So what about KR?

by James Brady on Jan 2, 2009 3:53 PM PST

I mean, of course we have Allen Rossum but there's a lot of question marks surrounding whether he'll return, etc. (Or not really, he's just scheduled to be a FA.) At any rate, do you think we should look to someone else to come in and handle KR and PR?

I ask mostly because I noticed HB Darren Sproles, who just happens to be my favorite non-49er is going to be a FA. Is he worth looking at for KR/PR and most definitely to backup Frank Gore? I watch the Chargers play and Sproles constantly amazes me. He's a tough little guy and I've never really seen him falter.

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Sproles

Josh from Hollywood would probably agree with you on this one.

It’d certainly be nice to develop a young kick returner. I believe Reggie Smith was a punt returner in college, so he could definitely be an option. Free agency is certainly an option, but I’d imagine Darren Sproles might be a little pricey given all the publicity he’s been getting. And going through the draft for a kick returner is not simple.

Given Rossum’s performance, combined with his brittle nature, I’d definitely like to see someone groomed to follow him.

by David Fucillo on Jan 2, 2009 3:58 PM PST reply actions

Yeah I suppose the price would be steep, its just wishful thinking from me since I love the guy.

When the season began I was under the impression that we’d be playing Reggie Smith at PR and Rossum at KR, not that anybody had said that, just because I knew of Reggie Smith. It seems like he wont be getting any chances, though.

by James Brady on Jan 2, 2009 4:04 PM PST up reply actions

“Josh from Hollywood would probably agree with you on this one.”

I would indeed… as long as he was being paid like a returner/3rd down back. If someone wants to give him starting RB money, they can have him.

Check out The Examined Life. Or don't. Whatever.
"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK

by Josh from Hollywood on Jan 2, 2009 9:20 PM PST up reply actions

Starting RB money?

I don’t see anybody giving him starting RB, the dude is 181 lbs and isn’t a good bet to make it through an entire season as a feature back. I do think that the gap between what “back-up” or #2 RB make and what “feature” or #1 RB make will start to close as their snap differential begins to tighten. I’m curious to see what Sproles gets on an open market but it won’t be anywhere near Michael Turner money.

Plus, one could argue that the Chargers need Sproles just as much if not more than any other team. Tomlinson’s play has been on the decline and his injuries on the incline.

by methodrampage on Jan 5, 2009 9:12 AM PST up reply actions

“I don’t see anybody giving him starting RB, the dude is 181 lbs and isn’t a good bet to make it through an entire season as a feature back.”

Couldn’t that same statement have been made about Warrick Dunn circa 1997?

Hell, after 1990, the Niners were blinded enough by 170-pound Dexter Carter’s speed and quickness to think he could adequately replace Roger Craig as the starting RB on a Super Bowl contender. They were dead wrong, but that doesn’t mean some other GM will make the same mistake — especially after watching Sproles tear up the Colts. Not saying it’s the right thing to do, just that it’s in the realm of possibilities.

Check out The Examined Life. Or don't. Whatever.
"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK

by Josh from Hollywood on Jan 5, 2009 12:26 PM PST up reply actions

Ok

You’re right, you could say it about Dunn. You got anybody else?

You’re right, GM’s make dumb mistakes all the time.

But in my dumb-GM-mistake-free opnion he won’t get Michael Turner money.

by methodrampage on Jan 5, 2009 12:55 PM PST up reply actions

“But in my dumb-GM-mistake-free opnion he won’t get Michael Turner money.”

Agreed.

Check out The Examined Life. Or don't. Whatever.
"I been waitin' a long time for this! I been waitin' since the f**kin' amateurs!" --WILL "THE THRILL" CLARK

by Josh from Hollywood on Jan 5, 2009 2:51 PM PST up reply actions

the fact that we chose Ziegler to return punts...

over an available Reggie Smith should speak testaments towards the lack of faith the coaching staff seems to have in the guy.

Sproiles would be the perfect fit – not just as a kick returner, but as a much-needed second option at halfback, as well. Being a burner with great hands and vision, he’d be a wonderful compliment to Gore.

by shlecko on Jan 5, 2009 10:29 AM PST up reply actions

I like Sproles, and we could use a “lightning” back to Gore’s “thunder” also, but I cant see him being worth the price he’s gonna command this offseason, especially if he puts up another monster game or two in the playoffs. Save the cash for a run at Haynesworth.

by sam23 on Jan 5, 2009 1:12 AM PST reply actions

Sproles officially hit the “CHA-CHING” button, with his performance against the Colts. His asking price just got alot higher.

by illini49er on Jan 5, 2009 6:15 AM PST reply actions

Sproles would be awesome, but I doubt we’d pick him up. I seriously suggest drafting a quick back in the upcoming draft (depends who goes pro) in the later rounds.

To return kickoffs, have we tried Jason Hill? I’m honestly curious. There’s no foundation to this, of course, just that Hill was always my KO returner in Madden.

I have no new information on that at this time.

by Rishi on Jan 7, 2009 12:48 PM PST reply actions