Backs figure into roster decisions

On a roster deep with backs and precious little space at the bottom, the Chargers' decision before the Sept. 5 final roster cuts will come down to keeping Bennett or fullback Mike Tolbert.

With the Chargers not believing Darren Sproles is an every-down back, a scenario without Tomlinson would require them to look beyond their No. 2 tailback.

They will keep fourth-round pick Gartrell Johnson, because they like his potential. But they almost certainly won't want to hand him the ball 20 times or more in a game this season.

over 2 years ago John Gennaro 43 comments 0 recs |

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I don't think Gartrell is as safe as they indicate

mainly because I think Gartrell’s grow on trees. I don’t see him as difficult to replace. I think finding a guy like Bennet is a little harder…

The point is probably moot since Tolbert is the most obvious guy to cut. (esp. if the RBs are taken alone. If we factor in the rest of the 53 man, things get a little more interesting )

by Stephen (shaynes41) on Aug 31, 2009 12:16 PM PDT reply actions

I think he is

Gartrell is young, cheap and it won’t hurt to keep him around and see if he gets better.

Like you said, it probably doesn’t matter because I don’t see them keeping Tolbert.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Aug 31, 2009 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions

Last week raised some doubts for me

He was definitely productive in College. But right now to me he seems to be hitting the holes more slowly than the rest of the RBs. And when he does make that first contact he’s bouncing off the defender, not running through them like a big back should. And then once a big guy like Gatrell changes direction the play is pretty much over.

I get the part about a big back not being expected to take it all the way to the house. But Gatrell had 20 yards of daylight on that big play Saturday and they ran him down. That amount of foot speed is a major bummer. I am willing to give Gatrell the benefit of the doubt. Maybe he’s been carrying the load in practices. Maybe Sproles’ helmet is really heavy. I think next week is the best circumstance for Gatrell. A second week of single day practices to get his legs back and he and Bennett will split the load.

by Trendsearcher on Aug 31, 2009 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm sure Tolbert has put blue and gold on for the last time.

Joshson may be able to replace in the long run but if they cut him right now they wpn’t have a good back for short yardage sitiuations.

by Grey Suit on Aug 31, 2009 1:04 PM PDT reply actions

I don’t know that Tolbert’s the answer as a goal-line back. Honestly, Sproles and Bennett aren’t that bad of options in short-yardage situations because they’re both so slippery and get so low. Gartrell will develop with time and coaching.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Aug 31, 2009 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

short yardage situations are really more about the offensive line than the RB anyways.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Aug 31, 2009 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Yeah I agree that tolbert has no use on the goal-line, which is why I dont think we will see him as a charger again.

Johnson has the power to move piles, if you put him and Sproles in the backfeild then the D will have to cover both the middle and the outside, you can even make it rivers call when he goes up and reads the D. Also if its 3rd and one on your own 40 who would you rather hand the ball to Sproles and try to have him slip through the middle or Johnson and have him try and pound his way through?

by Grey Suit on Aug 31, 2009 4:48 PM PDT up reply actions

When I read stuff like this

I think, “Were they watching the same Gartrell that I was? Move piles? Huh? When?”

Maybe I’m crazy. Or wasn’t paying close enough attention in the second half. But, I thought I saw a back that went down pretty easy and didn’t many yards after contact. Not to say that he can’t do it, but I don’t see it.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Aug 31, 2009 4:54 PM PDT up reply actions

I have faith

You’re right in that he hasn’t shown the ability to move piles in the NFL yet, but it’s something he was very much capable of doing in college. I’m aware that there’s a difference, but I’m hopeful that it’s something he can learn. Part of moving the pile is knowing which hole to stick your shoulder into.

Even if he’s bouncing off people right now, I love the ferociousness that he runs with. Reminds me of Marion Barber, as does his college career. Now he just needs to grow.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Aug 31, 2009 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions

No I agree he has not done much in the preseason

I think I might be bias though because I saw him so much in college.

by Grey Suit on Aug 31, 2009 7:39 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree

Tolbert Sucks (’tec company line)

What you've just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard. At no point in your rambling, incoherent response were you even close to anything that could be considered a rational thought. Everyone on this blog is now dumber for having listened to it. I award you no points, and may God have mercy on our souls.

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Aug 31, 2009 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions

Acee thinks they keep Tolbert over Bennet

because Tolbert is a better special teams player. And he thinks Johnson is a lock for the team, but will be inactive most of the year.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Aug 31, 2009 1:42 PM PDT reply actions

I don't know what game Acee watched

But to me it looked like Tolbert absolutely blew on special teams. I’m sure Bennett could be just as effective if not more than Tolbert on special teams. Not keeping Bennett would be a huge mistake in my opinion.

by Harsh_619 on Aug 31, 2009 1:46 PM PDT reply actions

It's not just him watching the game

It’s him talking to the coaches and them telling him they like Tolbert over Bennett based on special teams

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Aug 31, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions

Exactly. That’s why you have to listen to what he says.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Aug 31, 2009 3:14 PM PDT up reply actions

It's still interesting to me

That they have run plays the last few weeks with Hester getting carries as a half back. If they kept Tolbert and injuries happened to LT and Sproles they you could use Gartrell while spelling him with Hester at RB and Tolbert at FB. Or Gartrell spells Hester with Tolbert being the main FB.

I was (sort of) leading the charge that Gartrell would get cut, but that was also partly due to the franchise showing favor to Bennett as the #3 back. If there are rumblings (and Acee is usually on top of the FO rumblings) that Bennett could get cut, well that evens the playing field as far as who gets cut and definitely gives more weight to the “Chargers will keep the guy they used their draft pick on” theory.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Aug 31, 2009 2:23 PM PDT reply actions

Bennett clearly has a lot left in the tank

probably due to the fact that he hasn’t carried a lot the last few years and has less wear and tear than other 31-year-old backs. It’ll be a shame to have to cut him.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Aug 31, 2009 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Bennet is safe

by Trendsearcher on Aug 31, 2009 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions

I didn't realize you were A.J. Smith

welcome to the blog A.J.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Aug 31, 2009 2:42 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree

for the same reason Osgood and Chambers are safe. If we are going to make a run, we need veterans and not development projects who might not help this year.

by Stephen (shaynes41) on Aug 31, 2009 8:53 PM PDT up reply actions

But that's the thing.

The coaches appear to believe Tolbert gives us a better chance at winning right now than Bennett.

Greg Maddux for manager.

by Zach (maestro876) on Aug 31, 2009 10:16 PM PDT up reply actions

but from a risk mitigation standpoint, I think Bennet is the better choice for success this year. Plus, you can’t always trust what comes from Acee via the coaches. They may be trying to pump Tolbert up so they can trade him rather than release him for nothing and have him hook up somewhere else. Could squeeze a conditional 6th rounder out of someone and make up for the lost TJ pick

by Stephen (shaynes41) on Sep 1, 2009 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions

Told you

rookies are cheap.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Aug 31, 2009 3:15 PM PDT up reply actions

Sure

But running backs are fungible.

These ideas are colliding for this particular issue.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Aug 31, 2009 3:26 PM PDT up reply actions

does this mean

that Gartrell is ready to take carries (in conjunction with Sproles) if LT (God forbid) gets hurt early? With Hester getting HB touches as well? I haven’t seen enough of Tolbert (this year or last) to really have an opinion on him, but Bennett doesn’t inspire much of my confidence when he’s in there. I would take the cheap, late round guy, GJ, over Bennett, if the choice isn’t between keeping Tolbert of Johnson, which I thought.
Is that coherent? I forgot to breathe while I typed.

by Hoot1969 on Aug 31, 2009 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Yes

I kindof wish we could keep Bennett and Gartrell. But yes, it means that if LT gets injured the carries will probably be split between Sproles and Gartrell.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Aug 31, 2009 6:01 PM PDT up reply actions

Sans LT - just Sproles and Gatrell is not good

I had higher hopes for Gatrell. But right now he seems slower than I’d hoped, and not as powerful. Tack on Sproles’ size limitations and it seems like we have a diminished inside running threat. If we don’t keep the LBs in tight, the short passing game is impacted.

Up until now, Bennett has showed the better straight ahead running. If there can be only 3 half backs I like Sproles & Bennett better.

by Trendsearcher on Sep 1, 2009 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions

The passing game did fine without a running game in 2008.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Sep 1, 2009 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions

Well yes but we were still 8-8

It was a great year, but can you count on lighting striking the same place twice?

One Bronco win out of the last 4 games, one Charger loss in the same – I don’t think we see last season with the same degree of “After Glow” even with the great statistics.

We had success running last year, but it wasn’t like years past where it was dependable. I think every team needs/wants balance.

by Trendsearcher on Sep 1, 2009 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions

I don’t know that Michael Bennett helps that balance, but I get what you’re saying.

I’m an optimist, so I’m saying “If they get rid of Bennett and then LT gets injured, the passing game can carry the team.”

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Sep 1, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions

early in training camp

Gartrell was getting glowing reviews from some on this blog, IIRC. Limited game action in the second half of preseason games shouldn’t sway opinion against him, as far as the coaching staff is concerned, if they liked enough of what they saw early. This would be more true with a low cost rookie like G. Johnson, than with a veteran, in my opinion.

by Hoot1969 on Aug 31, 2009 3:48 PM PDT reply actions

IIRC

Bennett has gotten his share of good reviews as well. However, he is no way a spring chicken. But, he is experienced.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Aug 31, 2009 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions

what about salaries?

I could look it up, but thought you’d know, Wonko… would it save the Bolts money to let Bennett go, rather than Johnson? They may be a wash, but I’d think that Bennett would earn more on a yearly basis.

by Hoot1969 on Aug 31, 2009 4:09 PM PDT up reply actions

Bennett, at the very least, makes league minimum for veterans

That number is definitely higher than the league minimum for rookies. Their actual salaries may be a bit higher than that, but I can’t imagine either is much higher. However, for both guys we are talking about peanuts for multimillion dollar organizations and I wouldn’t think it would carry much weight in decision making.

Wisdom can not be cultivated through ignorance of information.

by Wonko on Aug 31, 2009 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions

point taken...

at that salary level, it must not even come up in discussion when making personnel decisions.

by Hoot1969 on Aug 31, 2009 4:33 PM PDT up reply actions

I think the concern

is that they’d lose Gartrell. He’d never make it past waivers. Imagine if LT shows himself to be washed up in 2009. After this season, Sproles is a free agent and I believe Bennett is one as well. Having a young RB locked up for a few years is part of the value of this move.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Aug 31, 2009 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions

The Future?

It is nice to keep thinking about the future, and what Gartrell may or may not become. But I think Bennett has proven he is the better back to fill in if LT misses a few games this season. I would like to see the Chargers win now, and would be willing to take the risk of losing Gartrell. He has potential, but there are a lot of backs that come out with potential every year.
I could live with either Tolbert or Gartrell going, but if they cut Bennett I think it is a mistake that could hurt them this season.

by JeromeB on Aug 31, 2009 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions

Hughes has a knee injury and he's out

Did we know that? I"ll fan shot

by Sam (sdsuaztec4) on Aug 31, 2009 6:09 PM PDT reply actions

We all know...

that if LT gets hurt (knock on wood) that Bennett is the the back who can take over with sproles… Yes we need long term thats what Johnson is for but I mean for this season for someone who can carry the load i’d put the money on Mike… eh Tolbert eh…. like i said Eh… we need right now and we’ll groom along the way with Johnson… but oh boy I have this feeling that at the end of the day we’re gonna be like wow…

Can someone educate me about something… How and where do we get people on the practice squad??? are they the people we cut? I know that the UFA or peeps that get cut can still get on a team or whatever but what happens to them… do they go to the Practice squad?

***MZ LANZ***

by ChargersWitch on Aug 31, 2009 9:08 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs

I MEAN MIKE BENNETT

***MZ LANZ***

by ChargersWitch on Aug 31, 2009 9:09 PM PDT up reply actions

When a player is released by a team, he is put on waivers. Other teams are able to claim that player off waivers, but if he goes unclaimed he is free to sign with any team and/or any team’s practice squad. Usually, because they know the system, a player that clears waivers will sign to the practice squad of the team that released him if they want him to.

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Sep 1, 2009 2:04 AM PDT up reply actions

Thank You John

You are always so helpful… appreciate it!

***MZ LANZ***

by ChargersWitch on Sep 1, 2009 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions

I agree

I believe what my eyes tell me, and that is that Bennet is the only viable backup for LT. Sproles can’t handle the load and Johnson and Hester aren’t skilled enough. Unless we are shifting away from any sort of emphasis on a running game, we need to keep Bennet as a backup.

by Stephen (shaynes41) on Sep 1, 2009 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions