Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner has been a workhorse since coming over from the San Diego Chargers in 2008. This season, Turner is going to have a lighter load, says Falcons head coach Mike Smith.
Falcons’ Michael Turner Will See Lighter Load This Year
Smith was on WCNN in Atlanta discussing his team’s 2012 season when asked about Turner. From the transcript at Sports Radio Interviews:
“I don’t envision that Turner will have over 300 carries this season. I think it’s too much. When you multiply that, 3 out of 4 years, we need to reduce his workload. There are different ways [to spread the ball around]. We need to distribute the touches more evenly and not have one guy have over 300 touches.”
That will mean more work for running backs Jason Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers. The pair combined for 101 carries last season versus 301 for Turner. Running backs typically start to decline around age 30.
Turner averaged 4.5 yards per carry last season, the best mark on the team. However, he failed to average over 4 yards per carry in five of the Falcons’ last six games last season.
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