Who the heck is Pierre Thomas? (1 Viewer)

[shader]

After hearing all about Pierre Thomas all off-season, after seeing people take him in the 3rd rounds of their drafts, and after seeing Mike Bell torch (an admittedly bad Detroit team) the Lions, I'm listening to people say that Thomas is still going to be the starter when Bell comes back.

Why?

Who the heck is Thomas? He was an undrafted free agent, so it's not like there's some kind of "pride" issue that you often find with higher draft picks. He only had 625 yards last year, so it's not as if he's actually done anything on the field either.

So why all the Pierre love? If Mike Bell continues to play like he did last week, Thoams will be on the bench and Bell will get the ball, end of story. There's no reason to think otherwise.

 

[jobarules]

I completely regret taking this guy in the 3rd round and not realizing this earlier.

 

[jobarules]

Plus Peyton has repeatedly said both Bell & Thomas will have their roles. Just another RBBC to add to the list.

 

[ttea]

I'm starting to wonder if PT will have any production at all this season. He did squat the first half of last season and turned it on late.

With the way NO runs their offense I would not be surprised if PT sniffs a quarter of what he did last season, Bell looked great, granted it was against a horrible team.

But I could picture a RBBC featuring all 3 backs, with Bell getting most of the carries.

 

[Maven]

exhibit #903909303, over-reacting to week 1

 

[HoTnickZ]

I don't regret taking him in the 4th. Thankfully I got Ray Rice later on to make up for it.

I have faith he will produce and that he is better than Bell.

 

[ttea]

exhibit #903909303, over-reacting to week 1

Over reacting? I'd say drafting Pierre Thomas round 3, after a half of a season is over reacting. In fact people still drafted him round 3 after his injury was known, and the RBBC was known.So I don't know who's over reacting here.

 

[shader]

exhibit #903909303, over-reacting to week 1

If I said "OH MY GOD ANDRE JOHNSON SUCKS YOU BETTER DUMP HIM", that would be an overreaction.Saying Pierre Thomas probably won't be a wise fantasy option isn't an overreaction when he hasn't done a thing in the NFL and the guy in front of him just put up 150 and is BELOVED by the superstar QB.

 

[Zigg]

Bell ran hard, but Thomas is the better back IMO. He catches the ball better, which is obviously huge in this offense, and can make people miss. Bell ran great, but the O-Line was pushing the Lions back consistently. I like Bell, but Thomas is a much better fit for this offense, which won't be playing Detroit every week.

I will concede to the OP, that if Bell rushes for 140+ every week, he will remain the starter.

Also, can we stop the he hasn't done anything nonsense. He has done something every single time given the chance. What more do you want?

 

[ClownDogs]

BELL RAN VS THE DETROIT FREAKING LIONS. How can anyone read too much into this? Pierre will be the starter when he returns, no questions about it.

 

[Maven]

....people were drafting Pierre Thomas (prior to injury) in the 3rd round for these reasons:

(FFINDEX)

He's a better RB than Reggie Bush. Almost as good as a pass catcher and a much better runner.
Statistically theres no comparison. Bush has never avg more than 48yds per game or 3.8yc. Thomas, meanwhile, has avg 4.8 ypatt in each of his two seasons.
In the six weeks he's been in the starting lineup, he's been more productive than any running back in the league, averaging 82 ruyds 45rec yds w/ 9TDS.
When the Stains selected Bush No. 2 overall, almost everyone expected him to score long touchdowns regularly. But in 40 games, Bush's longest TD run has been only 23 yards. In a fraction of the playing time, Thomas has scored on runs of 24, 31 and 42 yards.
Reggie Bush lost yards on 15% of his carries last year, 4th worst rate among players w/ at least 100 carries. Playing behind the same OLINE, Thomas lost yards on less that 5 percent of his attempts - best in the league. Bush has also fumbled 11 times the last two years, compared to just one for Thomas.
You might think that Bush would at least hold a huge edge over Thomas in terms of pass catching - but Thomas also has good hands,; hes actually finished with a higher yards per catch average two years in a row.
People expected Thomas to move into Deuce's role.

 

[kroyrunner89]

They'll just rbbc it probably and use Bush on third downs. I can't see Bell not dipping into Thomas' carries at this point, solid preseason and solid week 1.

 

[moderated]

PT was a one year wonder who was the beneficiary of a weak schedule playing with the best passing offense in the NFL.

I knew he was being drafted too high, but had no clue people were taking this guy in the 3rd round.

 

[hook014]

....people were drafting Pierre Thomas (prior to injury) in the 3rd round for these reasons:

(FFINDEX)

He's a better RB than Reggie Bush. Almost as good as a pass catcher and a much better runner.
Statistically theres no comparison. Bush has never avg more than 48yds per game or 3.8yc. Thomas, meanwhile, has avg 4.8 ypatt in each of his two seasons.
In the six weeks he's been in the starting lineup, he's been more productive than any running back in the league, averaging 82 ruyds 45rec yds w/ 9TDS.
When the Stains selected Bush No. 2 overall, almost everyone expected him to score long touchdowns regularly. But in 40 games, Bush's longest TD run has been only 23 yards. In a fraction of the playing time, Thomas has scored on runs of 24, 31 and 42 yards.
Reggie Bush lost yards on 15% of his carries last year, 4th worst rate among players w/ at least 100 carries. Playing behind the same OLINE, Thomas lost yards on less that 5 percent of his attempts - best in the league. Bush has also fumbled 11 times the last two years, compared to just one for Thomas.
You might think that Bush would at least hold a huge edge over Thomas in terms of pass catching - but Thomas also has good hands,; hes actually finished with a higher yards per catch average two years in a row.
People expected Thomas to move into Deuce's role.

Great post. Very informative and people can learn something from it. Thank you.

 

[comfortably numb]

BELL RAN VS THE DETROIT FREAKING LIONS. How can anyone read too much into this? Pierre will be the starter when he returns, no questions about it.

I know you own Pierre, but yes, holy crap, the FREAKIN LIONS is correct.Are people accepting DHenderson for AJohnson offers now?How about HEvans for Slaton offers?If your looking to buy low on Pierre wait til after week 2 when they play PHI and he will have 49 total yards, and everyone will really start to panic.As well, if you are looking to sell Bell, do it now.After he goes 6/19 yds next week, you may be lucky to get a borderline WW guy for him.

 

[Pyscho Wife]

After hearing all about Pierre Thomas all off-season, after seeing people take him in the 3rd rounds of their drafts, and after seeing Mike Bell torch (an admittedly bad Detroit team) the Lions, I'm listening to people say that Thomas is still going to be the starter when Bell comes back.Why?Who the heck is Thomas? He was an undrafted free agent, so it's not like there's some kind of "pride" issue that you often find with higher draft picks. He only had 625 yards last year, so it's not as if he's actually done anything on the field either.So why all the Pierre love? If Mike Bell continues to play like he did last week, Thoams will be on the bench and Bell will get the ball, end of story. There's no reason to think otherwise.

sighYou fail to mention that those 629 yards came on only 129 attempts (4.8 ypc) and that he had 9 TD's to go along with it.The guy is a stud....the Saints won't forget about him.

 

[moderated]

After hearing all about Pierre Thomas all off-season, after seeing people take him in the 3rd rounds of their drafts, and after seeing Mike Bell torch (an admittedly bad Detroit team) the Lions, I'm listening to people say that Thomas is still going to be the starter when Bell comes back.Why?Who the heck is Thomas? He was an undrafted free agent, so it's not like there's some kind of "pride" issue that you often find with higher draft picks. He only had 625 yards last year, so it's not as if he's actually done anything on the field either.So why all the Pierre love? If Mike Bell continues to play like he did last week, Thoams will be on the bench and Bell will get the ball, end of story. There's no reason to think otherwise.

sighYou fail to mention that those 629 yards came on only 129 attempts (4.8 ypc) and that he had 9 TD's to go along with it.The guy is a stud....the Saints won't forget about him.

Fill me in on the defenses PT played during his stretch. he played one good defense, the rest were cupcakes.PT was the most over rated player in FF this off season.

 

[jobarules]

After hearing all about Pierre Thomas all off-season, after seeing people take him in the 3rd rounds of their drafts, and after seeing Mike Bell torch (an admittedly bad Detroit team) the Lions, I'm listening to people say that Thomas is still going to be the starter when Bell comes back.Why?Who the heck is Thomas? He was an undrafted free agent, so it's not like there's some kind of "pride" issue that you often find with higher draft picks. He only had 625 yards last year, so it's not as if he's actually done anything on the field either.So why all the Pierre love? If Mike Bell continues to play like he did last week, Thoams will be on the bench and Bell will get the ball, end of story. There's no reason to think otherwise.

sighYou fail to mention that those 629 yards came on only 129 attempts (4.8 ypc) and that he had 9 TD's to go along with it.The guy is a stud....the Saints won't forget about him.

Fill me in on the defenses PT played during his stretch. he played one good defense, the rest were cupcakes.PT was the most over rated player in FF this off season.

yet Mike Bell played the Lions and you are ready to declare him starter over Thomas?

 

[moderated]

After hearing all about Pierre Thomas all off-season, after seeing people take him in the 3rd rounds of their drafts, and after seeing Mike Bell torch (an admittedly bad Detroit team) the Lions, I'm listening to people say that Thomas is still going to be the starter when Bell comes back.Why?Who the heck is Thomas? He was an undrafted free agent, so it's not like there's some kind of "pride" issue that you often find with higher draft picks. He only had 625 yards last year, so it's not as if he's actually done anything on the field either.So why all the Pierre love? If Mike Bell continues to play like he did last week, Thoams will be on the bench and Bell will get the ball, end of story. There's no reason to think otherwise.

sighYou fail to mention that those 629 yards came on only 129 attempts (4.8 ypc) and that he had 9 TD's to go along with it.The guy is a stud....the Saints won't forget about him.

Fill me in on the defenses PT played during his stretch. he played one good defense, the rest were cupcakes.PT was the most over rated player in FF this off season.

yet Mike Bell played the Lions and you are ready to declare him starter over Thomas?

neither PT or Bush can handle a lot of carries regardless of the defense. Bell can, and NO will need a back to grind out 2nd halves while they protect big leads.

 

[shader]

After hearing all about Pierre Thomas all off-season, after seeing people take him in the 3rd rounds of their drafts, and after seeing Mike Bell torch (an admittedly bad Detroit team) the Lions, I'm listening to people say that Thomas is still going to be the starter when Bell comes back.Why?Who the heck is Thomas? He was an undrafted free agent, so it's not like there's some kind of "pride" issue that you often find with higher draft picks. He only had 625 yards last year, so it's not as if he's actually done anything on the field either.So why all the Pierre love? If Mike Bell continues to play like he did last week, Thoams will be on the bench and Bell will get the ball, end of story. There's no reason to think otherwise.

sighYou fail to mention that those 629 yards came on only 129 attempts (4.8 ypc) and that he had 9 TD's to go along with it.The guy is a stud....the Saints won't forget about him.

When I think of "stud", I think of guys like Adrian Peterson, MJD, Moss, Fitzgerald, Calvin and Andre Johnson, etc. The name Pierre Thomas doesn't generally come to my mind.

 

[jobarules]

After hearing all about Pierre Thomas all off-season, after seeing people take him in the 3rd rounds of their drafts, and after seeing Mike Bell torch (an admittedly bad Detroit team) the Lions, I'm listening to people say that Thomas is still going to be the starter when Bell comes back.Why?Who the heck is Thomas? He was an undrafted free agent, so it's not like there's some kind of "pride" issue that you often find with higher draft picks. He only had 625 yards last year, so it's not as if he's actually done anything on the field either.So why all the Pierre love? If Mike Bell continues to play like he did last week, Thoams will be on the bench and Bell will get the ball, end of story. There's no reason to think otherwise.

sighYou fail to mention that those 629 yards came on only 129 attempts (4.8 ypc) and that he had 9 TD's to go along with it.The guy is a stud....the Saints won't forget about him.

When I think of "stud", I think of guys like Adrian Peterson, MJD, Moss, Fitzgerald, Calvin and Andre Johnson, etc. The name Pierre Thomas doesn't generally come to my mind.

No but I thought hed be a solid RB2 playing on a great offense with few competition of carries And he still may be but Im not so confident about that now.

 

[HellToupee]

Wally Pipp

 

[ClownDogs]

After hearing all about Pierre Thomas all off-season, after seeing people take him in the 3rd rounds of their drafts, and after seeing Mike Bell torch (an admittedly bad Detroit team) the Lions, I'm listening to people say that Thomas is still going to be the starter when Bell comes back.Why?Who the heck is Thomas? He was an undrafted free agent, so it's not like there's some kind of "pride" issue that you often find with higher draft picks. He only had 625 yards last year, so it's not as if he's actually done anything on the field either.So why all the Pierre love? If Mike Bell continues to play like he did last week, Thoams will be on the bench and Bell will get the ball, end of story. There's no reason to think otherwise.

sighYou fail to mention that those 629 yards came on only 129 attempts (4.8 ypc) and that he had 9 TD's to go along with it.The guy is a stud....the Saints won't forget about him.

When I think of "stud", I think of guys like Adrian Peterson, MJD, Moss, Fitzgerald, Calvin and Andre Johnson, etc. The name Pierre Thomas doesn't generally come to my mind.

Some studs come out of nowhere, Ex: Priest Holmes

 

[jobarules]

After hearing all about Pierre Thomas all off-season, after seeing people take him in the 3rd rounds of their drafts, and after seeing Mike Bell torch (an admittedly bad Detroit team) the Lions, I'm listening to people say that Thomas is still going to be the starter when Bell comes back.Why?Who the heck is Thomas? He was an undrafted free agent, so it's not like there's some kind of "pride" issue that you often find with higher draft picks. He only had 625 yards last year, so it's not as if he's actually done anything on the field either.So why all the Pierre love? If Mike Bell continues to play like he did last week, Thoams will be on the bench and Bell will get the ball, end of story. There's no reason to think otherwise.

sighYou fail to mention that those 629 yards came on only 129 attempts (4.8 ypc) and that he had 9 TD's to go along with it.The guy is a stud....the Saints won't forget about him.

When I think of "stud", I think of guys like Adrian Peterson, MJD, Moss, Fitzgerald, Calvin and Andre Johnson, etc. The name Pierre Thomas doesn't generally come to my mind.

Some studs come out of nowhere, Ex: Priest Holmes

or Mike Bell :fear:

 

[ttea]

yet Mike Bell played the Lions and you are ready to declare him starter over Thomas?

I don't think anyone is declaring Bell>Thomas.But drafting Thomas in round 3 or 4 is like drafting Kevin Faulk in round 3 or 4.Is he a solid player? YesWill he get you points in certain weeks? YesIs he worth where you have to select him? Definitely not.And yes I am comparing NO's current running back situation to NE.Both are heavy passing offenses and use their backs in certain situations. So I don't see it as a far fetched comparison.

 

[Zigg]

yet Mike Bell played the Lions and you are ready to declare him starter over Thomas?

I don't think anyone is declaring Bell>Thomas.But drafting Thomas in round 3 or 4 is like drafting Kevin Faulk in round 3 or 4.

Is he a solid player? Yes

Will he get you points in certain weeks? Yes

Is he worth where you have to select him? Definitely not.

And yes I am comparing NO's current running back situation to NE.

Both are heavy passing offenses and use their backs in certain situations. So I don't see it as a far fetched comparison.

I wouldn't make any definitive statements yet. If anything, Bush's ineptitude could make PT even more valuable.

 

[jobarules]

yet Mike Bell played the Lions and you are ready to declare him starter over Thomas?

I don't think anyone is declaring Bell>Thomas.But drafting Thomas in round 3 or 4 is like drafting Kevin Faulk in round 3 or 4.

Is he a solid player? Yes

Will he get you points in certain weeks? Yes

Is he worth where you have to select him? Definitely not.

And yes I am comparing NO's current running back situation to NE.

Both are heavy passing offenses and use their backs in certain situations. So I don't see it as a far fetched comparison.

I dont remember Faulk puttin up the #s Thomas did in the 2nd half last yr

 

[Zigg]

BTW, outside of moderated's assumed schtick, where is the Pierre Thomas hate coming from? I understand thinking he's overvalued, but there seems to be considerable animosity towards the guy.

 

[Yellow Line is Unoffcial]

BELL . How can anyone read too much into this? Pierre will be the starter when he returns, no questions about it.

To say that is just wrong Thomas may start, he may not. even if he does he may not get the goal line carries.But you do make a great point "BELL RAN VS THE DETROIT FREAKING LIONS" and after all how may backs had over 140 yards vs the lions last year?BTW the answer is ONE only michael Turner had more yards last year vs the Lions than Bell.

 

[Judge Smails]

Pierre Thomas is the best fit for the Saints, period. When Bush is in the backfield, the defense is thinking pass and not concerned with the run. With Bell in the lineup, vice versa (at least with backs). Thomas can do both. Run, play action, screens, etc. Not saying it won't be a split situation with Bell (he's earning it), but a healthy Thomas is best for this offense.

 

[Yellow Line is Unoffcial]

....people were drafting Pierre Thomas (prior to injury) in the 3rd round for these reasons:

(FFINDEX)

He's a better RB than Reggie Bush. Almost as good as a pass catcher and a much better runner.
Statistically theres no comparison. Bush has never avg more than 48yds per game or 3.8yc. Thomas, meanwhile, has avg 4.8 ypatt in each of his two seasons.
In the six weeks he's been in the starting lineup, he's been more productive than any running back in the league, averaging 82 ruyds 45rec yds w/ 9TDS.
When the Stains selected Bush No. 2 overall, almost everyone expected him to score long touchdowns regularly. But in 40 games, Bush's longest TD run has been only 23 yards. In a fraction of the playing time, Thomas has scored on runs of 24, 31 and 42 yards.
Reggie Bush lost yards on 15% of his carries last year, 4th worst rate among players w/ at least 100 carries. Playing behind the same OLINE, Thomas lost yards on less that 5 percent of his attempts - best in the league. Bush has also fumbled 11 times the last two years, compared to just one for Thomas.

You might think that Bush would at least hold a huge edge over Thomas in terms of pass catching - but Thomas also has good hands,; hes actually finished with a higher yards per catch average two years in a row.
People expected Thomas to move into Deuce's role.

No way to measure a receiver. D Henderson has had a higher yards per catch avg the last two years than Fitz, A Johnson and Randy Moss. I don't think anyone would confuse Hendarson for any of those three. Bush has had more yards, touchdowns, andalmost three times as many receptions as Thomas. He is a vastly superior receiver.

 

[basher]

After hearing all about Pierre Thomas all off-season, after seeing people take him in the 3rd rounds of their drafts, and after seeing Mike Bell torch (an admittedly bad Detroit team) the Lions, I'm listening to people say that Thomas is still going to be the starter when Bell comes back.Why?Who the heck is Thomas? He was an undrafted free agent, so it's not like there's some kind of "pride" issue that you often find with higher draft picks. He only had 625 yards last year, so it's not as if he's actually done anything on the field either.So why all the Pierre love? If Mike Bell continues to play like he did last week, Thoams will be on the bench and Bell will get the ball, end of story. There's no reason to think otherwise.

sighYou fail to mention that those 629 yards came on only 129 attempts (4.8 ypc) and that he had 9 TD's to go along with it.The guy is a stud....the Saints won't forget about him.

Fill me in on the defenses PT played during his stretch. he played one good defense, the rest were cupcakes.PT was the most over rated player in FF this off season.

yet Mike Bell played the Lions and you are ready to declare him starter over Thomas?

neither PT or Bush can handle a lot of carries regardless of the defense. Bell can, and NO will need a back to grind out 2nd halves while they protect big leads.

since when has bell ever been healthy enough for you to say he can grind out two halves regularly? you talk like he is a proven commodity that only goes on the field and puts up numbers. He put up 140 but was non-existent in the passing game, fumbled, and wasn't really impressive in either the red zone (an area PT excelled all year last season) or in blitz pickup ... Bell will get some playing time but PT will get the bear share because he is a much more rounded back.

 

[basher]

BELL . How can anyone read too much into this? Pierre will be the starter when he returns, no questions about it.

To say that is just wrong Thomas may start, he may not. even if he does he may not get the goal line carries.But you do make a great point "BELL RAN VS THE DETROIT FREAKING LIONS" and after all how may backs had over 140 yards vs the lions last year?BTW the answer is ONE only michael Turner had more yards last year vs the Lions than Bell.

how many teams were as successful through the air against the lions last season ... so much so that the lions were forced into nickel and dime all game long being down their best corner. This is a clear cut case of a supreme passing attack making it easy for the run game. I bet when the comp stiffens up it will bring out the dog in your boy mike bell

 

[editor47]

i own pierre and hope he regains the bulk of the work as i thought he would get over the summer.

i'm not so sure now. payton has said repeatedly that he likes what bell brings to the table.

thomas is concerned enough that he has vowed to play this week.

i see the carries working out this way: thomas 45 percent; bush 20 percent; bell 35 percent.

the reeptions: thomas 40 percent; bush 60.

i think that's enough work for thomas to give him good value. i also think those are conservative estimates for thomas. obvoiusly, if he goes in and picks up where he left off last year, those numbers will go up.

 

[editor47]

oh, and as a rookie he went for 100 rushing and 100 receving (on 12 catches) in one game. so he had done something prior to last year.

 

[Chase Stuart]

exhibit #903909303, over-reacting to week 1

This thread is a great example of over-reacting to week 1. Thomas hasn't been great, but he looks like he'll finish the year as a RB1.

 

[gradin123]

exhibit #903909303, over-reacting to week 1

This thread is a great example of over-reacting to week 1. Thomas hasn't been great, but he looks like he'll finish the year as a RB1.

He looked pretty good last week but I'd still say he is more of a RB2. You may be overreacting to last week a bit. It still looks like a 3-headed committee to me.

 

[WFR]

High end RB2.

I have him paired with CJ as RB1 and Mendenhall as RB2A.

I look for him to finish the season strong!

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

After hearing all about Pierre Thomas all off-season, after seeing people take him in the 3rd rounds of their drafts, and after seeing Mike Bell torch (an admittedly bad Detroit team) the Lions, I'm listening to people say that Thomas is still going to be the starter when Bell comes back.

Why?

Who the heck is Thomas? He was an undrafted free agent, so it's not like there's some kind of "pride" issue that you often find with higher draft picks. He only had 625 yards last year, so it's not as if he's actually done anything on the field either.

So why all the Pierre love? If Mike Bell continues to play like he did last week, Thoams will be on the bench and Bell will get the ball, end of story. There's no reason to think otherwise.

My favorite factoid, aside from the fact that 1st round RB Mendenhall could never completely wrest the starting job from him at Illinois, was that Pierre broke Red Grange's return records at illinois.Red Grange.

Those were 80 year old records.

 

[got_nugs]

Thomas 16.75 point/game avg in the past 6 games(week 3 to present) are good enough to be RB8 in my league. In a 16 team league, that is RB1 material.

He would be 9th in our for fun 10 team family fantasy football league during that span.

 

[footballsavvy]

Playing on a team that scores 40 points a game makes up for the fact that he's in a committee.