not going to get worked up if the concern is, he's not Sproles or Rice
How many yards can those electric running backs go before recharging?
Just rewatched 2010 wild card game vs. Philly and noticed some things about the running game. Everybody remembers how big Starks was during that run and how he was key in that game. But something I noticed that I don't think anyone has brought up is how big of a role Quinn Johnson played (who?) in opening holes for Starks - and often the combo of Kuhn and Johnson in an inverted bone. QJ was a battering ram, a guy that was never replaced.
We've seen TE's and occasionally an OL come into the backfield as an extra blocker but none of those guys come close to how QJ was playing in that wc game. Starks was a freakin wild man in that game but he makes his biggest impact not at the line of scrimmage but when he gets to that second level. That's where he can use his size and violence. I know the OL was better that year too but go back and rewatch that game and see how often QJ makes critical blocks that spring Starks to the second level.
We need a real FB!
We've seen TE's and occasionally an OL come into the backfield as an extra blocker but none of those guys come close to how QJ was playing in that wc game. Starks was a freakin wild man in that game but he makes his biggest impact not at the line of scrimmage but when he gets to that second level. That's where he can use his size and violence. I know the OL was better that year too but go back and rewatch that game and see how often QJ makes critical blocks that spring Starks to the second level.
We need a real FB!
I agree with that DH. While I don't think Quinn Johnson was really that good, he certainly was the best lead blocker on the team. I think Kuhn is a decent lead blocker, but he's not that battering ram like Jerome Felton or Vonta Leach. They keep using the TEs as lead blockers, but not one of those TEs is a good blocker. I'm not advocating keeping 3 FBs again, but I think two FBs and 3 TEs could get the job done better than 1 FB and 4 TEs.
remember when anything more than 2 TEs on the team seemed so unusual?
Remember when 2 punters on the roster seemed normal?
Kuhn is obviously a fan favorite, but he definitely isn't the battering ram I love to see at FB. And I HATE when MM calls his number on 3rd & 1. So predictable that the crowd started chanting his name on those plays.
I'd think TT should be able to find an upgrade from Kuhn for a large body RB.
TT will probably nab Zack Boren from Ohio State as a blocker/special teamer as the guy 'can also play' linebacker for those missing Spencer Havner.
A Quinn Johnson type FB is only worth the roster spot if the playcaller is committed to using him. Otherwise he'd better be pretty good on STs.
I agree on Boren, Hersch. He's big, he's a battering ram, and he's very assignment sure.
quote:A Quinn Johnson type FB is only worth the roster spot if the playcaller is committed to using him.
QJ showed some versatility as a pass catcher in that wc game as well. He was no Hendo but that would certainly be the ideal TT looks for. Since QJ left, TT has been bringing in FB/TE hybrid types like Kuhn, Havner, and there was 3rd guy in that mold as well. Kuhn has proven valuable with his own style of versatility but when the goal is improving the running game, it seems we need a better traditional FB.
I feel bad for the kid. he came out of nowhere to put up some nice runs
late in the year with not much help from the OL.
Im sure he had sights set on a big 2013.
I hope he continues to work hard and who knows what might happen. best case we have 3 solid backs and 1 is movable.
anyone know what his contract status is?
late in the year with not much help from the OL.
Im sure he had sights set on a big 2013.
I hope he continues to work hard and who knows what might happen. best case we have 3 solid backs and 1 is movable.
anyone know what his contract status is?
He has as good a shot at 3rd RB as Green or Starks.
How do we know that rook 1 and rook 2 will be the top two backs?
I would say the whole backfield is up for grabs.
true, except for Green who is fairly worthless back there unless its
garbage time.
both him and Starks are bench bums but at least JS has proven himself in big games and actually runs hard. Greens timid carries wont cut it.
garbage time.
both him and Starks are bench bums but at least JS has proven himself in big games and actually runs hard. Greens timid carries wont cut it.
Watched Green running hard in a game on my DVR this week. Pre-end-of season injury, he was looking good at times. Getting more decisive.
Franklin essentially eliminates Green as a third down back. Franklin is supposedly excellent at blitz pickup. Lacy can actually catch as well outside of his pounder attributes. Harris is actually decisive hitting the hole and can cut. Green is pass catcher without very good blitz pickup. Not a good combination considering the picks. Starks, practices for **** and can't stay healthy.
IIRC DuJuan can return KOs as well, which would give him another angle to stick as the 3rd RB.
Yeah, I think H5 hits the nail on the head, who can also help on special teams stays rest bye bye.
quote:Originally posted by Henry:
Franklin essentially eliminates Green as a third down back. Franklin is supposedly excellent at blitz pickup. Lacy can actually catch as well outside of his pounder attributes. Harris is actually decisive hitting the hole and can cut. Green is pass catcher without very good blitz pickup. Not a good combination considering the picks. Starks, practices for **** and can't stay healthy.
Good post, bro. Let the competition begin.
quote:Originally posted by Henry:
Harris is actually decisive hitting the hole and can cut.
That's why I think it's his job to lose. He seems to be the only running back we have who knows how to think like a running back.
He sees the hole and pow, he just fires himself through it. Starks and Green are both doing jumping jacks in the backfield, trying to decide whether to run facefirst into Sitton's ass... or maybe Bulaga's ass this time... and by the time they pick an ass and run headfirst into it, Harris is already picking himself up off the turf 6 yards downfield and tossing the ball to the official.
Little dude brings the goods, and the other two have never proven squat. I know Green was injured and worked hard to come back from it, but the team's been patient, and now it's time to show what you can offer. And Starks? I never understood the love for that guy. He had 2 good months at the tailend of the Super Bowl season and the playoff run, but aside from that he's never even shown that he has the sense to fall forward when he's tripping over his own right tackle. My dad can put a better move on a safety than he can, and he's been dead for 5 years.
I doubt the team has much more patience with Starks. He's not getting any more benefit of the doubt this year.
I think Starks is done in Green Bay.
If they keep 5 (including Kuhn), then Green makes it.
If they keep 5 (including Kuhn), then Green makes it.
Last year’s opening day roster had 5 rbs – Benson, Starks, Green and Saine with Kuhn. All indications are that they’re embracing this push to get “tougher,” so fewer RBs wouldn’t make much sense. Benson and Saine are gone with Harris since added, so it’s possible Starks and Green are fighting for one spot.
I just can’t see Ted cutting an R3 draft pick two years later, and Starks is just too much of a medical uncertainty. Also not out of the question that Kuhn – likely the highest paid of the batch – isn’t wearing the G&G in 2013.
I just can’t see Ted cutting an R3 draft pick two years later, and Starks is just too much of a medical uncertainty. Also not out of the question that Kuhn – likely the highest paid of the batch – isn’t wearing the G&G in 2013.