I'll take Thomas as the #2 at this point..

 

This chart just shows how much the depth OL stinks. All horrible running averages.

 

The team really needs to do some heavy running in the next couple games and switch these guys around. Make sure we actually 'have' a running game.

 

IMO its too small of a sample size to come to any conclusions at this stage.Let the preseason playout .

You also have to take into account that the coaches see these players everyday in practice and they may have another opinion of these players.

 

I agree with this. Also, you may want to add snap counts to the chart as both gray and gilli have gotten way more snaps than Thomas. Thomas isn't great but gray and gilli haven't shown enough to warrant jumping DT imo. Especially as DT looked like the best back out of the three last night.

 

stats in preseason are worthless when it comes to backs, their playing different players, some first, some 2nd, some 3rd string olines and defenses, gray and Gilly have a lot more reps..like crunch says the sample size is pretty small, but just from looking at movement and styles, I don't see enough talent or quickness to challenge Thomas for the #2,

 

I thought Grey and Gillislee looked great as far as being decisive and moving the pile forwards. The issues have been more along the lines of poor run blocking.

Thomas IMO didn't look as good on an eye test level. He did cut back into a hole for a decent run but it was about his only positive play (not counting blocking) where as I think Grey and Gillislee just look better on an individual level.

 

Not sure if DJ is meaning the same as this BUT.............

You also have to take into account which OLine they are running behind, although come to think about it, they might so BETTER behind the #2 or #3 line because of the competitions backups.

And, I agree, stats at this point mean next to nothing.

 

IMO there is no back up RB battle. DThomas is #2.

 

Main concern for this year has been and continues to be our running game. I just cannot foresee it being good at all, tbh. Hopefully one of these guys pops in the next 3 games, or else we're going to have problems; our #2 RB is going to be very important this year, imo, cause I don't think Miller is a 20+ carry guy, as much as people want to hype him up.

DT is frustrating as all hell, but I feel like he has the best chance to emerge as a dangerous runner. Gills and Gray bring some solid things to the table, but I don't see the talent/tools to actually count as a legit NFL 'weapon' - though I'd love to be wrong about this.

 

Last preseason there was no running game to speak of and a lot of people had similar concerns but once the season started it was a totally different story. IMO there's no need to put unnecessary wear and tear or injury risk on Miller/Thomas in these practice games, come September the run game will be fine. Pass protection is another issue though. That's something to be genuinely worried about.

 

I'm thinking the #3 RB will be the best ST player of the two. If Gray or Gillislee are getting significant RB reps during the season then something has gone horribly wrong.

 

IMO, Gray and Gillislee both have better vision and instincts as a runner than Thomas. Gray also has better power, speed, and balance IMO. DT is the #2 still simply because he is a 3rd yr veteran and the other two are rookies.

 

What the hell do people see in Daniel Thomas? The guy absolutely sucks.

- Limited power for a powerback
- No speed
- No explosion
- Not elusive
- Doesn't break tackles
- Mediocre vision, running into his lineman constantly
- Made of glass
- Cost us extra draft picks to trade up for*

* Would be OK if he had talent.

He's had two years with this team prior and has not demonstrated any discernible skill set. I'm not even sure if he should backup Gillisee as a #3, nevermind Lamar Miller as a #2. I'll take a Miller/Gray 1-2 punch all day going forward. DT, pls go.

 

Good blocker, good route runner, good hands, does a good job understanding blocking schemes and coverages. His skill set is clearly one of a 3rd down back. He actually somewhat reminds me of Kevin Faulk to a certain degree.

Sent from my HTC One GE using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

i'm really torn but i think we keep all 4 anyways

 

Except that Kevin Faulk was never a fan base's personal whipping boy.

 

And that's Final ? Re-evaluate next year ? I still have hope for Daniel but if he struggles it looks like big 32 will be ready.

 

GTFOH!!! DTrain has mad skeels

[video=youtube_share;T-ldND52bjc]http://youtu.be/T-ldND52bjc[/video]

 

There's a battle alright, for the #3 RB spot. Thomas has the #2 spot locked imo.

 

do we really now that ? :shifty:

 

well i guess with this kind of blocking he could do it for real

 

Pretty much. New England wins games, their fans don't need whipping boys :lol:.

 

If Gray or Gillislee start seeing reps with the first team offense that'd tell me they were being considered for one of the top 2 spots.

 

I'm still hoping he could explode much like Larry Johnson did.

 

Not a fan of DT, but the other two haven't showed anything either.

 

I heard a lot this offseason about how hard Daniel Thomas was working and how he was going to take a big step forward. I haven't seen it at all. He's the same RB as the previous two years, which is one that lacks power, shiftiness, and speed. Thomas just brings nothing to the offense. He is ineffective and needs to go. Gray and Gillislee are both upgrades, and both have much more upside, IMO.

 

http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6522/daniel-thomas
Rotoworlds opinion

 

.... They stole my idea!

 

I dont think there is a battle. DTs 8 carries says to me that the coaching staff is fine with him. if there was actually a "battle" going on, DT would be geting more carries. gray is the only one who has to prove something to stay on the team.

 

you sir are correct

 

He's fighting with Mike Gillislee for a spot.

They cut BJ Cunningham last year so it wouldn't surprise me if we seen our running back depth chart as Miller, Thomas, Thigpen, Gray.

 

Has Thigpen even carried the ball this preseason?

 

BTW, he is pretty much doomed considering he was Omar's man crush list.

 

Hard to see that anyone's taken a big step forward when they're only playing a handful of snaps.

 

Because Kevin Faulk was actually good at football.

 

I think Thomas is the #2 back so far. I'm hoping he turns it around this season because I'm really not impressed with Gray or Gillislee.

Maybe we can pick up another back to replace Thomas before the regular season starts, though. That would be ideal.