One Falcon To Watch: Michael Turner

by Dave Choate on Jan 1, 2012 8:01 AM EST in Falcons News

ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 07: Michael Turner #33 of the Atlanta Falcons rushes away from Geno Hayes #54 E.J. Biggers #31 and Stylez G. White #91 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Georgia Dome on November 7 2010 in Atlanta Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Atlanta Falcons have traditionally run the ball well, and time of possession is something they hang their hat on. Traditionally.

Toward the later parts of the current season, that run game took a backseat to the passing game. There are any number of reasons for this—we've speculated in the past—but one of them is that Michael Turner has been battling hard against a groin injury.

The Falcons would like to have him healthy, active and capable of contributing in a big way for the playoffs, so this will be the best opportunity to get him there. He's got a plum matchup ahead in the Buccaneers, who are 31st in the NFL against the run and incapable of slowing down a house plant with wheels.

If Turner can't get it done in this game—and it may be a small snapshot, because the Falcons may pull their starters in the second half or even earlier—it's time to start worrying. Whether it's scheme, his injury, the blocking or some combination of the three, it must be addressed before the playoffs. Hopefully he'll just run for 100 yards on five carries and call it a day.

That's my player to watch. Who's yours?

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to be perfectly honest

I’m hoping that the Falcons rest turner today. If, as you say, the Bucs are porous on run defense, we should be able to get by with a mix of Snelling and Rodgers.

by atlien698 on Jan 1, 2012 8:21 AM EST via iPhone app reply actions

Amen

by drmondo667 on Jan 1, 2012 11:58 AM EST up reply actions

Rojohombre

by YokoFalcon on Jan 1, 2012 8:27 AM EST reply actions

If the Packers win, keep the starters in there until the final whistle

Need some momentum headed into the playoffs. If the Lions win, I’d say give Ryan the single season pass record then get everyone out there. Put Mike Cox at left tackle or right guard just to see if things can improve. I’m only half kidding.

Be sure to check out this week's Best Case/Worst Case article here.

Follow me on Twitter! @HarrisonN17

by Turner_The_Burner on Jan 1, 2012 8:31 AM EST reply actions

Turner needs to sit this one out

Tampa has a HORRIBLE run defense and we should still be effective on the ground with a combo of Snelling and Quizz. Its obvious that the groin injury is bothering Turner. We need him more for the playoffs than this game.

by leonw92 on Jan 1, 2012 12:04 PM EST up reply actions

I actually have two to watch

1) Dunta “burn me deep” Robinson – has been a let down in my opinion, and I want to see him shut someone down instead of being the weak corner.

2) Thomas “I like to dance more than be in position” DeCoud – I would like to see a stellar performance from him. The best game he has played is the one he came back to after being benched. Since then, it’s returned to normal.

In my opinion, these two guys (+ scheme) is the reason our pass defense suffers. But heck, you know what they say about opinions right? They’re like a$$ho1es, everybody has one.

Boy I hope Green Bay wins and we put a whoopin on Tamba Bay. We owe them for the whoopin they put on us game 3. 48-3 would be really nice.

by FalconsFansincePrimetime on Jan 1, 2012 8:57 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Watching Turner?

Watch him do what? Sit and rest on the sidelines? That would be nice. But, they will probably play him the full game so he wont be rested and healed for the playoffs.

Dont cloud the issue with facts!

by muuzilla on Jan 1, 2012 9:14 AM EST reply actions

I'm watching the Packer's starters...

how long they play likely determines how long ours do.

by tylerj19 on Jan 1, 2012 9:34 AM EST reply actions

Hooefully J. Rodgers 22

Finally going to the game this weekend, and to top it off, my throwback #22 jersey FINALLY showed up yesterday. It would be nice if they repay me by playing the guy a little.

by FalconfanPhil on Jan 1, 2012 11:09 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Looks like we are going to be 6 seed

A. Rogers is not playing.

by FalconsATL on Jan 1, 2012 11:40 AM EST reply actions

Matt Flynn is more than capable

of beating the Lions.

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Jan 1, 2012 11:42 AM EST up reply actions

Oh okay.

He also has more to play for, as he is a FA next year.

by FalconsATL on Jan 1, 2012 12:03 PM EST up reply actions

Harry Douglas (again!) and MM....again

In spite or writing for the last few weeks that Harry would leave I’m really starting to believe that this may be his last home game. After he toasted the Saints in the first matchup he was forgotten last week. Which brings me to how often he’s forgotten and that goes to MM whom I wish would be the guy on the way out. Sixteen points against the Saints??

A word to the wise ain't necessary - it's the stupid ones that need the advice.

by FrozenFinger on Jan 1, 2012 11:41 AM EST reply actions

Agreed. If MM stays, I believe HD will leave for another team

HD is still young and I’m sure he wants a chance to play. As long as MM is here, WR3 is obsolete. I have a good feeling HD walks if MM is the OC next year.

by leonw92 on Jan 1, 2012 12:00 PM EST up reply actions