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Running Back

5 Sleeper RBs you can’t afford to miss on

by Jermaine Lockett August 3, 2016

top 5 FFL RB SLEEPER

5 Sleeper RBs you can’t afford to miss on

Can you afford to miss out on these RBs? Tune in as Jermaine gives some insight to your upcoming fantasy football draft.

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Listen! If you want to do more than just place in your league, subscribe to our email list (meaning the overlay you opted out of. Just refresh the page and it will come back.). There I’ll be giving out exclusive tips to only those who sign up. No sign-up, no championship, no ice cream. “Remember Ice Cream is only for winners…”

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or twitter.

August 3, 2016 0 comment

AFC North Baltimore Ravens NFL

Trent Richardson: Comeback Kid?

by Christopher DuVall May 23, 2016

written by Christopher DuVall

CREDIT: Peter Read Miller (Photo by Peter Read Miller /Sports Illustrated/Getty Images)

Football fans love a good comeback story, and they are about to witness one in Baltimore. No joke. This is the stuff that Rocky movies are made of. The National Football League is about to feel the wrath of running back Trent Richardson.

The Baltimore Ravens are loaded at the running back position with Justin Forsett, Buck Allen, Lorenzo Taliaferro, Terrance West, and Kenneth Dixon, who was added this year in the fourth round. Richardson faces an uphill battle as he seeks redemption in the charmed city, but he is aware of the daunting task before him and remains confident.

He touted his guaranteed success in an interview with Matt Zenitz of AL.com

“This is what I am going to do. I am going to prove it. Like I keep saying, its going to be fun looking people in the eye and hearing what they have to say after this year.”

After surpassing the physical benchmarks required by Ozzie Newsome and weighing in at 218 lbs, Ozzie told Trent

“we really want you here.” Apparently the front office believes that there is room for improvement in the backfield, and I agree. Richardson signed a one-year deal and I think he will make the 53-man roster.

The Ravens need a strong three down back that will be healthy down the stretch, when a playoff birth is on the line; the kind of back that can keep drives alive on third and one. Under John Harbaugh, Trent will be that back.

At One Winning Drive, Richardson will overcome the mental blocks that were prevalent in Indianapolis and prove the naysayers wrong. In Baltimore he will return to the basic instincts that led him to a tremendous success at the University of Alabama.

Fellow Alabama running back, Shaun Alexander, believes Richardson was “restricted by the schemes” in Indianapolis behind a poor offensive line that hindered his natural abilities. I am hedging my bets, that against all odds, the former Crimson Tide star will return to form and get a start as the short yardage back for the Ravens on Sunday Sept. 11 against the Buffalo Bills.

As the season progresses, Richardson’s pass catching ability will prove to be an ideal fit for Marc Trestman’s offense. Clearly, Trent hit rock bottom last season. Sitting at home, facing a future without playing football, forced the 23 year old to look in the mirror and do a serious gut check. That was then. This is now.

After being picked 3rd overall in the 2012 NFL Draft, the former SEC champion rushed for over 950-yards and 11 touchdowns in his rookie year, while playing injured on a bad team. In addition to his skills on the ground, Richardson has good hands out of the backfield, averaging 8.1-yards with 113 total receptions as a pro.

The former Heisman runner-up fell on hard times last summer, after being cut from the Oakland Raiders. He is about to break out in purple and black. In the words of former teammate and trainer Mike McCoy “He will shock the NFL this year.” Ozzie Newsome believes Trent Richardson will return to form. In his last chance to make good as a pro, Richardson has vowed to “play like a Raven”. I believe him.

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Christopher DuVall is a writer for the Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook.

May 23, 2016 0 comment

Alex Collins-Sgt. Dwight Henderson Wikimedia commons

AFC East New England Patriots NFL

Is Alex Collins perfect for the Patriots?

by Damian Parson April 10, 2016

written by Damian Parson

Alex Collins-Sgt. Dwight Henderson Wikimedia commons

The Truth

The New England Patriots had a strong off-season. I wrote about it in my piece on Keyarris Garrett and his potential to be a steal for the Patriots. The Pats have a few areas they truly need to address in the draft. They currently need: CB, WR, T, and RB, in no specific order. The team was forced to be one-dimensional, after a bevy of injuries to the offensive line and running back positions. You cannot be one-dimensional in a league like the NFL. Adding a capable bell cow running back can help take some weight off Tom Brady’s shoulders.

Who is in the committee?

The Patriots currently have a running back by committee approach. That usually happens whenever a team does not have a true one-two punch at the position. They have the electrifying Dion Lewis, the capable pass catcher, James White, special teamer Brandon Bolden, unknown Tyler Gaffney, and the newly signed Donald Brown. That is a committee of backs that are quite similar for the most part. The one thing missing from this back field is a bell cow. I’m referring to the type of back that can run between the tackles and drain the clock when you have control of the game. Legarette Blount? Yes, the Pats have had recent success with Blount, but he is going on 30 years old. He would be a cheap option and there is mutual interest for a reunion. However, the 2015 SB Champs have a need for a young physical running back, and there is an option(s) in this year’s draft.

WHO

After reviewing the running backs available in this draft, and the options available for the patriots, I am putting my money on Arkansas running back Alex Collins. Collins stands at 5’10 and 217 pounds, he has the frame/body that the Patriots need at the running back position. One of the biggest pros of Collins is that he averaged 5.53 yards per carry over his 3 years at Arkansas. From 2013-2015 Collins got better and efficient with his role growing. The more carries he received the more he produced. His yards-per-carry were 5.4 both 2013-2014 seasons, and went to 5.8 in 2015. That is good production and growth without the heavy mileage on his tires. Throughout his career at Arkansas, Collins never amassed 300+ carries for a season. He has a skill set no running back on the roster currently displays.

What does he bring to the table?

When you look at game film for Alex Collins, you will see a patient and strong runner. He has good vision as well. The one thing that is necessary, to be a successful NFL running back is vision. For example let’s remember the famous Trent Richardson vision blunder in Oakland.

Collins’ ability to see an open hole, anticipate, and use his patience to attack the hole is key. The Patriots have applied RBs that had the vision to see the hole, but couldn’t get to it or RBs that couldn’t see the hole altogether. Collins gives them a back that can do both. Quick twitch movements allows him to get from one hole to another without hesitation or wasted movement. The clip below shows Collins vision on display, it was a crowded hole and he cut into the correct hole.

Collins also has really good foot work inside the hole, and out in space. For a back his size, you would not expect him to have the type of foot work that would make defenders miss in a one on one situation. That is one of my favorite abilities that he possesses, being able to create space. He is a tough inside runner and so is Legarette Blount, but Collins has the foot work to make defenders. The next clip will show his ability to make defenders miss with his light feet in order to score the touchdown.

Not only does Collins have the light feet needed to make defenders miss, he has the power to run between the tackles effectively, and long speed(which isn’t talked about much). He accelerates quicker than expected and even though he is not a “Burner”, he has enough speed to make plays down field. The clip below shows his ability to break the “Long One” against LSU a pretty good defense. He uses patience, vision, and foot work to get through the hole for the touchdown.

Conclusion

Alex Collins has the skill set the Patriots need on their roster. He brings an attitude and smoothness to the running back position. He isn’t required to be an immediate starter, but he does need to get his opportunities behind a healthy Dion Lewis. Alex is a decent pass blocker, better coaching can help his growth in that area. Overall the Patriots would be gaining a young, physical, smooth running back for the future. The best part about this is he wouldn’t take a second round pick. He is projected to be a 3rd to 4th at best. Come on Patriots! Get Tom a strong running back!!!!

If you would like to read or hear more from Damian or other fellow Couch Riders, please Subscribe to our RSS feed and like us on Facebook.

Damian Parsons is an Analyst for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook and Follow/Like us on Facebook or twitter.

April 10, 2016 0 comment

AFC East AFC South Houston Texans Miami Dolphins NFL

Why the Dolphins need Arian Foster

by Jermaine Lockett March 28, 2016

written by Jermaine Lockett

AJ Guel Flickr

Changing of the game

There are few premiere running backs in football, because of the way the game is changing. This game has transitioned to such a pass oriented league due to the YPC possible with the new signal callers. Even the basic non-football mind can understand; do you want 4.5 yards per carry or 8.5 yards per catch?

This however has brought the value of a good back down. Sure, there are teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, who value their stable of capable backs like gold because their offense runs through them. However, who else is built to run like that? The Baltimore Ravens of old were built in the constant rushing mode when they consistently ranked in the top-ten in rushing offenses since 2007. However times have changed and Ozzie Newsome has went in a completely different direction. Backward but that is another story for another time.

“Arian Fosters” are hard to come by

What I am getting at is guys like Arian Foster are very rare. This game changer has had a few injuries over the last few years. He had hips, groins, back and hamstring injuries. You name it, he had it. The upside to that is when he heals up, you have one of the best in the game. The Miami Dolphins could certainly benefit from convincing him to stay past Tuesday considering they just gave their last guy to the Foster’s former team, the Houston Texans. This team is going to need a Running monster to stay competitive in a really tough AFC EAST.

Plenty of Gas left…

While I think Lamar Miller is a very capable back, I think having Foster as the feature back in Miami is an upgrade. Foster is only 29 years old and the average life of a RB before decline is eight years. Foster has been in the NFL for seven seasons and due to injuries has only played the full 16 games in two of them. This could mean he either has some more gas in the tank in his eighth season or Miami could be in for a free-agent bust signing. I will go with the ladder. Even the Dolphins are not ready to commit according to the Miami Herald who is saying

“Both sides have made this clear, with Foster’s camp leaking he won’t sign anywhere until he’s ‘completely healthy.’ Miami is trying to establish where Foster is at in his rehab, and will undoubtedly try to wait for Foster’s price to come down. Foster is gambling he’ll be more valuable when he’s closer to full speed in May or June.”

Only time will tell…

While Foster is a frustrating fantasy football player, his talent level cannot be ignored. He knows he needs to get back to his 2010-2012 form, where he put up a combined 45 TDs rushing and receiving. For the right price, this extremely talented former Texan should be in a Dolphins uniform for the 2016 season.

If you would like to read or hear more from Jermaine or fellow Couch Riders, please Subscribe to our RSS feed and like us on Facebook.

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.

March 28, 2016 0 comment

AFC North Cleveland Browns NFL

Does Cleveland have a clear RB solution?

by Jermaine Lockett September 9, 2015

written by Jermaine Lockett

ERIK DROST-FLICKR

Cleveland, it may be NFL Season-eve but I have not forgotten about you. There has been so much going on in the NFL, it gets hard to keep up. With that said, let’s look at what recently happened. You have a shaky running back situation as is and now you’ve traded away what could’ve been your starter to the Tennessee Titans for a conditional pick? Shaking my head (yes, I spelled it out).

Head coach Mike Pettine said Isaiah Crowell has the edge over Terrence West for the starting RB job. Nowhere in the words did he say “clear winner”. He said edge. Mary Cabot had this to say on twitter prior to the trade

“Neither player has had a particularly exciting preseason, but Crowell is the more talented runner with the higher ceiling. Both players should get carries against the Jets Week 1, and Duke Johnson (concussion) will be in the mix as well once he returns. This backfield will once again be difficult to project week to week.”

With that type of statement, wouldn’t it be sensible to keep West in house to let him battle it out, rather than trade him to the Titans? It’s not like Duke Johnson is the answer. He is going through NFL concussion protocols and even when he returns the team has not seen nearly enough to throw him into the action.

I believe West will be happier with the trade simply because he is stepping into a more talented offense than the Browns had. Ken Whisenhunt will make sure that he and Bishop Sankey set the tone on the ground in order to open up the passing game for rookie Marcus Mariota.

I guess the real question about this trade is “is Duke ready”? From what I could see, he adds a great deal of excitement to the backfield but how will that translate to the NFL? His videos made him appear to be a man amongst boys and that is what got him to this stage with his 595 touches for 4238 yards and 30 touchdowns during his collegiate level play. Pettine according to yahoo.com also followed with saying:

“Duke could still play a big week one role against the Jets”

I still see Duke as nothing to get too excited about especially while he sits as number 2 on the depth chart being Crowell.

According to fansided.com there are also reports of the Browns closing in on a deal with Montee Ball but even if they do, he will not be ready to play until next week. I wonder what the depth chart look like after they sign him? It’s not like he’s a premiere back either. There a reason he’s currently unemployed.

This backfield has just about as many problems a Roger Goodell has with discipline issues around the league. Good luck Cleveland trying to figure this out in an already tough AFC North Division.

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.

September 9, 2015 0 comment

Arizona Cardinals NFC West NFL

Rough Training Camp ahead for Rookie David Johnson

by Jermaine Lockett July 22, 2015

written by Jermaine Lockett

View image | gettyimages.com

The Arizona Cardinals are in desperate need of a brusier in the backfield. They have Andre Ellington who is a nifty slick Back with a great deal of spring in his step. However with durability being an issue, one has to wonder who was brought in to help with Ellington’s workload. The Cards are looking to 3^rd round selection David Johnson to fill the void.

This rookie out of Northern Iowa has all the measureables with his 6-1 224lb frame but let’s be real. The fans won’t get a good look at what AZ actually paid the draft pick for until training camp. They want to know can this guy thump? How is he is pass protection and if they are on the goal-line can I trust this guy to get them six?

I’m hearing tons of praise for his hands and his ability to be a receiver. Mike Mayock even says:

“he catches the ball like LeVeon Bell”

However this is not what they brought Johnson in for. He is supposed to be the “punisher”. The make DTs on third and one pay type of guy.

Arizona has a solid team capable of making huge strides in the NFC West with a two of their contenders in the San Francisco 49ers and St. Louis Rams undergoing so much change. But in order to make the other teams fear them, they are going to need that Back who is in the “Michael Turner” or “Jamal Lewis” type build.

Here is to hoping Johnson can be the change of pace back that the Cards are looking for. Should the former UNI Panther be able to showcase more than his soft hands, you can bet he’ll be shouldering 8-10 carries a game. Johnson had better get ready for a tough in-between the tackles kind of training camp, because AZ needs him to be that heavy hitter.

Jermaine Lockett is a Writer and CEO for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on Facebook or twitter.

July 22, 2015 0 comment

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