I think that our coaches are very wise as to what the players can and cannot do. The communication in the locker room has to be phenomenal to have gotten the team to this point. I honestly believe if Turner is capable of carrying that big of a load, he’ll make it known and he’ll show it every time he touches the ball.

Honestly though… imo Turner probably wouldn’t have broke 400 carries if Norwood’s health had remained in tact. I would like to see that one-two combo come back into full healthy action next season. Turner runs over people and wears them out. Norwood runs around them. It was really fun to watch and it kept our running game strong and hard to bring down.

is the key here. I firmly believe 25 touches for Turner is right where he needs to sit… although im not gonna change my gameplan based on that number. If we are eating a team up, then run him up there more. If Ryans torching them through the air maybe he doesnt need as many. But Norwood can be the supplement if hes 100%.

There’s a fanpost (can’t remember who posted it) that addresses this issue head-on. Something about the success of RBs who have carried 350+ times in consecutive seasons.

Honestly, I’d love to see the Falcons carry four backs. With our existing personnel, assuming everyone is healthy, we might be OK … Snelling and T Brown should be able to carry the load (to some degree) next year.

I really don’t think Norwood’s lack of carries has anything to do w/ coaching. It just doesn’t seem like they are trying to preserve him … it more seems like they know he can’t take the beating an every down back has to take and they, therefore, decide to use him accordingly.

We’ll see how Snelling and T Brown progress during mini-camp, etc., but it might not hurt to sign a FA, veteran RB if (and that’s a big IF) the money is there. I’m not too concerned w/ “developing” Snelling, so if we can sign someone who still has the ability to pound the rock 5-10 time a game, I’m all for it.

To hit week 15 next year w/ Turner on IR (because we ran him into the ground), Norwood as our “every down” back, and Snelling as our change of pace guy. Harumph!

I’m terrified of the Curse of 370. The football gods are a fickle bunch, and I’m worried we have angered them. While I wish we had been able to use Norwood more this season, I think that, if we’re careful, we can use Norwood and Snelling/Brown to keep Turner fresh next year.