RB's about to break out? (2 Viewers)

[the spanker]

Looks like Storm Johnson is gonna get some reps this weekend. Could be nothing, or could be this year's Zac Stacy...

http://members.jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/400642/hays-carlyon/2014-10-03/jaguars-coach-gus-bradley-says-rookie-rb-storm-johnson

I had Storm as my pick a week ago, page on page 1. He'll be the #1 waiver pick next week, calling it now.

I have a RB-desperate team that still carried DeAngeglo Williams so I exchanged DWill for Storm Johnson.

I expect to be dropping him on Wednesday, but we'll see.

Why just not pick up Stewart? Cam hurt not going to be running as much this year. DeAngelo out for several weeks (old anyway) and No Tolbert to vulture carries.

Because their OL is essentially just a bunch of fat men flailing around. It's comical yet disturbing to watch.

Truth be told I haven't watched any Panther games but who else is going to carry the rock on the team? If Stewart were to stay healthy sheer volume alone would say he's a decent pickup right?

Flex value, sure. The problem is Stewart and volume don't quite mix. I honestly don't envision him holding up on 15 touches per week, which is what it would take (in PPR) to keep him relevant behind that OL on a weekly basis. I didn't understand just how bad this OL was until I took the time and sat through some footage. It's brutal and something I'd try to avoid unless desperate.

Thanks I was thinking about picking him up due to opportunity more than anything as a 4th/5th RB. Didn't know the OL was that terrible.

 

[ourmanflint]

Bernard Pierce?

Forsett has/will never be the main back and Tally Ho is just a guy.

If BP can stay healthy and keep his mind right, I say he takes this job back and runs with it.

 

[RushHour]

Pierce is just a guy too though.

 

[Alonzo Mosely]

How long will Oliver have an impact? Mathews out 1-2 more weeks reportedly.

IMO it depends on how long Oliver can sustain his level of performance. Mathews is in his last year, and Brown just got signed to a sizable contract. Oliver is competing against what appears to be an oft-injured possibly lame duck RB and an overpriced underperforming vet at a UDFA salary.

I think if Oliver continues to shine, management is going to have a huge say on playing time going forward as they look toward next year.

Why in the hell would they be doing anything looking toward next year?

Are you implying that management ONLY cares about the current season and have no concerns regarding future seasons? Again this is management, I'm talking about, not the coaches.

Suppose management decides that Oliver is their RB of the future for 2015 (not saying this is the case, just hypothetically), you don't think that will have an impact on his number of reps THIS SEASON?

Absolutely not. You realize this is a playoff team you're talking about...

Playoff team or not and all things being equal, a RB in his last year that doesn't figure into a team's future is going to lose snaps to the younger, cheaper guy.

Look at SF... despite the fact that Gore's still running like a champ, it's the last year of his contract and Hyde's percentage of the snaps are increasing every week despite being the inferior runner stats-wise. And this is a potential HoF RB that's currently 5th in the NFL in rushing yds. If Oliver keeps getting it done, Mathews will only grow more obsolete as the season goes on.

 

[Chaka]

How long will Oliver have an impact? Mathews out 1-2 more weeks reportedly.

IMO it depends on how long Oliver can sustain his level of performance. Mathews is in his last year, and Brown just got signed to a sizable contract. Oliver is competing against what appears to be an oft-injured possibly lame duck RB and an overpriced underperforming vet at a UDFA salary.

I think if Oliver continues to shine, management is going to have a huge say on playing time going forward as they look toward next year.

Why in the hell would they be doing anything looking toward next year?

Are you implying that management ONLY cares about the current season and have no concerns regarding future seasons? Again this is management, I'm talking about, not the coaches.

Suppose management decides that Oliver is their RB of the future for 2015 (not saying this is the case, just hypothetically), you don't think that will have an impact on his number of reps THIS SEASON?

Absolutely not. You realize this is a playoff team you're talking about...

Playoff team or not and all things being equal, a RB in his last year that doesn't figure into a team's future is going to lose snaps to the younger, cheaper guy.

Look at SF... despite the fact that Gore's still running like a champ, it's the last year of his contract and Hyde's percentage of the snaps are increasing every week despite being the inferior runner stats-wise. And this is a potential HoF RB that's currently 5th in the NFL in rushing yds. If Oliver keeps getting it done, Mathews will only grow more obsolete as the season goes on.

While I also don't think SF is a logical comparison the Chargers have been a playoff team without Matthews in the lineup. They are 4-1 while getting very minimal production from Matthews (3-0 without him).

 

[Alonzo Mosely]

How long will Oliver have an impact? Mathews out 1-2 more weeks reportedly.

IMO it depends on how long Oliver can sustain his level of performance. Mathews is in his last year, and Brown just got signed to a sizable contract. Oliver is competing against what appears to be an oft-injured possibly lame duck RB and an overpriced underperforming vet at a UDFA salary.

I think if Oliver continues to shine, management is going to have a huge say on playing time going forward as they look toward next year.

Why in the hell would they be doing anything looking toward next year?

Are you implying that management ONLY cares about the current season and have no concerns regarding future seasons? Again this is management, I'm talking about, not the coaches.

Suppose management decides that Oliver is their RB of the future for 2015 (not saying this is the case, just hypothetically), you don't think that will have an impact on his number of reps THIS SEASON?

Absolutely not. You realize this is a playoff team you're talking about...

Playoff team or not and all things being equal, a RB in his last year that doesn't figure into a team's future is going to lose snaps to the younger, cheaper guy.

Look at SF... despite the fact that Gore's still running like a champ, it's the last year of his contract and Hyde's percentage of the snaps are increasing every week despite being the inferior runner stats-wise. And this is a potential HoF RB that's currently 5th in the NFL in rushing yds. If Oliver keeps getting it done, Mathews will only grow more obsolete as the season goes on.

While I also don't think SF is a logical comparison the Chargers have been a playoff team without Matthews in the lineup. They are 4-1 while getting very minimal production from Matthews (3-0 without him).

True. But Oliver's playing time/touches will be dictated by how he improves their chances of winning this year and nothing else. If Matthews proves to be even slightly better they won't be giving Oliver PT because it makes them better next season.

 

[Chaka]

True. But Oliver's playing time/touches will be dictated by how he improves their chances of winning this year and nothing else. If Matthews proves to be even slightly better they won't be giving Oliver PT because it makes them better next season.

Absolutely agree. Oliver was incredibly impressive last week but I temper that with the fact that the Jets appeared defeated early in that game and by halftime the 110 degree field temp had them thinking more about the flight home then coming back against the Chargers.

It looks like D.Brown may not play this week so Oliver is going to get every chance to prove it wasn't a fluke.

 

[rjv]

How long will Oliver have an impact? Mathews out 1-2 more weeks reportedly.

IMO it depends on how long Oliver can sustain his level of performance. Mathews is in his last year, and Brown just got signed to a sizable contract. Oliver is competing against what appears to be an oft-injured possibly lame duck RB and an overpriced underperforming vet at a UDFA salary.

I think if Oliver continues to shine, management is going to have a huge say on playing time going forward as they look toward next year.

Why in the hell would they be doing anything looking toward next year?

Are you implying that management ONLY cares about the current season and have no concerns regarding future seasons? Again this is management, I'm talking about, not the coaches.

Suppose management decides that Oliver is their RB of the future for 2015 (not saying this is the case, just hypothetically), you don't think that will have an impact on his number of reps THIS SEASON?

Absolutely not. You realize this is a playoff team you're talking about...

Playoff team or not and all things being equal, a RB in his last year that doesn't figure into a team's future is going to lose snaps to the younger, cheaper guy.Look at SF... despite the fact that Gore's still running like a champ, it's the last year of his contract and Hyde's percentage of the snaps are increasing every week despite being the inferior runner stats-wise. And this is a potential HoF RB that's currently 5th in the NFL in rushing yds. If Oliver keeps getting it done, Mathews will only grow more obsolete as the season goes on.

While I also don't think SF is a logical comparison the Chargers have been a playoff team without Matthews in the lineup. They are 4-1 while getting very minimal production from Matthews (3-0 without him).

True. But Oliver's playing time/touches will be dictated by how he improves their chances of winning this year and nothing else. If Matthews proves to be even slightly better they won't be giving Oliver PT because it makes them better next season.

Doesn't matter if Mathews is healthy Oliver will then land the woodhead role which is RB2 in ppr all day.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Crowell, C.J. Anderson, McKinnon, Taliaferro, and Sankey seem to be the 5 RB's on the verge of breaking out this year.

I'm curious what other people think. Which of these guys is about to become the most valuable? Did I miss anyone?

For those sailing the ships of doom with the masthead marked Lacy, or Ball or Peterson, and the host of other disappointing RBs out there, this was a pretty important topic at a pretty important time.

9/29/14:

Teams with RBs struggling, in danger of losing their job:

SD, Brown - Mathews hurt, Don Brown had just had a 31 carry day vs BUF followed by a 14/13 touches split with Oliver vs Jax on 9/28. Even without the Brown injury, Oliver was looking to get that job. Not only that but SD had cut Grice pretty decisively.

Den, Ball - Ball got hurt, Hillman was the man - seems like it was always CJ Anderson who was mentioned as the handcuff, lottery ticket

Min, Asiata - McKinnon appears on the verge if Zimmer doesn't rein him back in due to blocking issues

Bal, Pierce - yeah this happened, but as in Denver it was the alleged COP guy Forsett who took the job

Ten, Greene - well this was inevitable, Greene also got dinged opening the door, but the team is terrible, so far the results are mixed, lots of touches for Sankey (19), but just 68 yards

Possibilities due to injury history:

NYG, Jennings - happened, Andre W. is in there now

CLE, Tate - at the time Tate was on the shelf in danger of one of teh rooks shining and taking his job, but he came back healthy and is currently running strong - Crowell has leapt ahead of West though.

DAL, Murray - injured every year, on an insane pace for carries, and he just continues destroying the opposition, even Seattle - Randle has stolen a pair of boxers and some cologne, but not any jobs

Anyone else that should have been considered or should be moving forward?

 

[Zyphros]

Storm Johnson and Tre Mason come to mind right away.

 

[Banger]

Storm Johnson and Tre Mason come to mind right away.

ya, those are two lottery tickets I've added on nearly all my teams. Don't think there's tremendous upside or probability that they'll hit but it's worth a shot.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

DAL, Murray - injured every year, on an insane pace for carries, and he just continues destroying the opposition, even Seattle - Dunbar has stolen a pair of boxers and some cologne, but not any jobs

Stealing underwear is an epidemic among Cowboys.

Ha, ok fixed, I always mix those guys up.

 

[ldizzle]

Storm Johnson and Tre Mason come to mind right away.

ya, those are two lottery tickets I've added on nearly all my teams. Don't think there's tremendous upside or probability that they'll hit but it's worth a shot.

maybe tre mason because he looked better than the guys in front of him but have to see it again in another game. Johnson was putrid on his 10 carries tho

 

[Zyphros]

Storm Johnson and Tre Mason come to mind right away.

ya, those are two lottery tickets I've added on nearly all my teams. Don't think there's tremendous upside or probability that they'll hit but it's worth a shot.

maybe tre mason because he looked better than the guys in front of him but have to see it again in another game. Johnson was putrid on his 10 carries tho

There's more upside to Mason than Johnson I think, but I'm a Storm believer and I can't give up on him after 1 game. This week is a real test for him since the o-line is poor, and they are playing a rather poor run defense so if he flashes a good bit, it might be safe to say he is the RB to own.

 

[Gvindy]

A real deep one for stash is Charles Sims-TB. Coaches seemed high on him before the injury. If you have an IR slot you can stash him. On yahoo I know you have to have an open slot to add, then you move him to IR, then pick up another player. I did this swap with my kicker this last week. Rainey and Martin haven't necessarily run away with the job and with Sims pass catching skills he will get reps...Especially with Tampa trailing alot. And perhaps around fantasy playoff time he could draw some starts with fresh legs.

 

[Buck Bradcanon]

When is Sims expected to play?

 

[ldizzle]

A real deep one for stash is Charles Sims-TB. Coaches seemed high on him before the injury. If you have an IR slot you can stash him. On yahoo I know you have to have an open slot to add, then you move him to IR, then pick up another player. I did this swap with my kicker this last week. Rainey and Martin haven't necessarily run away with the job and with Sims pass catching skills he will get reps...Especially with Tampa trailing alot. And perhaps around fantasy playoff time he could draw some starts with fresh legs.

great reminder. thnx

 

[munygon2]

When is Sims expected to play?

There's an article floating around from earlier in the week (I'd have to Google search it) but the OC said they would have him ready to play Nov. 2nd vs. Cleveland.

 

[Gvindy]

A real deep one for stash is Charles Sims-TB. Coaches seemed high on him before the injury. If you have an IR slot you can stash him. On yahoo I know you have to have an open slot to add, then you move him to IR, then pick up another player. I did this swap with my kicker this last week. Rainey and Martin haven't necessarily run away with the job and with Sims pass catching skills he will get reps...Especially with Tampa trailing alot. And perhaps around fantasy playoff time he could draw some starts with fresh legs.

great reminder. thnx

He's already jogging/cutting. I heard he could start practicing week 8, but can't find the source. Here's another article with positive news:

http://thepewterplank.com/2014/10/10/charles-sims-strides-towards-early-return/

 

[ldizzle]

A real deep one for stash is Charles Sims-TB. Coaches seemed high on him before the injury. If you have an IR slot you can stash him. On yahoo I know you have to have an open slot to add, then you move him to IR, then pick up another player. I did this swap with my kicker this last week. Rainey and Martin haven't necessarily run away with the job and with Sims pass catching skills he will get reps...Especially with Tampa trailing alot. And perhaps around fantasy playoff time he could draw some starts with fresh legs.

great reminder. thnx

He's already jogging/cutting. I heard he could start practicing week 8, but can't find the source. Here's another article with positive news:http://thepewterplank.com/2014/10/10/charles-sims-strides-towards-early-return/

twitter says he can already practice but hasnt yet. It also says that he is eligible to return week 9. Furthermore Lovie stated he cant wait to get him on the field

 

[Buck Bradcanon]

Interesting. That's a good month before I thought..

 

[Football Jones]

I like Juwan Thompson a lot. I believe he's not only Denver's best all-around RB, but their best natural runner. Thompson is an accomplished pass blocker & receiver & is a very underrated runner. His power & balance are especially good.

Not sure when he'll get a chance, but I could see it happening next season with a year under his belt.

 

[Vicktimized]

I like Juwan Thompson a lot. I believe he's not only Denver's best all-around RB, but their best natural runner. Thompson is an accomplished pass blocker & receiver & is a very underrated runner. His power & balance are especially good.

Not sure when he'll get a chance, but I could see it happening next season with a year under his belt.

I'm not totally convinced it won't be this season. Hillman has to lose the job, but IMO Thompson looks like a big plus as a runner. Hillman's kinda just a steady hand.

 

[Chaka]

I like Juwan Thompson a lot. I believe he's not only Denver's best all-around RB, but their best natural runner. Thompson is an accomplished pass blocker & receiver & is a very underrated runner. His power & balance are especially good.

Not sure when he'll get a chance, but I could see it happening next season with a year under his belt.

I'm not totally convinced it won't be this season. Hillman has to lose the job, but IMO Thompson looks like a big plus as a runner. Hillman's kinda just a steady hand.

I don't think we know entirely what Hillman is or isn't just yet. Seems like the kind of guy who might have some big play ability. Another factor hindering Thompson is Montee Ball, make no mistake that he will be the lead back again once he comes back, his share of the pie may be smaller but then before but I will still be the biggest slice. Then there is the fact that we really don't know what Thompson is at all, we haven't seen anything from him at this level he could just as easily be the next CJ Anderson as Mike Anderson.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Crowell -- I think even with Tate back he'll bust out. RW says Tate will have 15 touches a game. If Crowell is as dynamic as advertised, he'll have touches enough. Seems like West is getting relegated to a distant 3rd.

Denard Robinson -- RW says he out-snapped Gerhart 36-21 vs. SD.

Brandon Oliver -- Brown only averaging 1.93 YPC. Mathews back soon but never seems to stay healthy for long.

Chris Ogbonnaya - Just signed with Carolina, where DWill, JStew, and Tolbert all are out several weeks.

Chris Ivory - Already looking good, likely will continue to outshine Chris Johnson and distance himself as long as he can stay healthy.

Andre Williams -- Not because of what he did vs. Washington, but because Jennings is on pace for an unprecedented 324 carry workload, which would smash his personal high of 163. Williams likely will get some chances to spell Rashad or will have to take over if he breaks down.

Ivory was a good call in the middle of this.

 

[Buffaloes]

I like Juwan Thompson a lot. I believe he's not only Denver's best all-around RB, but their best natural runner. Thompson is an accomplished pass blocker & receiver & is a very underrated runner. His power & balance are especially good.

Not sure when he'll get a chance, but I could see it happening next season with a year under his belt.

I'm not totally convinced it won't be this season. Hillman has to lose the job, but IMO Thompson looks like a big plus as a runner. Hillman's kinda just a steady hand.

I don't think we know entirely what Hillman is or isn't just yet. Seems like the kind of guy who might have some big play ability.

having watched him for 3 years, I disagree

 

[Sabertooth]

I'm liking Andre Williams to have the most impact come week 13-16

I agree with this. I had the opportunity to add Williams or Crowell. Went Williams (partially because I have Crowell in other leagues) because I think by the end of the season he just might be a bellcow.

While certainly within the realm of possible, why would you think Williams has more of a chance than a half dozen other guys in a similar situation?

If Jennings is healthy (and performing as he has), he will be the guy. Maybe Williams works to a 35-65 or even 40-60 split, but don't see why, without injury or maybe the Giants falling totally out of it, that Williams would be close to a bell cow.

Plus, he can't catch for ####.

Jennings is the definition of a journeyman talent. He also gets hurt a lot and is old. Seems like a perfect storm of opportunity. Williams was getting point with Rashad healthy.

 

[Braktastic]

In re-draft, I'm not high on Andre Williams at all. This is Tom Coughlin after all. He's the most by-the-book, the veteran gets the benefit of the doubt coach there is. Combine this with the fact that Williams is presently terrible as a receiving back, and I think once Rashad Jennings is healthy again he resumes lead back duties and retains most if not all of his previous value. He may get spelled more by Williams in obvious running situations, but that's it.

 

[munygon2]

Williams will probably only benefit if the Giants get a decent lead and they want to chew up clock. He didn't look explosive enough last week to make defenses respect him yet, imo.

 

[T with T]

Pierce is just a guy too though.

Pierce is just a guy too though.

good point, and Forsett is more then just a guy or has looked like the best runningback of the three. I say Forsett/Talieferro and then Pierce. Pierce is def nothing special. Im thinking Mckinnon could breakout soon. Pondering him or Reggie bush this week. I just know Bush will go off against the saints but I want to start Mckinnon, even though they said they want to get asiata more carries which could be coach speak.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Jstew possibly given he gets the packers and everbody else is hurt.

 

[Chaka]

I like Juwan Thompson a lot. I believe he's not only Denver's best all-around RB, but their best natural runner. Thompson is an accomplished pass blocker & receiver & is a very underrated runner. His power & balance are especially good.

Not sure when he'll get a chance, but I could see it happening next season with a year under his belt.

I'm not totally convinced it won't be this season. Hillman has to lose the job, but IMO Thompson looks like a big plus as a runner. Hillman's kinda just a steady hand.

I don't think we know entirely what Hillman is or isn't just yet. Seems like the kind of guy who might have some big play ability.

having watched him for 3 years, I disagree

And having watched Juwan Thompson for 11 carries?

 

[Buffaloes]

I like Juwan Thompson a lot. I believe he's not only Denver's best all-around RB, but their best natural runner. Thompson is an accomplished pass blocker & receiver & is a very underrated runner. His power & balance are especially good.

Not sure when he'll get a chance, but I could see it happening next season with a year under his belt.

I'm not totally convinced it won't be this season. Hillman has to lose the job, but IMO Thompson looks like a big plus as a runner. Hillman's kinda just a steady hand.

I don't think we know entirely what Hillman is or isn't just yet. Seems like the kind of guy who might have some big play ability.

having watched him for 3 years, I disagree

And having watched Juwan Thompson for 11 carries?

I didn't mention Thompson. I just pointed out that I disagree with the idea that Hillman is the kind of who might have some big play ability. I am not sure Denver has a RB on the rooster with big play ability right now.

 

[jurrassic]

What is everyone's thought on Sankey? He seems like an average talent on an average team but he could get the opportunity going forward

 

[McGarnicle]

What is everyone's thought on Sankey? He seems like an average talent on an average team but he could get the opportunity going forward

Average talent on an average team IMO. Then again, he could get the opportunity going forward.

 

[chinawildman]

What is everyone's thought on Sankey? He seems like an average talent on an average team but he could get the opportunity going forward

I don't think he has the physicality to be a featured runner. Will get some big runs when the lanes are wide open to boost his average, but otherwise just goes down too easily.

 

[SameSongNDance]

I think if McCluster, Washington and Battle go down in conjunction with Greene, Sankey could put together a really nice second half of the season. As it stands, McCluster/Washington will continue to steal snaps/receptions and it's possible Battle continues to steal GL touches until Greene gets healthy, in which case Greene will go back to taking over GL duty.