Can Michael Turner Put Up Big Numbers Against the Eagles?

Most of the attention in the Sunday Night Football game surrounds Michael Vick’s return to Atlanta. Obviously, that is a big story, and I understand the significance.

Any remaining attention is focused on how Matt Ryan will handle Vick’s return and whether or not he can recover from his rough start.

A player being overlooked is Michael Turner.

Many experts predicted a serious decline from the Burner this year, and despite the pounding administered by the Bears in Week 1, Turner got his. He ran for 100 yards on 10 carries and added 40 yards on three catches.Turner had a career high of 85 receiving yards last year and the 40 in the season opener is 14.7 percent of his career total.

At least in the early going, the reports of his demise are greatly exaggerated.

Now he takes on the Eagles. Of all the changes they made in the offseason, they have question marks as to whether or not they can stop the run. Sure, they defeated the Rams handily 31-13, but they didn’t walk away without lingering questions.

The Rams piled on 154 yards at a 5.9 yards per carry clip. Take away Sam Bradford’s 15-yard loss and you’re looking at 169 yards at 6.8 YPC.

It wasn’t just Steven Jackson’s 47-yard run, because without that their running backs averaged 5.1 YPC.

Cadillac Williams rumbled for 91 yards on 19 carries (4.8 YPC). Turner was considered on the decline, but Cadillac was considered just about done.

The Falcons aren’t simply going to try and get in a track meet with the Eagles. Not considering the weapon they have in Turner and the weakness the Eagles have in run defense.

If you were struggling to decide whether or not to use Turner this week, keep these numbers in mind.

Also check out:

• Week 2 Fantasy Football QB Rankings
• Week 2 Fantasy Football RB Rankings
• Week 2 Fantasy Football WR Rankings
• Week 2 Fantasy Football TE Rankings
• Week 2 Fantasy Football Sit/Start Advice