Close Call #11: Maurice Jones Drew vs Michael Turner

[Miller]

If you need a refresher on the rules for the series or a run down of previous match-ups? Here is the rules and history thread:
"Close Calls 2009" - A Sports Outlaw Exclusive
Remember, this is based on re-draft leagues and non ppr scoring.

Today's Match-up:

Maurice Jones Drew vs Michael Turner

Last Year's Stats:
Maurice Jones-Drew - 16 gms - 824 ru yds - 12 ru TD's - 62 rec - 565 rec yds - 2 rec TD
Michael Turner - 16 gms - 1699 ru yds - 17 ru TD's - 6 rec - 41 yds - 0 rec TD's

Today's Match-up we go to the top of the draft and take a look at two potential top 5 picks. Taylor is out in Jacksonville and now the show is all MJD's. Can he handle the full load? Can he eclipse 2000 combined yards, or will he take a step back under the pressure of an increased work load? And speaking of workloads, Turner handled about as heavy of a load as they get last year, can he continue to do this? Was he a one year wonder, or does he have staying power at the top of the RB class? These are just some of the questions you will need to answer in today's close call.

 

[ExperiencedRookie]

MJD for me. Increased workload for a TD and receiving machine.

A younger, fresher, version of Brian Westbrook!

I also fear Turner's schedule. Most brutal in the NFL. He should also have reduced carries this year.

 

[Remote Controller]

I went with MJD, and all I got is wear and tear on Turner from last year. I don't see a repeat year for him this year. It's all gut.

 

[Phicinfan]

MJD, Turner carried way too much last year...watch the wheels fall off this year....and with the revamped o-line in Jax......MJD will have a field day.

 

[Sgt John]

Turner all the way. He fits his offense very well. MJD will lose catches now the Jags actually have some WRs. Gonzo and Co will make the lanes bigger for the Burner.

 

[Miller]

It's MJD for me. I just don't trust Atlanta just yet and that high I feel better with MJD with a heavier work load.

 

[efactor]

My fear with Turner is that a decent share of the short TDs could be lost as a more experienced Ryan will be allowed to pass more in close, and could fall in love with the 1 yd TD pass, ala Brett Favre.

Very close, but I give Jones-Drew a slight edge, due to his involvement in the passing game. I'm not really worried about the amount of carries that Turner had last year. First year with that kind of work load, so I don't think there is a big wear and tear factor.

 

[bodey24]

I am also going with MJD with his increased workload this year.

 

[RZR]

I see I'm in the minority on this one... Turner for me. MT didn't spend 4 years playing 2nd fiddle behind today's LT just to have 1 great season on the east coast. I know all the speculation about Atlanta's ability to repeat their success in '09 and even though Norwood received a decent share of the party invitations (489 yards worth), Turner is the foundation for their running team and a corner stone in the offensive strategy Atlanta is building upon.

Remember that Atlanta is a run-first O, which was referenced a ton during the Roddy White close call. So if Roddy loses credit due to the run, who gets to make the deposit in ATL? MT for me.

 

[cctekguy]

I expect MJD to have a heavier workload but I also expect defenses to key on him all year. Turner will be the feature back in a more balanced attack.

If this poll were based on a PPR league I'd have to take MJD but Turner is more of a true RB and will be used that way.

 

[storminn0rm]

MJD all the way for me. Increased workload, touchdown machine. Turner scares me this year after having 394 or something carries last year.

 

[Runnik's Hambones]

I went MJD as well here. Fred Taylor isn't around, means more carries for Drew and I think that puts him well over the 1K mark on the ground, while I think he will still grab 60 balls through the air.

 

[Little Big Head]

This isnt that close for me. MJD

 

[WesDawg]

I went Forte. LOL

Actually cc made my point already. These 2 are so close that I'll let the league format make my choice for me. Their total yards and TD's should be close enough to vault MJD higher in a PPR league since he'll outscore Turner by about 50 or so points in that category alone.
Since the CC's are based on standard scoring, I went Turner.

In a dynasty/keeper I'd probably go MJD due to fresher legs and a line that got better and younger this offseason (E.Monroe, E.Britton, and Tra Thomas), plus as Ryan develops I see an uptick in ATL's pass/run ratio to something closer to 50/50.

 

[Cerberus]

I am going with the man they call mighty mouse on this one. Plus his back, i want to say washington, is really good. Watched him some last year and the guy has skills. He will be good to put in to give an extra blocker or even MJD a breather. Turner will be a question mark. Its going to be interesting to see how he does now they have a really good TE.

 

[Dallas Iowa]

I am going with Turner on this one, and here is why.
1st reason is Turner has proven he can be the workhorse can handle 300+++
carries, and I emphasize the plus. MJD has proven he is a good situational relief style back, kind of like MBIII and we all know what happened to MBIII, last year when faced with a full workload. 2nd of all Turner helped me win about $1500 last year. Have a little bit of a bias, but at least I can admit it.