Michael Turner Tore Groin Muscles in 2010/2011

Michael Turner's best seasons are behind him. But he's fresh, having logged only 222 carries this year. His freshness should have a direct effect on his efficiency in the playoffs - at least we hope it will.

By the way, he doesn't have a torn groin this year. Say what?!

In first-year coordinator Dirk Koetter’s offense, the Falcons don’t use the power run game like they have in the past. But that means Turner is fresher, both by circumstances and by design.

“I tore my groin the last two years, one side one year, the other side the next year,” Turner said. “So I don’t have those problems coming into this year. I’m good.”

This puts fan perspective in perspective.

We think we understand what players are going through, and we judge them accordingly. I can't speak for all of you, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't frustrated with Turner at times last year and in 2010 (especially at the tail end of those campaigns). Meanwhile, he's nursing torn groins, not complaining one bit; it wasn't public knowledge, because he played through those injuries. Color me impressed.

If this is his last season as a Falcon, it'd be nice to see him do well in the playoffs. Mike Smith will obviously favor a running back by committee approach, but Turner's role is still integral. I'm cautiously optimistic, though I've been let down before.

Your thoughts?