Look-alike Players: Sproles v. Washington v. Norwood

[karmarooster 0]

Sorry to steal your thunder, Fumbleweed, but I've been thinking about this one and hope you don't mind.

 

I think these guys could turn out to be a useful RB3/Flex in PPR this year. Sproles and Washington are behind aging starters, Tomlinson and TJones, while Norwood is behind Turner who isn't old but had ALOT of carries last year. all are undersized, and excellent receivers, and can break a long TD. Here are some stats from last year:

• Leon Washington - 76 rushes, 448 yards (5.9 YPC), 47 receptions, 355 yards (7.6 YPC), 9 TDs (6 rushing, 2 receiving, 1 KR)
  
• Darren Sproles - 61 rushes, 331 yards (5.4 YPC), 29 receptions, 342 yards (11.8 YPC), 7 TDs (1 rushing, 5 receiving, 1 KR)
  
• Jerious Norwood - 94 rushes, 489 yards (5.2 YPC), 36 receptions, 398 yards (9.4 YPC), 6 TDs (4 rushing, 2 receiving)
  

However Sproles also had some good stats in the playoffs: 33 rushes, 120 yards, 10 receptions, 136 yards, 3 total TDs. Norwood didn't do much in his playoff game.

 

Since Tomlinson, TJones, and Turner are pretty important for any discussion about Sproles and Washington, here are the number of carries for them last year:

• Tomlinson 292 carries, 52 receptions = 318 f/carries, 30 years old when season begins
  
• TJones 290 carries, 36 receptions = 308 f/carries, 31 years old when season begins
  
• Turner 377 carries, 6 receptions = 380 f/carries (plus another 18 in the playoffs, so really 398)
  

Also, Washington = 5'8", 200 pounds, Sproles = 5'6", 181 pounds, Norwood = 5'11'', 200 pounds

 

Now, i'm not looking for them to become an every-down RB. That's not necessary or even good for them. but which one do you think is more likely to get 10 carries, 5 receptions, and around 100 total yards every game? That's around 15 points for PPR. if they go for a TD either rushing, receiving, or on special teams, that puts you over 20 points. Not a bad Flex RB, esp. during bye weeks.

 

Here's my 2 cents... Washington is limited by the fact that the Jets drafted Shonn Green to make a three headed RBBC. The Jets should run the ball plenty with Sanchez under center (like last years Falcons) but i think all 3 RBs will be involved, thus limiting his value.

 

I think Turner is the biggest injury risk because of the number of carries last year, but unless that happens i don't think Norwood as much value. Norwood had the most carries last year, but i don't expect Atlanta to run as much this year because of Matt Ryan's improvement.

 

The chargers stubbornly stuck to an ineffective LT last year forever, before finally realizing how good Sproles was in week 17 and the playoffs. Next year i think Sproles will be used to eat up chunks of yardage between the 20s, then Tomlinson will take over in the redzone. So my vote goes: 1. Sproles, 2. Washington, 3. Norwood

 

What say you?

[stonewall 647]

It is between Sproles and Washington for me. However, like you, I give the nod to Sproles. The kid seems ready to explode, and LT is wearing down fast and, besides being a injury risk, he seems to take himself out of the game these days about every 2 to 3 plays.

 

Washington is a tough and fast little hombre and I like him, but I also see him losing some carries with Green in town.....while Sproles carries and receptions should increase.

[Gepetto 1,318]

Norwood...because...he's the greatest football player ever.

[MTSkiBum 1,620]

My boy, Leon Washington,

 

 

I am not scared about Shonn Green, i think that Washington has the talent to beat out Green.

[KSB2424 3,148]

Sorry to steal your thunder, Fumbleweed, but I've been thinking about this one and hope you don't mind.

Yes we mind. Know your role. Delete this thread if you have any dignity.

[kutulu 1,664]

2nd worst threesome ever, next to the lemon party.

[Patoons 0]

I still think Washington is Westbrook-lite. He's my pick here.

 

Greene will pound it out, but still love Washington's running/catching ability. He will most definitely benefit from the coaching change. This is the year it needs to happen though. If it doesn't he's getting up there and he's window of opportunity will soon pass.

[Dr Hook 6]

I went Sproles. Seeing what he can do only helps him this year. They have to give hime the ball on a regular basis and I do not think teams can stop him. He is so small they can't see him so they can't stop him.

[the_risen_demon 0]

My vote is for Washington. While he's neither tall nor heavy, his height:weight ratio makes me think that he would hold up the best in an expanded role. He's got good vision and is a patient runner, and the Jets seem to have some measure of faith in him, if working to resign Washington while ignoring Jones' demands is any indication.

[Fumbleweed 518]

Sorry to steal your thunder, Fumbleweed, but I've been thinking about this one and hope you don't mind.

 

I don't have a patent on this...glad you posted it...good job!