kittenmittens
Footballguy
Honestly it's just because of how conservative Jeff Fischer is. I definitely want to use Gurley all the time, but NFL coaches (especially old school coaches like Fischer) never seem to do what I want and I just don't trust coach speak.You've said this a few times but what leads you to believe that he won't get the 3rd down role...is that just because you haven't seen it yet or is there something more? Everything I've read is that Fisher sees him as a 3rd down back, he's a great receiver and good blocker. Again, I made the accord reference but I was somewhat serious...if you're down in a game do you want a schlub like Cunningham catching the ball or a guy who is you get in space can break one from anywhere on the field.My ranking is also based on upside, if he doesn't get 3rd down/passing game catches like I think he should I'll move him down to just above Jeremy Hill range.
Everything I've read is that they're building their offense around him. Earlier in this thread Bob Magaw posted some good clips on Fisher after the draft just gloating about this kid and how excited he was...they had a press conference to discuss it. In a time where teams aren't drafting RBs early over the past several years for a team to draft him 10th coming off a knee injury speaks volumes. Fisher is a true workhorse back coach and there's nothing I've heard that would indicate that he won't be an AP, Charles, Forte type back that is out there in every role. Now that might not be this week and he may have to work into that role over a bit of time but I just can't see him playing in every role.
When I have to pay the kind of prices that people are asking for Gurley right now (Adams/CJ Anderson/Jeffery/Top5Pick got rejected?!?!?!), I just can't see paying that until I've seen it and not just heard a coach say it.
It probably just means Gurley is a true "hold" in fantasy right now. You can't sell him unless you're getting a MASSIVE haul because what if the situation all just breaks right for him with the Rams being good AND him getting all of the touches? You can't buy because you'd have to pay prices like above, and it's not a sure enough thing yet to pay those kinds of prices unless you really have a read on Fischer. I guess it's not just Fischer's decisions, it's also how things come together for the Rams as an offense. A lot of times really talented backs in mediocre offenses don't put up nearly the numbers they could if they had more competent players surrounding them, especially at QB to get them those red zone touches.
I totally agree that he SHOULD be used in all situations though, kid is a talent monster. I wish I owned him.