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Training Camp RB Battles
« on: Aug 18th, 2004, 4:24pm » |
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Anyone have any thoughts on the current RB situations?, there seem to be alot of open questions this year.
Michael Bennett and Onterrio Smith -Vikings
Despite the fact that Onterrio Smith is arguably the better every down choice, it looks like Bennett will be the featured guy. Moe Williams probably remains the third down back, but Smith would probably slip into the #1 role if Bennett got hurt, and should still receive some nominal amout of playing time regardless (and goalline carries).
Charlie Garner and Michael Pittman (and Jamel White) - Bucs
This looks to be clearly Garner's gig to lose, I wouldn't bother with Pittman or White.
Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett -Falcons
This might be an almost 50-50 situation, so both backs are worth drafting. Duckett obviously has higher potential because of his short-yardage TD points, but Dunn is the better fit on passing downs.
Damien Anderson and Josh Scobey - Cardinals
This competition is only relevant because Marcel Shipp is out for 8 weeks (at least), and the starter is the venerable and elder Emmitt Smith. I have no clue about this one, but give the slight edge to Anderson.
Steven Jackson and Lamar Gordon - Rams
Jackson is the logical choice here now that Gordon is expected to be out for a few weeks, this should give him time to lock up the backup role to Marshall Faullk and he has done nothing to hurt his chances in the preseason.
Thomas Jones and Anthony Thomas -Bears
It looks like Thomas Jones will be given the chance for a breakout season as he has all but been ordained as the #1 back already. Jones might be an undervalued player in the drafts this year, Anthony Thomas looks to be a wasted pick, unless you have Jones.
Kevin Jones and Shawn Bryson (and Artose Pinner) -Lions
The much touted Kevin Jones is suffering from minor hamstring problems, so early on everybody probably sees some carries. Jones is of course the long-term guy here, but I wouldn't draft him too high.
Julius Jones and Eddie George - Cowboys
George probably opens the season as starter, but Jones has been strong and probably makes the better choice by mid-season.
Travis Henry and Willis McGahee - Bills
McGahee has the best potential, and seems to be recovered from his serious knee injury, but Travis Henry is expected to start and see most of the carries. McGahee still makes a useful pick because he will likely see the field often as 3rd down back; if Henry gets hurt, McGahee an instant stud.
Sammy Morris and Travis Minor - Dolphins
This one appears close, I kind of prefer Sammy Morris because he's a great receiver and is more suited for an everydown role. Travis Minor is better equipped as a change of pace guy, but he's the designated starter for now. In any event, Miami's line is awful, so I wouldn't reach for either of these guys.
Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter - Eagles
Westbrook looks to be the official 'starter', but this is most likely another 50-50 situation where Buckhalter is the slightly more valuable asset because of his TD potential. I would say Westbrook is overvalued while his counterpart is at the moment undervalued.
Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry - Bengals
Rudi Johnson is the clear choice here, but it makes sense to couple him with Chris Perry of course. Perry's also an accomplished receiver so he could see time on 3rd down.
William Green and Lee Suggs - Browns
No definite winner yet between Green and Suggs, could realistically go either way. Lee Suggs has looked great in the preseason, but Green is not far behind. I prefer Suggs and think he's the better choice over the duration of 2004.
Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis - Steelers
It appears that Staley will receive the majority of carries, while Bettis figures out a way to get hurt again. Staley is also the third down guy, while Bettis should get some goalline duties.
LaBrandon Toefield and Greg Jones (and Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala) - Jaguars
No back has really distinguished himself, despite the high hopes for Jones. It only makes sense to consider one of these guys if you have Taylor, and the best choice is probably still Jones.
Chris Brown and Antowain Smith - Titans
Chris Brown looks terrific so far with Antowain Smith relagated to being an insurance policy. Brown probably makes a great undervalued pick this year.
Quentin Griffin and Garrison Hearst and Tatum Bell (and Mike Anderson)
The fashionable choice was Bell before he got hurt, and he should still be a factor once he returns. For now, it looks like Griffin, to be spelled by Anderson and Hearst to be riding the bench. Griffin is probably too small to depend on as an every-down player, so Anderson should see significant time until Bell returns.
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| « Last Edit: Aug 18th, 2004, 4:30pm by Stegfucius » |
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Re: Training Camp RB Battles
« Reply #1 on: Aug 18th, 2004, 4:44pm » |
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on Aug 18th, 2004, 4:24pm, junkyardjake wrote:Anyone have any thoughts on the current RB situations?, there seem to be alot of open questions this year.
Michael Bennett and Onterrio Smith -Vikings
Despite the fact that Onterrio Smith is arguably the better every down choice, it looks like Bennett will be the featured guy. Moe Williams probably remains the third down back, but Smith would probably slip into the #1 role if Bennett got hurt, and should still receive some nominal amout of playing time regardless (and goalline carries). |
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Everything I've read seems to indicate that Tice wants to get away from RBBC a bit and use Bennett more exclusively. However, if that were true, then he wouldn't have drafted Mewelde Moore and he probably would have moved one of his other backs. So, I guess he'll use Bennett about 75% of the time and Smith and Williams the other 25%. I have Bennett in one of my leagues and snagged Smith late as a handcuff.
Quote: Charlie Garner and Michael Pittman (and Jamel White) - Bucs
This looks to be clearly Garner's gig to lose, I wouldn't bother with Pittman or White. |
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I agree with you here.
Quote:Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett -Falcons
This might be an almost 50-50 situation, so both backs are worth drafting. Duckett obviously has higher potential because of his short-yardage TD points, but Dunn is the better fit on passing downs. |
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I think Dunn will get a 60/40 advantage in touches, however the red zone touches will be Duckett's.
Quote:Damien Anderson and Josh Scobey - Cardinals
This competition is only relevant because Marcel Shipp is out for 8 weeks (at least), and the starter is the venerable and elder Emmitt Smith. I have no clue about this one, but give the slight edge to Anderson. |
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Anderson is currently ahead of Scobey right now, but watch out for Larry Croom (undrafted rookie free agent and deeeeeeeeeeeeep sleeper).
Quote:Steven Jackson and Lamar Gordon - Rams
Jackson is the logical choice here now that Gordon is expected to be out for a few weeks, this should give him time to lock up the backup role to Marshall Faullk and he has done nothing to hurt his chances in the preseason. |
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Don't forget about Arlen Harris either. Anyway, I think that Jackson will get the call first when Faulk gets hurt.
Quote:Thomas Jones and Anthony Thomas -Bears
It looks like Thomas Jones will be given the chance for a breakout season as he has all but been ordained as the #1 back already. Jones might be an undervalued player in the drafts this year, Anthony Thomas looks to be a wasted pick, unless you have Jones. |
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I think Jones could be a nice sleeper this year. I wouldn't bother with the Train.
Quote:Kevin Jones and Shawn Bryson (and Artose Pinner) -Lions
The much touted Kevin Jones is suffering from minor hamstring problems, so early on everybody probably sees some carries. Jones is of course the long-term guy here, but I wouldn't draft him too high. |
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Almost everyone has some minor hamstring injuries in camp. It's an easy way to get a little rest during those two-a-days because the trainers can't really tell if you are faking it or not. Jones is the guy, however we know Mooch loves the RBBC so expect to see Pinner get some red zone and short yardage carries throughout the season.
Quote:Julius Jones and Eddie George - Cowboys
George probably opens the season as starter, but Jones has been strong and probably makes the better choice by mid-season. |
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I actually think that JJ could be the starter and get about 65/35 carries over George.
Quote:Travis Henry and Willis McGahee - Bills
McGahee has the best potential, and seems to be recovered from his serious knee injury, but Travis Henry is expected to start and see most of the carries. McGahee still makes a useful pick because he will likely see the field often as 3rd down back; if Henry gets hurt, McGahee an instant stud. |
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Henry already is an instant stud, so he'll get 70/30 carries over McGahee. However, Henry will be no better than a #2 FF RB (barring another McGahee injury) during the season.
Quote:Sammy Morris and Travis Minor - Dolphins
This one appears close, I kind of prefer Sammy Morris because he's a great receiver and is more suited for an everydown role. Travis Minor is better equipped as a change of pace guy, but he's the designated starter for now. In any event, Miami's line is awful, so I wouldn't reach for either of these guys. |
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I have no real feel for this situation. I'd avoid drafting either except as a #5.
Quote:Brian Westbrook and Correll Buckhalter - Eagles
Westbrook looks to be the official 'starter', but this is most likely another 50-50 situation where Buckhalter is the slightly more valuable asset because of his TD potential. I would say Westbrook is overvalued while his counterpart is at the moment undervalued. |
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I think it will all even out in the end (kind of like in Atlanta). Westbrook will get a few more carries and lots more catches, but Buck will get the short yardage and goal line attempts. However, Westbrook cannot handle 16 games, so try to get Buck as he will be huge when Westbrook is out.
Quote:Rudi Johnson and Chris Perry - Bengals
Rudi Johnson is the clear choice here, but it makes sense to couple him with Chris Perry of course. Perry's also an accomplished receiver so he could see time on 3rd down. |
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I don't see Perry making much of a stir this season. He's insurance in case Rudi leaves during the next off-season.
Quote:William Green and Lee Suggs - Browns
No definite winner yet between Green and Suggs, could realistically go either way. Lee Suggs has looked great in the preseason, but Green is not far behind. I prefer Suggs and think he's the better choice over the duration of 2004. |
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Suggs will get the starting gig and hold onto it barring injury.
Quote:Duce Staley and Jerome Bettis - Steelers
It appears that Staley will receive the majority of carries, while Bettis figures out a way to get hurt again. Staley is also the third down guy, while Bettis should get some goalline duties. |
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Staley is undervalued. He'll get the bulk of the work.
Quote:LaBrandon Toefield and Greg Jones (and Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala) - Jaguars
No back has really distinguished himself, despite the high hopes for Jones. It only makes sense to consider one of these guys if you have Taylor, and the best choice is probably still Jones. |
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If Taylor is hurt, Toefield will be the #1 guy, however, as long as Taylor is healthy, Jones is the best choice of the three as he will get to vulture some TDs.
Quote:Chris Brown and Antowain Smith - Titans
Chris Brown looks terrific so far with Antowain Smith relagated to being an insurance policy. Brown probably makes a great undervalued pick this year. |
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You said it best.
Quote:Quentin Griffin and Garrison Hearst and Tatum Bell (and Mike Anderson)
The fashionable choice was Bell before he got hurt, and he should still be a factor once he returns. For now, it looks like Griffin, to be spelled by Anderson and Hearst to be riding the bench. Griffin is probably too small to depend on as an every-down player, so Anderson should see significant time until Bell returns. |
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I think Anderson will be used more at FB this year. Look for Griffin to start the season and share (70/30) carries with Hearst. Griffin will get hurt before mid-way, so Hearst will get some more carries before Bell works his way in around week 10.
And, one last battle... Oakland:
Tyrone Wheatley could be an excellent pick this year. Norv has a way with rejuvenating backs. He also likes to use one back exclusively.
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