Counting Down the Top 25 Players in the NFC South: No. 10, Michael Turner

Michael Turner has tallied 300 or more carries in three of his four seasons in Atlanta.
Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

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Michael Turner rushed for 1,340 yards and 11 touchdowns on 301 carries last season to lead the NFC in rushing and finish No. 3 in yards in the NFL.

Turner's output declined slightly in the second half as he went from 692 yards rushing in the first half of the season to 638 in the second. He also scored just four touchdowns in his final eight games. Turner battled a groin injury during the second half and also missed his normal fullback Ovie Mughelli, who lost his season to a knee injury.

Even though Turner fought his injury, he never missed a game and still topped the NFC in rushing and the NFL in explosive plays of 15 yards or more, according to ProFootballFocus.

The Falcons' coaching staff has hinted to limiting Turner's carries in 2012, but Turner laughed that off.

"I don't know," said Turner during Atlanta's organized team activities. "They say that every year."

Unless Turner is stricken with an injury in 2012, expect his output to look very similar to years past, even with Dirk Koetter's new offensive scheme in Atlanta.

You just don't move away from a proven workhorse like Turner when he's still producing.

The 2012 Bleacher Report Top 25 Players in the NFC South List