Darren Sproles Shows Critics He Can Be An Every Down Back

When I heard that Chargers' running back LaDainian Tomlinson was injured and wasn't sure how effective he would be or how long he would play for, I knew that the Colts were going to be in trouble with Darren Sproles likely to get a heavy workload.

Before the season began, I wrote an article about Sproles being the most underrated running back in the NFL, and he showed against the Colts on Saturday night why he truly is. 

Hes has always been doubted because of his size and some people just can't face the reality that a 5-6 running back really could make it in the NFL as an every down back.

After Sproles' great performance in the Chargers 24-17 victory on Saturday night where he had five receptions for 45 yards, 24 carries for 105 yards, and two touchdowns, he showed that he isn't too small to handle the NFL grind and workload.

The diminutive back showed that he isn't just a change of pace or situational back that critics immediately point him out to be because of his small frame.

He proved that as an every down back he can be just as effective at the end of the game as he is in the beginning as he scored the game winning 22-yard touchdown in overtime.

Sproles is a one of kind running back whose combined elusive quickness and deceiving power are unmatched by any other back in the NFL. He will be a free agent after this season and will probably be the most coveted running back on the market.

There are many teams that could use Sproles considering he would not only make a teams' running game more dangerous but their passing game as well.

With LT getting older and seemingly losing his step, the Chargers would be smart to try and resign Sproles. However, before the game reports said that the Chargers still only view him as a kick returner and situational back.

This season while LT's age has become a concern and he hasn't been as effective as he has been in past years, Sproles has showed flashes of greatness on the rare opportunities he gets the ball.

However, Coach Norv Turner has been stubborn this entire season refusing to consider giving Sproles a share of the workload.

Although LT was playing with a toe injury early in the season, he was still given 292 carries this season compared to Sproles' 61. The Chargers seem to be set on living in the past and giving their aging running back the majority of the carries.

I understand that what LT has done for the Chargers' franchise is invaluable, but there comes a point when a team needs to not keep a player as their main workhorse just because of what he meant to their organization. 

The Chargers already let former back-up Michael Turner go and regretted it; they can't afford to let Sproles go as well.

If the Chargers haven't learned anything from this past playoff game and don't promise him a bigger role in the offense, they will be making a big mistake.

I wrote before season, "If one day Sproles becomes a starter somewhere, I believe he will show everyone how great he truly is and become an NFL superstar", and I stand by it now more than ever.