Subtle Running Back Shuffle

[calia]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

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.

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

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.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by FRPLG

Man you blew that stat. Haha.

Wishful thinking?

[MTK]

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.

[Hail to the SteelSkins]

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.

[JoeRedskin]

Also, think of how they can be even more creative on 3rd downs. On otherwise obvious passing downs, leaving Morris in creates an opportunity for big stretch play runs. He has shown the ability to be decisive and get big yards when gaps present themselves. As the line keeps improving its stretch play blocking, 3rd and 6-7 become legit running plays for a back like Morris. Doing so also helps the passing game by slowing down the rush even further.

Between Morris and RGIII as running threats on 3rd down, it will be difficult for defenders to ever just pin their ears back and forego their run responsibilities.

The fact that we "Lucked" into both RGIII and Morris in one draft is pretty f'ing amazing (I know everyone was convinced RGIII was a sure thing, but the truth is - until he began playing no one could be sure. Many a "sure thing" high draft pick has failed. "Luck"ily, Griffin appears to be everything he was hyped to be).

Throw in Kai Forbath and this was a damn fine year for rookie finds.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

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.

Wait a minute. Wait just a minute. We don't agree?! Now The Goat is scared and confused

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Wait a minute. Wait just a minute. We don't agree?! Now The Goat is scared and confused

Forget about Goat ... What the hell am I supposed to think. Damn it! Which one of you had the cotton candy boots??

[MTK]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Wait a minute. Wait just a minute. We don't agree?! Now The Goat is scared and confused

It's just another part of our master plan. Create the illusion of discord at the top, confuse the masses so now they really won't know how to vote in the next poll. Those that don't vote with us will then be booted in a late night purge. Muuuuhahahahahahahaha

[SouperMeister]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

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.

That's why Shanny is a good bet to draft at least one running back in rounds 4-6 every year. Not every back will pan out, but he was always in position to reload whenever one of his Denver backs wore down or was injured.

[Evilgrin]

I'm surprised we didn't bring slaton in for a look, but I read a few other teams worked him out after Miami cut him. So something not right there, maybe his neck again?

[Daseal]

What about putting Darrel Young playing more of a 3rd down back role. He's a great blocker, great hands out of the backfield, and can carry the ball. I get some formations that's not an option and we need a FB and a RB. He could help spell Morris a bit though.

[los panda]

young really impressed me on sunday. he is a hell of a blocker

[scowan]

Originally Posted by los panda

young really impressed me on sunday. he is a hell of a blocker

Young is the new Mike Sellers of our team. Catches, blocks, runs, cheers etc.

[SFREDSKIN]

They should have used Young on the 3rd and 1 instead of pitching it to Morris.