The Falcons are having a great start to the season, winning both of their games, but Michael Turner’s season isn’t going so well. The Falcons have been winning largely in spite of running back Michael Turner, who has carried the ball 28 times for 74 yards and a touchdown in 2 games. He’s never been good as a pass catcher and has caught just 1 pass for 0 yards and now he’s not even good in the same short yardage situation he used to excel in, taking 3 tries to punch it in from the 1 against Denver last week. The people who said the 30 year old was done appear to be winning that argument so far.
Just when it looked like things couldn’t get worse for Turner, he was arrested for DUI immediately following the Falcons’ win on Monday Night Football over the Broncos. This is Turner’s first offense and he will not be suspended, but it looks really bad when a starting running back gets arrested immediately following a big win, especially on that he didn’t play particularly well in. It’s unclear if this arrest, as well as his recent struggles, will lead to a reduced role for him, but it should. The Falcons spent the offseason taking up backup Jacquizz Rodgers, a 2011 5th round pick, but have given him just 12 touches to Turner’s 29 in 2 games. He deserves to be given a larger role going forward and we’ll see if he gets it this week in San Diego. He’s worth a bench stash in fantasy leagues for the time being, especially for Turner owners.
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This is typical crap. I’m not talking about the arrest, that’s a personal problem. I’m talking about these mindless discussions about Turner being washed up. I dare any team out there to stop defending against the run when he’s in there. Then we’ll see all you fantasy guys who fall for the hype after 2 weeks into a long season change your tune like you always do week to week. I don’t see any run blocking no matter who’s running the ball so far. Like I said, stop defending the run and watch the holes start opening up and then watch him get in the open field and knock somebodies head in. This guy has rushed for 1,300 yards the last 2 seasons and now for some strange reason he’s washed up ? Give me a break. This is all fantasy football thinking and the reason why that sissy/girls mindset is slowly ruining the best game ever invented. Thank you.
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well I was on the Michael Turner is washed up train before the season started, this just enforces it. this isn’t an overreaction to 2 games like Chris Johnson or Darren McFadden. He’s had a lot of usage over the last 4 years and he’s at the age where running back’s abilities tend to fall off a cliff. plus, he averaged 3.6 YPC or fewer in 5 of his final 6 games last season. even the falcons knew he was wearing down. http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/02/25/mike-smith-turner-will-be-feature-back-on-a-pitch-count/ that’s why they’ve been giving Jacquizz Rodgers more usage than last year. there was some rumors they were actually considering cutting him before eventually just deciding to cut down on his work load. he doesn’t fit the new pass heavy offense either because he can’t pass catch.
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Turner’s problem is that he is out of shape. The guy has always had a problem with his weight, but Monday night he was fat and slow. I have to believe that the drinking problem has contributed the this, as it would for any professional athlete. Turner needs to be monitored 24/7 and put on a very strict diet and exercise regimen. This will prove if he deserves to be our starting running back, and if he does not, then the Falcons have another weak link in the chain that they will have to fix, and fast.
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