(Photo by Tom Dahlin/Getty Images)
It hasn't happened because, to this point, he's never gotten 20 carries in a single NFL game. He's never even gotten 15.
The book on him is that, listed at barely over 200 pounds, he's too small to be an every-down back. He's incredibly fast, has great hands, is a very solid kick-returner, but there's questions about his ability to pound out four-plus yards consistently on first down crashing into behemoth linemen.
Still, there might be no player in the league who has done more with limited time recently. His last three years he had 99 rushes, 105 rushes, and 93 rushes, respectively, with just two starts.
His yard per carry average might be the most obscene in the NFL, though. In 2006 it was 6.4, in 2007 it was 6.0, and last year it was 5.1 yards per carry.
Which brings his three-year career totals to 297 rushes for 1735 yards and 76 receptions for 717 yards and a host of long touchdown runs/receptions.
Got to love that.
But now, Norwood is sitting behind a mammoth name on the depth chart: Michael Turner.
Turner, who would've easily topped this list two years ago when he was stuck behind another huge name (LaDainian Tomlinson, you may have heard of him), but has since become the resident runner in Atlanta.
So while I might have to wait a little longer to see the huge day from Norwood that I figured would find a regular home on my screen by now, I'd bet dollars to donuts that day is coming soon.
Small adendum here: was looking at some more numbers today and actually cannot believe I missed this. Darren Howard of the Eagles deserves some serious credit. While he's mostly a pass-rushing specialty guy rather than a true backup, he managed to pull down 10 sacks last season deputizing for guys in front of him.
10 sacks, 0 starts. And an interception and fumble recovery thrown in for good measure. I'd say that's fairly productive in limited time.
We're going to send you the most entertaining NFL articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
37 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete