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Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2001
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Elite backs have disappointed
Running backs such as Eddie George and Corey Dillon started slowly but should bounce
back
By Andy Hanacek, Associate editor
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| Is your team having troubles running the ball?
Well, don’t worry. You’re not alone. It seems that this year’s crop of
running backs has thinned out even more based on disappointing starts since the season
began. Of course, on Draft Day it always seems as though good backs are hard to find. Many
seasoned fantasy veterans may have been treading water in your leagues early this season,
simply because they are averse to going with an up-and-comer. These are the guys and gals
who took Eddie George, for example, and continue to start him today. These folks likely
weren’t willing to take a chance on a rookie such as LaDainian Tomlinson or Michael
Bennett. Bennett hasn’t been very good, but Tomlinson has torn things apart.
About the only elite backs who have done well thus far are Curtis Martin and Edgerrin
James, and even James’ numbers seem down. Martin has scored seven rushing touchdowns
and seems rejuvenated under the Herman Edwards regime. Edwards is working to keep Martin
fresh to the very end of the season, something he hasn’t been over the past few
seasons.
Fantasy owners who have George and Corey Dillon are probably wringing their hands in
disgust, wondering how long they should wait before pulling the plug on these guys. I, for
one, am. I have George and Dillon on two separate teams, and neither has helped me much.
Fortunately, on both of those teams I have Jerome Bettis, who has been very productive
from a yardage standpoint. Of course, from a scoring standpoint, Bettis has been less than
productive.
I’m not really concerned with Bettis, but George’s lackluster performance
does have me worried. When should I give up? When should I start the unpredictable
Garrison Hearst, who hasn’t been a consistent producer either this year? Well, it
boils down to this: I’m going to wait it out, and I suggest you do that as well.
If you have any of these running backs on your roster, don’t panic just yet. If
you’ve stayed afloat, you’ll be in good shape once they come around. If
you’re out of it, their bounce-back could propel you into contention.
Running backs such as George and Dillon are bound to find their stride and break out.
These guys shouldn’t be a concern. Also, backs who have been hurt, such as Marshall
Faulk and Warrick Dunn, shouldn’t be too much of a concern if you have them on your
team either. They’re bound to get back to 100 percent, and when they do, you’ll
be in solid shape. |
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