Why Jason Snelling's Return To The Falcons Is Good News
by Dave Choate on Aug 7, 2011 7:00 PM EDT
in Falcons News
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PrintIt was far from inevitable that this would be the outcome, but that hardly matters now. Jason Snelling is back in the fold.
The signing gives us a glimpse into what happened over the last couple of weeks, as Snelling shopped his services to the league and the Falcons waited for him to sign a tender. While the financial terms are not yet available, the Falcons chose to offer Big Snell a single-year deal. Feeling he could do better on the open market, our favorite backup running back tried and failed to do exactly that.
In many ways, this is a good deal for both sides. The Falcons get Snelling back to stabilize a running back depth chart that included Michael Turner, rookie Jacquizz Rodgers and unproven Antone Smith and Gartrell Johnson. His return ensures that the Falcons have a capable, versatile back who can handle the bulk of the load should Turner go down, Football Gods forbid. There were simply too many unknowns without him.
On the other side of the ledger, Snelling gets a chance to have a great year and build up his value a bit. Running backs find themselves less valued than ever before, so having a 2010 in which he averaged only 3.7 yards a carry probably hurt Snelling's stock more than he or any of us realized. If he can get closer to four yards a carry, catch a few passes and block well, maybe he'll get more interest next year.
Either way, I'm glad to have Snelling back. Let's hope he has a nice year but doesn't get too many carries, given the implications that would have for Turner's health. What say you?
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This is big time!
I think he really adds great depth and allready knows the system. Great job f/o for getting this done!!!!
Yes sir,
I Iike it.
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Stuff to ponder
I’m interested if the one-year deal was originally initiated by the Falcons, or something that Snelling’s representation wanted after Snell’s unsuccessful venture into FA. Also interested in the price of course, and I’d be surprised if it was anything above $1.5 mil.
Another thing: Ryan, Smith, TG, and Ovie have all talked about how they’re looking forward to having ‘Quizz in on 3rd Downs. This is worth noting for obvious reasons. What role does Snelling have in this year’s OFF? Is he going to spell Turner one or two series a game with ’Quizz getting most of the 3rd Down responsibilities? Or will ’Quizz and Snell see the time share? I think this has become another camp battle to keep our eyes on.
So Happy
that they finally got Snelling done. Best all around back we have. Can spell or replace Turner and can catch like Turner can’t. Without Snelling, if Turner goes down all you have is the rookier "Quizz. Not a comfortable position to be in. The time share or swap with Snelling and Quizzz, I could give a **** about. The important thing is we just got big time depth at RB.
Good question, Kmarch...
re: who’s idea was it to sign for one year. I’m hypothesizing that Snelling was offered multiple years at a relatively low salary, but thought he might be able to do better. In the end, he agreed to a one year contract at the low salary so that he could try out the market again next year. I think this is good for everyone because 1) we’ll have another year to find our replacement (if necessary), and 2) Snelling will be highly motivated to make a good impression. Aside from that, we’ve secured a very good, versatile backup who plays both RB and FB. I’m happy to have him back.
"It's called Thanksgiving for a reason. If I can give and people thank me for it, that's kind of the thing that makes me feel great inside." - Dunta
My thoughts
I’ll get blasted for this but, to me, Jason Snelling is just a guy. Yes, he can catch the ball and yes he can hit the hole hard but he isn’t great at any one thing.
I see him as someone that comes in on second or first and long situations to add the threat of the pass. He may even be more valuable on second and third and short situations for the same reason. Perhaps his best role is as a backup to Ovie at fullback. And I would like to see him play that role as we get Jacquizz up to speed on blocking assignments.
Don’t get me wrong, I believe Snells being back is a great option for us should Turner begin to slow or get hurt; hopefully neither of those scenarios plays out. Aside from his familiarity with the system we could have actually done better for our team. There were a handful of guys that could have filled the role just as well as Snells but we didn’t pursue them either.
I believe Jason is lucky to be back and should enjoy the year.
by FalconsFan721 on Aug 7, 2011 7:43 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Don't think we could have done better
At this point in free agency and being so close to the cap. He’s not a great rusher, but he is one of the best backs in the league as a receiver and blocker.
Ronnie Brown
He signed for $1M and got a one year deal. The Falcons could have paid that much and really gotten a more complete back.
by FalconsFan721 on Aug 8, 2011 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions
I don't know if RB would be an upgrade
Hes going to be 30 this season, has played in 16 games in a season only twice in his career and was pretty average last season. Snelling I know is at best slightly above average but can play 2 positions is 2 years younger and doesn’t have anywhere near the wear RB has from being a #1.
I agree with ya ace and Mosugo
Snelling was by far the best fit for us, especially considering he already knows our system.
" Ryan back to pass, He throws it long, he's going deep to Julio on his first snap! HE CAUGHT IT, HE CAUGHT IT! JJ's dragging the safety into the endzone with him! TOUCHDOWN FALCONS! TOUCHDOWN JULIO JONES!! HIS FIRST ONE IN THE NFL, AND I GOT A FEELING THE FIRST OF MANY MANY MORE TO COME FOLKS!! I GOTTA SAY IT FOLKS - JJ......... IS.......... DY - NO - MITE!!
Totally agree.
He’ll fill in and not mess things up, but he’s not exactly a playmaker. Solid backup is the description I would use.
I call him a hard worker and over achiever.
Dude was a 7th round FB coming out of UVA picked by an old regime and survived 2 HC/OC changes and a GM change and has earned his place in the game plan. He isn’t a game changer by any means but he is one of my favorite falcons and to be honest with you I’d take him over Turner.
Don’t get me wrong, I love big Mike as mucha as the next Falcoholic but to me Snelling is right next to Grimes a’s the definition of Grit and Determination.
by FLA_Falcon on Aug 8, 2011 12:55 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 1 recs
Love it when autocorrect make me type stupid dumb.
by FLA_Falcon on Aug 8, 2011 12:56 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Apparently
Ronnie Brown took less to play specifically for the Eagles.
Ronnie
I was only using him as an example of an experienced, well rounded player that could have come on the cheap and be an upgrade over Snells. There were many others that signed with lesser ball clubs that could have done the job.
by FalconsFan721 on Aug 8, 2011 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Picture says that
Turner taps Snelling on head, I’m pretty sure that’s not turner
by Dirtybirdz90 on Aug 7, 2011 7:50 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
I'm gonna blame AP for that one
Since for once, I didn’t write the caption.
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by Caleb Rutherford on Aug 7, 2011 11:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Welcome back Jason Snelling!
Snelling is a great signing for couple of Reasons
1. He is Primary back up for Turner and Ovie. He did a great job as a bruising back in 2009 when Turner was banged up.
2. Snelling is excellent in Pass protection. Rodgers is a big unknown on 3rd Down Pass Protection though he can catch and run the ball. I rather have Snelling protecting Ryan if Rodgers is not totally familiar with Pass protection.
It's all about Process...
I don't get this
He did a great job as a bruising back in 2009 when Turner was banged up.
I’ve heard this pretty often recently, and I don’t agree. IF Snelling would have done a great job in 2009, the Falcons would have made the playoffs. Instead, Snelling had one great game (last game of the season) against the worst team in the league that year (the Bucs), and a handful of other pathetic or marginal efforts rushing the ball. Snelling is a marginal-to-average RB in the NFL. Which is why it makes no sense why he wouldn’t want to go to FB full-time. He could be an outstanding FB in the NFL, if not the best.
I don’t get why Falcons fans are so quick to romanticize Snelling and criticize Turner. With the former, the Falcons become a very average team, with the latter, the results are quite clear.
This isn’t directed at you Vishnu_Falcon, just something I’ve picked up on lately that I wanted to rant off.
We wouldn't have made the playoffs, no matter how well Snelling played
We were 5-5 when Turner went down in the middle of the TB game which we won. We would have had to win out and finish 11-5 to make the playoffs. The only losses we had in that time were the 2 games Matt Ryan missed, to the SB champion Saints and a blowout to the Eagles. Snelling’s play wasn’t going to win us either of those games. It was Ryan’s injury that was the reason we missed the playoffs, not Turners.
It's hard to win with your QB out, your RB out, and both struggling with injuries throughout the season
That year, it was just not meant to be. But we got the winning season, built momentum for last year, and now we just need to keep it going, get over the next ledge, and compete for the Super Bowl.
"He has lived up to the legendary billing... And the legend is born in Calvin Johnson!" -Wes Durham
by sportsfan4life2012 on Aug 7, 2011 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree to disagree
Here’s my case:
Turner actually went out beginning in the 2nd CAR game in which the Falcons lost. When Turner left (early in the 2nd Q, I believe), he had 9 carries for 111 yards. Snelling was in for the rest of the game needing 18 carries to accrue 61 yards. Turner went down which caused Ryan to press, leading to two INTs leading to a close loss, even though we outgained them in First Downs and Total Yards. That’s one game.
The next game Snelling was perfectly average needing 25 carries to gain 76 yards against the NYG. We end up losing a very close game in OT. That’s another.
That’s two, but there’s also the NO game, which was one of the closest games of the season in which Snelling got 37 yards.
I’m not saying he’s solely to blame, but I really do believe that a healthy Turner would have allowed the Falcons two more wins.
Remember Jason Elam!
He missed Field goals in Carolina game and Giants game. We would have won 3 more games if not for the kicker screwing up.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Aug 8, 2011 12:04 AM EDT up reply actions
/shivering
Don’t make me remember. If Turner’s in, there’s a good possibility those FGs are closer or possibly even TD drives.
Snelling<<Turner
That’s an accepted fact. The argument is that we would have been so much worse if Snelling wouldn’t have been there. He’s not great but he’s good enough to allow the offense a shot at staying in the game.
I forgot Turner went down against Carolina
He did come back though for Tampa and then finally went down for the season. You are right, having Turner would have probably made the difference in the NYG game and the NO game.
He would have fumbled the ball in the End Zone!
I will try not to write a Post here. In 2009 Turner agreed he was overweight and was not ready for the season. He had fumbling problems in 2009 esp in the Endzone. Here are some cumulative numbers from 2009 which include rushing and receiving yards.
Turner :
Total games with at least 9 Attempts :10
Total Attempts: 185 (178 Rush+7 Receiving)
Total Yards: 910 (875 Rushing+35 Receiving)
TD :10
Fumbles:4
100 Yard Games: 4 ( 2 Against CAR+1 Against WSH +1 Against NO)
100 yard Games total Yards: 552 (63 % of total yards)
Jason Snelling:
Total Games with at least 9 Attempts:10
Attempts: 176 (142 Rush+ 34 Receiving)
Yards: 873 (613 Rushing+260 Receiving)
TD :5
Fumbles:1
100 Yard Games: 1 ( Against TB )
100 yard Games total Yards: 552 (19 % of total yards)
Based on the numbers Snelling was more consistent than Turner in 2009. Also Snelling got most of his yards against tough teams like Dallas, NYG, NYJ except TB. Glad Turner came back in shape in 2010 and had better numbers, but my guess is Coaching staff would have been not happy with MT in 2009. Not bad for a backup Running Back who made 10 times less money than the starter.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Aug 8, 2011 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Good numbers
but they ignore trends for the sake of your argument. There’s no doubt that Turner came in to Camp out of shape. But look at the numbers he had started posting in the few weeks before his injury:
vs NO: 20 Carries, 151 yds
vs. WAS: 18 Carries, 166 yds
vs. CAR: 9 Carries, 111 yds
Turner was clearly starting to roll in the weeks leading up to his injury. Also, to say he had a fumbling issue is troublesome for a variety of reasons. Was it his career high for fumbles, yes, by one. Would he have locked it up for the rest of the season? I don’t know.
I also lack how you can say that Snelling was more consistent by looking at those numbers. The TD:Fumble ration is virtually identical (5:2 MT; 5:1 Snell). If by consistent you mean average for the entire year, yes perhaps. But as I state above, Turner was coming off spectacular performances and looked like a different back. I don’t see any reason to doubt that if Turner had remained healthy the Falcons couldn’t have won 2 more decisions.
We can Agree to Disagree.
Though you cant compare a back up with starter, in 2009 there wasn’t much difference between them. The teams rather have a guy who can give 80 yards every game than a player who runs 150 yards one game and lays an egg the next game. This is all moot point as Turner fixed this in 2010. Turner had 100+ yards game in the second game of the season against CAR and then disappeared against stronger teams. One way to look at it would be he had two back to back good games against weaker teams with exception of NO game. We would never know what could have happened against the elite defenses like Jets or Giants if Turner played.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Aug 8, 2011 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Turner had the best YPC
Of his Falcons career in ’09 at 4.9. He was starting to roll when he got injured.
But you ARE looking for average from your backup
Unless you have an embarrassment of depth you want your backup to be serviceable and that’s Snelling. No, he’s not gonna remind anyone of Barry Sanders but more often than not he’s not gonna embarass himself. In the Carolina game he only got the 61 yards rushing but also chipped in with 32 yards receiving. 93 yards from ur backup and a TD is not bad. The giants game, sure only 76 yards rushing but also two TD’s and 13 more yards thru the air. Earth shattering #‘s? No, but not bad. The “we coulda won the game if he showed up” argument could be used on Turner as well. Paltry showings against the pats and boys, 15/56&18/50 respectively. All that being said of course I’d rather have Turner in there the majority of the time but if MT goes down I’d rather have Snelling out there running MM’s patented run up the middle than GJ.
Damn Kmarch , you hit the nail on the head...
Don’t get me wrong, I like Snelling but he’s nothing to swoon over. I think we could’ve picked up any guy off the street to fill Snelling’s shoes. I know he adds depth and playbook knowledge but the way some people talk about him on these message boards, you’d think he healed lepers. Snelling is an average back at best and the other NFL teams showed him that this FA period. During his honeymoon, a little guy named Quizz opened up some eyes so now Snell is gonna have some competition for those 3rd down opportunities..
Agree about Snell
I coulda took him or left him. I honestly think as long as Turner stays healthy that him and Quizz will get the bulk of the action on the field. Snelling will come in for a few series a game to add another pass option or even come in with Quizz, and Snell blocks while Quizz runs out on a route. Other than that I dont see a lot of use for him, UNLESS Quizz is a bust OR Turner or Quizz go down with an Injury(knock on wood). BUT, I wil gladly take him for a one yr deal to give us depth at a position that is important, which will allow us to keep right on trucking even with an injury.
Due to the lockout, I think this season will resemble last year a lot. I think the teams that were good last year will be good again this year. there will be a suprise team or 2, but I think this year kinda follows last years script, except of course the team that wins the SB will be different, since our Falcons will finally take that last final step and bring home the Lombardi trophy to the dirty dirty!!
by ATLsince1972 on Aug 7, 2011 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions
No one is saying Snelling is better than Turner!
From the options we have he is the best option out there! Other RB would have worked in a normal season but its too late for some one to come and learn the offense,esp. pass protection on third downs. Rodgers would have been set if he had normal OTA.
It's all about Process...
by Vishnu_falcon on Aug 8, 2011 12:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Co-Sign
I think most people forget about the pass protection aspect, but it very important. That’s what keeps many rookie backs off the field on 3rd down. Glad to see Snelling back. He is a very versatile player who is solid as a runner, receiver, fullback, pass blocker, & special teams coverage guy.
by DaDirtiestBird23 on Aug 7, 2011 8:37 PM EDT reply actions
He blocks well on special teams too.
by DaDirtiestBird23 on Aug 7, 2011 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Coaching staff has already said Quizz has picked up the blitzes well in practice
and they could see him in the game on 3rd downs, in order to slip those blitz blocks for screens or check downs even.
" Ryan back to pass, He throws it long, he's going deep to Julio on his first snap! HE CAUGHT IT, HE CAUGHT IT! JJ's dragging the safety into the endzone with him! TOUCHDOWN FALCONS! TOUCHDOWN JULIO JONES!! HIS FIRST ONE IN THE NFL, AND I GOT A FEELING THE FIRST OF MANY MANY MORE TO COME FOLKS!! I GOTTA SAY IT FOLKS - JJ......... IS.......... DY - NO - MITE!!
by ATLsince1972 on Aug 8, 2011 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions
For all those not excited about this...
I need to remind you that our depth at the running back position would have been horrendous without him. We have more unknown’s behind Turner than known’s. Getting Snelling back gives the team some familiarity and allows the team to be more flexible with their packages. Even if Snelling isn’t a stud he’s still reliable and he brings several things to the table that we need.
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Hey head over to SB Nation Atlanta...It's not as scary as you think...
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by Grayson on Aug 7, 2011 9:04 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
agreed completely
No he aint spectacular, but without him on this team, our RB depth would have been horrible at #3 & 4, much less if an injury occured to MT or Quizz!!
" Ryan back to pass, He throws it long, he's going deep to Julio on his first snap! HE CAUGHT IT, HE CAUGHT IT! JJ's dragging the safety into the endzone with him! TOUCHDOWN FALCONS! TOUCHDOWN JULIO JONES!! HIS FIRST ONE IN THE NFL, AND I GOT A FEELING THE FIRST OF MANY MANY MORE TO COME FOLKS!! I GOTTA SAY IT FOLKS - JJ......... IS.......... DY - NO - MITE!!
by ATLsince1972 on Aug 8, 2011 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Jaso Snelling is back!
Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo etc.
by Turner_The_Burner on Aug 7, 2011 9:07 PM EDT reply actions
In defense of Snelling
I agree with most people in that Snelling is an average RB, but he’s the best of the available guys, especially for our offense. We run a ball control offense so it is very important for our primary RB to be
1. Durable 2. Consistent 3. Non-fumble prone
None of the other RB available on the market provide all of this better than Snelling. (Snelling averages 4.1 yards a carry and fumbles the ball 0.77% of the time – that is a ridiculously low rate btw)
The only drawback is that he isnt a breakaway threat which I’m willing to excuse of my backup.
The other point is that he is a good fullback which means he can credibly back up two positions (and two important positions in the falcons offense). That’s where his value lies. He is the best insurance policy we could find on the market for two positions without having to sign two guys. That’s why he is important.
We will find out Snelling’s true value only if one of Turner/Mughelli goes down. Lets hope it never comes down to that :)
If nothing else
Snelling is insurance. That’s what’s most important here. With Turner becoming a little injury prone, Snelling is a quality guy to step in. I’m happy with that. Who knows? What if Quizz goes down? Snell can step in. If Turner goes down? Snell can jump in. Even if Ovie goes down, Snell can jump in and block. That is Snelling’s value.
keep in mind
Turner had offseason surgery on his groin also. I have a feeling we are going to need big Snell.
possibly
KNOCK ON WOOD!! LOL
" Ryan back to pass, He throws it long, he's going deep to Julio on his first snap! HE CAUGHT IT, HE CAUGHT IT! JJ's dragging the safety into the endzone with him! TOUCHDOWN FALCONS! TOUCHDOWN JULIO JONES!! HIS FIRST ONE IN THE NFL, AND I GOT A FEELING THE FIRST OF MANY MANY MORE TO COME FOLKS!! I GOTTA SAY IT FOLKS - JJ......... IS.......... DY - NO - MITE!!
by ATLsince1972 on Aug 8, 2011 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions
CBS Rapid Reports
RB Jason Snelling was at practice Sunday, shortly after signing his contract. Coach Mike Smith said the competition will be fierce at RB. With RB Jacquizz Rodgers likely the "change-of-pace" back and RB Michael Turner in good form, Snelling’s playing time could be limited. Falcons RapidReports
Snelling could be going back to his very limited role that he saw when Turner and Norwood were both healthy. Still got to believe he’ll get around 7 carries a game, though.
I like him as a third down back option still
Rodgers can be change of pace back I just don’t want him to try to block anybody – I have beautiful images in my head of Michael Turner blocking Ray Lewis and I know that the outcome of that play would have been a lot different if it was Jacquizz Vs. Ray Lewis….. I’m just sayin’
know what you believe in and why you believe in it
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