Who will be the RB to pickup after week one? (1 Viewer)

[ponchsox]

I wanted to start a RB thread, I liked the thread someone started on WR.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

This one is tougher as most starting (and even backup) RBs are probably drafted in most leagues so barring an unforseen injury it's likely that the options will be limited.

A few fringe guys that may do enough in Week 1 to be noticed:

LaRod Stephens Howling - with Taylor arriving late, LSH will hold onto third down duties and his quickness gives him some big play ability.

Marion Barber III - 4-5 catches and a TD or 2 may make him an attractive add

Bernard Scott - has big play capability and the Bengals should run a lot to protect their young QB in one of the few games they should at least stay competitive in.

Johnny White - the kid is electric running the ball, but he may not get a chance behind Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller, but maybe he breaks a long one and opens some eyes

Jerrious Norwood - he's always good for one or two long highlight play runs before he injures himself again. In a high powered offense he may find some running room.

 

[Punchie]

Danny Woodhead IMO

 

[thatguythere]

Might not be week 1 but I have a feeling Keiland Williams is going to get some goal line carries in Detroit.

 

[Maui Monster]

If Hightower fumbles once then Roy Helu or Torain could take over the job

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

Helu

Deji Karim

Delone Carter

Kendall Hunter

 

[Doug B]

Every guy mentioned in this thread -- except Keiland Williams, Johnny White, and maybe Norwood -- is owned in most 12-team leagues (Deji Karim has been snapped up in all four of mine).

A better question might be: will any 3rd-on-the-depth-chart guys make the leap early in the season (not necessarily after week 1)?

 

[Utter Chaos]

IND Delone Carter - he's number 2 on the depth chart and it will only be a matter of time before Addai goes down.

JAX Deji Karim - I"m in a 14 and 11 team league and he was undrafted in both.

CLE Montario Hardesty - he was drafted in both of my leagues but might be available in some.

 

[killrobotkill]

Every guy mentioned in this thread -- except Keiland Williams, Johnny White, and maybe Norwood -- is owned in most 12-team leagues (Deji Karim has been snapped up in all four of mine).A better question might be: will any 3rd-on-the-depth-chart guys make the leap early in the season (not necessarily after week 1)?

The only way there might be a must-add RB after Week 1 is if there's some sort of out-of-the-blue injury to a currently heathy, workhorse RB (like AP, Gore or Blount). Kind of like what happened last year with Ryan Grant going down after Week 1 and Brandon Jackson becoming the hot pickup.

 

[shader]

Kind of an unanswerable question. The only way a 3rd string guy is going to be a "must-have" is if the starting RB gets hurt. So unless you have a crystal ball, it's kind of pointless to speculate when it comes to injury.

 

[Doug B]

To throw a third-string name into the mix: I would love to see what Taiwan Jones could do in Oakland with a dozen offensive touches per game.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Taiwan Jones - if we are speculating on RB3's, he's as good as any of them.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

If Hightower fumbles once then Roy Helu or Torain could take over the job

This is just not true, and yet people keep spouting it like Gospel. Shanahan stuck with Torain last year through multiple-fumble games. There's no reason why he wouldn't do the same with a more talented back when he knows going in that that's his biggest problem. You don't trade for a guy who's pretty fumble-prone, just so you can bury him on the bench when he's, you guessed it, fumble-prone. Note: He didn't have a single fumble in preseason game action.

 

[drater]

Forsett/Leon Washington. That offense is going to be horrible, possibly all time horrible, but somebody has to catch all Tavaris's check downs and it doesn't look like like it's going to be Lynch. Further upgrade both guys if they sign Garrard.

 

[Tenacious]

Every guy mentioned in this thread -- except Keiland Williams, Johnny White, and maybe Norwood -- is owned in most 12-team leagues (Deji Karim has been snapped up in all four of mine).A better question might be: will any 3rd-on-the-depth-chart guys make the leap early in the season (not necessarily after week 1)?

The only way there might be a must-add RB after Week 1 is if there's some sort of out-of-the-blue injury to a currently heathy, workhorse RB (like AP, Gore or Blount). Kind of like what happened last year with Ryan Grant going down after Week 1 and Brandon Jackson becoming the hot pickup.

This completely depends on league settings. Not all leagues are the same, not even all 12 man leagues are the same. Almost every guy mentioned here is available in my league. I'm a little tired of this kind of comment in so many threads, complaining that whatever the subject is doesn't apply to MY league. Quit this line of thinking, that everyone's leagues are just like yours, instead take what you can out of the thread, ignore what doesn't apply and move on. If nothing in the thread is relevant to your league, simply ignore the thread. Simple procedures.

 

[LittlePhatty]

Taiwan Jones - if we are speculating on RB3's, he's as good as any of them.

Too much ahead of him. Sure, McFadden has a history of getting dinged, but Bush is a quality backup that will keep Jones off the field for the most part this year.

 

[cheese]

Probably depends on injuries, but I'll go with Delone Carter.

In shallow leagues, I'll add Sproles.

 

[Gr00vus]

Taiwan Jones - if we are speculating on RB3's, he's as good as any of them.

Too much ahead of him. Sure, McFadden has a history of getting dinged, but Bush is a quality backup that will keep Jones off the field for the most part this year.

Jones and Bush have totally different skill sets. If McFadden misses time I'd expect Jones to get a significant portion of those reps. I suspect we might see Jones get a couple of reps a game even while McFadden is healthy.

 

[Joe Summer]

Brandon Jacobs.

 

[cr8f]

Kendall Hunter

Alex Green

Darel Scott

 

[jurb26]

Isaac Redman - He will have 5 carries, less than 20 yds but 2 TDs and visions of Jerrom Bettis circa 2005 will float in peoples heads.

 

[Restricted]

Taiwan Jones - if we are speculating on RB3's, he's as good as any of them.

Too much ahead of him. Sure, McFadden has a history of getting dinged, but Bush is a quality backup that will keep Jones off the field for the most part this year.

Jones and Bush have totally different skill sets. If McFadden misses time I'd expect Jones to get a significant portion of those reps. I suspect we might see Jones get a couple of reps a game even while McFadden is healthy.

Also, Isnt Bush a URF at the end of the season? Taiwan flashed in the preseason and could see some reps if the season goes, to see what they got...

 

[rascal]

Delone Carter is expected to be the Colts' "go-to guy" in short yardage.

Carter's fantasy stock is rising quickly. The fourth-round rookie has already beaten out Donald Brown for the backup job, and Joseph Addai will be even more injury prone as the Colts try to protect Kerry Collins with an actual running game. Carter is a nice stash at the bottom of most rosters.

 

[shnikies]

Might not be week 1 but I have a feeling Keiland Williams is going to get some goal line carries in Detroit.

If it ends up being true that Williams is taking Leshoure's role as the short yardage and goal line back then he'll have a decent amount of value, especially in non-ppr leagues. He should actually be owned in most leagues prior to week 1 based on that possibility regardless.

 

[Chaka]

If Hightower fumbles once then Roy Helu or Torain could take over the job

This is just not true, and yet people keep spouting it like Gospel. Shanahan stuck with Torain last year through multiple-fumble games. There's no reason why he wouldn't do the same with a more talented back when he knows going in that that's his biggest problem. You don't trade for a guy who's pretty fumble-prone, just so you can bury him on the bench when he's, you guessed it, fumble-prone. Note: He didn't have a single fumble in preseason game action.

Torain fumbled twice all year (both in one game vs Chi). He has a career rate of 1 fumble per 98 touches. He also has a career 4.5 ypc (6.9 ypr).Hightower fumbles once every 46 touches and has a career ypc of 3.9 (6.8 ypr).I don't think the evidence demonstrates that Hightower is more talented or less fumble prone than Torain.

 

[shnikies]

If Hightower fumbles once then Roy Helu or Torain could take over the job

This is just not true, and yet people keep spouting it like Gospel. Shanahan stuck with Torain last year through multiple-fumble games. There's no reason why he wouldn't do the same with a more talented back when he knows going in that that's his biggest problem. You don't trade for a guy who's pretty fumble-prone, just so you can bury him on the bench when he's, you guessed it, fumble-prone. Note: He didn't have a single fumble in preseason game action.

Torain fumbled twice all year (both in one game vs Chi). He has a career rate of 1 fumble per 98 touches. He also has a career 4.5 ypc (6.9 ypr).Hightower fumbles once every 46 touches and has a career ypc of 3.9 (6.8 ypr).I don't think the evidence demonstrates that Hightower is more talented or less fumble prone than Torain.

I think the point he was trying to make is that Shanahan won't automatically bench Hightower the first time he fumbles.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

If Hightower fumbles once then Roy Helu or Torain could take over the job

This is just not true, and yet people keep spouting it like Gospel. Shanahan stuck with Torain last year through multiple-fumble games. There's no reason why he wouldn't do the same with a more talented back when he knows going in that that's his biggest problem. You don't trade for a guy who's pretty fumble-prone, just so you can bury him on the bench when he's, you guessed it, fumble-prone. Note: He didn't have a single fumble in preseason game action.

Torain fumbled twice all year (both in one game vs Chi). He has a career rate of 1 fumble per 98 touches. He also has a career 4.5 ypc (6.9 ypr).Hightower fumbles once every 46 touches and has a career ypc of 3.9 (6.8 ypr).I don't think the evidence demonstrates that Hightower is more talented or less fumble prone than Torain.

I never said he was less fumble-prone. In fact, I specifically said that he IS fumble-prone. What I said was that Shanahan proved last season that he is capable of "sticking with" a guy with multiple fumbles in a game: as you pointed out, with Torain. My other point was that you don't trade for a guy you KNOW is fumble-prone, only to pull him when he fumbles. I expect him to hold onto the ball better as time goes on in Washington, but its still a known fault in his game.And since when can talent be determined entirely from statistics? Especially statistics gained on completely different teams in totally different situations? Watch them both play. Watch them run. Hightower is more talented.

 

[Casting Couch]

If Hightower fumbles once then Roy Helu or Torain could take over the job

This is just not true, and yet people keep spouting it like Gospel. Shanahan stuck with Torain last year through multiple-fumble games. There's no reason why he wouldn't do the same with a more talented back when he knows going in that that's his biggest problem. You don't trade for a guy who's pretty fumble-prone, just so you can bury him on the bench when he's, you guessed it, fumble-prone. Note: He didn't have a single fumble in preseason game action.

Torain fumbled twice all year (both in one game vs Chi). He has a career rate of 1 fumble per 98 touches. He also has a career 4.5 ypc (6.9 ypr).Hightower fumbles once every 46 touches and has a career ypc of 3.9 (6.8 ypr).I don't think the evidence demonstrates that Hightower is more talented or less fumble prone than Torain.

I never said he was less fumble-prone. In fact, I specifically said that he IS fumble-prone. What I said was that Shanahan proved last season that he is capable of "sticking with" a guy with multiple fumbles in a game: as you pointed out, with Torain. My other point was that you don't trade for a guy you KNOW is fumble-prone, only to pull him when he fumbles. I expect him to hold onto the ball better as time goes on in Washington, but its still a known fault in his game.And since when can talent be determined entirely from statistics? Especially statistics gained on completely different teams in totally different situations? Watch them both play. Watch them run. Hightower is more talented.

Shanahan sticking with one RB is more the exception rather than the rule. With Helu and Torain in the mix, there is no way he sticks with one RB this year.Tim Hightower is "fools gold".

 

[ConnSKINS26]

If Hightower fumbles once then Roy Helu or Torain could take over the job

This is just not true, and yet people keep spouting it like Gospel. Shanahan stuck with Torain last year through multiple-fumble games. There's no reason why he wouldn't do the same with a more talented back when he knows going in that that's his biggest problem. You don't trade for a guy who's pretty fumble-prone, just so you can bury him on the bench when he's, you guessed it, fumble-prone. Note: He didn't have a single fumble in preseason game action.

Torain fumbled twice all year (both in one game vs Chi). He has a career rate of 1 fumble per 98 touches. He also has a career 4.5 ypc (6.9 ypr).Hightower fumbles once every 46 touches and has a career ypc of 3.9 (6.8 ypr).I don't think the evidence demonstrates that Hightower is more talented or less fumble prone than Torain.

I never said he was less fumble-prone. In fact, I specifically said that he IS fumble-prone. What I said was that Shanahan proved last season that he is capable of "sticking with" a guy with multiple fumbles in a game: as you pointed out, with Torain. My other point was that you don't trade for a guy you KNOW is fumble-prone, only to pull him when he fumbles. I expect him to hold onto the ball better as time goes on in Washington, but its still a known fault in his game.And since when can talent be determined entirely from statistics? Especially statistics gained on completely different teams in totally different situations? Watch them both play. Watch them run. Hightower is more talented.

Shanahan sticking with one RB is more the exception rather than the rule. With Helu and Torain in the mix, there is no way he sticks with one RB this year.Tim Hightower is "fools gold".

Really? Why don't you look back through Shanahan's history. That's a myth. An urban legend. Injury has always been the main force behind his propensity to have success with multiple RB's.

 

[atcdav]

Every single R was drafted in our league. Well not really but pickings are super slim. So I will predict Hilliard will be the Rb to grab since the MIA running game seems unsettled at best. SUPER SLEEPER. I almost grabbed him at the draft

 

[shnikies]

If Hightower fumbles once then Roy Helu or Torain could take over the job

This is just not true, and yet people keep spouting it like Gospel. Shanahan stuck with Torain last year through multiple-fumble games. There's no reason why he wouldn't do the same with a more talented back when he knows going in that that's his biggest problem. You don't trade for a guy who's pretty fumble-prone, just so you can bury him on the bench when he's, you guessed it, fumble-prone. Note: He didn't have a single fumble in preseason game action.

Torain fumbled twice all year (both in one game vs Chi). He has a career rate of 1 fumble per 98 touches. He also has a career 4.5 ypc (6.9 ypr).Hightower fumbles once every 46 touches and has a career ypc of 3.9 (6.8 ypr).

I don't think the evidence demonstrates that Hightower is more talented or less fumble prone than Torain.

I never said he was less fumble-prone. In fact, I specifically said that he IS fumble-prone. What I said was that Shanahan proved last season that he is capable of "sticking with" a guy with multiple fumbles in a game: as you pointed out, with Torain. My other point was that you don't trade for a guy you KNOW is fumble-prone, only to pull him when he fumbles. I expect him to hold onto the ball better as time goes on in Washington, but its still a known fault in his game.

And since when can talent be determined entirely from statistics? Especially statistics gained on completely different teams in totally different situations? Watch them both play. Watch them run. Hightower is more talented.

Shanahan sticking with one RB is more the exception rather than the rule. With Helu and Torain in the mix, there is no way he sticks with one RB this year.

Tim Hightower is "fools gold".

That is simply not true.

 

[push3r]

Even though I dropped him so I could pick up a tight end, I think Helu is the guy to watch (maybe not week 1, but sometime this year). I'm a hardcore Denver fan, and if there's one thing Shanny likes it's fresh meat at the RB position. I think that Hightower is there for pass protection but Helu will be the guy that he tries to run into the ground.

He's always had success with the run game, and Helu will be getting the bulk of the work before the end of the year.

 

[Chaka]

If Hightower fumbles once then Roy Helu or Torain could take over the job

This is just not true, and yet people keep spouting it like Gospel. Shanahan stuck with Torain last year through multiple-fumble games. There's no reason why he wouldn't do the same with a more talented back when he knows going in that that's his biggest problem. You don't trade for a guy who's pretty fumble-prone, just so you can bury him on the bench when he's, you guessed it, fumble-prone. Note: He didn't have a single fumble in preseason game action.

Torain fumbled twice all year (both in one game vs Chi). He has a career rate of 1 fumble per 98 touches. He also has a career 4.5 ypc (6.9 ypr).Hightower fumbles once every 46 touches and has a career ypc of 3.9 (6.8 ypr).I don't think the evidence demonstrates that Hightower is more talented or less fumble prone than Torain.

I never said he was less fumble-prone. In fact, I specifically said that he IS fumble-prone. What I said was that Shanahan proved last season that he is capable of "sticking with" a guy with multiple fumbles in a game: as you pointed out, with Torain. My other point was that you don't trade for a guy you KNOW is fumble-prone, only to pull him when he fumbles. I expect him to hold onto the ball better as time goes on in Washington, but its still a known fault in his game.And since when can talent be determined entirely from statistics? Especially statistics gained on completely different teams in totally different situations? Watch them both play. Watch them run. Hightower is more talented.

I am discussing Hightower vs Torain on a football message board and you think I haven't watched them play? Hightower has had a nice preseason but has never looked above mediocre on 529 career regular season touches. Torain has looked well above average on two different teams (admittedly it was very limited playing time with Denver due to injury but in his one start he put up 69 yards and a score on 15 touches before getting injured) on 396 career regular season touches.It's Hightower's job and he will keep it as long as he produces but there is no reason to think that the leash isn't short. Torain has been a Shanahan guy since '08, and has proven to be productive when given the chance. I don't think it's a stretch to think that Shanny will go with someone he is comfortable with in the event Hightower disappoints.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

If Hightower fumbles once then Roy Helu or Torain could take over the job

This is just not true, and yet people keep spouting it like Gospel. Shanahan stuck with Torain last year through multiple-fumble games. There's no reason why he wouldn't do the same with a more talented back when he knows going in that that's his biggest problem. You don't trade for a guy who's pretty fumble-prone, just so you can bury him on the bench when he's, you guessed it, fumble-prone. Note: He didn't have a single fumble in preseason game action.

Torain fumbled twice all year (both in one game vs Chi). He has a career rate of 1 fumble per 98 touches. He also has a career 4.5 ypc (6.9 ypr).Hightower fumbles once every 46 touches and has a career ypc of 3.9 (6.8 ypr).

I don't think the evidence demonstrates that Hightower is more talented or less fumble prone than Torain.

I never said he was less fumble-prone. In fact, I specifically said that he IS fumble-prone. What I said was that Shanahan proved last season that he is capable of "sticking with" a guy with multiple fumbles in a game: as you pointed out, with Torain. My other point was that you don't trade for a guy you KNOW is fumble-prone, only to pull him when he fumbles. I expect him to hold onto the ball better as time goes on in Washington, but its still a known fault in his game.

And since when can talent be determined entirely from statistics? Especially statistics gained on completely different teams in totally different situations? Watch them both play. Watch them run. Hightower is more talented.

Shanahan sticking with one RB is more the exception rather than the rule. With Helu and Torain in the mix, there is no way he sticks with one RB this year.

Tim Hightower is "fools gold".

This is actually another fallacy that message board posters just keep repeating until it becomes gospel.Terrell Davis

Clinton Portis

Mike Anderson

Orlandis Gary

Ruben Droughns

They were all backs that Shanahan stuck with for at least one full season when they were running well. In other years injuries or ineffectiveness may have caused him to change his rotation, but he's not really a coach that looks to run a RBBC. Is Hightower capable of holding onto the job? Time will tell, but he's looked damn impressive thus far.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

If Hightower fumbles once then Roy Helu or Torain could take over the job

This is just not true, and yet people keep spouting it like Gospel. Shanahan stuck with Torain last year through multiple-fumble games. There's no reason why he wouldn't do the same with a more talented back when he knows going in that that's his biggest problem. You don't trade for a guy who's pretty fumble-prone, just so you can bury him on the bench when he's, you guessed it, fumble-prone. Note: He didn't have a single fumble in preseason game action.

Torain fumbled twice all year (both in one game vs Chi). He has a career rate of 1 fumble per 98 touches. He also has a career 4.5 ypc (6.9 ypr).Hightower fumbles once every 46 touches and has a career ypc of 3.9 (6.8 ypr).I don't think the evidence demonstrates that Hightower is more talented or less fumble prone than Torain.

I never said he was less fumble-prone. In fact, I specifically said that he IS fumble-prone. What I said was that Shanahan proved last season that he is capable of "sticking with" a guy with multiple fumbles in a game: as you pointed out, with Torain. My other point was that you don't trade for a guy you KNOW is fumble-prone, only to pull him when he fumbles. I expect him to hold onto the ball better as time goes on in Washington, but its still a known fault in his game.And since when can talent be determined entirely from statistics? Especially statistics gained on completely different teams in totally different situations? Watch them both play. Watch them run. Hightower is more talented.

I am discussing Hightower vs Torain on a football message board and you think I haven't watched them play? Hightower has had a nice preseason but has never looked above mediocre on 529 career regular season touches. Torain has looked well above average on two different teams (admittedly it was very limited playing time with Denver due to injury but in his one start he put up 69 yards and a score on 15 touches before getting injured) on 396 career regular season touches.It's Hightower's job and he will keep it as long as he produces but there is no reason to think that the leash isn't short. Torain has been a Shanahan guy since '08, and has proven to be productive when given the chance. I don't think it's a stretch to think that Shanny will go with someone he is comfortable with in the event Hightower disappoints.

Then I guess we're seeing different things. I don't care what Hightower did in ARI, or what Torain has done for Shanahan. When I watch them run, I see a much more talented runner in Hightower.

 

[jantoniosus]

This seems more like a THT thread vs. "who will be the RB to pick up" thread!!!

 

[pack66]

With all due respect to my fellow Packer fan...I think we see far more of Starks than Alex Green at this point in the season.

And how is this a speculation thread without mentioning Ben Tate? Hamstring injuries don't disappear overnight do they?

 

[pack66]

With all due respect to my fellow Packer fan...I think we see far more of Starks than Alex Green at this point in the season.

And how is this a speculation thread without mentioning Ben Tate? Hamstring injuries don't disappear overnight do they?

 

[Casting Couch]

If Hightower fumbles once then Roy Helu or Torain could take over the job

This is just not true, and yet people keep spouting it like Gospel. Shanahan stuck with Torain last year through multiple-fumble games. There's no reason why he wouldn't do the same with a more talented back when he knows going in that that's his biggest problem. You don't trade for a guy who's pretty fumble-prone, just so you can bury him on the bench when he's, you guessed it, fumble-prone. Note: He didn't have a single fumble in preseason game action.

Torain fumbled twice all year (both in one game vs Chi). He has a career rate of 1 fumble per 98 touches. He also has a career 4.5 ypc (6.9 ypr).Hightower fumbles once every 46 touches and has a career ypc of 3.9 (6.8 ypr).

I don't think the evidence demonstrates that Hightower is more talented or less fumble prone than Torain.

I never said he was less fumble-prone. In fact, I specifically said that he IS fumble-prone. What I said was that Shanahan proved last season that he is capable of "sticking with" a guy with multiple fumbles in a game: as you pointed out, with Torain. My other point was that you don't trade for a guy you KNOW is fumble-prone, only to pull him when he fumbles. I expect him to hold onto the ball better as time goes on in Washington, but its still a known fault in his game.

And since when can talent be determined entirely from statistics? Especially statistics gained on completely different teams in totally different situations? Watch them both play. Watch them run. Hightower is more talented.

Shanahan sticking with one RB is more the exception rather than the rule. With Helu and Torain in the mix, there is no way he sticks with one RB this year.

Tim Hightower is "fools gold".

This is actually another fallacy that message board posters just keep repeating until it becomes gospel.Terrell Davis

Clinton Portis

Mike Anderson

Orlandis Gary

Ruben Droughns

They were all backs that Shanahan stuck with for at least one full season when they were running well. In other years injuries or ineffectiveness may have caused him to change his rotation, but he's not really a coach that looks to run a RBBC. Is Hightower capable of holding onto the job? Time will tell, but he's looked damn impressive thus far.

Shanahan stuck by Davis and Portis, Davis and Portis at that time were much moretalented than Hightower. Hightower's body of work in the past averaging under 4 yards per carry

in a weak division speaks for itself. It says much more to me than an above average pre-season this year.

Now he has to face PHI, NYG and DAL for 1/3 of the season. He's a pound the table sell.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

If Hightower fumbles once then Roy Helu or Torain could take over the job

This is just not true, and yet people keep spouting it like Gospel. Shanahan stuck with Torain last year through multiple-fumble games. There's no reason why he wouldn't do the same with a more talented back when he knows going in that that's his biggest problem. You don't trade for a guy who's pretty fumble-prone, just so you can bury him on the bench when he's, you guessed it, fumble-prone. Note: He didn't have a single fumble in preseason game action.

Torain fumbled twice all year (both in one game vs Chi). He has a career rate of 1 fumble per 98 touches. He also has a career 4.5 ypc (6.9 ypr).Hightower fumbles once every 46 touches and has a career ypc of 3.9 (6.8 ypr).

I don't think the evidence demonstrates that Hightower is more talented or less fumble prone than Torain.

I never said he was less fumble-prone. In fact, I specifically said that he IS fumble-prone. What I said was that Shanahan proved last season that he is capable of "sticking with" a guy with multiple fumbles in a game: as you pointed out, with Torain. My other point was that you don't trade for a guy you KNOW is fumble-prone, only to pull him when he fumbles. I expect him to hold onto the ball better as time goes on in Washington, but its still a known fault in his game.

And since when can talent be determined entirely from statistics? Especially statistics gained on completely different teams in totally different situations? Watch them both play. Watch them run. Hightower is more talented.

Shanahan sticking with one RB is more the exception rather than the rule. With Helu and Torain in the mix, there is no way he sticks with one RB this year.

Tim Hightower is "fools gold".

This is actually another fallacy that message board posters just keep repeating until it becomes gospel.Terrell Davis

Clinton Portis

Mike Anderson

Orlandis Gary

Ruben Droughns

They were all backs that Shanahan stuck with for at least one full season when they were running well. In other years injuries or ineffectiveness may have caused him to change his rotation, but he's not really a coach that looks to run a RBBC. Is Hightower capable of holding onto the job? Time will tell, but he's looked damn impressive thus far.

Shanahan stuck by Davis and Portis, Davis and Portis at that time were much moretalented than Hightower. Hightower's body of work in the past averaging under 4 yards per carry

in a weak division speaks for itself. It says much more to me than an above average pre-season this year.

Now he has to face PHI, NYG and DAL for 1/3 of the season. He's a pound the table sell.

 

[ponchsox]

It may not be week one but Stevan Ridley is going to have a big game.

 

[BroadwayG]

One of the Seattle dudes.

 

[shnikies]

With all due respect to my fellow Packer fan...I think we see far more of Starks than Alex Green at this point in the season.And how is this a speculation thread without mentioning Ben Tate? Hamstring injuries don't disappear overnight do they?

I'm guessing Tate is owned in most leagues. This is a thread to guess who will be the running back to pick up after week 1.

 

[glong989]

Can we stop beating the THT drum?

I'll call out Delone Carter again. Moving up the depth chart in pre season in an offense that will hopefully get Peyton back sometime soon. He's behind an older Addai who could get injured or could just succumb to Carter's production if he can learn to pass block quickly for Peyton. He's not rostered in any of my leagues currently but he may be in some deeper 12-14 teamers as my three are 10 team.

I also think one of the Patriots backs besides BJGE will be worth having - just hard to say which one right now so I'd pay attention to their first 1-2 games and see who is running well and getting snaps.

 

[Chaka]

If Hightower fumbles once then Roy Helu or Torain could take over the job

This is just not true, and yet people keep spouting it like Gospel. Shanahan stuck with Torain last year through multiple-fumble games. There's no reason why he wouldn't do the same with a more talented back when he knows going in that that's his biggest problem. You don't trade for a guy who's pretty fumble-prone, just so you can bury him on the bench when he's, you guessed it, fumble-prone. Note: He didn't have a single fumble in preseason game action.

Torain fumbled twice all year (both in one game vs Chi). He has a career rate of 1 fumble per 98 touches. He also has a career 4.5 ypc (6.9 ypr).Hightower fumbles once every 46 touches and has a career ypc of 3.9 (6.8 ypr).I don't think the evidence demonstrates that Hightower is more talented or less fumble prone than Torain.

I never said he was less fumble-prone. In fact, I specifically said that he IS fumble-prone. What I said was that Shanahan proved last season that he is capable of "sticking with" a guy with multiple fumbles in a game: as you pointed out, with Torain. My other point was that you don't trade for a guy you KNOW is fumble-prone, only to pull him when he fumbles. I expect him to hold onto the ball better as time goes on in Washington, but its still a known fault in his game.And since when can talent be determined entirely from statistics? Especially statistics gained on completely different teams in totally different situations? Watch them both play. Watch them run. Hightower is more talented.

I am discussing Hightower vs Torain on a football message board and you think I haven't watched them play? Hightower has had a nice preseason but has never looked above mediocre on 529 career regular season touches. Torain has looked well above average on two different teams (admittedly it was very limited playing time with Denver due to injury but in his one start he put up 69 yards and a score on 15 touches before getting injured) on 396 career regular season touches.It's Hightower's job and he will keep it as long as he produces but there is no reason to think that the leash isn't short. Torain has been a Shanahan guy since '08, and has proven to be productive when given the chance. I don't think it's a stretch to think that Shanny will go with someone he is comfortable with in the event Hightower disappoints.

Then I guess we're seeing different things. I don't care what Hightower did in ARI, or what Torain has done for Shanahan. When I watch them run, I see a much more talented runner in Hightower.

If you don't care about Torain's history with Shanny you might as well jus say that don't care about looking at Torain at all. Then again you also don't care about what Hightower has done in Arizona. So what film exactly are you using to make your determination that Hightower is better than Torain? I am not saying he isn't but based on real NFL production Torain is better and it really isn't very close.I get that it's Hightower's gig. I understand the Shanny history at RB (although I am pretty sure Quentin Griffin was losing touches to Droughns before he blew out his ACL). But to think that Hightower is an unquestioned starter for 16 games regardless of production or fumbles is not a reasonable stance. Particularly when there is a productive guy who Shanny likes waiting in the wings.

 

[atcdav]

Leon Washington. write it down.

 

[Doug B]

Leon Washington. write it down.

The only problem with him is that I've been hearing about him breaking out for several years now, and he never really does anything FFB-wise. Another one like that is Maurice Morris.

 

[dehaven123]

If Hightower fumbles once then Roy Helu or Torain could take over the job

This is just not true, and yet people keep spouting it like Gospel. Shanahan stuck with Torain last year through multiple-fumble games. There's no reason why he wouldn't do the same with a more talented back when he knows going in that that's his biggest problem. You don't trade for a guy who's pretty fumble-prone, just so you can bury him on the bench when he's, you guessed it, fumble-prone. Note: He didn't have a single fumble in preseason game action.

Torain fumbled twice all year (both in one game vs Chi). He has a career rate of 1 fumble per 98 touches. He also has a career 4.5 ypc (6.9 ypr).Hightower fumbles once every 46 touches and has a career ypc of 3.9 (6.8 ypr).I don't think the evidence demonstrates that Hightower is more talented or less fumble prone than Torain.

Not sure you understood his point.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

If Hightower fumbles once then Roy Helu or Torain could take over the job

This is just not true, and yet people keep spouting it like Gospel. Shanahan stuck with Torain last year through multiple-fumble games. There's no reason why he wouldn't do the same with a more talented back when he knows going in that that's his biggest problem. You don't trade for a guy who's pretty fumble-prone, just so you can bury him on the bench when he's, you guessed it, fumble-prone. Note: He didn't have a single fumble in preseason game action.

Torain fumbled twice all year (both in one game vs Chi). He has a career rate of 1 fumble per 98 touches. He also has a career 4.5 ypc (6.9 ypr).Hightower fumbles once every 46 touches and has a career ypc of 3.9 (6.8 ypr).I don't think the evidence demonstrates that Hightower is more talented or less fumble prone than Torain.

I never said he was less fumble-prone. In fact, I specifically said that he IS fumble-prone. What I said was that Shanahan proved last season that he is capable of "sticking with" a guy with multiple fumbles in a game: as you pointed out, with Torain. My other point was that you don't trade for a guy you KNOW is fumble-prone, only to pull him when he fumbles. I expect him to hold onto the ball better as time goes on in Washington, but its still a known fault in his game.And since when can talent be determined entirely from statistics? Especially statistics gained on completely different teams in totally different situations? Watch them both play. Watch them run. Hightower is more talented.

I am discussing Hightower vs Torain on a football message board and you think I haven't watched them play? Hightower has had a nice preseason but has never looked above mediocre on 529 career regular season touches. Torain has looked well above average on two different teams (admittedly it was very limited playing time with Denver due to injury but in his one start he put up 69 yards and a score on 15 touches before getting injured) on 396 career regular season touches.It's Hightower's job and he will keep it as long as he produces but there is no reason to think that the leash isn't short. Torain has been a Shanahan guy since '08, and has proven to be productive when given the chance. I don't think it's a stretch to think that Shanny will go with someone he is comfortable with in the event Hightower disappoints.

Then I guess we're seeing different things. I don't care what Hightower did in ARI, or what Torain has done for Shanahan. When I watch them run, I see a much more talented runner in Hightower.

If you don't care about Torain's history with Shanny you might as well jus say that don't care about looking at Torain at all. Then again you also don't care about what Hightower has done in Arizona. So what film exactly are you using to make your determination that Hightower is better than Torain? I am not saying he isn't but based on real NFL production Torain is better and it really isn't very close.I get that it's Hightower's gig. I understand the Shanny history at RB (although I am pretty sure Quentin Griffin was losing touches to Droughns before he blew out his ACL). But to think that Hightower is an unquestioned starter for 16 games regardless of production or fumbles is not a reasonable stance. Particularly when there is a productive guy who Shanny likes waiting in the wings.

Are you purposely being thick? I mean that I don't care how Hightower produced in ARI. I don't care what Torain has produced under Shanahan. I'm looking at them as runners, not what the running produced. Does that make sense? Their talent, not their production. I've seen what they've done, but I only care about their skill-sets, not what they accomplished with their skill-sets on different teams. Do you get it?I also never said he was the unquestioned starter all season. Only that he wouldn't lose his job on the first fumble, which was the very first post I responded to in this thread. I then went on to say that I think Hightower is a more talented runner. And you keep trying to argue that with statistics and talk about their production on completely different teams, under different circumstances, and with different supporting casts.

 

[BroadwayG]

Lumpkin is another possibility