Michael Turner hasn’t had a great week, but he’s still needed
Michael Turner's job is to break tackles, not get tackled. (AP photo by John Bazemore)
Flowery Branch – A lot of folks are down on Michael Turner. He’s averaging 2.6 yards per carry, which means if you handed him the ball four times in a row he’d make a first down, but you’d need a measurement to prove it. He also managed to sully one of the sweeter moments this franchise has lately known by getting arrested for DUI on the way home.
Comments left on AJC.com blogs suggest that Turner should be benched, cut or traded within the next half-hour, but none of the above is up to happen anytime soon. Because the Falcons, like it or not, still need Michael Turner.
Their offense is changing, yes, but it isn’t changing so much that it will have no further use for yards rushing. On the contrary, the more you throw — and the Falcons under Dirk Koetter have and will throw more than they did under Mike Mularkey — the greater the opportunity is to run. We saw it happen Monday night: The Falcons deployed five defensive backs on nearly every snap to counter Peyton Manning, and Willis McGahee ran for 113 yards.
Defenses will do the same against the Falcons’ offense. Heck, they’re doing it already. “That’s one of the things that happens when you put that personnel group [three wide receivers] on the field,” quarterback Matt Ryan said Wednesday. “You spread out the secondary. That’s something we plan for, something we look to exploit.”
To date, they haven’t. The Falcons are tied for 26th in the 32-team NFL in yards rushing. (Meanwhile, Ryan leads the league in passing efficiency.) To their credit, they’re 2-0. But Victory No. 2 was imperiled because the Falcons couldn’t do against Denver what coach Mike Smith insists his team must do, which is run the ball when it needs to be run.
Up 27-14 with 11:48 remaining, the ideal would have been to hand the ball to Turner and let him pound. The Falcons handed it to him on first and saw him gain a yard. On their next possession, they tried the same tack and saw him gain three yards. With 3:25 left and the lead down to six points, the Falcons handed it to Turner twice. He gained four yards on first down, one yard on second. If not for Ryan’s nerveless third-down completion to Julio Jones, this sweet franchise moment might have become just another Falcons whiff.
Some will put the blame on Koetter/Smith for Getting Too Conservative With A Lead, but that’s the way of the neo-NFL: You throw to get ahead and run to stay there. If you keep throwing it every down when you’re in front, you don’t burn the clock and you run the risk of getting intercepted and blowing your lead. But if the Falcons can’t line up and push somebody backward when circumstances mandate, they’re going to blow some leads that way.
No, the lack of a running game isn’t all Turner’s fault. Backups Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling totaled a whopping five yards on four carries, and there didn’t seem to be many holes until Turner popped the clinching 15-yarder on the night’s final handoff. To that point, the longest gain by a Falcon had been a 7-yard Ryan scramble.
Said Ryan: “We need to keep chipping away. We’re close.”
Also this: “[Running the ball] is something we want to do better. But it’s early.”
Then, speaking of Turner: “He’s proven he can do it. He’s consistent.”
Over his first four seasons here, Turner averaged 1,320 yards on 4.4 yards per carry. Through two games he has 74 yards. The Falcons hinted over the offseason that they wanted the big man, who’s 30, to accept a slightly lesser role, but doing less isn’t the same as doing nothing. He’s still the feature back. (Rodgers hasn’t proved he can run between the tackles, and Snelling is a career backup.) He’s still the Falcon most apt to get the toughest yards.
Addressing the media for the first time since his arrest, Turner apologized to the organization and to fans and expressed what sounded like sincere contrition. “It was a bad decision on my part,” he said, and then: “I don’t think anybody is more disappointed than I am.”
Michael Turner can’t take back the hours that led to his early-morning arrest, but he can show that there’s still spring in those massive legs. Even this Koetting-edge (sorry, couldn’t resist) offense will have moments when it needs the Burner to churn. He doesn’t have to gain 1,000 yards anymore; he just has to bang out the necessary ones. Like it or not, no other Falcon can do what he does.
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175 comments Add your comment
NC Dawg
September 19th, 2012
4:37 pm
First!
Steve
September 19th, 2012
4:47 pm
I can’t believe people still get excited about being “first.” Rather sad.
Paul
September 19th, 2012
4:49 pm
Superior pun in that last paragraph, Mr. Bradley.
GTT
September 19th, 2012
4:49 pm
One hundred yard games will make people forget all about it Michael. Get on it.
GTT
September 19th, 2012
4:50 pm
It’ll be a sad day when people no longer get excited about finishing first.
P B Orr
September 19th, 2012
4:53 pm
He’s a normal young man who had some drinks at a “gentleman’s club”. Big deal! The bad thing to me is driving 100. The police report stated he wasn’t drunk. It’s a stupid law that is basically a form of passive prohibition, and it doesn’t stop REAL drunks from driving and killing people. If you want DUI to stop, then either make a real prohibition and live with it (fat chance), or fit all cars with alcohol interlocks (doable and smart). As it stands, it’s just pure hypocrisy and random fate. Many pillars of respectability drive technically “drunk” every day.
As for Turner? He had 1300+ yards last year. He’s a huge part of the offense. He’s a good dude. Cut him some slack.
Mark Bradley
September 19th, 2012
4:56 pm
Kudos, NC.
Newspaperman
September 19th, 2012
4:57 pm
…said the guy who didn’t post first.
BURN!
P B Orr
September 19th, 2012
5:01 pm
He may have earned a new nickname – “Magic Mike”
Hot err
September 19th, 2012
5:10 pm
The burner is burnt out. His gut is a disgrace to athletes everywhere.
Grace
September 19th, 2012
5:13 pm
P B Orr >>> he blew 0.19. Legal limit is 0.08 … that’s a lot more than “technically drunk”. Would you want someone who had 5 glass-sized shots driving next to your wife or daughter or mother? Doubtful.
Look, Falcons players have managed to keep their noses clean for several years. Mr. Blank, Smitty & Thomas haven’t had to make this type of decision in awhile. Do you do what’s best for the winning percentage, or do you do what’s best for the community? Tough questions.
As a Falcons fan, I hope Mr Turner is on the field and RUNNING again, but as a member of this community, I hope his behavior isn’t condoned.
Jt
September 19th, 2012
5:14 pm
Doesn’t take long to forget does it Mark? When he joined the Falcons and led them to a 13-3 record it was hailed as one of the greatest FA signings. Now a few years later and fans are ready to kick him to the curb. If you do that, you better have an option that is just as good and they do not. Yes, rodgers is quick and has potential, and Snelling seems to run north and south and can catch the ball out of the backfield. But just when you are about frustrated with Turner, he breaks off 12 to 15 yards. Too often it looks like he is running in mud- not sure whether that is waiting for a hole to open up that hasn’t or if he is slowing down from lack of conditioning or taking a beating over the years. But again, what are the other options? None. He has been a model citizen since he arrived- he messed up. I would hope that if the Falcons benched him it would be from a prolonged lack of production not because he made a bonehead decision one time- who knows? Maybe I will make a bonehead decision one day. Nah, I doubt it. I have used all mine up already
Don Waddell
September 19th, 2012
5:18 pm
It’s too bad he can’t move that fast on the field. Maybe he would if the Falcons got him liquored up and got some talent in his face before kick-off.
Doodaddy
September 19th, 2012
5:25 pm
PB Orr – well said.
I wonder how some of these posters deal with it when they make a mistake. Thank goodness no one was hurt, except Mr. Turner and hopefully he will grow and be a better person for his mistake. Give him some slack and quit with the judgment already.
Greg
September 19th, 2012
5:40 pm
Turner = has been an average NFL back for a long time, but is now struggling to hold that position against becoming a below-average NFL back. I don’t see much upside for him. Our inability to run the ball will hurt us repeatedly this season.
P B Orr
September 19th, 2012
5:47 pm
Grace, it’s .109 – .11 rounded off. The legal limit was once .15, and THAT was too low. A person who is not a beginner is fully functional up to .15. It’s .08 now because Republican baptists and Democrat nannies make the laws. There were perfectly good drunk driving laws before. They came into effect when the driver was actually drunk, not when some stupid arbitrary chemical test says he is. The real danger to your kids and others are people who can’t drive stone sober. The Atlanta roads are stuffed to the curbs with these.
The stupid thing Turner did was to drive nearly 100 miles per hour on city roads. That should cost him his license for a year, not his slurping a few shots with the hotties.
The Mighty Quinn
September 19th, 2012
6:04 pm
At least it was the night AFTER the big game and not the night BEFORE the Super Bowl…like some Falcons past.
Billyho55
September 19th, 2012
6:08 pm
I HAVE MADE MY FAIR SHARE OF MISTAKES IN MY LIFE, NO DOUBT! BUT, TO BASICALLY SAY, OH, WHO CARES, HE WAS JUST WITH THE LADIES IS JUST PLAIN LUDACRIS AND UNREASONABLE! IF YOU ASK ME THE PUNISHMENT FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE IS WAYYYYYY TO LENIENT! THAT ACT IS ONE OF THE MOST SELFISH ONE CAN UNDERTAKE! YOU ARE PUTTING OTHERS’ LIVES AT RISK WHEN YOU GET BEHIND THE WHEEL INEBRIATED! YOU COULD END SOMEONES LIFE WITH THAT KIND OF ACTION AND ALL YOU GET IS A MISDEMEANOR AND SOME COMMUNITY SERVICE! ANYONE WHO CAN DEFEND THIS ACTION IS COMPLETELY IGNORANT!
Magic City
September 19th, 2012
6:13 pm
Rise Up!
Barry
September 19th, 2012
6:19 pm
HEY Y’ALL :
THE “PROCESS” FOR OUR 2012 DRIVE TO THE SUPER BOWL IIS STILL EVOLVING INTO SOMETHING REAL “EXPLOSIVE”, HOWEVER, SOME THINGS NEED TO BE TWEEKED ALONG THE WAY. FIRST, THE RUNNING GAME. FOR TWO GAMES THE RUNNING GAME STAGNANT. IT IS NOT DUE TO THE RUNBING BACKS BUT THE LINEMEN. THEY ARE NOT MOVING PEOPLE TO OPEN HOLES. REMEMBER, AS A GROUP, THESE ARE THE SAME LINEMEN THAT COULD NOT MOVE AN INCH FOR A FIRST DOWN AGAINST THE SAINTS. AND WE DO REMEMBER WHAT THEY DID AGAINST THE GIANTS. THEY SLMOST COULD NOT MOVE PEOPLE ON THE GOAL LINE AGAINST THE BRONCOS. THEY CAN PASS BLOCK BUT THEY CAN’T. RUN BLOCK. WE NEED BIG. LINEMEN THST CAN DO BOTH. THAT IS WHY WE DRAFTED SOME “BIG NASTIES” IN THE DRAFT. IT IS ALNOST THESE ROOKIES TIME TO SHOW UP AND SHOW OUT IF THESE VETS COBTINUE TO NOT NOVE THE MEN IN FRONT OF THEM OB RUNNING PLAYS,SINCE WE ARE NOT RUNNING MY PREFERENCE “THE ZONE RUN BLOCKING SCHEME”. WE GOT TO GET
PROFESSINAL LINEMEN THAT ARE PRIMIER AT THAT THEIR GAME IN BOTH RUN AND PASS BLOCKING.
IF THE FILN SHOW SOME OF THE VETS CAN’T. DO BOTH, IT’S TIME TO GIVE THE ROOKS A CHANCE. THAT’S THE ONLY WAY WE CAN ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE UP FRONT AND IMPROVE THE PSSSING AND THE RUNNING GAME. WE NEED TO REVIEW SND FIX THIS IN “ONE HEARTBEAT!!”.
GO FALCONS. THE “PROCESS” CONTINUES.
“FALCONS,RISE UP!! WE”RISE UP!” IN ONE HEARTBEAT!!!
SSSSSSSSSHHHHHH!!!
This is a SECRET from a FALCON FAN.TELLL EVERYBODY! !!
……………”ONE HEARTBEAT, BABY!!!……
Joe Falcon
September 19th, 2012
6:24 pm
Hard to believe that some moron is blaming “Republicans and Baptists” for Turners actions…obviously, personal responsibility is a concept that is wayyyyyy over the heads of stupid people.
Billyho55
September 19th, 2012
6:33 pm
Joe Falcon,
VERY WISE MAN INDEED! SOME PEOPLE JUST DON’T “GET IT” AND NEVER WILL!
loel
September 19th, 2012
6:37 pm
Yea Bradley, we need him. He would be good for the play where we “take a knee”
We gain about a much taking a knee as he does carring the ball.
Billyho55
September 19th, 2012
6:38 pm
Barry,
TELL ME ABOUT BROTHER! TELL ME ABOUT IT!
Name Changed to Avoid Moderation
September 19th, 2012
6:46 pm
Cut him now. He is a bad influence and can’t run the ball anymore.
Cut, Cut, Cut
Not what the Falcons need now.
Name Changed to Avoid Moderation
September 19th, 2012
6:47 pm
Oh, and you guys with the caps lock on…knock it off!
moboman
September 19th, 2012
6:50 pm
Lose 20 pounds and we might see the resurgence of Turner. He just needs to shed those cinderblock cleats hes wearing. The Burner needs to shed some ballast. He used to have a burst of speed once he broke the line. Nothing but a plodder now. 20 pounds off would do wonders.
Hillbilly D
September 19th, 2012
6:51 pm
In my opinion, Turner is slow hitting the hole (when one is there) and he has been for a couple years now. He’s a once good back who’s getting old, in football terms.
JSS
September 19th, 2012
6:53 pm
Harpy Barry sighting! It’s a drinking game!
No excuse for Turner’s DUI…
Turner is a weapon that they have not learned to reuse… Ever since Houston stuffed the Falcons running game, he’s been an afterthought… As Hillbilly D has so eloquently said since 2006, the team is not really interested in doing the real work to maximize a running game (or a player like Turner). It is an investment in real talent… Otherwise, it is like parking a 30,000 pound stream roller on 30 degree incline and expecting it to work efficiently… That is such a waste…
Billyho55
September 19th, 2012
6:55 pm
Mr. Bradley,
I JUST WANTED TO PERSONALLY THANK YOU FOR THE COVERAGE OF THE GAME MONDAY NIGHT! I’M SURE IT IS A THANKLESS JOB IN MANY FACETS! WHAT YOU DO FOR THIS CITY SHOULD NEVER GO UNRECOGNIZED! I’M SURE MANY ATLIENS AGREE WITH ME ON THIS!
Billyho55
September 19th, 2012
7:03 pm
IT’S AMAZING HOW SOMETHING SO SMALL LIKE CAPS LOCK ON CAN IRRITATE SOME PEOPLE! THESE BLOGS ARE MEANT FOR ENJOYMENT AND TO GET AWAY FROM THE DAILY GRIND, SO TO SPEAK! I’M SORRY IF IT OFFENDS BUT YOU KNOW WHAT, LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO WORRY ABOUT THINGS SO MINUTE! I DON’T, AND NEVER WILL CRITICIZE THE METHOD OF COMMENTING ON THESE BLOGS SO WHY ARE YOU?
Getaway
September 19th, 2012
7:16 pm
PB Orr didn’t blame Rebublicans and Baptists for Turner’s indiscretion, he blamed them setting for a ridiculously low blood alchol level for establishing impairment. I don’t know if it was really the republicans or not but I agree that the level is too low.
You can have one 16 oz beer with your buddies on your way home from work and blow .08. I don’t know about you, but one beer doesn’t impair my abilities in the slightest and certainly doesn’t quailify me as drunk.
Denver Falcon
September 19th, 2012
7:20 pm
it’s not the caps lock on that irritates some people – it’s spelling a word “ludacris”…
Getaway
September 19th, 2012
7:20 pm
Because ALL CAPS means you’re yelling. It’s an etiquette thing.
Mrs. Jones the grammar teacher
September 19th, 2012
7:25 pm
life’s not just about rap music, fellas…. in adult communication it’s actually spelled ‘LUDICROUS”….
Getaway
September 19th, 2012
7:26 pm
But it’s okay when Barry does it. He means well.
hee hee
September 19th, 2012
7:28 pm
New Falcons slogan…..”Bottoms Up”
Billyho55
September 19th, 2012
7:32 pm
SORRY FELLAS IF YOU COULDN’T UNDERSTAND THE PUN THAT WAS INTENDED! I KNOW HOW TO SPELL LUDICROUS, JUST TRYING TO HAVE A LITTLE FUN GUYS, BEEN A LONG DAY! BY THE WAY, I HATE RAP!
P B Orr
September 19th, 2012
7:34 pm
This is what I don’t get. People are complaining about Turner being done. Koetter is loser. No, Koetter is an offensive genius. Peyton is HOF bound. Wait, Peyton has a weak arm. Romo is great. Wait. He actually still sucks.
What is it with all this fear and panic? Are we all hyperactives? Is fantasy football responsible? The Falcons do not have a “cutting edge” offense. They have what every other NFL team has – an offense that works if you execute the plays on the chalkboard. Part of that is running. We’re gonna need a running game. Turner is averaging 1300 per year. See the connection?
Billyho55
September 19th, 2012
7:38 pm
Mrs. Jones,
IN ADULT LIFE WE DON’T CRITICIZE UNTIL WE KNOW ALL THE FACTS! YOU ARE ASS-SUMING SWEETHEART!
Billyho55
September 19th, 2012
7:40 pm
THE LEVEL OF ARROGANCE THAT IS PORTRAYED ON HERE AT TIMES IS BEYOND ME!
Billyho55
September 19th, 2012
8:00 pm
PB Orr,
WE HAVE HAD OUR LITTLE SPATS HERE AND THERE BUT WHEN A MAN IS RIGHT I HAVE TO ACKNOWLEDGE HIM! YOU COULDN’T BE ANY TRUER!
oldfart
September 19th, 2012
8:04 pm
Schlitz happens. I will leave his punishment for that to the judges, whether appointed by self or otherwise.
I have more of a problem with his takeoffs the last couple of seasons reminding me of an old steam locomotive leaving the station with too much weight in the caboose.
JSS
September 19th, 2012
8:17 pm
Barry is a Harpy…
Norwegian Blue
September 19th, 2012
8:21 pm
PB Orr- THANK YOU for telling it like it is. It is insane to arrest someone for 0.109 BAC (which by all reasonable standards is not remotely “drunk”), but driving 97 mph is a whole ‘nother matter. For my part, I hope this incident does prompt Turner to re-dedicate himself to football. As Bradley (correctly) states, the Falcons need him.
dawgsfan1990
September 19th, 2012
8:23 pm
it’s kind of funny ya’ll arguing over whether what he blew made him technically drunk or not since he refused to take a breathalyzer test…
Hillbilly D
September 19th, 2012
8:26 pm
Just for general info, does Georgia still have an implied consent law?
GTPhenom
September 19th, 2012
8:28 pm
The law states that if you blow anything higher than a .08 for your BAC, you are guilty of a DUI. You can’t just excuse Turner’s actions because you are of the opinion, rightly or wrongly, that this law is too harsh. That is besides the point. If he’s foolish enough to drink enough to go over the legal limit, and then drive, then he deserves whatever punishment comes his way. And he deserves even more for going 100 mph while drunk. I don’t particularly care one way or the other what the Falcons do with him, but as long as he gets his just desserts from the law, do what you will. But acting like it’s “no big deal” to be drunk and driving is inane and stupid.
JSS
September 19th, 2012
8:39 pm
@ Hillbilly…
You can decline a field test, but the law was changed to a form of self-incrimination law… You declined so they charge you with suspicion of DUI. You’re arrested and they can get a blood alcohol test instead…
Mel inda Moon
September 19th, 2012
8:44 pm
MT is still a threat based on his cumulative yards total even as of today. With him in the backfield it gives 7 the Playfake the O requires for “matriculating” the ball downfield ( homage to Steve Sabol)…If the CBA doesn’t allow for the club to impose a penalty, I don’t care one way or the other…
Najeh Davenpoop
September 19th, 2012
8:45 pm
You would think a professional football player would invest in a radar detector, if not a personal driver. I can’t say I haven’t driven at 90 on that stretch of 85 before, but never while drunk and never without a radar detector.
Turner would be a lot less needed if Jacquizz Rodgers was above average at any aspect of the game. Rodgers has been hyped up like he’s the next Jerious Norwood without the injuries, but so far he hasn’t come close to showing it.
Jaded
September 19th, 2012
8:45 pm
I agree we need more production from the running game, I’m just not sure Turner is our best option anymore. The explosiveness he had in 2008 is long gone. The toll of ranking near the top of the league in carries the last two years has clearly caught up to him. I think Rodgers and Snelling are better backs at this point.
Najeh Davenpoop
September 19th, 2012
8:47 pm
Also, it isn’t Turner’s running ability that is the big problem (although that is also declining); it is that the Falcons have shifted to a pass-first approach and Turner can’t catch passes.
Snake Doc
September 19th, 2012
9:03 pm
Ignoranuses like Billyho and Barry don’t even know what the word etiquette means
Hillbilly D
September 19th, 2012
9:10 pm
JSS
Thanks. I was just curious. I was thinking back when I was a young whipper, refusal to take a test was considered admission of guilt, which seemed to fly in the face of the 5th Amendment but what do I know?
JSS
September 19th, 2012
9:16 pm
Must legislatures have carved out an exemption in the self-incrimination clause with a phrase saying you can challenge it in court… But of course, the science defeats challenge 97% of the time…
JSS
September 19th, 2012
9:16 pm
Oops “most”
Dom Perignon
September 19th, 2012
9:20 pm
If Turner was .10 after drinking for three hours, he likely had the equivalent of about 8 drinks during that time period, figuring for the amount of alcohol in a drink, time elapsed, and extrapolating the loss of some alcohol through breathing and other bodily functions. Now, if you want a guy that has had 8 shots of liquor driving 97 miles an hour next to you and your family on the interstate, more power to you, but I don’t. And, for those who don’t think he was impaired at that level, you may need to think about a treatment program yourself.
Hillbilly D
September 19th, 2012
9:21 pm
JSS
I don’t drink so this is all academic to me but I did use to work with a guy who had been a cop in Florida and he said he’d advise anybody against taking a field sobriety test (walking the line, etc). He said that if the guy says you failed that test, odds are you’d be convicted or at least arrested. He said the smart thing to do is ask for a blood test. For whatever that’s worth, of course if you’re guilty, it ain’t going to help.
Thump Thump
September 19th, 2012
9:22 pm
Barry is the ultimate Falcons fan. Love that guy.
We had better fix this running game and fast, because we can’t afford to live by the pass, especially with Julio inheriting Roddy’s dropsies.
Defense really surprised me. Haven’t seen something that impressive since the Gritz Blitz.
Norwegian Blue
September 19th, 2012
9:22 pm
GT Phenom- I agree he has to deal with the consequences (legal, professional, and personal) of his actions. I just appreciate PB Orr telling it like it is. Most people I know (lawyers, doctors, teachers, GT students, plumbers, and sportswriters), get behind a wheel at 0.08 BAC once a week, if not more often. So I don’t think Turner’s actions are outside the parameters of normal behavior. He just got caught… because he was going 97 mph, which is reckless, dangerous, and stupid.
Hillbilly D
September 19th, 2012
9:27 pm
Most people I know (lawyers, doctors, teachers, GT students, plumbers, and sportswriters), get behind a wheel at 0.08 BAC once a week, if not more often.
That’s a scary thought, even though there’s probably a lot of truth in it.
eric
September 19th, 2012
9:35 pm
P B Orr has it right. The legal drunk BAC limit of .08 is ridiculous and needs to be raised considerably. It’s just typical knee-jerk, paranoid sensationalism that has made such a low and arbitrary BAC level a crime. You really could say the same thing about most of our speed limits which are stupidly low and more often than not end up causing accidents rather than preventing them….
Getaway
September 19th, 2012
9:41 pm
Well, if someone blowing .08 or even .109 is drunk and frightens you so much (or fills you with self righteous indignation) you might want to stay home. There’s tens of thousands of bars and restaurants in the metro area filled to the brim every night with people having one or two drinks – just enough to blow .08 – and driving home, safely.
I’m not excusing the real drunks nor the dangerously reckless, just saying…
Hobbler
September 19th, 2012
9:43 pm
He still has the talent God gave him but he failed to rise up in the off season to lose weight and hard training to gain foot speed, quickness and hone his skills (i.e., like Ryan and others did). I think he has become complacent at where he is. I hope this is an awakening that will drive him to sacrifice to be the best he can be on and off the field. I think his actions/play the rest of the year will determine if we will be the NFL Champs or not.
Falconfan
September 19th, 2012
9:44 pm
The Burner is now the Tortoises…time to go!
Falconfan
September 19th, 2012
9:46 pm
Hillbilly D…I agree
Billyho55
September 19th, 2012
9:47 pm
Snake Doc,
ANYTIME, ANYWHERE BIG BOY!!!
mdcc
September 19th, 2012
9:49 pm
he was speeding faster than he can run. a wadhed up fat slow guy will not get you any where. never been a fan….
Billyho55
September 19th, 2012
9:50 pm
HOW’S THAT FOR ETIQUETTE!
mark
September 19th, 2012
9:52 pm
mae a trade go grab cj man he is tired of playing for the titans a 2 round pick would do it, i saw monday the holes where there is just that turner dosent have any burst left he looks old,fat and derpesed
techmule
September 19th, 2012
9:54 pm
why do we have this so be runningback Turner any how ?Has he show (you) he can get the job done?No he hasen” t plain and simple.He or you can”t blame the offense.You know he has those huge thighs that suppose to get them hard 5 or 6 yards a carry.He can not hit the (right) hole nor can he hit it fast enough either. Even if our offense average 330 lb a body he still wouldn”t get 3 yards a carry. Just think the ticket holders is paying this huge thigh want to be millons of dollars to gain just 2 yard a carry per game.Sure you could go back and find where he had a 100 or more yards in a (few)games and could count them a one hand.Those few was where there were busted plays and miss asignments he luck up on and got a 44 yard run ,cause you sure aint seen him run more than 50 yards and not get tackle.Give me some feed back on this mr.Mark so sports writter of the A.J.C.Why do we i meant (you) think we need him and give a us a good anwser.
Norwegian Blue
September 19th, 2012
9:56 pm
Yikes. That post makes me derpesed.
FalconJim
September 19th, 2012
10:05 pm
Yes, we need Turner, no doubt about it. And, I’m thinking he’s gonna want to “redeem” himself after his little fiasco. I’m willing to give him a second chance, myself (everybody deserves one, you know).
If he continues to timidly hit the hole like he has been so far this year, he probably won’t be around next year. But I’d still have to give him kudos for 4 good years, and time well served…
Billyho55
September 19th, 2012
10:08 pm
Snake Doc,
P.S. IT’S CALLED IGNORAMUSES GENIUS!
Fats Johnson
September 19th, 2012
10:15 pm
P B Orr is right. MT didn’t kill a bunch of people driving 100 mph so what is the problem?? It didn’t effect P B Orr so everything is good, right Orr??
DawgNole
September 19th, 2012
10:18 pm
Norwegian Blue
September 19th, 2012
9:56 pm
Yikes. That post makes me derpesed.
_______________________
So you’re “derpesed”??? Hello?
Doesn’t sound like an affliction I’d like to have.
I wonder
September 19th, 2012
10:22 pm
what would the response be if one of your children were to go out tomorrow and the bus driver could blow that so called Sissy reading that some have pointed to. I am sure folk would be upset that someone who should know better was drinking and driving there lil darlings around town.(Maybe even letting them hold the beer bag). But one of our fine sports hero’s gets out drinking well he was just doing what he does and its all ok right? I mean its not like he killed anyone … this time.
I dont care if he is on or off the team but that man needs to be sat down and spoke to about taking the lives of our loved ones in his drunk hands. If he dont care about his life or job what ever just dont take any of us with you when you go ,
Norwegian Blue
September 19th, 2012
10:23 pm
DawgNole- C’mon man! I was responding to mark @ 9:52…
Stumpknocker
September 19th, 2012
10:38 pm
The M Turner I saw Mon night didn’t look like a 1000 yd rusher………instead he looked old and slow.
MarkATL
September 19th, 2012
10:48 pm
I think Turner will come out being a better and more mature person after this. Don’t start trying to dismiss Turner yet. After all, we have SD coming up this week. And Turner did do a great job against his old team the last time ATL and SD played each other. So RISE UP FALCON FANS!!! WE WILL BE 3-0!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fred-D
September 19th, 2012
11:08 pm
People need to stop complaining about Turner. He is not going anywhere, although you can’t call him the “Burner” anymore, he is still the best running back we have. I believe the bigger issue is the poor run blocking. It’s hard to get satisfactory positive yardage when you constantly have to dodge defenders in the backfield, and it doesn’t help when your top back is not very elusive.
Fats Johnson
September 19th, 2012
11:12 pm
I wonder
September 19th, 2012
10:22 pm
Dm well said……. you jock sniffing goons making excuses for MT need to go reread what he posted
He could very well have killed himself and many innocent people driving like he did. Stand up Coach Smith and Man up and sit his Axx down . He has no respect for the public to do what he did. I am done
Mr. Dawg
September 19th, 2012
11:15 pm
I’m always amused by the people that post on these blogs that don’t know football. That’s why I like coming on and offering the voice of reason. Speaking candidly, I am a Compulsive Sports Genius. That being clarified, Turner made a mistake off the field. Hopefully it won’t happen again. I doubt it will. On the field, his line hasn’t given him room. As Mr. Bradley has pointed out, the other backs didn’t fair any better. Unless the Falcons can find a free agent RB that produces miracles, they have what they have and Coach Koetter has wisely taken what has been given to him.. Once Matty, Roddy, Julio, Gonzalez and Douglas prove they can’t be stopped – which they have so far, the running game will improve. Until then, I for one will take the victories. Not to mention, I LOVE THE DEFENSIVE SCHEME. GREAT JOB COACH NOLAN. GO FALCONS!!!!.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 19th, 2012
11:33 pm
CHOKE couldn’t blow his nose without Turner.
With that stout run defense by the Chargers, expect a lot more
Dunkin’ Donuts from CHOKE this weekend
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 19th, 2012
11:34 pm
Somebody please tell CHOKE the season does not end after the 1st round of the playoffs
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 19th, 2012
11:36 pm
I heard CHOKE tried to enlist in the Army but when they found out what “All He Can Be” they took a pass
Mr. Mustard
September 19th, 2012
11:37 pm
Question for Mark Bradley, or someone on the board.
For 42 years I have watched the NFL and I hear that defenses get tired on long drives.
If so, why isn’t the offense tired too?
Just wonder and truly cannot think of the reason myself.
Thanks and go Falcons!
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 19th, 2012
11:37 pm
And when he tried to enlist in the Navy, they said “Losing in the 1st round every year is not the adventure they had in mind.”
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
September 19th, 2012
11:39 pm
The Marines turned him down to, because when they told CHOKE “They Were Looking For a Few Good Men,” CHOKE referred them to Vick, Flacco & Brees
BigHittas
September 20th, 2012
12:00 am
As a fan, I don’t have any problems with Turner, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Dimitroff pull off a trade for a top RB.
BigHittas
September 20th, 2012
12:01 am
or sign a free agent, there’s plenty out there looking for work.
BigHittas
September 20th, 2012
12:03 am
dont know what happened to my first post, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see TD sign or trade for a new RB.
PaulieOldSchool
September 20th, 2012
12:17 am
Mark, good article as per usual. But I have 2 comments: we need a good offensive line so that it works whether we’re throwing or running the ball; and we need someone LIKE Turner, not necessarily Turner himself. To say he’s a shadow of his former self is not to tell even half the story. He’s lost way more than a step, he seems to be tentative and very slow to see any openings, no matter how few in number they are.
Mr. Mustard
September 20th, 2012
12:23 am
The “Amoeba Defense” – Two comments:
1) Great freaking idea, and it originated on the Falcons. The Falcons, the team that forgot how to throw a screen pass.
2) The Amoeba defense could not work without Dimitroff’s philosophy of athletic players who are versatile.
I don’t know how much we are paying Mike Nolan, but Arthur Blank needs to secure his services for the long term.
Still marveling at the fact that the Falcons actually created something excellent.
Dirty Bird does not count.
HAN
September 20th, 2012
1:49 am
I’d just say that Turner might have lost his swagger, but apparently sure has found his stagger!
JSS
September 20th, 2012
2:41 am
“The Amoeba Defense” – somewhere Jerry Tarkanian is searching for a mob lawyer to sue those trademark and copyright infringing Falcons! First they stole “Rise Up” from the Hawks and now they can’t even be original in naming a defense…
Dr. Warren
September 20th, 2012
2:48 am
Turner was a longtime backup before he came to the Falcons. Let’s try Snelling. The one time he started, I believe he ran for 150+ yards.
Samuel
September 20th, 2012
4:32 am
I think at the end of the day Michael Turner and the Falcons will be alright. The offense line has to open holes and when they can’t, Turner has to find one.
jdawg
September 20th, 2012
4:56 am
You say nobody can bring what Turner brings us. Snelling can…
t
September 20th, 2012
5:37 am
Grace of God he didn’t kill himself or my family coming back from the Falcons’ game!!!
Jim
September 20th, 2012
5:39 am
Speeders, aggressive drivers, and those who pull out in front of others and run lights and stop signs cause the wrecks, not the drivers who have been drinking. Get this: NHTSA counts it as an alcohol related accident if ANY occupant of any car involved in a wreck has had any alcohol. Kinda distorts the truth, right? Go to any auto body repair shop and you will see all those wrecked cars; 99% are caused by non-drinking drivers. We push alcohol and then slam a guy who has some drinks and drives. Make the money but bust the customer. Remember this too: that machine Turner was tested on it being phased out. It was made in the 90’s and will not be used shortly in Ga. It violate basic rules of forensic science per world renowned breath alcohol forensic scientists A.W. Jones and Kurt Dubowski. With the facts as reported Turner should be able to get this thing reduced or beat it at a trial, as that machine is not reliable and I’ll bet he looks and sounds fine on the video.
get real
September 20th, 2012
5:44 am
The guy was drained after just playing in the football game. The alcohol hit him harder than it would normally. He made a mistake. Why get rid of him? The Braves did that with Rafael Furcal. How did that work out? Furcal got a World Series ring in Saint Louis and we have been looking for a replacement ever since. Give Turner a break.
Esquire
September 20th, 2012
6:10 am
P B Orr
September 19th, 2012
4:53 pm
He’s a normal young man who had some drinks at a “gentleman’s club”. Big deal! The bad thing to me is driving 100. The police report stated he wasn’t drunk. It’s a stupid law that is basically a form of passive prohibition, and it doesn’t stop REAL drunks from driving and killing people. If you want DUI to stop, then either make a real prohibition and live with it (fat chance), or fit all cars with alcohol interlocks (doable and smart). As it stands, it’s just pure hypocrisy and random fate. Many pillars of respectability drive technically “drunk” every day.
****************************************************************
He wasn’t charged with being drunk, he was arrested for driving under the influence, which, as you sound like you are possibly not aware, is illegal in the State of Georgia. I didn’t read the police report and don’t need to to know it doesn’t state he wasn’t drunk. Actually, as I sit here and write, it has dawned on me that your post is to idiotic to even address and I am giving you way too much credence
Honey boy
September 20th, 2012
6:36 am
Its only Game 2 folks… Only 14 more!!! Lighten the hell up!! It’s not HOW it’s HOW many!!
Who cares? If I took a poll after game, oh say, 11, would any of you bleeding heart, reactionary so called fans even remember 2.2 yards per carry if they were 8-3? So leave it alone and enjoy the “W”!!!!
Esquire
September 20th, 2012
6:47 am
Jim
September 20th, 2012
5:39 am
Speeders, aggressive drivers, and those who pull out in front of others and run lights and stop signs cause the wrecks, not the drivers who have been drinking. Get this: NHTSA counts it as an alcohol related accident if ANY occupant of any car involved in a wreck has had any alcohol. Kinda distorts the truth, right? Go to any auto body repair shop and you will see all those wrecked cars; 99% are caused by non-drinking drivers. We push alcohol and then slam a guy who has some drinks and drives. Make the money but bust the customer. Remember this too: that machine Turner was tested on it being phased out. It was made in the 90’s and will not be used shortly in Ga. ***************************************************
Have another drink Jim. I thought P B Orr would get the stupid post of the day award but you are challenging for the top spot.
Your pronouncement “Get this: NHTSA counts it as an alcohol related accident if ANY occupant of any car involved in a wreck has had any alcohol.” TOTAL FICTION
Paddy
September 20th, 2012
6:53 am
PB Orr…….You are just another liberal that believes that personal responsibility is a thing of the past! Blame someone else, ‘thats the ticket’!
Esquire
September 20th, 2012
7:04 am
Grace
September 19th, 2012
5:13 pm
P B Orr >>> he blew 0.19. Legal limit is 0.08 …
****************************************************************
I read he blew .109………………..0.19 would mean Turner had 12 or more drinks
woeismesince66
September 20th, 2012
7:13 am
Turner can still run, maybe not as fast as in the past. I have’nt seen anyone do much in the run game.
That goes for the other backs as well as the offensive line. Even a premier back can run if the holes are’nt there. As for the dui and speeding, a real lack of judgement.
Jimmy Crack
September 20th, 2012
7:41 am
They have to give Mike a head of steam because defenses are grabbing his ankles at the line of scrimmage right after he gets the handoff, and then he’s toast. Maybe practice a direct snap to him. Turner could probably excel catching a short pass ON THE RUN but he just can’t stop to catch it or he has to start up momentum again.
Esquire
September 20th, 2012
7:48 am
Doodaddy
September 19th, 2012
5:25 pm
PB Orr – well said.
*********************************************************
Doodaddy, that’s right, jump right in there, a proponent for no personal accountability whatsoever. What do “hypocrisy and random fate” have to do with DUI (other than getting caught)?
“fit all cars with alcohol interlocks”? WOW, that’s brilliant. Though this may be a unique concept to you there are actually people who A) do not drink, and B) people who do not drink and drive
Esquire
September 20th, 2012
7:51 am
Greg
September 19th, 2012
5:40 pm
. Our inability to run the ball will hurt us repeatedly this season.
*******************************************************************
………………….and you can forget trying to go for it on 4th and inches unless you are willing to throw it
Esquire
September 20th, 2012
7:54 am
Jimmy Crack
September 20th, 2012
7:41 am
.”catching a short pass ON THE RUN but he just can’t stop to catch it or he has to start up momentum again.
********************************************************
made me chuckle
Ex-Falcons Fan
September 20th, 2012
8:05 am
Since when did the NFL become a part of our legal system. He broke the law and should be dealt with accordingly. It has absolutely nothing to do with football. Anyone who did what he did should face legal consequences. The NFL should become involved only if it impacts his obligation to them.
These are athletes, not politicians, doctors, or teachers. They are not in a position of trust. their personal life is their own to guide. Like any other entertainer. It is too bad that we dont hold our politicians to such high standards.
Esquire
September 20th, 2012
8:07 am
Norwegian Blue
September 19th, 2012
8:21 pm
It is insane to arrest someone for 0.109 BAC (which by all reasonable standards is not remotely “drunk”),
*************************************************************
Again, Turner wasn’t arrested for driving drunk, he was arrested for driving under the influence. In other words he was IMPAIRED…..!!! I wonder, just possibly, maybe could it be, he was driving 97 mph because he was impaired………….? Hmmmm Let’s go ask Yoda.
Lastly, in the State of Georgia we don’t go by “which by all reasonable standards is not drunk”, we go by laws.
GwinnettDad
September 20th, 2012
8:08 am
Needed? Sure, he’s needed. But does HE give a damn?
who is peyton manning again?
September 20th, 2012
8:09 am
Michael Turner struggling against a better than average run defense is nothing new, and the Broncos can keep their linebackers up front because they have a pretty good secondary that can handle man-to-man. I always thought Snelling was the quicker back but he trips over his own two feet and likes to put the ball on the ground too much. Quizz, loved him in college, but outside of the occasional kick return and tough run, I fail to see where he adds much to the offense. May be time to draft a RB this year, eh TD?
The Truth
September 20th, 2012
8:18 am
Turner is the slowest back to the line of scrimmage in the league. The Falcons need a back that can hit the hole or get to the edge with some urgency. Turner’s slow, plodding style makes him ideal for the 4th quarter if a defense is worn down, but he’s a sitting duck for the first 3 quarters.
jerry
September 20th, 2012
8:21 am
Need Turner? They can beat the bad teams without him and he doesn’t do jack squat against the good teams.
Esquire
September 20th, 2012
8:21 am
Norwegian Blue
September 19th, 2012
9:22 pm
GT Phenom- I agree he has to deal with the consequences (legal, professional, and personal) of his actions. I just appreciate PB Orr telling it like it is. Most people I know (lawyers, doctors, teachers, GT students, plumbers, and sportswriters), get behind a wheel at 0.08 BAC once a week, if not more often. So I don’t think Turner’s actions are outside the parameters of normal behavior. He just got caught… because he was going 97 mph, which is reckless, dangerous, and stupid.
*************************************************************
That’s not what PB Orr said but you go on reading it the way you want to see it.
Bulldawg
September 20th, 2012
8:22 am
To PB Orr and all the other “drinking” driver supporters,
The reason Georgia set the DUI mark at .08 is because science has proven that a driver can be impaired at a blood alcohol level as low as .04. You can look up the body weight/impairment charts online. Even at 240 lbs., there is impairment at .05. Just because you don’t “feel” impaired doesn’t mean that you aren’t. As for the belief that drivers under the influence don’t cause wrecks, that is insane.
My cousin killed four people in an accident that he caused while driving under the influence. I don’t know and don’t care what his blood alcohol level was. I can, however, tell you one thing I do know, he wishes he had never picked up a drink and driven that night. Plain and simple, don’t drink and drive. It’s already hard enough to stay safe driving sober.
who is peyton manning again?
September 20th, 2012
8:26 am
BTW, you don’t arrest someone for the BAC. The arrest is made on scene based on all factors: the driving observed before the stop, driver appearance and conduct, field sobriety tests (if driver agrees to perform), and portable breathalyzer, if the agency uses those. The “official” BAC is recorded after the driver is taken into custody and processed, and the BAC test may happen an hour or more after the stop. If his BAC was .109 when he tested, I imagine it was quite higher when Turner got on the road.
BTW, did it mention in any report what time Turner said he started drinking? Either the Falcons have a kegger in the locker room after each game or Turner has a liquor cabinet in his locker for him to get drunk, drive, get stopped, arrested, processed, booked into jail, and bonded out, all between 1am and 5 am.
Haskel Stanback
September 20th, 2012
8:27 am
Mr. Bradley – What is needed is a running game, not necessarily Michael Turner, unless we can get the ‘old’ Michael Turner back. We certainly don’t need the current one that we have witnessed for the last two years who dances in the backfield and does not hit the hole with conviction (whether there is a hole or not). It is painfully obvious to anyone who has watched this team since Turner arrived that he is nowhere near the same back that he once was. I don’t know if it is age, fatigue, or just lack of motivation but something is WRONG! Anyone who denies that is blind. It’s great to have a coach who is loyal to his players, but Smitty needs to make the hard decision to at least bench Turner. Maybe then his pride will motivate him. Who knows? I truly believe that if Turner does not change, he will not be on this team next year.
Kevin
September 20th, 2012
8:45 am
The law is there to help protect us. He broke it and should pay the consequences. He is a leader and a roll model. He should be embarrased for his actions. If that would have been me, I would of lost my job. I am not judging. We have to be able deal with the consequences for the decisions that we make.
Weyman C Wanamaker Jr, (A Great American)
September 20th, 2012
9:04 am
Steve… it’s not about being first. It’s about the kudos that follow being first!
Turner aka "Precious"
September 20th, 2012
9:07 am
Haskel, I agree with you 100%. As I tell my friends, I refuse to call him by his given name, Michael Turner, anymore. I call him “Precious” going forward. He looks like a slow plodding bowling ball trying to run the ball. He has no explosiveness (whatchu talkin bout Willis!?!?!). Yeah, Willis ran for 100 yards against us, but he has speed and explosiveness, 2 qualities of “Precious” that have steadily deteriorated. He has given several good years of football, but his skills have greatly eroded. He makes our offense stagnant. Get him outta there.
ATLJacket
September 20th, 2012
9:14 am
What’s with all the Billy Mays all caps posts up there? Shhhh….you’ll wake the baby.
#10Fan4Life
September 20th, 2012
9:24 am
And what will you call “Precious” when he comes out the next game and pounds for more than 100 yards?
D man
September 20th, 2012
9:42 am
Turner is great for this team because he holds onto the ball and he does Gain big yards when the line blocks for him.
Jay
September 20th, 2012
9:44 am
Mike Smith has worn Turner ragged, look how he has lead the league in carries, or been near the lead in carries. You can’t do that year after year and not expect to see him slow down.
We just gotta get through this year and then bring in flesh blood at rb.
mambo
September 20th, 2012
9:58 am
Blowing a .19 is staggeringly drunk. These clubs should be held responsible for the patrons they over-serve. He could have killed someone. He was just lucky and I hope he turns his life around, loses some weight and gets his balance back. He’s so fat he couldn’t jump over the line on Monday Night.
Gimblestob
September 20th, 2012
10:21 am
Five shots in an hour is enough to make just about anyone impaired. His judgement was obviously impaired enough that he had no idea he was travelling at 90+ MPH. That said, he made a mistake, a very public mistake. My hope is he has learned a great lesson and will be an even better man for it. I have never heard of him in trouble with the law previously. It sounds as though he manned up in his apology. Let’s move on…
Enough of the bunk about him being done or releasing him. The O-Line has got to do better. Have you seen Rogers or Snelling breaking off any big runs; I haven’t. Turner has never been super fast; he just gets a ton of momentum rolling and is tough to bring down. He may not be the back he was a couple of years ago but he is still better than the alternatives both in house and available on the open market. Every down backs in the NFL are not easy to find. Give it a break; it’s only been two games, people!!!
FANtastic
September 20th, 2012
10:22 am
Totally disagree, Turner’s been on his way downhill since the start of last season. He never had the speed to be a homerun threat, and now he can’t even hit the holes hard enough to gain more than 2-3. IMO, Snelling has looked much better, he runs harder, keeps his feet and catches the ball better. Not sure why he doesn’t get more snaps. We’ll see about ‘quizz.
Nativebird
September 20th, 2012
10:23 am
Ive watched every single carry fir this guy for 4 years. The sad truth is Turner is done. Has been for 2 years now. JACQUIZZ is a better runner…..3rd stringer antione smith is a better runner. Both are quicker faster and more difficult to tackle. Jason Snelling is twice the runner of the 2012 Michael Turner. Dimitroff, Blank and unfortunately mike smith as well are playing Michael Turner Because of the money they’ve in vested in him. And if that is unpalatable to you the so be it. It’s the truth. stark.
Ex-Falcons Fan
September 20th, 2012
10:30 am
Kevin, if Michael Turner or any pro athlete is your role model, then you have more serious issues than should be addressed here. I agree that he should face the consequences. that does not howev er include job loss. A DUI is not an automatic job loss unless you job requires you to drive (taxi, long haul, limo, etc.) You dont have to drive to play football. the court should deal with Michael Turner’s lapse. the NFL should deal with football an d leave morals and legality to those entrusted with that task. we havve had athletes accused of rape, involved in murder, armed assault, etc. why in the world would anyone want to make these people role models. their accomplishment is that they have honed a skill and sold it. being good at something or famous for nothing does not make or qualify someone to be a role model. Instead of worrying about the person our children pick for their role models, we should instead teach or show them what to look for. it should not be fame or fortune.
KC
September 20th, 2012
10:32 am
“Trap game” before the division opener – full of distractions. Hmm..
Gimblestob
September 20th, 2012
10:39 am
I do definitely agree we need to draft or trade for the future. No doubt about that! There just aren’t any options currently available better than Turner. Let’s be realistic; Jacquizz is not an every down back. He doesn’t run well betwen tackle. We should get him more involved, no doubt, but asking him to run 20+ carries a game will beat him up and make him useless later in the year. Turner wears down defenses; whether it’s 2 YPC or 4 and that is a good thing. Snelling is a capable back up but just doesn’t have the skills to be the feature back. This could be a special year for the Falcons; let’s support them; not tear them down!
NS from Kennesaw
September 20th, 2012
10:40 am
On the run call – Mr. Burner has to run better
On the pass call – Mr. Burner has to “BLOCK” better
On the plays that fall apart – Mr. Burner has to be better and knowing what is going one and contribute more
Gamer
September 20th, 2012
10:44 am
No Doubt, Turner is still a valuable asset to Falcons’ run game………..Opponents must respect Turner’s power running abilities…..
A powerful run game is a precursor to a pinpoint passing game……….Of course, we can’t overlook Snelling, Jacquizz and other RBs to compliment Turner’s power game……
FALCONS ON THREE, DOMINATE!!!!!!!
FrankensteinSolaris
September 20th, 2012
10:51 am
Michael Turner (Mr. “DUI”) should IMMEDIATELY LOSE HIS STARTING JOB TO SNELLING and be moved into a backup role. This move WOULD NOT be for getting his recent DUI and embarrasing the Falcons organization. It would be because due to his deterioration of skills and his lack of preparation for games in recent weeks, Snelling is the better back, Snelling is fresher and can smell the endzone better than Turner can. “Patty Cake” Turner is as slow as a turtoise, or even a large turtle and has essentially become a fat TUB OF LARD. Mike Turner should not be cut from the team yet, but his role should be reduced to merely a backup role. TURNER SHOULD NO LONGER BE STARTING UNTIL HE IS READY TO AVERAGE OVER 100 YARDS PER GAME IN RUSHING.
LawDawg
September 20th, 2012
10:56 am
The problem is that it began to appear last year that Turner was done. If the first two games are any indication, that suspicion is correct.
mock1
September 20th, 2012
11:15 am
Bottom line is Falcons need fresh legs in the backfield,a back that is a threat to break the big one at any time during the game, Turner skills has declined in the past two seasons as his weight has gained & speed has slowed! The O-Line could use more practice on run blocking as well! But Turner time is coming to an end.
Elvis
September 20th, 2012
11:41 am
Mark, if you think Turner is the answer at RB I want to know what games you have been watching. True enough he has had some all pro years here but last season an honest unbiased assessment would be that he lost a step….in 2 games this year he appears heavier and slower…he just doesnt hit the hole and many many times the first man to get to him brings him down…think back to when Jamal Anderson was here, seldom if ever did he tip-toe to the line and he could move a pile, Turner simply cannot or will not. Also, the first man to get to Jamal never brought him down on an open field attempt. I agree, Quizz is not the inside runner, but he does have speed on the sweeps, it is painful to watch Turner attepmt an outside run. Snelling did great as a fill-in when Turner was injured last year…I thnk snelling has earned a start at San Diego.
Ryder
September 20th, 2012
11:44 am
Giants won the Super Bowl last year with the league’s worst rushing attack. As long as Matt Ryan controls the offense the Falcons will be fine.
The “Ameboa defense” is a good scheme for a Falcons defense that lacks the overall talent to get a consistent pass rush from its front four. Will be interesting to see what happens in San Diego.
Ackshun
September 20th, 2012
11:52 am
A 2012 Audi R8 like the one Turner was driving, has a published top speed of 163mph. Recklessness is a matter of perspective. The car can hit 96 in third gear (it has 6 by the way). Anyone who has driven a high end sports car can tell you it gets to 100 like your average Ford Focus gets to 60. The point is, he wasn’t being reckless, he was going home. This guy isn’t a trouble maker, he deserves a mulligan on this one.
TopTierFB_Tom
September 20th, 2012
12:23 pm
While I usually enjoy your articles, Mark, I couldn’t disagree with you more on this one.
Michael Turner is done as a starting NFL back. He has no burst, no acceleration left anymore. Snelling is the best all around back on the roster and has been for a short while now. He also would fit this offense infinitely better than Turner.
The guy just looks like he’s running in mud. Do the Falcons need Turner? They need the Turner from a few years ago, not the current one.
We’ve been touting Ryan for months now as the break-out star in the NFL while also predicting the demise of Turner. He just doesn’t have it anymore.
http://www.toptierfootball.com
Hollywould
September 20th, 2012
12:23 pm
Elvis, I totally agree/ what has Bradley been watching? I saw where Haggans got 3 game suspension for dui he got last year. Why would that take so long? Let Snelling start as punishment and see what happens. Running game could not be any worse. Told my buddy the other day that we are seeing the 2nd coming of t.j. duckett.
FrankensteinSolaris
September 20th, 2012
12:28 pm
If Snelling is promoted to the Falcons starting lineup NOW before it is too late, that will be the LAST PIECE TO ASSEMBLING THE FALCONS DYNASTY–AND I think the Falcons can, must, and will be able to reel off FOUR STRAIGHT SUPERBOWL TITLES if Snelling is promoted to the starting lineup today and Turner is diminished to a role as merely a backup or an afterthought of someone who was destined for greatness, but blew it because he couldnt keep down is liquor.
BozoWilson
September 20th, 2012
12:31 pm
TURNER WANTS TO START SUNDAY!!!! LET TURNER START SUNDAY AS A BACKUP TO SNELLING AND LIMIT TURNERS CARRIES TO 4 CARRIES A GAME. AT THAT RATE, TURNER WILL BE LUCKY IF HE CAN GET 10 YARDS PER GAME. THAT WOULD BE SUFFICIENT PUNISHMENT FOR TURNER.
78dawg
September 20th, 2012
12:32 pm
Turner’s done…The sooner he is cut the better.
WaltHazzard
September 20th, 2012
12:35 pm
Turner will NEVER AGAIN rush for 100 yards in a game, especially if he is demoted to backup to Snelling. This way Turner can sit on the bench and drink as much as he wasnts since he wont be playing the majority of the game. Turners highest output from now on will be less than 2 yards per carry.
Ackshun
September 20th, 2012
12:41 pm
Love how all you guys are now experts at what it takes to be an RB in the NFL. The fact is that Denver has a really good run defense. They are disciplined and they stay in their gaps. Plus the are moster physically and you aren’t going to blow them up with an undersized offensive line. And that is really where it all starts. I know all you guys salivate when you see AP or MJD blow up a linebacker in the defensive secondary and you wonder why Mike isn’t doing the same. You think the difference is that the Falcons a stuck with a lousy has-been running back with diminishing skills, Well great they are about 28 teams who would be glad to take your problem off your hands. AP MJD Walter Payton Barry Sanders, hell off of them have to get out of the offensive backfield and accelerate to generate force and momentum. And if you don’t open some holes you can’t accelerate period. The Falcons O-line has just solved it’s pass protection issues, when it figures out run blocking, who guys will be amazed at Turner’s improvement.
Ken
September 20th, 2012
12:55 pm
Dirk Koetter hailed as a coach that could improve the passing game which is something all Falcon fans wanted to see but this week we need to see how and if he can get the running game going!! Hopefully the O-line and Turner are really motivated to have a good game, especially with the unfolding of recent events. It is time for Turner the Burner to RISE UP!!
Robopop
September 20th, 2012
1:03 pm
I am tired of the idiots who try to condone driving under the influence. In my opinion, the blood-alcohol content for legal impairment (.08) is still TOO HIGH! However, this limit was set after numerous tests done by experts to determine the effects of alcohol as related to judgement and motor skills. It is NOT an arbitrary number. I don’t care what the status of the individual is, whether they be a politician, TV or movie celebrity, athlete, judge, or whatever. They should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
hh2
September 20th, 2012
1:47 pm
I’m with those who believe Mr Turner has seen his best. He no longer hits the hole hard and he’s slow in recognizing the hole. He just seems to tippytoe looking for where to go and by the time he gets there it’s closed.
Die Hard Falcon
September 20th, 2012
1:47 pm
I agree with Bradley, while I’m very happy to be 2-0 and to have a high-powered aerial attack, I want to have the ability to run when we need to. I don’t put it all on Turner either, our line has been getting no push whatsoever, I still think we have the same problems we had last year, we just have a better scheme and MR2’s quick release. If the O-Line started to dominate in the ground game and let Matt hold the ball longer, we’d be that much better, I think we’d be a Super bowl team for sure. I am just worried that when we start playing the tougher teams and the elite defenses in the playoffs, we’ll struggle unless they pull together and find a way to run when it’s necessary.
Go Falcons!!!
isaidit
September 20th, 2012
2:07 pm
If our OL doesn’t begin to block it won’t matter who is running the ball. I see the OL more the problem than Turner. Just watch when Quizz of Snelling run, they don’t get yardage either…no holes created.
Musky Balls
September 20th, 2012
2:09 pm
Just give Turner a bottle of Ripple before the game and he will play like Barry Sanders. Then he can get some Jack Daniels at the package store on the way home…
Musky Balls
September 20th, 2012
2:13 pm
Turner always looks like he’s running in quick sand. I hear the announcers talk about his powerful lower body… Yeah and about as fast & agile as an oak tree…
falconfreak
September 20th, 2012
2:14 pm
I like the current Michael Turner. I can see every move he makes as if it’s in slow motion. We don’t even need the slo-mo replays to see his runs now. What is he, a 4.3 in the 7yd dash? Sorry about dissing him because he gave us some great years but he’s not what he used to be by any stretch of the immagination. When it looked like a run play Monday, I could almost swear that Denver brought in it’s punter and cheerleader to play linebackers and they brought him down. Lack of a running game and toughness in the OL is the reason why we won’t be going deep into the playoffs this year if we make them.
robdawg08
September 20th, 2012
2:16 pm
Remember when either Mark or Jeff did the “who should they resign” blogs ? I said back then in June not to resign Turner. Snelling & Rodgers can handle the running. Now the team has another black eye (along with Vick years ago) with Turner’s alcoholism.
Eric C.
September 20th, 2012
2:27 pm
One of Turner’s best runs in the game was in the 1st quarter and it was called back for a holding penalty. He needs big holes to run through and is lacking that initial burst. With the Falcons placing a bigger emphasis on pass-blocking, it seems the run-blocking will continue to suffer and that is not good for Turner.
Falcon James
September 20th, 2012
2:53 pm
Yes. The Falcon do need a running game from a back who does not destroy his body with alchohol. Turner slammed 5nice size shots in an hour. He new from shot 1 he was going to drive. Then he drove 100 mph and said he didn’t realize he driving that fast as to say he couldn’t see the speedometer on his dash. Much like the problem he has seeing the holes. Turner came into camp out of shape and slow. If he has a great game in San Diego, I will adjust my comments accordingly, but until he shows he can be the featured back in this high efficiency offense, he is just a rich drunk thug to me.
Stop the Madness
September 20th, 2012
3:37 pm
Turner was getting a little MAGIC at Magic City. Them drinks got good and the ladies got good…should’ve had a V-8.
Anyway, even if our OL was blocking well Turner is just not the type of back we need anymore. We need a 220-225 fast, punishing monster that gets the tough yards.
Turner…
-Lacks quick feet for change of direction (strictly North/South runner)
-Does not burst through holes (instead tip-toes)
-Runs too upright (with thighs like that he should be carrying/running over defenders–yet he goes down like a little B)
-Does not have the speed to get by anyone
-Needs to run with a mean streak (needs to take his frustration out on our opponent)
Turner was what we needed when Smitty and Mularkey came here, the team is evolving from less of a run first team to a balanced team. No denying we need a RB to milk the clock, it’s just not Turner–or Jacquizz Rogers (still can’t find the hole if they threw him through it).
Best bet is to give Snelling the opportunity to see what he can do. He ran very well when Turner went down that year.
Bob Horner
September 20th, 2012
4:07 pm
Well, the problem is, he’s a big back that tip toes and falls down at first contact. He can’t run to the line, then make a cut. He just isn’t as good as he was 4 years ago. Sorry Mark, but it’s time to get rid of him… He’s of absolutely no value to the offense unless he’s getting 25 carries per game. His runs are: 1, 2, -1, 12. 1, 1, 1, 14. He’s not a 4 yard per carry back, so he needs the carries to get yardage.
It really irritates me to watch a man this big go down so easily. Time to cut bait on him
jaz
September 20th, 2012
5:01 pm
On the replays neither Quizz or Snelling were going anywhere either. And as quick as Quizz is, he was not making it back to the line of scrimmage on several carries. So the holes are not there for the RBs.
In the 4th qtr Smitty said he put in some more beef and got some yardage on one play. That got me thinking about the Bronco line: Wolfe 300, Vickerson 290, Banan 312, Dummervil 260. That averages 290 which is just a little more than our D line’s 280. So it’s not like the Bronco’s were 350 hogs. A few years back our OL was opening up huge hole. I suspect it is technique.
Norwegian Blue
September 20th, 2012
5:53 pm
Esquire- thanks for setting me (and everyone else) straight.
K Money
September 20th, 2012
8:46 pm
I am going to laugh so hard when turner rushes for 150 yards against the Chargers. This is the NFL and some people don’t understand that players have good games, bad games, and indifferent games. Turner has had a whopping 2 bad games to start the season, and now he is worthless? I guess back to back 1,300 yard seasons are a dime a dozen for running backs. Turner will eclipse 1000 yards at seasons end, with diminished carries. Take it to the bank….
K Money
September 20th, 2012
8:46 pm
I am going to laugh so hard when turner rushes for 150 yards against the Chargers. This is the NFL and some people don’t understand that players have good games, bad games, and indifferent games. Turner has had a whopping 2 bad games to start the season, and now he is worthless? I guess back to back 1,300 yard seasons are a dime a dozen for running backs. Turner will eclipse 1000 yards at seasons end, with diminished carries. Take it to the bank….
P B Orr
September 20th, 2012
9:18 pm
The problem here is crystal clear. The Falcons line is blocking for pass protection, not run offense. Before, they blocked to open holes, and the QB was toast. You can’t have both. If you drop into pass coverage echelon, then there ARE no holes – if you block to make holes, you are going to be open to stunts and so on. The Falcons for now have decided to block for passing, and it’s working. The question is – what happens when they switch to run blocking? Can they do it efficiently? They have in the past, although they were more biased toward stunting to open holes.
Bottom line, if they open holes, Turner will find them.
-drl
BrooklynFalc
September 20th, 2012
9:24 pm
Cut Burner some slack. Our O-line has had trouble firing off the line and run blocking since Harvey left for St. Louis
Bahama Mama
September 21st, 2012
8:49 am
Cut him some slack! His team won, he was a part of it, and he went to celebrate the life. Life is good. He got maybe some special treatment @ VIP booth, and he paid for it. That also came with shots of Hennessy being poured freely in a big glass. He was feeling good, and pushed the pedal to the metal. He will pay for this, too. No reason to punish him more. Leave him alone, so he can perform!
old man
September 21st, 2012
9:21 am
Too bad Antone Smith is nicked up with a hamstring. I have yet to hear a reason not to play him a lot more. He’s the fastest RB we have (even Quizz is not close to his speed) and he’s tough. He’s had one carry in three years. If he is up to full speed on Sunday, play him.
Honestly, does anyone know for sure why he does not play? Does he stink at practice? Bad attitude? What if he is a game day stud just waiting to play? With our running game in the tank, why not give him a look. In 79 carries over his 4 NFL preseasons, he has averaged over 4.6 yards per carry. Turner, Rogers, and Snelling are 2.6, 2.5, and 2.3 so far this year.
Ivan
September 21st, 2012
9:26 am
“Now the team has another black eye (along with Vick years ago) with Turner’s alcoholism.”
ugh. The guy had a DUI. Doesn’t mean he’s an alcoholic.
Start him. Keep him in the line up. And tell him to get more than 2yds per carry, and we’ll be almost unstoppable.
DallasCowboys92131
September 21st, 2012
2:34 pm
bench him and let Jacquizz rodgers be number 1