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WHo is LTs back up/handcuff? (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter tfreiboth
- Start date
Jacob Hester is expected to be the primary backup.
ouchgl to the Chargers if LT gets injured.
massraider
Footballguy
I'm definitely keeping an eye on who else they have in camp, because I don't think much of Hester as a tailback. They drafted another back as well, if he makes the team, I am gonna roster him. Marcus Thomas, that's his name. Not to be confused with the coke-sniffing Bronco DT (Hey, those charges were dropped!!)
westbrook36
Footballguy
I never understand the handcuff idea. As long as there are starting rbs available why draft a backup? In most leagues I play in, there are not enough roster spots to even think about handcuffing.
tfreiboth
Footballguy
Zealots league, 12 teams, 53 roster spots...
toxicbees
Footballguy
Lots of people on this board play in very deep dynasty leagues. If you own LT, you absolutely need to own his backup. Personally, I think its Sproles until one of the rookies shows something.
BigSteelThrill
Footballguy
Its after the first 32-36 RBs are taken.You can take a shot on a potential talent player getting a chance... or you can handcuff and almost assure yourself to at least have the starting RB from that particular team, no matter what. A "peace of mind" situation. I have always made use of grabbing depth at RB that came in the form of both the handcuff and talented 2nd stringers. Moderate handcuffs can often be much cheaper and just as impactful.In '93 I drafted handcuffs Derrik Moore (then handcuffed and used Eric Lynch) and Leroy Thomspon (had Hoge but never played him) to a title. At the start I thought I was stellar with Barry Sanders and Barry Foster. This was sort of predicated on me choosing to go the cheaper handcuff route and not expending picks on more talented backs and backups - so I could be stronger in other areas. I figured I was a beast at RB and low and behold, they both go down (cry!) and these rather cheap throw away picks gave me security and delivered.
fsufan
Footballguy
you need to own his backup when he is a good backup like turner. I am a LT owner and have no interest in either of his back ups
zamboni
Footballguy
It's kind of a good news/bad news scenario for LT owners as of now.
The good thing is that, for deeper leagues, you don't have to use an earlier than desired pick to get the handcuff (as with the case with Turner over the past few years). The bad thing is that there may not be a viable handcuff to be had if LT goes down.
Obviously things can change as camp hasn't started yet, but LT owners like myself have been spoiled by the presence of Turner for some time.
The good thing is that, for deeper leagues, you don't have to use an earlier than desired pick to get the handcuff (as with the case with Turner over the past few years). The bad thing is that there may not be a viable handcuff to be had if LT goes down.
Obviously things can change as camp hasn't started yet, but LT owners like myself have been spoiled by the presence of Turner for some time.
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Tanner9919
Footballguy
no no no, you don't 'need' a starter's backup
. outside of the Priest Holmes/Larry Johnson handcuff, name me another successful handcuff that was worthy of a roster spot. You want to say Fred Taylor/MJD, ok, I'll buy it, but what else have you got?!the fatal flaw in the handcuff rule, is that there is absolutely NO guarantee that the backup will perform even remotely as well as the starter did before he got hurt.. did you really handcuff LJ with 'whats-his-name' last season?! no, you didn't..did you handcuff Benson?! lol. Did anyone really go to the draft and select K. Keith to backup Addai? 'cmon..you'd rather have Keith than, say, a starter from another team?NOTE: no one had Fargas as the handcuff to Lamont last season, so don't use that one on me ;-)to answer the question, Sproles will likely be the guy if LT should get hurt.
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bicycle_seat_sniffer
Smells like chicken
If godforbid LT got seriously injured and missed significant time, it would be a commitee of Sproles and Hester.
massraider
Footballguy
I drafted Kolby Smith, in the third round of my rookie draft, and started him several weeks. Speaking of the Colts, having Rhodes as a handcuff to Edgerrin paid off big, and the Broncos situation has been one handcuff after another.no no no, you don't 'need' a starter's backup. outside of the Priest Holmes/Larry Johnson handcuff, name me another successful handcuff that was worthy of a roster spot. You want to say Fred Taylor/MJD, ok, I'll buy it, but what else have you got?!the fatal flaw in the handcuff rule, is that there is absolutely NO guarantee that the backup will perform even remotely as well as the starter did before he got hurt..
did you really handcuff LJ with 'whats-his-name' last season?! no, you didn't..did you handcuff Benson?! lol. Did anyone really go to the draft and select K. Keith to backup Addai? 'cmon..you'd rather have Keith than, say, a starter from another team?
NOTE: no one had Fargas as the handcuff to Lamont last season, so don't use that one on me ;-)
to answer the question, Sproles will likely be the guy if LT should get hurt.
As to the fatal flaw, it's only a fatal law if someone expects the same production. All someoneshould be expecting is a stopgap starter.
There were better players in the league than Kolby Smith last year. But if they didn't get carries, it did fantasy owners no good. If the LJ owner has Smith, he knows he can plug in a starting back every week.
Zoomanji
Footballguy
I'm enjoying all the rookie drafts where the LT owner drafts a FULLBACK in the 3rd round 
I'll take Thomas a couple rounds later.
bicycle_seat_sniffer
Smells like chicken
the problem is that both AJ and Norv sasid this guy is the primary backup, they wouldnt move up to draft a fullback. Norv has pretty much phazed out the fullback in this O.
I'll take Thomas a couple rounds later.
I wouldn't be surprised if Sproles is more like a prototypical 3rd down back in 08 or Pinnock or some other FB takes some short yardage spot like Evans in NE. The Chargers need Tomlinson in the playoffs and have to take some weight off his back. Nothing dramatic but little bit here and there.
The Hardline
Footballguy
I believe this is the right answer. Sproles actually did well when he had the chance to perform last year and if IIRC was not in a RBBC while he was at KState. Not a lot of tread on the tires either because Turner was getting most secondary touches the last couple of years. He is a little fella but seems to get the job done. Plus he can score for you on PR/KR. I picked him up in a deep RB heavy league just to see what happens in mini camps and the preseason.Hester will get his touches too don't get me wrong but I don't see either of them as an every down back.
Maroney=Sped
Footballguy
Sure, just run over to the starting RB tree and pluck another one off! It's easy!
Banger
Footballguy
Hester article...
A long but good pre-draft article on Hester. It seems that the Chargers agree with the versatility point the writer makes as they apparently had him lining up all over the field in their 1st minicamp.
here's a post from a good poster on a Charger board from the mini-camp...
report from JoeMcRugby at chargers.com
They had Jacob Hester lining up all over the field, mostly at tailback in a single back 2 TE formation with one of the TEs going in motion. But at other times he was split out, a few times as the man in motion in the H-back position, and sometimes split out wide as a receiver. He certainly didn't look lost out there, which is pretty amazing considering that he was only drafted by the Chargers five days before.
Another observation: When LT and Hester were standing next too each other, Hester was only a tiny bit taller than LT and their body types were indistinguishable. The main thing that jumps out at you is that he just looks like a football player on the field: confident and smart. The observations made by some that he is similar to Weddle in his football makeup could be true. As everyone knows, you need to pour several bottles of salt when assessing players in non-contact drills. We'll find out soon enough if he's a playa.
A long but good pre-draft article on Hester. It seems that the Chargers agree with the versatility point the writer makes as they apparently had him lining up all over the field in their 1st minicamp.
here's a post from a good poster on a Charger board from the mini-camp...
report from JoeMcRugby at chargers.com
They had Jacob Hester lining up all over the field, mostly at tailback in a single back 2 TE formation with one of the TEs going in motion. But at other times he was split out, a few times as the man in motion in the H-back position, and sometimes split out wide as a receiver. He certainly didn't look lost out there, which is pretty amazing considering that he was only drafted by the Chargers five days before.
Another observation: When LT and Hester were standing next too each other, Hester was only a tiny bit taller than LT and their body types were indistinguishable. The main thing that jumps out at you is that he just looks like a football player on the field: confident and smart. The observations made by some that he is similar to Weddle in his football makeup could be true. As everyone knows, you need to pour several bottles of salt when assessing players in non-contact drills. We'll find out soon enough if he's a playa.
Right. If the Chargers wanted a fullback, they would have kept Lorenzo Neal.
zamboni
Footballguy
I could be wrong, but I thought that they got rid of Neal due to the combination of Pinnock emerging, plus the fact that Neal's skills were on the decline.
Banger
Footballguy
I think it was a combo of those factors along with the fact that the FB is de-emphasized in Turner's offense.
bicycle_seat_sniffer
Smells like chicken
nope, what MT and I said. Norv is slowly phasing the FB out of the O.
ThePittbully
Footballguy
Yea because you, Zoomanji of footballguys.com forums, know much much more than AJ Smith and Norv Turner who have declared this guy LT's backup and traded up in the draft to get him. Maybe that was their plan all along, "Hey Norv lets trade away draft picks and draft a fullback (a position we dont even use in our offense) just for fun, then later in the 6th or 7th round we'll take the guy we really plan to have as LT's backup." Sounds realistic...good luck with all thatZoomanji said:I'm enjoying all the rookie drafts where the LT owner drafts a FULLBACK in the 3rd round
I'll take Thomas a couple rounds later.
The people doubting Hester's value and talent know little to nothing about him and probably have never even seen him play
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ThePittbully
Footballguy
See, even I didnt know that. Good info my manI really think people doubt Hester so much, and I hate to say this because I dont play this card but, because he's a white RB. Had the Chargers traded up and grabbed a different back and proclaimed him as the backup to LT do you think ANYONE would be saying "OOO I'm gonna draft Sproles instead, LOL at these fools drafting (insert back here) in the 2nd round of rookie drafts"? Not a freaking chance
Bizkiteer
Footballguy
In all honesty, Hester does everything well just doesn't do anything in spectacular fashion. That is why he's just not that sexy of a pick. He's one of those college players that never really WOW's you, but at the end of the game you scratch your head at the stats he put up.
Duke1948
Footballguy
the difference there.....stephen davis was fast, hester is not. 4.62/40
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Yep, he's just very efficient, not flashy at all. He's about the same level of talent as Brian Leonard, but he didn't have the Leonard Leaps to catch our attention. Hester hits the hole quickly and generates great leg drive - winning collisions with his lean and downhill running style, which means all important yards after contact, and punishment for the defense. He's also got good feet, vision, and balance, and generally runs with the urgency you want to see in an NFL RB.
Two tenths of one second over a distance of 40 yards and you turn up your nose? 40 times are the most overrated stat in draft analysis IMO. THis guys is a football player plain and simple
Bizkiteer
Footballguy
LOL, Stephen Davis was fast for his size, but he wasn't fast. The phrase they use for him all the time was "he is deceptively fast for his size."
Duke1948
Footballguy
didn't say he wasn't a player, but just don't see him as a tailback in the NFL.
Bizkiteer
Footballguy
I understand he was fast when he was yougner, but he wasn't as BIG in high school as he was coming into the NFL. I hope that you or anyone else doesn't think I'm saying he's as good or better than Big Country because he isn't IMO.
-OZ-
Footballguy
I assume that's sarcasm. Dude almost ran for 2,000 yards in 2003 and finished his collegiate career with the 6th most all-purpose yards in NCAA history.Only knock on him is his size, but I think he'd fill in ok for a few games.
-OZ-
Footballguy
This has been successfully rebuked in previous threads. I don't remember which, but 40 time, when compared to the RB's size, is fairly indicative of success. Not perfectly of course, or TJ Duckett would be a stud, but it's a useful stat.
The Man Who Met Andy Griffith
Footballguy
Rudi Johnson
massraider
Footballguy
Do you have any idea how much a difference two tenths is?There are players that have overcome slow 40 times, and their names come up every. single. time.
There is a much, much longer list of players that didn't make it cause they weren't fast enough.
There is also a long list of players who didnt make it because they werent smart enough, didnt have enough drive or motivation. Hester doesnt lack on either of those fronts. I am not saying take him in the first round of your dyno rook draft, but dont ignore him either.massraider said:
AussieOyOyOy
Footballguy
You're young and you've played in shallow leagues, NTTAWT. You actually even conceded a point that wasn't valid. Larry Johnson wasn't Priest's handcuff. Derrick Blaylock was.Nonetheless, handcuffing is a viable strategy. It has been, historically, much better to plug in guys like Eric Lynch and Sherman Williams for their injured stud starters for a week or two than pick up someone off the waiver wire, in most leagues.no no no, you don't 'need' a starter's backup
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westbrook36
Footballguy
Well standard Yahoo leagues have ten teams and 15 draft picks. You need to start> QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, WR, TE, K, DSo I draft like this:QB 2, RB 4, WR 4, TE 2, K 1, D 2I will take 4 starting RBs, and no handcuff/backups(except maybe a guy like MJD).I can see handcuffing if you are in a very deep draft, but the most roster spots I think I have ever had in a league was 23. Even with that I grabbed 4 starting RBs within my top 10 picks, and then just built depth in other places later.To me if LT gets hurt I would much rather insert Jamal Lewis for example than Darren Sproles.
Why Jamal Lewis? I would insert Adrian Peterson.
Of course, you have to draft Jamal Lewis and Adrian Peterson way higher than you have to draft Darren Sproles, so that's not really a fair comparison.If LT gets hurt, would you rather insert Darren Sproles or Kenton Keith?
westbrook36
Footballguy
My point is I make sure to pick up 4 good starting RB so I don't even think about going handcuff/backup.Why Jamal Lewis? I would insert Adrian Peterson.
That's a perfectly good strategy.But if you are going to draft a running back in the 18th round, it makes sense to prefer somebody from the same team as another one of your RBs. If the choice is between Darren Sproles and Kenton Keith, the LT owner would generally prefer Sproles. If LT gets hurt, there's no reason to think Kenton Keith would see increased playing time.Not everybody has to make handcuffing part of their strategy. But there is some sense to it.My point is I make sure to pick up 4 good starting RB so I don't even think about going handcuff/backup.Why Jamal Lewis? I would insert Adrian Peterson.
socrates
Footballguy
Darren Sproles is underrated. He will never be a feature back, but if called upon as an injury replacement, I am confident he could carry the load. Don't let his size fool you. That said, his value as a return specialist may prevent him from being "the guy" if LT were to get injured.
Maroney=Sped
Footballguy
Standard Yahoo leagues with 10 teams. I should have known.
-OZ-
Footballguy
It's a fine strategy if you're not concerned with any other positions.My point is I make sure to pick up 4 good starting RB so I don't even think about going handcuff/backup.Why Jamal Lewis? I would insert Adrian Peterson.
