Player Spotlight: Pierre Thomas (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2009 Player Spotlight Series

One of Footballguys best assets is our message board community. The Shark Pool is, in our view, the best place on the internet to discuss, debate and analyze all things fantasy football. In what's become an annual tradition, the Player Spotlight series is a key part of the preseason efforts. As many of you know, we consider the Player Spotlight threads the permanent record for analyzing the fantasy prospects of the player in question. Last year, we published more than 120 offensive spotlights covering the vast majority of expected skill position starters. This year will be no different.

Each week we will post a list of players to be discussed. Those threads will remain open for the entire preseason, and should be a central point to discussion expectations for the player in question. Importantly, analysis done in the first week of posting will be part of the permanent record in two ways. 1) At the end of the week, we will tally the projections into a consensus. 2) We will select a number of pull quotes from forum contributors who make a compelling statement or observation. Both the projections and pull quotes will be part of a published article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Pierre Thomas, RB, New Orleans Saints

Player Page Link: Pierre Thomas Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide maximum value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Attempts, Completions, Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsNow let's get on with the conversation! We look forward to your contributions and let me offer a personal thanks in anticipation of the great debate and analysis.

 

[MAC_32]

Kid's legit and his only competition for touches is a guy who can't do anything between the tackles and may have a potentially chronic knee condition.

He's one of several RB's in the 3rd/4th that are usually available that allow me to go WR in the 2nd and possibly the 3rd too.

 

[Yenrub]

I like PT and his situation

I can see him getting close to 15 carries a game and probably 2 maybe 3 catches per game

So my guess is 238 carries for 1075 yards 8-10 TD's

36 receptions for about 250 and 2 TD's

 

[Billy Ball Thorton]

I think he is one of the most over rated RB this year. He had 1- 100 yd game in his career but is seems that the census is that he destined for this large workload and big yards. I see him getting maybe 16 touches a game at most.

I see about around 900 rushing yards, 200 receiving 6 td's

 

[mcintyre1]

I think he is one of the most over rated RB this year. He had 1- 100 yd game in his career but is seems that the census is that he destined for this large workload and big yards. I see him getting maybe 16 touches a game at most.I see about around 900 rushing yards, 200 receiving 6 td's

Nit-picking here, but he has two career 100 yard games. His first game as a starter he put up 20-105 on the ground and 12-121 in the air.ETA: Last game of 2007 regular season.

 

[mcintyre1]

I'm hoping for something in the range of 1000 yards rushing and 10 TDs, but I'm not very certain of this. I have liked what I've seen, though, and the added bulk this off-season will hopefully benefit him (I think reports are that he's up to 230lbs).

 

[moderated]

He's about 50% of the talent of what duece was back in 06', but i'm going to be generous and give PT 75% of the stats DM had that year since NO needs someone to share with Reggie. I'll give PT more then 75% of DC's receiving although it won't be much more since Bush is the receiving RB in that offense.

Duece in 06'

1057 rush/10TD's

30 rec/198 yards 0 TD's

So PT in 2009

793 rush/7.5 TD's

220 rec/1 TD

So 1,013 total/8.5 TD's.

I think i'm being a bit too optimistic for PT, but i'll stick with these projections.

 

[puckalicious]

If you consider the last half (weeks 10-17) of '08 as a comparison of how he'll be used this year, he averaged 14 carries a game. I'm not going to use 100yd games as a barometer on his performance at 14 carries a game. Maybe if you add in his receptions which he averaged 3 per game - counting both rushing & receiving yards he had about 105 yds/game over that stretch.

I realize Bush was banged up during this time, but Thomas was sharing carries with Duece too. And I realize the schedule was maybe a little easy playing against KC and DET but along with ATLx2, CHI, and TB the schedule was probably closer to average.

Taking all this into consideration, and bumping the stats down a little for schedule, I'll project:

215/1030/9 & 45/400/2

 

[ninremix]

There is only so much offense to go around on, but I think Thomas can get alot of goal lines and a good avg.

225/980/10 TD

40/350/1

 

[Tigerbot Hesh]

 

[ChuckLiddell]

There is only so much offense to go around on, but I think Thomas can get alot of goal lines and a good avg.

225/980/10 TD

40/350/1

I like these projections except the receiving numbers may be high. He is a solid receiver, but I think Bush gets the lions share of the receptions out of the backfield assuming he stays healthy. I think 10-12 TDs is right on though, and gives him real good value.At this point, I dont think there is a better RB3 out there than PT, but I think he is just a decent RB2 (with clear and apparent upside to surpass that expectation).

 

[ChuckLiddell]

There is only so much offense to go around on, but I think Thomas can get alot of goal lines and a good avg.

225/980/10 TD

40/350/1

I like these projections except the receiving numbers may be high. He is a solid receiver, but I think Bush gets the lions share of the receptions out of the backfield assuming he stays healthy. I think 10-12 TDs is right on though, and gives him real good value.At this point, I dont think there is a better RB3 out there than PT, but I think he is just a decent RB2 (with clear and apparent upside to surpass that expectation).

 

[Tigerbot Hesh]

There is only so much offense to go around on, but I think Thomas can get alot of goal lines and a good avg.

225/980/10 TD

40/350/1

I like these projections except the receiving numbers may be high. He is a solid receiver, but I think Bush gets the lions share of the receptions out of the backfield assuming he stays healthy. I think 10-12 TDs is right on though, and gives him real good value.At this point, I dont think there is a better RB3 out there than PT, but I think he is just a decent RB2 (with clear and apparent upside to surpass that expectation).

I think his numbers (especially receptions and receiving yards) would enojy a spike if Bush misses a game or two here and there; that might help pad his numbers out to 40-350.In a lot of ways, PT is kind of like a lottery ticket -- he's a low-end No. 2 RB that could really jump up to the top if everything fell right for him.

 

[Big 'N Tasty]

He's about 50% of the talent of what duece was back in 06', but i'm going to be generous and give PT 75% of the stats DM had that year since NO needs someone to share with Reggie. I'll give PT more then 75% of DC's receiving although it won't be much more since Bush is the receiving RB in that offense.

Duece in 06'

1057 rush/10TD's

30 rec/198 yards 0 TD's

So PT in 2009

793 rush/7.5 TD's

220 rec/1 TD

So 1,013 total/8.5 TD's.

I think i'm being a bit too optimistic for PT, but i'll stick with these projections.

This is just about the craziest thing I've ever heard to base a projection on. A percentage of the stats (based on talent difference???) that a different RB had three seasons ago? Three seasons ago the OL was different, probably different coaching philosophies, etc.And then projecting HALF of a touchdown?

 

[LarryAllen'sJockstrap]

Say what you want about Reggie Bush, but as long as he is healthy enough to get on the field, he WILL get carries. Prior to Bush going down, in weeks 1-8, Thomas had a total of 37 touches (30 carries, 7 receptions).

That being said, based on the way he finished the season, I do expect him to see an increased role.

Last year New Orleans ran the ball 398 times as a team. In 2007, they ran it 397. I think a safe assumption would be right around 400 carries as a team for 09.

Out of those 400, ~350 should go to the primary RBs (Thomas/Bush).

Bush should be good for 8-10 carries a games, leaving Thomas with about 200 for the season.

Additionally, most of Thomas receptions didn't come until after Bush went down. If Bush, Colston, Moore and the rest of the gang are healthy, I see little reason to expect more than 30-35 catches for Thomas.

The one plus he does have is with Bush's inside running, Thomas should be the primary GL back.

200 Carries

900 Yards Rushing

4.5 YPC

8 TDs

32 Receptions

272 Yards Receiving

8.5 YPR

0 TDs

Overall, I think Thomas is a fair0decent option as an RB2 and a great option as an RB3. If Bush were to go down again, his upside would be tremendous. However, I think with the heavily pass-based offense of the Saints and the number of other playmakers on the team (and at his position), Thomas will have a fair amount of sub-10 point games.

 

[Yenrub]

Say what you want about Reggie Bush, but as long as he is healthy enough to get on the field, he WILL get carries. Prior to Bush going down, in weeks 1-8, Thomas had a total of 37 touches (30 carries, 7 receptions).

Keep in mind that during the 1st 8 weeks Deuce was there and had 68 carries (not sure about receptions)

 

[kevthegrad]

230 carries, 990 yards, 7 TD's

36 receptions, 440 yards, 3 td's

I think he breaks out and makes a lot of people forget the hype of Reggie.

 

[Maven]

A lot of you fail to lean on tendancies and team trends from past years.

Over the past 3 years with Peyton as coach and Brees at QB, Saints have had 19, 14 and 20 rushing touchdowns. Thats 53 touchdowns in the past 3 years which averages out to about 17 rushing touchdowns per season.

Last year Pierre had 9TDs (4.8 ypc) last year in a limited role, Duece who is gone had 5 and Bush had 2.

THIS YEAR...with Deuce out of the picture...same offense, same line, same Brees, same explosive offense and the QB Coach now taking over OC responsibilities...

How can you NOT think Pierre will atleasttttttttt have 10+ TDs? Especially with fragile Reggie Bush and no other threat to take Pierres carries?

He can go for 13-15 total TDs easssssssssy and his teammates believe he will have a great year too.

 

[Power Monster]

A nice RB to have if you are looking for receiving numbers on top of potential carries. He fits in well with the Brees largess and it was apparent to the coaching staff as PT had a nice 2008 season. Of course- it is always about ADP but I like these RBs on my roster in a pinch w injuries and bye weeks.

220 rushes 850 yds 8 TDs

40 recs 300 yds 1 TD

 

[Maven]

A nice RB to have if you are looking for receiving numbers on top of potential carries. He fits in well with the Brees largess and it was apparent to the coaching staff as PT had a nice 2008 season. Of course- it is always about ADP but I like these RBs on my roster in a pinch w injuries and bye weeks. 220 rushes 850 yds 8 TDs40 recs 300 yds 1 TD

So 3.86 ypc this year after rushing 4.8 a carry last year on 129 carries? What reasons do you forsee that drastic of a decrease in effectiveness?

 

[kevthegrad]

A lot of you fail to lean on tendancies and team trends from past years.Over the past 3 years with Peyton as coach and Brees at QB, Saints have had 19, 14 and 20 rushing touchdowns. Thats 53 touchdowns in the past 3 years which averages out to about 17 rushing touchdowns per season.Last year Pierre had 9TDs (4.8 ypc) last year in a limited role, Duece who is gone had 5 and Bush had 2. THIS YEAR...with Deuce out of the picture...same offense, same line, same Brees, same explosive offense and the QB Coach now taking over OC responsibilities...How can you NOT think Pierre will atleasttttttttt have 10+ TDs? Especially with fragile Reggie Bush and no other threat to take Pierres carries? He can go for 13-15 total TDs easssssssssy and his teammates believe he will have a great year too.

SO well said....you just crystalized how I feel word for word on PT Cruiser....

 

[Jason Wood]

The great thing about Thomas is that it's not like he's the clear cut bruiser to Bush's elusive pass catcher. Thomas last year averaged an astounding 10.3 YAC per reception; 2nd in the league. Not only was Thomas 2nd in the league, he generated 3 yards more of YAC per reception than a certain Reggie Bush [7.5 YACpR].

 

[BBRULE]

Rushing

185 - 765 - 5

Receiving

25 - 216 - 2

If Bush is healthy this is his ceiling IMO, but potential for much more if Bush were to miss significant time.

 

[Ray_T]

Rushing185 - 765 - 5Receiving25 - 216 - 2If Bush is healthy this is his ceiling IMO, but potential for much more if Bush were to miss significant time.

I had him pegged for 1000 total yards and this isnt too far off the mark.the only way he does better is if Bush gets hurt. of course, at this point the odds of this are looking to be 50-50, but sooner or later bush may actually stay healthy a full year.

 

[mcintyre1]

Rushing185 - 765 - 5Receiving25 - 216 - 2If Bush is healthy this is his ceiling IMO, but potential for much more if Bush were to miss significant time.

I had him pegged for 1000 total yards and this isnt too far off the mark.the only way he does better is if Bush gets hurt. of course, at this point the odds of this are looking to be 50-50, but sooner or later bush may actually stay healthy a full year.

Are you predicting a drastic decrease in rushing touchdowns for the Saints? Or that Reggie will have on the order of 12-14 rushing TDs? Because as posted before in this thread, the Saints have average 17 rushing TDs per year.

 

[bcr8f]

I love all these haters. Anyone who saw the last few games last year(especially the Bears game) saw what he could do.

 

[BBRULE]

Rushing185 - 765 - 5Receiving25 - 216 - 2If Bush is healthy this is his ceiling IMO, but potential for much more if Bush were to miss significant time.

I had him pegged for 1000 total yards and this isnt too far off the mark.the only way he does better is if Bush gets hurt. of course, at this point the odds of this are looking to be 50-50, but sooner or later bush may actually stay healthy a full year.

Are you predicting a drastic decrease in rushing touchdowns for the Saints? Or that Reggie will have on the order of 12-14 rushing TDs? Because as posted before in this thread, the Saints have average 17 rushing TDs per year.

Nope, but not all Rush TDs are scored by HBs, in each of the last 3 years 1 Rush TD has gone to a WR(reverse or end around), and 2-3 have gone to FBs. I have Brees with 1 this year and Bush for 8. So, 1 for Brees, 8 for Bush, 5 for Thomas, 1 for WR and 2 for FBs puts my projections at 17, the Saints 3 year average you pointed out . Thank-you, I feel even better about my projections now.

 

[LTsharks]

Rushing185 - 765 - 5Receiving25 - 216 - 2If Bush is healthy this is his ceiling IMO, but potential for much more if Bush were to miss significant time.

I had him pegged for 1000 total yards and this isnt too far off the mark.the only way he does better is if Bush gets hurt. of course, at this point the odds of this are looking to be 50-50, but sooner or later bush may actually stay healthy a full year.

Are you predicting a drastic decrease in rushing touchdowns for the Saints? Or that Reggie will have on the order of 12-14 rushing TDs? Because as posted before in this thread, the Saints have average 17 rushing TDs per year.

Nope, but not all Rush TDs are scored by HBs, in each of the last 3 years 1 Rush TD has gone to a WR(reverse or end around), and 2-3 have gone to FBs. I have Brees with 1 this year and Bush for 8. So, 1 for Brees, 8 for Bush, 5 for Thomas, 1 for WR and 2 for FBs puts my projections at 17, the Saints 3 year average you pointed out . Thank-you, I feel even better about my projections now.

Would you mind sharing the rest of your projections for the Saints this year? You have Bush reaching a new career high with 8 rushing TDs. I'm just curious how you see the rest of the O breaking down.

 

[Northbound Train]

He's about 50% of the talent of what duece was back in 06', but i'm going to be generous and give PT 75% of the stats DM had that year since NO needs someone to share with Reggie. I'll give PT more then 75% of DC's receiving although it won't be much more since Bush is the receiving RB in that offense.

Duece in 06'

1057 rush/10TD's

30 rec/198 yards 0 TD's

So PT in 2009

793 rush/7.5 TD's

220 rec/1 TD

So 1,013 total/8.5 TD's.

I think i'm being a bit too optimistic for PT, but i'll stick with these projections.

And then projecting HALF of a touchdown?

 

[ratbast]

A lot of you fail to lean on tendancies and team trends from past years.Over the past 3 years with Peyton as coach and Brees at QB, Saints have had 19, 14 and 20 rushing touchdowns. Thats 53 touchdowns in the past 3 years which averages out to about 17 rushing touchdowns per season.Last year Pierre had 9TDs (4.8 ypc) last year in a limited role, Duece who is gone had 5 and Bush had 2. THIS YEAR...with Deuce out of the picture...same offense, same line, same Brees, same explosive offense and the QB Coach now taking over OC responsibilities...How can you NOT think Pierre will atleasttttttttt have 10+ TDs? Especially with fragile Reggie Bush and no other threat to take Pierres carries? He can go for 13-15 total TDs easssssssssy and his teammates believe he will have a great year too.

SO well said....you just crystalized how I feel word for word on PT Cruiser....

I'm with you guys. Bush is going to be a factor in most of the games he plays but he's not going to eliminate PTs impact during those games. Bush ability to get hurt counters PTs lack of "workhorse" history. There is a very good chance that PT is the "workhorse" of a Great offense for much of the year, and even more likely later in the year I think he is the most Underrated #2 RB. Especially in TD heavy leagues.

 

[mcintyre1]

Rushing185 - 765 - 5Receiving25 - 216 - 2If Bush is healthy this is his ceiling IMO, but potential for much more if Bush were to miss significant time.

I had him pegged for 1000 total yards and this isnt too far off the mark.the only way he does better is if Bush gets hurt. of course, at this point the odds of this are looking to be 50-50, but sooner or later bush may actually stay healthy a full year.

Are you predicting a drastic decrease in rushing touchdowns for the Saints? Or that Reggie will have on the order of 12-14 rushing TDs? Because as posted before in this thread, the Saints have average 17 rushing TDs per year.

Nope, but not all Rush TDs are scored by HBs, in each of the last 3 years 1 Rush TD has gone to a WR(reverse or end around), and 2-3 have gone to FBs. I have Brees with 1 this year and Bush for 8. So, 1 for Brees, 8 for Bush, 5 for Thomas, 1 for WR and 2 for FBs puts my projections at 17, the Saints 3 year average you pointed out . Thank-you, I feel even better about my projections now.

Would you mind sharing the rest of your projections for the Saints this year? You have Bush reaching a new career high with 8 rushing TDs. I'm just curious how you see the rest of the O breaking down.

I would like to know why you're predicting Bush to shoot up to 8 TDs, a career high and a 400% increase over last season. It also bucks a trend of his rushing TDs decreasing yearly from 6 to 4 to 2.Do you see Bush getting the goal line carries in the offense? Seems dubious considering Thomas's role as such last year, and 30lb weight advantage over Bush. Are you predicting long rushing TDs? I don't have the numbers, but I was under the impression that Bush was actually one of the worst in the league in terms of long runs, much less TD runs. Just curious why you think Bush will be so much more productive.

 

[-jb-]

I really want to like this guy. Just struggling with a 3rd round pick being spent on such a small sample of past performance.

 

[Darko M]

Last year people thought Earnest Graham was worth a 3rd round pick...

 

[Yenrub]

Last year people thought Earnest Graham was worth a 3rd round pick...

I am not sure because I didn't have him but I think Graham was productive until he got hurt

 

[rjv]

Last year people thought Earnest Graham was worth a 3rd round pick...

I am not sure because I didn't have him but I think Graham was productive until he got hurt

If I remember correctly, Graham didnt get hurt, it was the change of position for him last year to Fullback that hurt his FF production.

 

[Monsters of the Midway]

Three things worry me about Thomas.

1. His late season surge was against a pathetic slate of defenses (30th, 26th, 19th, 25th, 5th and 32nd ranked rush Ds). I'm skeptical that he can be as productive vs a less crappy schedule.

2. It coincided with the annual Reggie Bush injury. Bush is currently healthy so I'm wondering how much PT will get the ball until Bush is hurt again. We did get a glimpse last year but I don't know if that is enough to say. Also was Bush banged up when they were sharing time? I don't remember.

3. Can he hold up to a full season of regular carries? He's never really done that-even in college he shared with Mendenhall etc. (career high 152 carries). He's not a big guy.

These three things will probably cause me to rank Thomas low enough so that I won't end up drafting him.

 

[mcintyre1]

Three things worry me about Thomas.

1. His late season surge was against a pathetic slate of defenses (30th, 26th, 19th, 25th, 5th and 32nd ranked rush Ds). I'm skeptical that he can be as productive vs a less crappy schedule.

2. It coincided with the annual Reggie Bush injury. Bush is currently healthy so I'm wondering how much PT will get the ball until Bush is hurt again. We did get a glimpse last year but I don't know if that is enough to say. Also was Bush banged up when they were sharing time? I don't remember.

3. Can he hold up to a full season of regular carries? He's never really done that-even in college he shared with Mendenhall etc. (career high 152 carries). He's not a big guy.

These three things will probably cause me to rank Thomas low enough so that I won't end up drafting him.

Not saying it increases his durability (just look at SJax) but this isn't true anymore. He is reportedly up to 220lbs, which is pretty beefy for 5'11". In regards to schedule, I've always thought there is far too much variance in the strength of defenses from year to year (barring the few exceptions like Pittsburgh etc.) to make predictions based off of the previous year's data.

For your second point, all I can say is that Brees considers Thomas to be "our number one back and can do the job." And "I feel like Reggie can be able to step in and do a great job ... but certainly I think Pierre Thomas is the total package." Of course, this is just off-season talk by a player, not even a coach, but it is encouraging.

 

[KellysHeroes]

He's about 50% of the talent of what duece was back in 06', but i'm going to be generous and give PT 75% of the stats DM had that year since NO needs someone to share with Reggie. I'll give PT more then 75% of DC's receiving although it won't be much more since Bush is the receiving RB in that offense.Duece in 06'1057 rush/10TD's30 rec/198 yards 0 TD'sSo PT in 2009793 rush/7.5 TD's220 rec/1 TDSo 1,013 total/8.5 TD's.I think i'm being a bit too optimistic for PT, but i'll stick with these projections.

LOL.. 50% of the Talent of an RB returning from a torn ACL Injury he suffered in 05.

 

[Yenrub]

Last year people thought Earnest Graham was worth a 3rd round pick...

I am not sure because I didn't have him but I think Graham was productive until he got hurt

If I remember correctly, Graham didnt get hurt, it was the change of position for him last year to Fullback that hurt his FF production.

Graham was put on injured reserve in week 12

 

[Power Monster]

A nice RB to have if you are looking for receiving numbers on top of potential carries. He fits in well with the Brees largess and it was apparent to the coaching staff as PT had a nice 2008 season. Of course- it is always about ADP but I like these RBs on my roster in a pinch w injuries and bye weeks. 220 rushes 850 yds 8 TDs40 recs 300 yds 1 TD

So 3.86 ypc this year after rushing 4.8 a carry last year on 129 carries? What reasons do you forsee that drastic of a decrease in effectiveness?

I see that the Saints might want to feed him the ball more and feel that he will not justify his 4.8 YPC average from last year.

 

[Liquid Tension]

Say what you want about Reggie Bush, but as long as he is healthy enough to get on the field, he WILL get carries. Prior to Bush going down, in weeks 1-8, Thomas had a total of 37 touches (30 carries, 7 receptions).That being said, based on the way he finished the season, I do expect him to see an increased role.Last year New Orleans ran the ball 398 times as a team. In 2007, they ran it 397. I think a safe assumption would be right around 400 carries as a team for 09.Out of those 400, ~350 should go to the primary RBs (Thomas/Bush).Bush should be good for 8-10 carries a games, leaving Thomas with about 200 for the season.Additionally, most of Thomas receptions didn't come until after Bush went down. If Bush, Colston, Moore and the rest of the gang are healthy, I see little reason to expect more than 30-35 catches for Thomas.The one plus he does have is with Bush's inside running, Thomas should be the primary GL back.200 Carries900 Yards Rushing4.5 YPC8 TDs32 Receptions272 Yards Receiving8.5 YPR0 TDsOverall, I think Thomas is a fair0decent option as an RB2 and a great option as an RB3. If Bush were to go down again, his upside would be tremendous. However, I think with the heavily pass-based offense of the Saints and the number of other playmakers on the team (and at his position), Thomas will have a fair amount of sub-10 point games.

 

[rzrback77]

I see a ful blown RBBC in New Orleans this year. The talk is that Pierre Thomas bulked up so that he could be the effective pile driving RB for the Saints, but I am not sure that would be his forte. I see him and Reggie Bush as both being effective in similar situations. I am curious whether the bulking up for more power experiment will make him less useful in space than a year ago.

Lots of folks are excited based on his performance down the stretch, but he only had over twenty carries once. A lot of his fantasy production was based on the fact that he scored nine TDs in the last six games. He ran well, don't get me wrong, but I am not counting on that type of TD performance.

The Saints have not been strong in the power running game since Deuce has been hurt. In addition to cutting him in the off-season, they also lost their FB, Mike Karney and replaced him with Heath Evans. I am not sure that Evans is as solid a blocker as Karney and will be new to the system.

The good news for Pierre Thomas is that Deuce is gone and he will only have Reggie Bush to contend with. The trouble with that is that when healthy, Reggie has been extremely involved in the game plan. If Bush gets injured again, then Thomas will have ample opportunity to shine, but if Reggie stays healthy, then these two will split the opportunities equally with a 50-50 share. Last year, the Saints ran the ball 371 times while throwing 635 passes. I think that they would rather run a little more, but will need to do better to sustain drives with that game plan. I'll say a reduction of 35 passes and an increase of 20 rushes for more of a 60-40 split.

Close production between the two with Bush favored in PPR leagues, but both players being startable. Currently, Thomas has a slightly higher ADP at RB18 and 35 overall than Bush at RB20 and 42 overall.

Pierre Thomas 185 carries 833 yards 4.5 ypc 55 targets 41 catches 287 yards 7.0 ypc and 10 total TDs

 

[Garts]

ouch

The News

Saints coach Sean Payton said on Wednesday that Mike Bell can expect to see a good number of carries this season, and that he is likely to be their goal-line back, according to Pro Football Talk.

Our View

Payton called Bell "an upright runner who stays the course," while also saying, "he's pretty physical when he hits the hole." Whether or not we could be witnessing the second coming of late-career Jerome Bettis won't be clear until the regular season, but what is clear is that you should certainly be keeping an eye on Bell.

 

[BobbyLayne]

My View

I know what Mike Bell is; I know what Pierre Thomas is.

One is a former failed starter who has barely gotten on the field since his rookie year.

The other is a stud in the making who has made the most of the limited opportunities given to him.

I expect both trends to continue, coachspeak notwithstanding.

 

[travdogg]

My View

I know what Mike Bell is; I know what Pierre Thomas is.

One is a former failed starter who has barely gotten on the field since his rookie year.

The other is a stud in the making who has made the most of the limited opportunities given to him.

I expect both trends to continue, coachspeak notwithstanding.

Well put.

 

[hook014]

ouchThe NewsSaints coach Sean Payton said on Wednesday that Mike Bell can expect to see a good number of carries this season, and that he is likely to be their goal-line back, according to Pro Football Talk. Our ViewPayton called Bell "an upright runner who stays the course," while also saying, "he's pretty physical when he hits the hole." Whether or not we could be witnessing the second coming of late-career Jerome Bettis won't be clear until the regular season, but what is clear is that you should certainly be keeping an eye on Bell.

Looks like someone is trying to drive down the price of a certain Pierre Thomas. And right before a lot of guys draft.Go figure.

 

[valhallan]

A knock many have had on Thomas is short-yardage effectiveness and several others have defended his play. I think Payton flat out saying Bell would get goal-line carries should help settle the debate...

 

[BobbyLayne]

A knock many have had on Thomas is short-yardage effectiveness and several others have defended his play. I think Payton flat out saying Bell would get goal-line carries should help settle the debate...

That would be true...if that is what Coach Payton said.

Q: Would you work a three-headed monster in the backfield?

A: I think a lot of people do.

Q: Why has it become popular?

A: You play a long season and I've just been taught that at that position you have to stack it up and have some depth. You're going to have some nicks along the way. I think the exception to the rule is the team that can feature just one back the whole season. When you understand what they do well and try to highlight what they do well it's very common. You can go through every team and see a rotation of some sort even in Minnesota where there's more than one back. It's a tough position.

Q: Is the nature of the game changing where you aren't seeing one bell cow back on a team anymore?

A: There's always room for a player like that (Jim Brown), but certainly with the size and speed, the health is a big issue for most teams at that position.

Q: What does Mike Bell bring to the table differently than Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas?

A: If you ask me what his strengths are I'd say Mike Bell is an upright runner who stays the course. He's pretty physical when he hits the hole. I think he has pretty good acceleration. He can lower his pads. Those are some of the things if you are paying attention to practice and watching us, you can see it in the goal line. Those are some of his strengths.

http://www.neworleans.com/index.php?option...&Itemid=578So he talked about some of his strengths...not sure that equates to a flat-out statement that Mike Bell is gonna be my Jerome Bettis.

However...your first point is spot on. It had slipped my mind that PT had that awful game early in the season (Week 3?) when he failed to convert on 3rd/4th and 1 like four times. I guess after he came on like gangbusters at the end we all forgot about.

I still think the Saints RB situation is 60-70% Pierre running, 80% Reggie receiving (assuming both are healthy). Coach has indicated he'll use Bell a lot game 3, PT more in exhibition 4. Pierre had the pads back on today but I think they want to be cautious with the minor sprain.

To me Bell is garbage...but given the Saints short yardage problems last year, I can see them wanting to find out if MB can fulfill the big back role. I don't see it happening, but I suppose its within the realm of possibility. I don't think Mike Bell has the talent level required to be a major factor in that high-powered offense.

 

[moleculo]

FWIW, I always thought Mike Bell was a very good goal line back when he was with the Broncos. Good leg drive, good power for not being all that big, does a good job of sneaking through small spaces, and good leaper. With the troubles the Saints had in short yardage last year (I know they lost more than one game including to Denver because of this), it makes sense to me to bring in someone who has been pretty good at converting short yardage situations.

 

[Garts]

A knock many have had on Thomas is short-yardage effectiveness and several others have defended his play. I think Payton flat out saying Bell would get goal-line carries should help settle the debate...

That would be true...if that is what Coach Payton said.

Q: Would you work a three-headed monster in the backfield?

A: I think a lot of people do.

Q: Why has it become popular?

A: You play a long season and I've just been taught that at that position you have to stack it up and have some depth. You're going to have some nicks along the way. I think the exception to the rule is the team that can feature just one back the whole season. When you understand what they do well and try to highlight what they do well it's very common. You can go through every team and see a rotation of some sort even in Minnesota where there's more than one back. It's a tough position.

Q: Is the nature of the game changing where you aren't seeing one bell cow back on a team anymore?

A: There's always room for a player like that (Jim Brown), but certainly with the size and speed, the health is a big issue for most teams at that position.

Q: What does Mike Bell bring to the table differently than Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas?

A: If you ask me what his strengths are I'd say Mike Bell is an upright runner who stays the course. He's pretty physical when he hits the hole. I think he has pretty good acceleration. He can lower his pads. Those are some of the things if you are paying attention to practice and watching us, you can see it in the goal line. Those are some of his strengths.

http://www.neworleans.com/index.php?option...&Itemid=578So he talked about some of his strengths...not sure that equates to a flat-out statement that Mike Bell is gonna be my Jerome Bettis.

However...your first point is spot on. It had slipped my mind that PT had that awful game early in the season (Week 3?) when he failed to convert on 3rd/4th and 1 like four times. I guess after he came on like gangbusters at the end we all forgot about.

I still think the Saints RB situation is 60-70% Pierre running, 80% Reggie receiving (assuming both are healthy). Coach has indicated he'll use Bell a lot game 3, PT more in exhibition 4. Pierre had the pads back on today but I think they want to be cautious with the minor sprain.

To me Bell is garbage...but given the Saints short yardage problems last year, I can see them wanting to find out if MB can fulfill the big back role. I don't see it happening, but I suppose its within the realm of possibility. I don't think Mike Bell has the talent level required to be a major factor in that high-powered offense.

lemme guess....you own Pierre