Commentary

Scouts Buzz: Turner burning again

Originally Published: November 9, 2009
By Matt Williamson | Scouts Inc.
After watching the Week 9 games, Scouts Inc. shares its 10 key observations:

1. Michael Turner is officially back: As he first showed last week, it looks as though Falcons RB Michael Turner is fully back to his outstanding 2008 form. Early in the season, he was sluggish and didn't show the ability to break off long runs. That isn't the case any longer. He is more explosive laterally, has showed great balance and is hitting the hole harder than when the season began. He ran through arm tackles and was exceptional once he reached the second level. Turner didn't look as though he was operating on a short week after Atlanta's loss to the Saints this past Monday.

2. Up-and-down night for the Eagles' offensive line: As it has been for much of the season, pass protection was a problem for the Eagles on Sunday night. Jason Peters injured his ankle near the end of the first quarter, forcing Todd Herremans to move from left guard to left tackle, where he had to do battle with DeMarcus Ware more often than not. Herremans is built like a tackle but isn't quick enough to recover once beaten and lacks the lateral agility needed to combat Ware. The Eagles tried chipping and helping with LeSean McCoy, but pass protection certainly is not the rookie running back's forte at this point. Peters returned later in the game with his ankle heavily taped and did a great job on Ware -- with some help. Oft-maligned RT Winston Justice was very good in his own right, which allowed for help on the left side. The Eagles also had a very difficult time containing the ultraquick Jay Ratliff early in his pursuit of QB Donovan McNabb. It didn't help the Eagles' cause that McNabb was erratic with his ball placement right off the bat. Philadelphia did get help from its outstanding screen game, though.

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Matt Williamson

ESPN.com
  • Hosts "Football Today" podcast
  • Joined ESPN in 2005
  • Was an NFL and college scout for the Cleveland Browns

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