Why is Turner so underused? (1 Viewer)

[eagles2007]

I understand LT2 is the best RB in the game.

I understand Michael Turner is a very nice insurance policy.

But don't you have to get him 7-8 touches per game in the offense?

 

[Banger]

I understand LT2 is the best RB in the game. I understand Michael Turner is a very nice insurance policy. But don't you have to get him 7-8 touches per game in the offense?

You're 1st line is your answer. They aren't in blowouts and fighting in every game so you play your best player as much as possible to win the game.

 

[Couch Potato]

Cameron is out. Norv is in. That's Norv's way.

 

[Loan Sharks]

He's a backup running back would be my guess.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Yes, Tomlinson is the best RB in the game, but you would think they could figure out ways to have them both in the backfield. Tomlinson is always a threat going out for a pass, which could open holes for Turner to get the occasional run here and there.

 

[Spartans Rule]

Yes, Tomlinson is the best RB in the game, but you would think they could figure out ways to have them both in the backfield. Tomlinson is always a threat going out for a pass, which could open holes for Turner to get the occasional run here and there.

If they didn't have Lorenzo Neal, they might do this more. But Neal adds more as a blocker than Turner would as a running threat.

 

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

Norv can't even get LT the ball when it counts. How's he gonna get it to Turner?

 

[thayman]

They were in more blowouts last year than this year. Good reason why Turner's numbers are down a bit, also Norv is there, when you have one of the worst HC in the history of the NFL stats will go down.

 

[DarabZarrabi]

The bigger question is why arent they using Billy Volek! Norv Turner made Alex Smith look somewhat serviceable I dont get why Rivers has regressed so much

 

[phillyphan07]

Norv can't even get LT the ball when it counts. How's he gonna get it to Turner?

Its pooring rain, you're winning and you're starting from your own ten do you:A) give it to the best running back in the leagueB) have your average QB drop back 3 times in a row until he fumbles in the endzone?It has to be miserable for charger fans...

 

[eom]

oh, I thought this thread was about norv turner.

 

[zamboni]

I agree that no way Turner is going to be used much if LT isn't getting a full load. On that front, I'm still flabbergasted at how little LT is used (neve rmind Mikey Turner). This is a coach who has made a living out of producing RB studs, and he has gotten away from that for some reason.

 

[DanFouts]

I think they should line Norv up in the I-form a few times......

 

[Banger]

I agree that no way Turner is going to be used much if LT isn't getting a full load. On that front, I'm still flabbergasted at how little LT is used (neve rmind Mikey Turner). This is a coach who has made a living out of producing RB studs, and he has gotten away from that for some reason.

I'm confused as well. It's not as if he looks like Alexander when they give him the ball. His moves are still electric and consistently gets something from nothing. Last nights playcalling was some of the worst I've seen in the 2nd half...

 

[ericttspikes]

I think the Chargers also realize that Turner won't be back next year. Right now he's a $2.5 mil insurance policy for LT. Seems that Nanee is getting some time to see what he's got. The dude looks more versatile than Turner but looks to be used more as a WR but maybe could be used as 3rd down RB. Not sure if they could still trade Turner in the off season or not, but I think the Bolts blew it not trading the guy last year when his value was sky high.

 

[Mikey16x]

They didn't trade him because their asking price was rediculous. We've all seen him, he has tremendous upside. But the teams that needed a running back we're all bad teams, bad teams get high draft picks. The Chargers were asking like a 1st and 3rd for him. It might not sound like alot but when your the browns... hmm joe thomas and brady quinn or just micahel turner. He has looked brilliant filling in for LT, but to give up the house on somebody that hasn't even proven he can carry a full load is redic.

That being said though... i have no doubt he can carry the load.. and well.

 

[daveandken]

They didn't trade him because their asking price was rediculous. We've all seen him, he has tremendous upside. But the teams that needed a running back we're all bad teams, bad teams get high draft picks. The Chargers were asking like a 1st and 3rd for him. It might not sound like alot but when your the browns... hmm joe thomas and brady quinn or just micahel turner. He has looked brilliant filling in for LT, but to give up the house on somebody that hasn't even proven he can carry a full load is redic.That being said though... i have no doubt he can carry the load.. and well.

Quinn was a 1st round pick.

 

[Mikey16x]

They didn't trade him because their asking price was rediculous. We've all seen him, he has tremendous upside. But the teams that needed a running back we're all bad teams, bad teams get high draft picks. The Chargers were asking like a 1st and 3rd for him. It might not sound like alot but when your the browns... hmm joe thomas and brady quinn or just micahel turner. He has looked brilliant filling in for LT, but to give up the house on somebody that hasn't even proven he can carry a full load is redic.That being said though... i have no doubt he can carry the load.. and well.

Quinn was a 1st round pick.

joe thomas was 3rd overall.

 

[daveandken]

They didn't trade him because their asking price was rediculous. We've all seen him, he has tremendous upside. But the teams that needed a running back we're all bad teams, bad teams get high draft picks. The Chargers were asking like a 1st and 3rd for him. It might not sound like alot but when your the browns... hmm joe thomas and brady quinn or just micahel turner. He has looked brilliant filling in for LT, but to give up the house on somebody that hasn't even proven he can carry a full load is redic.That being said though... i have no doubt he can carry the load.. and well.

Quinn was a 1st round pick.

joe thomas was 3rd overall.

Exactly.Thomas + Quinn != a 1st and a 3rd. Thomas + Quinn == two 1sts.

 

[Mikey16x]

oh thanks for correcting me... but i still think that price was ludicrous based on the teams that were serious about getting him.. not only that... their not even using him this year and now they'll get ziltch.

 

[ericttspikes]

oh thanks for correcting me... but i still think that price was ludicrous based on the teams that were serious about getting him.. not only that... their not even using him this year and now they'll get ziltch.

Yeah, that is what I don't get either. Some decent backs were being shopped for 3rds and 4ths and the Bolts wanted a 1st AND a 3rd for a him. Turner may be all that, but now it looks like he'll just walk and they get nothing.

 

[The Moz]

LT has an ego issue ! He doesn't want Turner to see the field unless in mop up duty. Turner in reality is alost as good a pure runner as LT if not better " runner " right now - True LT does everyhting else a ton better - Recieve , pass block , game intelligence , etc.

LT IMO has lost a step as a runner and isn't the same RB he was last season.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Turner's drop last night was huge. I too would like to see him more involved in the gameplan, but he's not producing this year when given the opportunity.

 

[BoltBacker]

Turner's drop last night was huge. I too would like to see him more involved in the gameplan, but he's not producing this year when given the opportunity.

A guy getting 5.8y/c isn't producing this year when given the opportunity?

 

[BoltBacker]

oh thanks for correcting me... but i still think that price was ludicrous based on the teams that were serious about getting him.. not only that... their not even using him this year and now they'll get ziltch.

Yeah, that is what I don't get either. Some decent backs were being shopped for 3rds and 4ths and the Bolts wanted a 1st AND a 3rd for a him. Turner may be all that, but now it looks like he'll just walk and they get nothing.

So they should have dealt Turner for a 3rd rounder..... when they're likely to get 3rd round compensation for him if someone else signs him? Genius.

 

[BoltBacker]

But the teams that needed a running back we're all bad teams, bad teams get high draft picks.

So in your opinion TEN and GB are bad teams and their 1st rounder next season(assuming you add Turners production to their team next season) would have been a high draft pick?

 

[ericttspikes]

oh thanks for correcting me... but i still think that price was ludicrous based on the teams that were serious about getting him.. not only that... their not even using him this year and now they'll get ziltch.

Yeah, that is what I don't get either. Some decent backs were being shopped for 3rds and 4ths and the Bolts wanted a 1st AND a 3rd for a him. Turner may be all that, but now it looks like he'll just walk and they get nothing.

So they should have dealt Turner for a 3rd rounder..... when they're likely to get 3rd round compensation for him if someone else signs him? Genius.

didn't know that's what they'll get for compensation. thanks. fyi, lose the toolishness.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

LT has an ego issue ! He doesn't want Turner to see the field unless in mop up duty. Turner in reality is alost as good a pure runner as LT if not better " runner " right now - True LT does everyhting else a ton better - Recieve , pass block , game intelligence , etc. LT IMO has lost a step as a runner and isn't the same RB he was last season.

hello have u seen the QB play and the injuries to the Oline-oh yeah they also fired marty for going 14-2(playoff loss) and hired a retread who should never EVER be more than a OC. and do u know LT personally or something- i've never seen one iota of a ego issue from LT. if he had a ego issue he would be all over the TV with TO style issues or commercials like peyton, to my knowledge he's as humble and grounded as they come.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Turner's drop last night was huge. I too would like to see him more involved in the gameplan, but he's not producing this year when given the opportunity.

A guy getting 5.8y/c isn't producing this year when given the opportunity?

Not in my opinion. As I mentioned, his drop last night was essentially a turnover. He had a key fumble in the KC game. Besides the 74 yarder he broke in garbage time against the Broncos, he's averaging less than 4 YPC.

 

[boubucarow]

Turner's drop last night was huge. I too would like to see him more involved in the gameplan, but he's not producing this year when given the opportunity.

A guy getting 5.8y/c isn't producing this year when given the opportunity?

Not in my opinion. As I mentioned, his drop last night was essentially a turnover. He had a key fumble in the KC game. Besides the 74 yarder he broke in garbage time against the Broncos, he's averaging less than 4 YPC.

Of course, take away Tomlinson's longest run of 41 yards and he is averaging less than 4 YPC as well.

 

[BoltBacker]

Turner's drop last night was huge. I too would like to see him more involved in the gameplan, but he's not producing this year when given the opportunity.

A guy getting 5.8y/c isn't producing this year when given the opportunity?

Not in my opinion. As I mentioned, his drop last night was essentially a turnover. He had a key fumble in the KC game. Besides the 74 yarder he broke in garbage time against the Broncos, he's averaging less than 4 YPC.

Of course, take away Tomlinson's longest run of 41 yards and he is averaging less than 4 YPC as well.

Yeah, I've never understood the "take away their best plays and they're really not very good" argument either.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

i never like the comparison of using stats from a backup RB to a starter. if someone thinks michael turner would average nearly 6YPC as a starter there idiots. there's a reason backups usually do have higher YPC. teams don't gameplan for them and often they gets there numbers in garbage time when the starting defense isn't out there or the opposing defense is playing really soft prevent. i remember lamont jordan had almost exact same numbers behind Cmart, and lamont's 1good year after he left NY was crap that was just inflated by the 100 dumpoffs he caught. we found out quickly that lamont couldn't hold Cmart's jock for the reason he never got more touches in NY. Turner i guess has more potential than lamont but he's surely not good enuff to force his way onto the field now

 

[BoltBacker]

i never like the comparison of using stats from a backup RB to a starter. if someone thinks michael turner would average nearly 6YPC as a starter there idiots. there's a reason backups usually do have higher YPC. teams don't gameplan for them and often they gets there numbers in garbage time when the starting defense isn't out there or the opposing defense is playing really soft prevent. i remember lamont jordan had almost exact same numbers behind Cmart, and lamont's 1good year after he left NY was crap that was just inflated by the 100 dumpoffs he caught. we found out quickly that lamont couldn't hold Cmart's jock for the reason he never got more touches in NY. Turner i guess has more potential than lamont but he's surely not good enuff to force his way onto the field now

???Nobody said Turner would average 5.8y/c as a starter.The statement was made "he's not producing this year when given the opportunity" when in reality he's averaging 5.8y/c when given the opportunity. IMO that's production.Are you saying he should be averaging more than 5.8y/c because he's not the starter? 7y/c? 10y/c? 20y/c?

 

[tommyGunZ]

Turner's drop last night was huge. I too would like to see him more involved in the gameplan, but he's not producing this year when given the opportunity.

A guy getting 5.8y/c isn't producing this year when given the opportunity?

Not in my opinion. As I mentioned, his drop last night was essentially a turnover. He had a key fumble in the KC game. Besides the 74 yarder he broke in garbage time against the Broncos, he's averaging less than 4 YPC.

Of course, take away Tomlinson's longest run of 41 yards and he is averaging less than 4 YPC as well.

Yeah, I've never understood the "take away their best plays and they're really not very good" argument either.

I'm not saying "take away his best plays". I'm saying that the stat that you cited (Turner's YPC) to support your argument that he's playing well is based on 1 play. Other than that play, Turner is struggling and has done a poor job holding onto the ball.

 

[boubucarow]

Turner's drop last night was huge. I too would like to see him more involved in the gameplan, but he's not producing this year when given the opportunity.

A guy getting 5.8y/c isn't producing this year when given the opportunity?

Not in my opinion. As I mentioned, his drop last night was essentially a turnover. He had a key fumble in the KC game. Besides the 74 yarder he broke in garbage time against the Broncos, he's averaging less than 4 YPC.

Of course, take away Tomlinson's longest run of 41 yards and he is averaging less than 4 YPC as well.

Yeah, I've never understood the "take away their best plays and they're really not very good" argument either.

I'm not saying "take away his best plays". I'm saying that the stat that you cited (Turner's YPC) to support your argument that he's playing well is based on 1 play. Other than that play, Turner is struggling and has done a poor job holding onto the ball.

Take away their best play and both are averaging under four yards a carry. Turner only has one fumble (I can't speak about the drops) and his workload isn't sufficient enough to say whether he is producing or not by the numbers. We all know he is not as talented as LT2. We also should all know that this offense is struggling and it is hurting everyone's numbers.Of course, your opinion of how Turner has looked is valid and he very well may be not producing with his touches so far. It seems that Turner agrees with that opinion.

 

[EdwardCat]

Norv can't even get LT the ball when it counts. How's he gonna get it to Turner?

This thread starts and ends with this statement. LT isn't being utilized the way he was last year. That hurts both LT and Rivers. The offensive line clearly is not what it was last year. While LT is having a decent season, his production has clearly dropped. His skills haven't though. That was clear from watching last night's game. All his speed and cut-back skills are still there. Turner has no place on the field until LT is at least given a good-size workload. Oh, and it might help if the team scored more points to warrant putting Turner in for garbage time.

 

[Tau837]

I agree that no way Turner is going to be used much if LT isn't getting a full load. On that front, I'm still flabbergasted at how little LT is used (neve rmind Mikey Turner). This is a coach who has made a living out of producing RB studs, and he has gotten away from that for some reason.

I think there is a bit of a misconception about how much LT is being used this year. He has averaged 23.6 touches per game this year, compared to 25.3 touches per game last year. He is averaging 111 yards per game and "only" 1 TD per game. He's "only" RB3 this year.Also note the difference in offensive plays. FBG doesn't track team offense stats (or if they do, I'm not sure where). But just adding pass attempts and rushing attempts, last season San Diego totaled 921 plays, but they are only on pace this year for 859 through 9 games. I suspect this gap will close somewhat before the season is over.Heck, if many people share this perspective, LT is a buy low candidate...

 

[Smizzy]

LT2 is a HOF RB and Turner is his backup....oh and HC's don't care about your fantasy team.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

How much are the Chargers paying Turner this year? Keeping Turner and giving him the money they are giving him is turning out to be a crime. What a complete waste of money.

Through 11 weeks of football (10 games for the Chargers) Turner has 37 rushing attempts in 10 weeks with 20 of those attempt coming in 2 of those weeks. He also has 2 receiving.

Rush Attempts

Week 1: 10

Week 2: 1

Week 3: 4

Week 4: 2

week 5: 10

week 6: 5

week 7: bye

week 8: 4

week 9: 1

week 10: 0

week 11: 0

*In the last 4 weeks 5 combined rushing attempts. Uggggghhhh.

There are 61 RB's who have more rushing attempts than M. Turner. I don't think he is worth the money being paid to him by the Chargers for the role he has there. If they were offered what was rumoured to them in the draft this year for Turner then they made a gigantic mistake not taking it.

 

[massraider]

How much are the Chargers paying Turner this year? Keeping Turner and giving him the money they are giving him is turning out to be a crime. What a complete waste of money.Through 11 weeks of football (10 games for the Chargers) Turner has 37 rushing attempts in 10 weeks with 20 of those attempt coming in 2 of those weeks. He also has 2 receiving. Rush Attempts ReceivingWeek 1: 10 Week 2: 1 2Week 3: 4Week 4: 2week 5: 10week 6: 5week 7: byeweek 8: 4week 9: 1week 10: 0week 11: 0*In the last 4 weeks 5 combined rushing attempts. Uggggghhhh.There are 61 RB's who have more rushing attempts than M. Turner. I don't think he is worth the money being paid to him by the Chargers for the role he has there. If they were offered what was rumoured to them in the draft this year for Turner then they made a gigantic mistake not taking it.

This 20/20 hindsight was predicted last year. After last season, the Chargers were predicted to be a SB contender. They were gearing up for a run. If they had indeed been a contender, and LT had gone down, season over. Now, in hindsight, if they had known they were going to be also-rans, yeah, they should have taken a mid 1st rounder.But I won't fault a team for gearing up to make a run. The money he is making is incidental, unless they were up against the cap, and had to cut some other players in order to keep the guy. Overpaid for what he is doing? Maybe, but he is an insurance policy.

 

[Carter_Can_Fly]

I understand I am looking at it from a hindsight point of view, but last year 2006 regular season there was 55 other players in the NFL who had more rushing attempts than Turner.

And sure Turner was an insurance policy to Tomlinson but Tomlinson doesen't get hurt and if there was that exception to Tomlinson getting hurt they could have used a day 1 pick that they received for Turner on a RB and had that pick beyond this year. Although the pick would not have been as proven as Turner, it still seems to make more sense to me to gamble on a guy who does not get hurt and have an insurance policy in place much cheaper and more long term than what they ended up with.

I mean Addai was drafted at the end of round 1 last year 30th overall. MJD in the second round 60 th overall. I criticized the move before the draft saying they would have been the same team with or without Turner and possibly even better depending on who they drafted.

 

[CalBear]

It has to be miserable for charger fans.

They deserve it for running Schottenheimer out of town.

 

[FavreCo]

Norv can't even get LT the ball when it counts. How's he gonna get it to Turner?

OOOOOOOOOOhhhhhhhhhhh....SNAP!!!!!!

 

[gregjcross]

People have spent incredible amounts of time worrying about Michael Turner when LT almost never gets hurt. It would be one thing if LT had the body of Michael Bennet, he doesnt. Let the Turner dream die, at least until he is a true free agent

He's a backup running back would be my guess.

 

[The Man Who Met Andy Griffith]

Also remember that when Turner leaves as a FA and puts up good stats next year, the Chargers will get a decent compensatory pick. That, combined with the lack of hard evidence that they received a good offer, helps to explain the decision to keep him.

As for why Turner isn't getting a lot of touches... the Chargers aren't blowing teams out, and thus LT isn't being overused. As long as LT is getting < 25 touches a game, there is no reason to use Turner.

 

[massraider]

I understand I am looking at it from a hindsight point of view, but last year 2006 regular season there was 55 other players in the NFL who had more rushing attempts than Turner. And sure Turner was an insurance policy to Tomlinson but Tomlinson doesen't get hurt and if there was that exception to Tomlinson getting hurt they could have used a day 1 pick that they received for Turner on a RB and had that pick beyond this year. Although the pick would not have been as proven as Turner, it still seems to make more sense to me to gamble on a guy who does not get hurt and have an insurance policy in place much cheaper and more long term than what they ended up with.I mean Addai was drafted at the end of round 1 last year 30th overall. MJD in the second round 60 th overall. I criticized the move before the draft saying they would have been the same team with or without Turner and possibly even better depending on who they drafted.

I think they made a mistake as well, and said so in the epic Turner thread last year. I would have rather have had that mid 1st round pick, and found a backup back elsewhere.But I saw the Chargers perspective. Frankly, if the Chargers had been a 14-2 team again, and if they had lost LT for a length of time, and Turner had stepped in and played like a stud, then it is difficult to argue that they made a mistake.If everyone was predicting an 8-8 season, no one would have been in favor of keeping Turner.

 

[Banger]

The thread title should be changed to... Why is LT so underused? Thx.

 

[Nemesis]

Also remember that when Turner leaves as a FA and puts up good stats next year, the Chargers will get a decent compensatory pick. That, combined with the lack of hard evidence that they received a good offer, helps to explain the decision to keep him.

Why are people saying that the Chargers will get a compensatory pick?Turner is UFA after the 2007 season

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...00&hl=agent

 

[massraider]

Also remember that when Turner leaves as a FA and puts up good stats next year, the Chargers will get a decent compensatory pick. That, combined with the lack of hard evidence that they received a good offer, helps to explain the decision to keep him.

Why are people saying that the Chargers will get a compensatory pick?Turner is UFA after the 2007 season

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...00&hl=agent

I think you seem to think that teams get nothing for losing their UFA's. This is not always true.The NFL has a system in place to award comp picks to teams that lose free agents. Not all free agents qualify for a comp pick, and teams can lose top players, but if they sign top players themselves, they can cancel each other out. If the Chargers lose M. Turner, but sign Jordan Gross, chances are they won't get a comp pick.

The original poster's assertion that the Chargers WILL get a high comp pick is incorrect. It is possible for the Chargers to receive a late 3rd round pick in 2009 when Turner signs with someone next year, but not a fact.

And even if it were, frankly, there is no comparison. A mid 1st in 2007 vs. end of the 3rd rounder in 2009 is not even close to the same compensation (This is assuming, of course, that the Chargers could have received that last April).

 

[Tau837]

The thread title should be changed to... Why is LT so underused? Thx.

LT is averaging 23.3 touches per game. You consider that underused? Then how many should he be getting? (Last year, he averaged 25.3 touches per game.)Now, is he being used appropriately? Different question...