Our Running Back Room (Bright Hope)

[Hawktawk]

It’s always been about health . Even as a relatively healthy rookie Penny had almost 500 yards on only 85 touches . His skills are rare , his physical gifts, patience , field vision are special . If he’s ready to go he immediately elevates the entire offense far from the basement many predict . And thanks for sharing CHawk Bob

[RiverDog]

It’s always been about health . Even as a relatively healthy rookie Penny had almost 500 yards on only 85 touches . His skills are rare , his physical gifts, patience , field vision are special . If he’s ready to go he immediately elevates the entire offense far from the basement many predict . And thanks for sharing CHawk Bob

It hasn't always been about health. While Penny is the more explosive runner with an extra gear that Chris Carson doesn't have, when both were healthy, Carson was the starter because he's the better all around back. Carson is the better blocker, the better receiver, and the better short yardage runner. That's why we resigned Carson to a multi year contract while refusing to pick up Penny's 5th year option.

Interesting tidbit but it goes without saying that the 100 carries minimum in that graphic is a very low bar. For example, there were 29 running backs last season that had more than 150 carries. Bump that minimum up to just 125 carries and Penny drops off the list.

[Aseahawkfan]

I would like to see Penny live up to his promise. But first and foremost he has to stay healthy while taking the weekly NFL beating. It isn't going to get any easier with rookie tackles starting and a QB no defense has to respect. They can stack the box against Penny and whoever else is running with Geno or Locke back there. No defenses respect either of those guys. They won't until Geno or Locke force them to respect their arms and ability to pass. So it's going to be open season on Penny and the RBs to stifle the run game and make us one dimensional forcing Geno and Locke to throw to win, which most defenses will welcome to pad their turnover stats.

It's no accident that Penny ran like he did when Russell was firing on all cylinders forcing defenses to respect the passing game or get wrecked.