The Broncos should bring on the “burner”
“Despite the dirge of talent and youth at the Broncos’ disposal, the RB corps lacks a savvy and experienced presence. That’s why I would like to see the team recruit the one time backup to Ladainian Tomlinson, Michael “the burner” Turner.”
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John Elway and the brain trust at Dove Valley seem quite confident heading toward training camp with a youth movement at the running back position. Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman showed enough in off season training that the team felt confident releasing the unenthusiastic veteran Willis McGahee who opted to carry on his tradition of not participating in optional workouts.
The pre-camp depth chart also includes Knowshon Moreno, Lance Ball, CJ Anderson, Jacob Hester and Jeremiah Johnson at the running back position.
Despite the dirge of talent and youth at the Broncos’ disposal, the RB corps lacks a savvy and experienced presence. That’s why I would like to see the team recruit the one time backup to Ladainian Tomlinson, Michael “the burner” Turner.
Turner remains a free-agent even after the springtime NFL feeding frenzy during which dozens of available players were signed to new teams. That means that he will offer extraordinary value somewhere. It might as well be Denver.
It’s a well-known fact that the Broncos have cap space remaining for the 2013 season – certainly enough to sign a running back on the wrong side of thirty. Turner is 31. The Chargers drafted Turner in 2004 and, after he faithfully subbed for Tomlinson for four seasons before becoming a free agent and signing a signing a six-year deal with the Falcons in 2008. He played five seasons before being released by Atlanta.
As a Falcon Michael Turner had three impressive seasons and two not-so-impressive ones. In 2008 he was one yard shy of rushing for 1700. The following season he managed only 871, but Turner bounced back to produce back-to-back 1300 yard seasons in 2010 and 2011. In 2012 he fell off again, trotting for under 900 yards and ultimately finding himself without a team. He scored fifty times for Atlanta and will be warmly remembered there.
Standing only 5’10” and weighing in at 247 pounds, Michael Turner is shaped rather like a bowling ball. He is famous for his massive butt and powerful legs and he has always been frighteningly effective in short yardage and surprisingly fast in space. His skills have certainly begun to fade but, as a “spark plug” off the bench he could be very useful for the Broncos – especially in the red zone.
Turner also offers a voice of experience. His leadership could be useful for the Broncos as they develop the next generation of Orange and Blue ball carriers. Yes, there are reasons that no team has signed Turner yet. But he’s not finished playing. Allowing him to finish his career in Denver makes sense – assuming he can be had for a reasonable cost.
The bravado the Broncos have exhibited in allowing McGahee to walk is admirable. Heading into a season with sky-high expectations without a veteran running back is cause for concern, though. Michael Turner could provide the Broncos with a key piece for a championship run.
