One of the more intriguing battles in TC (at least for me) has been the RB's. To listen to the coaches, they've been really excited about Prosise, but he hasn't been able to stay on the field. Rawls is now back as well, so I wanted to start a discussion leading into the first preseason game about where folks think guys fit.
Prosise vs. Brooks. These guys are battling for the same spot in the same role. Prosise is larger and has shown more aptitude to run between the tackles. He was a former WR so he runs really good routes and has plus hands. Brooks is actually faster in a straight line. From what I've seen of him, he's ok between the tackles though he's show a propensity in college to like to bounce it outside. He also has plus hands and the coaching staff has raved about his receiving abilities.
Rawls vs. Michael vs. Collins. This is really about the two most experienced guys coming back, and Collins challenging for a bell cow role. Meaning these guys are the grinders, they get the tough yards and are expected to bring toughness and wear down a defense.
We've seen enough of Rawls to know he's legit. He can catch out of the backfield, make guys miss, break tackles, and take long runs to the house. He's very explosive to the hole, and he's literally built for our system. Seeing his injury, I thought it was more of a freak accident. It doesn't mean he's injury prone, as this is really the first major injury he's had in the pro's or college.
Collins is the closest thing we have to Lynch. He's not going to be a home run hitter, but he has the potential to be the king of the 10 to 20 yard run. He'll be a first down machine, and punish the defense. He has the running style and attitude that Cable loves and Pete wants to instill in the offense again.
Michael is the wild card. Physically, he's our most dominant back. He's honestly faster than Prosise, while being larger. He's a physical freak, but it's the mental game that's slowed him down. He seems to have embraced the role of being the most experienced guy, and he's taken advantage of the fact that he's been the most durable back in TC. Which has meaning. Here's a quick quote from FG on TC notes today:
"Christine Michael had several explosive runs today. His footwork and cuts were a work of beauty. His overall demeanor, even just in practice, is completely different than his first stint with the team. His renewed focus and attention to detail is clearly apparent"
I've been more a fan of Michael's potential than the production in the past, but I honestly think he's not only making the team, but he's the 2nd RB.
So, the question is, Michael makes the team. Do we keep 4 RB's ? Who gets cut ?
Prosise vs. Brooks. These guys are battling for the same spot in the same role. Prosise is larger and has shown more aptitude to run between the tackles. He was a former WR so he runs really good routes and has plus hands. Brooks is actually faster in a straight line. From what I've seen of him, he's ok between the tackles though he's show a propensity in college to like to bounce it outside. He also has plus hands and the coaching staff has raved about his receiving abilities.
Rawls vs. Michael vs. Collins. This is really about the two most experienced guys coming back, and Collins challenging for a bell cow role. Meaning these guys are the grinders, they get the tough yards and are expected to bring toughness and wear down a defense.
We've seen enough of Rawls to know he's legit. He can catch out of the backfield, make guys miss, break tackles, and take long runs to the house. He's very explosive to the hole, and he's literally built for our system. Seeing his injury, I thought it was more of a freak accident. It doesn't mean he's injury prone, as this is really the first major injury he's had in the pro's or college.
Collins is the closest thing we have to Lynch. He's not going to be a home run hitter, but he has the potential to be the king of the 10 to 20 yard run. He'll be a first down machine, and punish the defense. He has the running style and attitude that Cable loves and Pete wants to instill in the offense again.
Michael is the wild card. Physically, he's our most dominant back. He's honestly faster than Prosise, while being larger. He's a physical freak, but it's the mental game that's slowed him down. He seems to have embraced the role of being the most experienced guy, and he's taken advantage of the fact that he's been the most durable back in TC. Which has meaning. Here's a quick quote from FG on TC notes today:
"Christine Michael had several explosive runs today. His footwork and cuts were a work of beauty. His overall demeanor, even just in practice, is completely different than his first stint with the team. His renewed focus and attention to detail is clearly apparent"
I've been more a fan of Michael's potential than the production in the past, but I honestly think he's not only making the team, but he's the 2nd RB.
So, the question is, Michael makes the team. Do we keep 4 RB's ? Who gets cut ?