State of the Bengals: Running Back

[3wt]

(01-02-2017, 02:47 PM)Shake n Blake Wrote: His was 4.6...easily better than Hill's or Gio's, but keep in mind that (a) he was totally fresh late in the season and (b) small sample size. He earned a shot at a bigger role, but if you give Burkhead 200 carries, I'd be willing to bet that his YPC would come tumbling down. Just as everyone else's has over the last decade. You might see some small spurts of quality running/blocking (BJGE in '12, Hill in '14, Rex in '16), but they've all wound up being anomalies.

Does anyone here really believe Rex is better than Gio?

I think the question is do we really believe Rex is better than Hill.  Watching over the last two years I have to say yes.  Hill has some fine skills.  He's a 240 lb back who has an extra gear in the open field.  But if you want a back who averages 4-5 yards a carry on a consistent basis resulting in third and short situations, is an accomplished receiver and is good in blitz pickups I have to say Burkhead is the better back.   He just seems to see the field better and make better decisions.

To me you pay the guy, start the guy and see how Hill plays when he's healthy and is filling in.  Reverse their roles for a season and see how it pans. 

I don't buy the fresh legs excuse here as Hill struggled from the very start of the season.

I don't think that Burkhead is a great back.   But I think he's a good back you can rely on in all facets of the game.