Atlanta Falcons Predictions: 5 Reasons Michael Turner Will Be Best RB in 2011

Michael Turner has never been the most flashy running back in the NFL, but has definitely been one of the more consistent runners in the game as of late. Turner has proven that if you hand him the ball he will produce, and produce in a big way. The two times in his career in which he was handed the rock 300 plus times he ran for easily over 1,000 yards. Even during his 2009-2010 season in which he was handed the ball only 178 times, he ran for over 800 yards. Simply, give Turner the rock and watch him produce.

5. Michael Turner's Physique

Michael Turner is a stout 5'10" tall and 247 pounds. He may not be as chiseled as an Adrian Peterson, but he is the definition of a freight train. He is one of the hardest running backs to actually tackle and then bring down to the ground. Gang tackling is really the only way to bring this guy down.

Seriously, just look at the thighs on Turner. They look like he should be playing fullback, but they make him able to take punishment and keep churning along. His overall physique is one of the best in the NFL.

4. Turner's Balance

For a guy of his size, Michael Turner has incredible balance. Just watch the way he runs and you will realize that he has an uncanny ability to stay on his feet after being hit. There have been multiple runs in which he has stayed on his feet after being hit and keeps running for ten to fifteen yards after contact.

Turner obviously does not have blazing speed like a Chris Johnson does, but he does have the ability to stay on his feet and make things happen long after first contact has been made.

3. Turner Is the Falcons' Primary Back

The NFL has developed into a league in which many teams have adopted a two-back system. This means that some running backs that would traditionally get 250 plus carries now only get a fraction of that figure. Michael Turner, however, is the primary back that the Falcons have to offer.

There is no secret to how many carries he will receive during a game and season (barring the fact that he can stay healthy). Turner simply just gets the majority of the carries that the Falcons' offense will have.

Now the Falcons did resign Jason Snelling and they drafted Jacquizz Rodgers last draft, but neither of these two running backs will take significant carries away from Turner. Look for him to get 300 plus carries once again.

2. The Falcons' Offensive Line

As of late, the Falcons have managed to assemble one of the top offensive lines in the NFL. Now, they did lose Harvey Dahl to the St. Louis Rams in free agency, but the offensive line as a whole may not miss a beat.

Left Tackle Sam Baker has another year under his belt, and the Falcons did manage to re-sign Tyson Clabo, boosting the other side of the line. Look for this offensive line to continue their dominance and produce running holes that Michael Turner will salivate over.

1. The Overall Falcon Offense

Aside from Michael Turner, the Falcons offense includes Matt Ryan, Roddy White, Tony Gonzalez, and Julio Jones. Need I say more.

This offense will put up stats, therefore spreading the field out. If opposing defenses choose to stack the box to stop the run, the Falcons have some of the best deep threats in the game to go over the top and hurt the other team. Expect Turner to take advantage of having some of the premier players in the game surrounding him in the huddle.