Michael Turner to get less carries in 2009?
Last year, Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner finished second in the NFL with 1,699 rushing yards on 376 carries in the regular season.
In fact, Turner's 376 carries led all running backs in 2008. Moreover, only five backs carried the ball 300 times or more last season.
Things could change for Turner in 2009.
Falcons head coach Mike Smith intends to lighten Turner's workload in the upcoming season, according to Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“We know that he can’t sustain 370 carries over a number of years,” Smith said. “We definitely know that we have to reduce the load that we put on him this year.”
In most fantasy football drafts, Turner is the second player off the board behind Minnesota's Adrian Peterson. And if you're in a league where ESPN's Matthew Berry has the first overall pick, Turner will be the first player selected.
Last year, Turner rushed the ball much better at home (1,032 yards and 14 TDs) than on the road (667 yards and 3 TDs).
I would still draft Turner second overall, but I wouldn't bet the farm that Turner outperforms his 2008 production while receiving fewer touches in 2009. So, if you decide to follow Berry's advice (and draft Turner first overall), do so at your own peril.
