DALTXCOLTSFAN GIVES RAMS FANS THE SCOOP ON MARSHALL FAULKAdd yourself to The HERD's Official Roster (guestbook), if you think you are man enough!
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Are Rams fans being
overly optimistic or can he make a difference in the W/L column? As a Colts fan, how do I
feel about him being traded away?1. ABSOLUTELY he can make a difference in the W/L column. NO, you guys who expect a lot from him are NOT being overly optimistic. He brings 130 total yards from scrimmage per game to the table, he picks up a blitzing linebacker better than any other RB in the league, and he led the league far and away in YAC last year--nobody else in the NFL was even close to him.
The three biggest supposed knocks on Faulk are: (1) He can't pick up a 3rd and 1 and he can't run in the red zone; (2) he's not a tough, run-out-the-clock type of back; and (3) he can't break tackles. Those are all baloney. *No* running back in the NFL can pick up a 3rd and 1 all by himself-it takes 5 or 6 guys blocking and pushing at the point of attack. When Marshall had a hole, he picked up the 3rd and 1 or the touchdown 9 times out of 10. When he didn't have blocking, he *failed* to pick up the 3rd and 1 9 times out of 10. Watch Terrell Davis on a 3rd and 1. I'll bet his numbers under those two circumstances are about the same. (And even if Faulk did suck at picking up a 3rd and 1, just put someone who can!)
Faulk had 102 first downs last year, second in the NFL only to Davis, who had 108.
Second, Faulk has no trouble carrying the ball 25 times a game. He averaged that many carries the first 5 weeks while Peyton Manning was learning the offense, and those were against 5 of the top 10 rush defenses in the league (Mia, NE, NO, SD, and NYJ). The reason his carries diminished as the year wore on was that the pathetic Colt D gave up 28 points in the first half so often that the game turned into a passing contest. And even then Faulk *still* averaged over 90 yards a game *on the ground*!
Faulk supposedly can't run between the tackles. But he averaged 4 yards a carry between the tackles. Boy that sucks huh? You Rams fans will love this: The Colts' first play from scrimmage against the whiners was Faulk off left tackle. His teammates gave him a hole to run through, he got a downfield block from Marvin Harrison, and with his speed and vision he saw the cutback lane and outran the defense for a 65 yard touchdown. Your first game is against the Ravens isn't it? You'd better hope you have Faulk! He had 192 yards rushing against them last year, including a 68 yarder, you guessed it, up the middle. Again, I refer you to the short yardage thing. When his teammates gave him a hole up the middle, the play was successful 9 times out of 10. When his teammates *didn't* give him a hole, he often was *still* able to break it outside and gain a yard or two. Again, watch Terrell Davis in both situations. Again, I'll bet his numbers are about the same.
Now, it is true that Faulk isn't as powerful as Davis, Anderson, Watters, Bettis et al. That's the only legitimate criticism that I see. But he *can* break tackles, and what he lacks in toughness he makes up for in moves and quickness. One coach said, "Trying to tackle Marshall Faulk in the open field is like trying to drink coffee with a fork."
Bottomline, Faulk brings an *average* of 7 first downs, 80 rushing yards, 50 receiving yards, and totally dependable blitz protection to every game. He is a legitimate home-run threat every time he touches the ball.
Can he make a difference in the W/L column? Good lord yes. Just make sure you don't have a defense that gives up 30 points a game like we had last year.
2. How do I feel about Faulk being traded? Well, yes, Marshall Faulk is my single favorite football player, and when he was traded away from my favorite team I was upset. But the bottom line is we were a 3-13 team last year with the 2nd WORST defense in the league. Marshall would have held out on us, probably for as much money as he'll end up getting from you guys. We had a choice: Marshall or a defense.
You may wonder how I feel about passing on Ricky Williams. I was surprised (as was Ricky, did y'all see the expression on his face???? PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!), but when your quarterback is Peyton Manning you need a running back who's a good receiver, and Edgerrin had just as many yards per carry and 5 more yards per catch, so we'll see.
Anyway, I will be watching Rams games this fall to see my favorite football player. I'll pop in every now and then to congratulate you on your wins.