Subtle Running Back Shuffle

Wait - I think that's my nanny's grandfather's second-cousin-twice-removed's florist.

Seriously, why do you have concerns about promoting Morris to full time back? Is it just the fatigue thing or do you have other concerns? (and no, this is not a "do you know something we don't know" question - just curious as to why you don't think it's a good idea).

That's what it sounds like to me. Morris wants to be a complete back..Shanahan thinks he's special and gave him a shot.I would like to see Shanny utilize Morris out of the backfield as a receiver too. I think he can be a complete back. He certainly runs harder than Royster or Helu, but I hope that Helu comes back next year as the change of pace back. I have little use for Royster, and would be surprised if he makes the team next year.

Wait - I think that's my nanny's grandfather's second-cousin-twice-removed's florist.

Seriously, why do you have concerns about promoting Morris to full time back? Is it just the fatigue thing or do you have other concerns? (and no, this is not a "do you know something we don't know" question - just curious as to why you don't think it's a good idea).

I get that Royster has struggled this year in his limited opportunities, and I suppose they have their reasons for feeling neither Ryan Grant nor Steve Slaton belong on the roster.

But I don't want to see Morris worn out, not just for the rest of this season, but long term. He averaged around 20 yards a carry in college. Which I think is around where he's at right now, but that's just 12 games a year. Including preseason he's already surpassed that

I get that Royster has struggled this year in his limited opportunities, and I suppose they have their reasons for feeling neither Ryan Grant nor Steve Slaton belong on the roster.

But I don't want to see Morris worn out, not just for the rest of this season, but long term. He averaged around 20 yards a carry in college. Which I think is around where he's at right now, but that's just 12 games a year. Including preseason he's already surpassed that

Man you blew that stat. Haha.

we knew he meant 20 carries a game. come on now. otherwise i'd put him in the hall myself ;).

I get that Royster has struggled this year in his limited opportunities, and I suppose they have their reasons for feeling neither Ryan Grant nor Steve Slaton belong on the roster.

But I don't want to see Morris worn out, not just for the rest of this season, but long term. He averaged around 20 yards a carry in college. Which I think is around where he's at right now, but that's just 12 games a year. Including preseason he's already surpassed that

You make a good point about Grant and Slaton -- both had 1000+ yard seasons, and they cannot even make the squad where we have 2 RBs (remember, Keiland Williams wasn't on the team when Helu went on IR). It's odd to me that neither of them was worth being a third down back, much less someone to spell Alfmo. He's been terrific this season, but I worry that even a rookie with not a lot of wear and tear will get fatigued by season's end. Of course, if he gives us the best chance to win, since every week is basically a playoff game, I suspect we're going to see only Morris until we're eliminated from playoff contention (insert Mora "Playoffs?!" rant here); if we somehow make the playoffs, it isn't as though he will get a rest then either.

I get that Royster has struggled this year in his limited opportunities, and I suppose they have their reasons for feeling neither Ryan Grant nor Steve Slaton belong on the roster.

But I don't want to see Morris worn out, not just for the rest of this season, but long term. He averaged around 20 yards a carry in college. Which I think is around where he's at right now, but that's just 12 games a year. Including preseason he's already surpassed that

I get that - particularly as to the long term. Again, it is my hope that they will be cognizant of the fact that he is a rookie and that he needs to be spelled on occasion. At the same time, I am firm believer in continuity. As long as they don't overwork him, being in on 3rd downs (I think) helps both him and the team on first and second down.

As Morris gets experience in obvious passing situations, it will help his pass blocking on 1st and 2nd down and, as gets in game experience as an outlet and/or receiver, it will increase the teams flexibility on early downs. Plus, on those 3rd downs which it is a guessing game (3rd and 2-4ish) as to pass v. run, it is less of an indicator if we leave him in as opposed to subbing him out for a pass catching/blocking back.

It's about using him wisely. Hopefully, MS and KS do that.

Man you blew that stat. Haha.

Wishful thinking?

A back typically has 3-5 really good seasons in him before they start to break down. I say ride Morris for what he's worth while he's young and can handle it.

I agree with those that said it's a blocking issue. Royster seems to be getting beaten up when blocking. I also agree with Smoot, while i whole heartily believe Morris can and is an "Every Down Back", I really don't want to see our diamond in the ruff get injured or ware down faster then normal.

next year kinda looks like a different story and one that may work very effectively. Helu comes back healthy as that change of pace / situational 3rd down RB, while Morris pounds the ground all the rest of the game. That sounds appetizing to me. Although I'm also for finding the biggest heaviest slowest FB / RB that we can and use him solely as an extra offensive lineman as well, so who am I to make a judgment call.