Our Running Backs

Not sure if its just me, but I feel we have the same 4 running backs that bring no diverse running styles.

Conner- Tough Runner. Average speed. Average Burst. Ok catching. Above average blocking.
Samuels - Tough Runner. Average speed. Average Burst. Great catching. Above average blocking.
Snell - Tough Runner. Average speed. Average Burst. Ok catching. Above average blocking.
McFarland- ???? Ben seems have zero confidence in the rookie not knowing his blitz assignments or playbook. So jury still out. But from what I hear he is faster then the rest.

In the spectrum of

Running back that is fast enough to beat the defense to the sidelined (Willie Parker)




--- We are right smack in the middle with our 3 rotating running backs---



Running Back that is powerful enough to get an AUTOMATIC 1 to 2 Yards when ever you need it (Jerome Bettis)


A spoiled fan complaint I know.

Just wish we had some change of pace and skill set on our RB roster.

Rant over

A couple weeks ago everybody was happy with Conner.... now he's a bum. The key to our running game is having a lead in the 4th quarter so that we can pound it out and keep the other team's offense off the field. The past couple weeks that wasn't an option playing from behind. This week if we're up 27-10 early in the 4th Conner will finish with over 100 yards and he'll be great again.

As for Samuels, he is a bum and needs to go. And I do think that the rookie has some skills that are different. Snell is just a guy.

I like all of them except Samuels. I don't know why the guy even gets a helmet. He's the next David Johnson (the TE not RB)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Fire Goodell

I like all of them except Samuels. I don't know why the guy even gets a helmet. He's the next David Johnson (the TE not RB)

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Didn’t we use David Johnson as a FB too? I don’t remember how effective he was.

But I agree about Samuals. I never see him in the game and think, good thing we have this guy.

He must be a better blocker than McFarland because that’s the only reason I could ever see going with him
to give the other guys a break. He’s a good pass catcher but not so much better at it than the other guys that give him greater value.

I guess he’s on the roster because, why not? But now that Watt is coming back at FB I doubt Samuals gets a hat on Sunday. I don’t know how many RBs we usually dress but Samuals is probably the first to be eliminated.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DesertSteel

A couple weeks ago everybody was happy with Conner.... now he's a bum. The key to our running game is having a lead in the 4th quarter so that we can pound it out and keep the other team's offense off the field. The past couple weeks that wasn't an option playing from behind. This week if we're up 27-10 early in the 4th Conner will finish with over 100 yards and he'll be great again.

As for Samuels, he is a bum and needs to go. And I do think that the rookie has some skills that are different. Snell is just a guy.

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Never implied Conner is a bum

Just pointing out our running backs lack diversity in play style.

Seems like the defense has nothing to look out for different when another guy checks in.

For example:

Oh ok Jerome Bettis is in, hes going to north and south inside, I have to cheat and close those gaps.
OR
Willie Parker is in, he gets a the edge he can turn the corner for 30 yards a clip. I should cheat outside.


Our running backs require no adjustments for the opposing defense. Since they're so similar .

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Iron Steeler

Never implied Conner is a bum

Just pointing out our running backs lack diversity in play style.

Seems like the defense has nothing to look out for different when another guy checks in.

For example:

Oh ok Jerome Bettis is in, hes going to north and south inside, I have to cheat and close those gaps.
OR
Willie Parker is in, he gets a the edge he can turn the corner for 30 yards a clip. I should cheat outside.


Our running backs require no adjustments for the opposing defense. Since they're so similar .

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Maybe we should use Ray Ray and McFarland for that purpose.

But as you said, it’s possible that blocking assignments might play a role in that. But I imagine that IS the plan. Those guys are definitely faster than Conner and Snell.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Iron Steeler

Never implied Conner is a bum

Just pointing out our running backs lack diversity in play style.

Seems like the defense has nothing to look out for different when another guy checks in.

For example:

Oh ok Jerome Bettis is in, hes going to north and south inside, I have to cheat and close those gaps.
OR
Willie Parker is in, he gets a the edge he can turn the corner for 30 yards a clip. I should cheat outside.


Our running backs require no adjustments for the opposing defense. Since they're so similar .

---

I agree that we could use that bruising back who can pick up 1 or two yards straight ahead. I thought they were going to do some of that with Nix, (before he got hurt). I remember one game he had 1 yard rushing for TD, and the next game he caught a 1 yard pass for a TD. I think they get a fair amount of diversity going for the edge, when they get the receivers involved in the run game.

Guess you can add Trey Edmunds back into that mix. More of the same but less so???