Originally posted by brodiebluebanaszak:
Not only is frank our best running back, he's our best open field runner of any skill position player. He's one of if not the best blocking halfback in the NFL.
He can be doing much more for us than he is being asked. You don't let guys like that go. It's a fantasy to think that we will get a better performer in the draft or free agent.
What he brings to the table is not replaceable. And, it's our coaching culture and dorky playcalling that chokes other runners from getting touches on the ball -- not Frank's ego or anything like that.
You should be waterboarded for even suggesting an irrational, foot shooting move like cutting Frank for salary cap reasons. He will restructure anyway.
Frank is absolutely our best blocking back and one of the best in the league. But our best "open field runner?" Come on man! I love Frank, but even though he might be able to juke me on the first move, I could probably chase Frank down from behind!
What Frank does beautifully (and usually later in the game when the defense is worn down) is make that perfect cut to break through the 2nd/3rd level for the huge gain...what he doesn't do so well is actually take it to the house, which any of our other backs could. And, talk about an open field runner, did you ever see LaMichael James play at Oregon??? Btw, Hunter was one of the better blocking backs at his Senior Bowl, constantly stoning guys in their tracks. He's got excellent technique and is a strong little dude, he just needs more opportunities to show it at this level.
Bottom line, Frank has been a special back for a very long time (in terms of RB years), but he's not the only one with skills on this team or on this planet for that matter. Much of what he does is in fact replaceable, and some of it is not. The point is, he's either leaving next year or this year, and a greater football mind than yours or mine was an advocate of letting guys go at least a year before their time. There was a reason he believed that.
[ Edited by GhostofFredDean74 on Jan 30, 2014 at 9:38 AM ]