

1. The Colts have traded out of their 1st round pick (always late) quite regularly the last few drafts. I very much expected them to do this again in the 2006 Draft. They didn't.

2. They did not walk, but RAN with their card to the podium w/n 1:00 of their clock. They must have really either fallen in love with Addai, or didn't think he'd be there at all.

3. I just can't see the Colts spending this pick on a RB (check old posts, I honestly didn't think they would and that the speculation was WAY off), unless there was quite a bit of doubt about Rhodes ability to "fill the void" left by Edge's absence.

Anyway, we'll see how camp plays out. This is one time I wish I had an early draft, as I'd take Addai about RB20 (I think you can EASILY get him there right now) with confidence.

/shrug. Wouldn't be the first time I misread something, but can't remember the last time the Colts first pick (again, usually even a trade back from 1st to early 2nd rounder) didn't come out of camp with a secure lock on a starting spot (Dallas Clark comes to mind, but had a very good, entrenched M. Pollard there at the time; Rhodes is anything but a very good, entrenched starter).

 

[IndyHavoc]

One thing to add - Mungro might be the goal-line back this year - which would further hurt Addai's and Rhodes' value.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This is true, Mungro kind the silent man on this situation. Need to look back at some numbers and history. Might temper my enthusiasm for JA a bit....hmmm. JA seems very good at peeking inside (on an gut or off-tackle call) and then bouncing it out. This might be baaaaad in the NFL (where there's just too much speed on the D side to get away with this very often). Mungro does seem to have a way to squeeze into the endzone quite well. Got me thinkin now....dagnabit.

 

[djcolts]

I'm bumping this after I saw the 1st FGB rankings of Addai (30) and Rhodes (32). I really think the Colts are talking about RBBC at least partially to lessen the pressure on Addai.

I live in Indy, so I won't end up with either player in the redraft league I'm in (because Colt players go higher than normal) - but my murky crystal ball says that Addai will finish around 20th among RBs in fantasy points (less in TD-heavy leagues) - and Rhodes will finish around 45th. And, Mungro is worth a late-round pick in TD only leagues. I think Addai will end up with 65-70% of the RB workload during the season - and Rhodes will get about 25-30% with Mungo possibly getting goal-line and short-yardage carries.

 

[Sinrman]

IF (and that's a big if) Rhodes can stand up to the full season without getting injured, I think he'll be a nice mid-late round pickup by folks. Many are focused on Addai, and he will certainly get a chance to take over the starting role. But not yet. This year, at least, Rhodes will get more of the share of carries, at least early on. The more Addai gets used to the speed of the NFL, more film-watching, playing time, etc. the more PT he'll get. But until then, Rhodes Rhodes Rhodes!

 

[Charley]

Just 1 man's opinion...

I get the feeling that this will be Addai as the primary ball carrier and Rhodes keeping about the same # of carries as the last few years.  I'm basing this off a couple of things:

1. The Colts have traded out of their 1st round pick (always late) quite regularly the last few drafts.  I very much expected them to do this again in the 2006 Draft.  They didn't.

2. They did not walk, but RAN with their card to the podium w/n 1:00 of their clock. They must have really either fallen in love with Addai, or didn't think he'd be there at all.

3. I just can't see the Colts spending this pick on a RB (check old posts, I honestly didn't think they would and that the speculation was WAY off), unless there was quite a bit of doubt about Rhodes ability to "fill the void" left by Edge's absence.

Anyway, we'll see how camp plays out.  This is one time I wish I had an early draft, as I'd take Addai about RB20 (I think you can EASILY get him there right now) with confidence.

/shrug.  Wouldn't be the first time I misread something, but can't remember the last time the Colts first pick (again, usually even a trade back from 1st to early 2nd rounder) didn't come out of camp with a secure lock on a starting spot (Dallas Clark comes to mind, but had a very good, entrenched M. Pollard there at the time; Rhodes is anything but a very good, entrenched starter).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Who knows how things will develop in training camp, but I'll take the opposite side of the above argument.Indy definitely needed to draft a RB. With Bush not available, I think they probably were targeting Maroney or Williams, with Addai a distant 3rd choice and White not suitable for their system. When NE took Maroney, Addai was their only choice left -- no decision on their part. Did they "prefer" Addai to Maroney or Williams? I doubt it seriously.

Will Indy use a RBBC this year? I wouldn't take that bet -- I think they'll designate a featured back. Will they change that back during the year? Maybe, especially if they think that the back is not performing up to expectations.

Who'll be the featured back? I think the odds favor Rhodes right now. He's not Edge, but he knows the system and performed well in 2001. But it probably won't be determined for sure until the end of camp. Indy may have felt comfortable going into the season with Maroney or Williams as the featured back, but I doubt they will with Addai.

 

[msommer]

Thomas Jones vs Cedric Benson? The semi incumbent vs the 1st round pick? Probably a worse analogy than Anderson - but if Addai does not get his butt in camp and puts his nose to the grindstone - Rhodes is the guy - and probably will be most of the year.

That said wasn't Alstott pretty permanently involved in RBBC with whomever the RB was under Dungy? I am asking because I don't know. If so - then Dungy is no stranger to having two backs with separate skill sets to choose from

 

[djcolts]

Just 1 man's opinion...

I get the feeling that this will be Addai as the primary ball carrier and Rhodes keeping about the same # of carries as the last few years.  I'm basing this off a couple of things:

1. The Colts have traded out of their 1st round pick (always late) quite regularly the last few drafts.  I very much expected them to do this again in the 2006 Draft.  They didn't.

2. They did not walk, but RAN with their card to the podium w/n 1:00 of their clock. They must have really either fallen in love with Addai, or didn't think he'd be there at all.

3. I just can't see the Colts spending this pick on a RB (check old posts, I honestly didn't think they would and that the speculation was WAY off), unless there was quite a bit of doubt about Rhodes ability to "fill the void" left by Edge's absence.

Anyway, we'll see how camp plays out.  This is one time I wish I had an early draft, as I'd take Addai about RB20 (I think you can EASILY get him there right now) with confidence.

/shrug.  Wouldn't be the first time I misread something, but can't remember the last time the Colts first pick (again, usually even a trade back from 1st to early 2nd rounder) didn't come out of camp with a secure lock on a starting spot (Dallas Clark comes to mind, but had a very good, entrenched M. Pollard there at the time; Rhodes is anything but a very good, entrenched starter).

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Who knows how things will develop in training camp, but I'll take the opposite side of the above argument.Indy definitely needed to draft a RB. With Bush not available, I think they probably were targeting Maroney or Williams, with Addai a distant 3rd choice and White not suitable for their system. When NE took Maroney, Addai was their only choice left -- no decision on their part. Did they "prefer" Addai to Maroney or Williams? I doubt it seriously.

Will Indy use a RBBC this year? I wouldn't take that bet -- I think they'll designate a featured back. Will they change that back during the year? Maybe, especially if they think that the back is not performing up to expectations.

Who'll be the featured back? I think the odds favor Rhodes right now. He's not Edge, but he knows the system and performed well in 2001. But it probably won't be determined for sure until the end of camp. Indy may have felt comfortable going into the season with Maroney or Williams as the featured back, but I doubt they will with Addai.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

1. Rhodes had NO burst last year at all. Not when running the ball, not when returning kickoffs. He's not the same back from 2001.2. Maroney and Williams are better runners than Addai, but Addai has them beat in terms of pass-protection and is a good receiver (that is why Addai was slated to go to the Colts in a lot of mock drafts). I don't see how a talented back who isn't an accomplished pass-blocker would have gotten playing time earlier than a talented back that can pass-block for the Colts.

 

[nygiants56]

Does Rhodes still have that problem where his shoulders pop out of joint?  If so, I can't see him as a featured RB.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hope it's fixed. But that is my concern.I have Him, am high on Him and think He could be top 10.

The way I look at it, it's all or nothing.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

"Him," capitalized? He's not Jesus, you know?
<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

john 3:16

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

1.  Rhodes had NO burst last year at all.  Not when running the ball, not when returning kickoffs.  He's not the same back from 2001.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thank you. Very few people have brought up how Rhodes actually looked last year.

 

[IndyHavoc]

Thomas Jones vs Cedric Benson? The semi incumbent vs the 1st round pick? Probably a worse analogy than Anderson - but if Addai does not get his butt in camp and puts his nose to the grindstone - Rhodes is the guy - and probably will be most of the year.

That said wasn't Alstott pretty permanently involved in RBBC with whomever the RB was under Dungy? I am asking because I don't know. If so - then Dungy is no stranger to having two backs with separate skill sets to choose from

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Make no mistake here, the Offense is Tom Moore and Peyton Manning. I believe Dungy has maybe a 10% interest / share in how the offense goes. I'm being generous.

 

[Mike Anderson]

I'll say that I am really down on Addai.

Couldn't lock down the starting role in College, where injuries sidelined him throughout his stay there. He's great in the passing game. I see more of a 3rd down back with great pass protection blocking than I see a One back.

That said, Addai is the most complete back on the roster.

I can easily see James Mungro getting a Short yardage role as a one back, killing the value of Rhodes and Addai.

 

[IndyHavoc]

1.  Rhodes had NO burst last year at all.  Not when running the ball, not when returning kickoffs.  He's not the same back from 2001.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thank you. Very few people have brought up how Rhodes actually looked last year.
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I'm not going to shut the door on him though. It's remotely possible that he just didn't train/work as hard or had some other non-disclosed injury. Given an entire offseason where he know he'd be in the running (if not handed) the starting gig, we'll see how he looks in camp this season. I 100% agree that he looked horrible last year, however.

 

[Rev]

I'll say that I am really down on Addai.

Couldn't lock down the starting role in College, where injuries sidelined him throughout his stay there.  He's great in the passing game.  I see more of a 3rd down back with great pass protection blocking than I see a One back.

That said, Addai is the most complete back on the roster.

I can easily see James Mungro getting a Short yardage role as a one back, killing the value of Rhodes and Addai.

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This is surely a concern. Addai is an unproven concern and a risky first round pick. I could easily see the Colts stumbling until they pick up a T. Jones kind of guy to carry the mail. I could also see Rhodes returning to form and taking the spot.

 

[Gravity]

1.  Rhodes had NO burst last year at all.  Not when running the ball, not when returning kickoffs.  He's not the same back from 2001.

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Thank you. Very few people have brought up how Rhodes actually looked last year.
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The guy had a total of 40 carries. Can we really come to any conclusion based on 40 carries? (BTW, he scored 4 TD's with those 40 carries).

 

[Mike Anderson]

1.  Rhodes had NO burst last year at all.  Not when running the ball, not when returning kickoffs.  He's not the same back from 2001.

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Thank you. Very few people have brought up how Rhodes actually looked last year.
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The guy had a total of 40 carries. Can we really come to any conclusion based on 40 carries? (BTW, he scored 4 TD's with those 40 carries).
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Starting at week 10 of the 2005 season, Rhodes played in 4 games, carrying the ball 13 times for seven yards :X

 

[H.K.]

OK, for the people pointing to last year's 40 carry sample to assess Rhodes, go look at the game logs from last year. It tells quite a story.

First off, in weeks 16 & 17 when the Colts packed it in for the year in preparation for the playoffs, Rhodes carried 10 times for 0 yards. He was not playing with Manning et al at the time and the team clearly was not giving its "A" game.

If you eliminate those two games, Rhodes averaged 4.0 a carry in the other 14 games they played to win, this is more indicative of what to expect from him under normal circumstances.

However, if you analyze Rhodes' carries even futher, he had his average hampered even more by situational carries. In weeks 1-15 he had ten carries inside the opponents 10 yard line, where he produced 24 yards, 5 first downs and four TD's. Six of those carries came inside the five yard line, too. So his aggregate numbers may not appear very good, but he did produce considering the down and distance.

If you take his numbers since his injury in 2002, here is what you get:

130 carries for 529 yards for ~ 4.1 YPC (this includes 2005 which really bring him down, despite that he has a career YPC of 4.5), now add in 21 catches for 174 yards at 8.3 YPC. Those numbers tell quite a different story.

As for the future, I don't know if he and Addai will be split time or if one will emerge, but I do know that the Colts were forced to take the best available RB in the draft based on their current depth at the position on their roster. I am not pimping Rhodes as heir apparent to Edge, but do think it is premature to annoint Addai as the main RB right now. If I had a gun to my head I'd guess that the two will probably share the job.

 

[Sleeper 43]

I think the perfect thing happend to Rhodes.

Hes being challenged by the World to show that he can live upto Edge's ability. Hes been working out hard.

Addai IMO was the RB bust of this years draft, so I dont think it will be hard to outplay Addai. I think Addai is a workout warrior but on tape he NEVER makes the first tackler miss. If they open holes for him he'll do fine but I think Rhodes is a better football player.

Rhodes will solidify the RB1 spot this year ,Addai will bust and the Colts will stick with Rhodes in the short term (3- years) until they get the nerve to spend another 1st roudner on a tailback.

Rhodes prediciton 1300 / 11 tds

Addai 300 / 1 td