The Running Game

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Hightower's not healthy. What exactly is up I don't know. But I know something is up

I think so too. Some nice idiot hit a power line in my area so power was out till 4pm, but listening to the radio for most of the 1st half I was supprised with how many times Hightower missed the cut back hole though. It sounded like on 4 run plays he missed the cut back lane and tried to force it outside which only got him a yrd or two when had he cut back there were big holes. Then Torain came in and was hitting the cut back lanes for big yrds.

Nothing against Hightower but it seemed Torain was trying to show the coaching staff they made a mistake having him sit for so long. It always seemed to take more then 1 or 2 people to bring him down today and on his TD run he looked like Superman flying into the endzone. Then there was a run where he dragged/carried a LB 6 yrds before being brought down.

[mooby]

I think people were forgetting Torain wasn't healthy the first 2 games of the season because of his broken hand. He could've played last week but didn't.

[Dirtbag59]

Originally Posted by mooby

I think people were forgetting Torain wasn't healthy the first 2 games of the season because of his broken hand. He could've played last week but didn't.

Thats the part that scares me more then anything. Torain has a terrible track record health wise. And with Hightower already hurt I'm a little worried about the possibility of only having Helu, Royster, and Young as the only three backs available. Granted thats not a bad deal but the three headed monster is a luxury that I don't want to give up.

[mooby]

Originally Posted by Dirtbag59

Thats the part that scares me more then anything. Torain has a terrible track record health wise. And with Hightower already hurt I'm a little worried about the possibility of only having Helu, Royster, and Young as the only three backs available. Granted thats not a bad deal but the three headed monster is a luxury that I don't want to give up.

Yeah that's true. But the season is young, we have our bye next week which should help Hightower get healthier and as long as we don't run Torain into the ground I think we'll be fine. Even if Torain is lighting it up I expect them to put in Helu occasionally as a change of pace. Love what Torain brings to the table as a banger but a banger and a speedster work well in tandem.

[SBXVII]

Torain's hand couldn't have been too hurt cause he was used in the last preseason game and seemed to be ok.

[44ever]

Originally Posted by Dirtbag59

Thats the part that scares me more then anything. Torain has a terrible track record health wise. And with Hightower already hurt I'm a little worried about the possibility of only having Helu, Royster, and Young as the only three backs available. Granted thats not a bad deal but the three headed monster is a luxury that I don't want to give up.

In all fairness, Royster looked pretty good preseason.

[hail_2_da_skins]

This is a good problem. Presents match-up problems for the opposition. I say keep the rotation and go with the hot hand in the game. The competition will bring out the best in all the backs.

[Chico23231]

Doesnt really matter who we start cause Shanny is smart enough to use all 3 guys. I rather not play Hightower if he is injured though.

[#56fanatic]

The running game looked totally different with Torain in yesterday. He was hitting the right holes and instead those two three four yard runs Hightower was getting you saw the 15, 20 yard runs we saw from Torain last year. I say you go with the hot hand, that being Torain. However you have to split the carries with Hightower. Too much work will get Torain back in the trainers room with some kind of injury. We are lucky to have 3 guys that I think can run the ball for this team.

[freddyg12]

Hightower did seem timid to make that initial cut. I like Torain's role as a closer. When trying to work on the clock you need a RB that will pound it in & get 2-3 yards if that's all that's there. Was so nice to see him get that last first down, that's the way to close.

I don't think Shanny puts too much weight on who the starter is, all 3 guys will get their shot if healthy.

[skinsguy]

The way I see it, I don't care who starts, Hightower, Torrain, or Helu. Each one is going to get his chance. Each back brings something different to the table and any one of those guys can catch fire. Just like what Shanahan did yesterday, you stick with whoever is having the better game.

[SirClintonPortis]

Our three-headed monster will be greater than that Dallas three-headed monster that really wasn't a monster.

[firstdown]

What I didn't get about yesterday was in the 4th maybe 3rd qtr the Rams had use backed up on their 1 yrd line. RT had been running over them for 2 qtrs and Shanny brings in Helu and we go 3 and out. That was a stupid call and go with the hot runner.

[hooskins]

ATV did well because he was fresh. TH is still a better overall back, which I would like to see starting.

I think if we continue spelling TH the way we did yesterday, our overall run game will be very successful.

[Monkeydad]

Start Hightower, he's the #1 RB. If he can't get it going, make the swap and mix plenty of Helu in there too.

They have different running styles and strengths, so it's going to depend on the opponent and the game situation. Hightower needs to be in for pass-blocking and goal line. Torain for possession and clock killing.

It's Shanahan's system...you just ride the hot hand and there will always be one.