Handicapping NFL Fullbacks
by Kevin of Ultimatecapper.com
There is no "i" in team however it should be noted that there'sone very large reason the San Diego Chargers and Ladainian Tomlinsonare breaking off so many runs and having such a successful offenseseason. The answer is one if given 5 guesses you probably couldn'tanswer as well. Lorenzo Neal.
Neal, in his 13th season out of Fresno State is a batteringram. While not an threat on offense he works his magic in otherways by springing running backs for larger gainers by absolutelyleveling opposing linebackers. If you don't believe me just watchsome time. Neal always seems to get his helmet on somebody elsesand he is rarely the one to get knocked backwards.
Neal's story is an interesting one. This ageless wonder wasa rookie back in 1993 with the Saints and was actually the featuredback. In his second game of the season he busted his ankle andwas done for the season. Who knows what this guy would have turnedout to be as a tailback as his average through 2 games was 8.3yards per carry.
Oddly enough, the gentle giant claims that the ankle injurywas a blessing in disguise and that it actually moved him to aposition that extended his career. He said there's no way he'dhave lasted this long as a running back. Since his injury, hehasn't missed a game in 12 years.
Speaking of lasting a long time, this guy is a closet workoutfreak which can also be attributed to his lengthy NFL careeer.
As a player, this guy does some great thingsthat simply don't show up in the boxscores, hence the reason forthis article (To alert you to check out teams fullbacks becausethey do indeed have quite a bit to do with a teams run game).Check out some of these feats:
He's blocked for big name RB's such as AdrianMurrell, Warrick Dunn, Mike Alstott, Eddie George and Corey Dillon.All had tremendous year's following Neal through the line. Since1997, all of his backs have rushed for 1000 yards or more! Itwould make one ask why teams let him go? The answer is ugly. Theydon't want to pay big bucks for the FB position. Pretty ridiculousconsidering that his results speak for themselves.
With that being said, Neal has taken the ultimatecompliment and moved on each time getting a better raise in pay.
His stats aren't going to wow anybody:
In 13 years he's averaged less than 1 carry pergame.
He's played for 6 different teams in 13 season.
He leaves a team and the running backs stats get WORSE.
He has 5 career rushing touchdowns.
With that being said, why this guy has only beento the NFL Pro Bowl 1 time in 13 years is beyond us. We can howeverconfidently say that we do believe San Diego realizes the valueof the big battering ram and we don't expect him to be going anywheresoon.
We'll leave you with this.... If your bettingon or against a team that has a strong run game, be sure to checkout the injury status of the teams fullback as well as how good/badthat fullback blocks for his tailback.
Disclaimer: A crappy offensive line makes thisall a moot point.
Until next time, good luck in your action!
Kevin
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