Saving our RB (Helu) for rest of season... Thoughts?

[lazarus0280]

Roy Helu has just set a rookie record for the Redskins. This is with a patchwork line. I believe most of us can agree that we know we have a winner with this young man. As the 2011 season comes to an end, many of us are arguing whether to dump games for draft picks or play the spoiler to other teams.

With the shelf life of NFL RB's being so short, I am wanting us to sit Helu. Save him the damage of the rest of the season. That could potentially save him from around 70 game day hits not to mention the minor contact throughout first string practice contact. Accidents happen and I'd hate for us to lose Helu on some freak accident because he does run violently.

Hightower took a serious injury, and from what I understand was only signed to a 1yr contract anyway. (like the guy and hope he recovers and are able to bring him back). If he is healthy I hope he is in the mix as well, but when it comes to accidents don't want what happened to him happen to Helu.

Finally, I'd like to see Royster get the starting nod. See where we sit with him. Also, give Torrain a bunch of carries. We could potentially use Torrain for traid bate.... or even Royster...(though i like Royster). Depending on how each of these 2 guys shine. If Torrain blows it up these last 3 games cause some of these teams are sitting starters or what have you, maybe we get a 3rd round pick for him, etc.

In conclusion, I don't see the sense in still pounding Helu the rest of this season, when to me he looks pretty comfortable out there, and all I can see is harm from continuing playing him at this point. What are your thoughts and feelings?

[TD_washingtonredskins]

I hope not. Let him gain experience and make mistakes now.

[STBonecrusher21]

If he were done developing I'd say you had a strong argument.

However, as of now Helu is still growing as a player and the reps he's getting now is great for him in the future.

[Gart Monk]

He's proven himself. I say put him on the shelf until next year. Let young and royster carry the load.

[skinsarel33t]

Ya if he was developed id say sit him but he needs more time learning. ya shelf life is short for a RB but he isnt going anyway for 5 or 6 years unless he gets hurt.

[ConnSKINS26]

I would make this move as a fan, but the team would NEVER go this direction. Its tantamount to admitting that you're tanking, benching the only spark on offense for no reason.

[lazarus0280]

While I agree with both of you, I'd probablly argue that every NFL player grows throughout his career. With a window being so short for a RB, his skill set is proving that he "has it". Yes, he can get better in pass pro, I think we've seen what his window can be. With no real offseason this year, he's just now finding his stride, how much more exp do you think he needs before he "get's it"? I think he has gotten it. With the start of next season and preseason and OTA's i think he will be more then ready.

[STBonecrusher21]

I would advocate letting Royster getting some more reps. He seemed to have a burst that I didn't see in the preseason. Hit the hole very hard and had some very nice runs.

So maybe let both Helu and Royster carry the load, but not taking Helu totally out of the picture.

[TD_washingtonredskins]

I just don't see the point...letting him continue to get used to the weekly NFL cycle seems valuable to me.

---------- Post added December-11th-2011 at 10:05 PM ----------


I would advocate letting Royster getting some more reps. He seemed to have a burst that I didn't see in the preseason. Hit the hole very hard and had some very nice runs.

So maybe let both Helu and Royster carry the load, but not taking Helu totally out of the picture.

That I'm perfectly fine with.

[lazarus0280]

I would make this move as a fan, but the team would NEVER go this direction. Its tantamount to admitting that you're tanking, benching the only spark on offense for no reason.

Agreed, but then again Shanahan has been preaching at this point that he'd like to see what the new guys could do. I don't think anyone would complain if Royster got the starting nod next week and Shanahan explained it by saying he wanted to see what the next guy could do. As fans we would be excited bout what we got with Helu, and curious about what Royster could do.

I don't mind letting Helu have a few carries like the previous few games before he got the start. I just find it unnecessary to give him a 25 carry load anymore for the season. Plus I think it prudent to maybe steal a draft pick with torrain or Royster possibly.

[moondog]

Connskins is right. No way the team would do this. You play to win and it would be the wrong message to put out there. Plus, he's clearly only going to get better and this experience is great for him. I would, however, prefer that the team keep his carries under 25. That is a lot of touches for any back and it's shown time and again that in this league backs can get wear down when they've seen too many touches. Don't shelf him but Royster showed some talent today as well and I think they should use him more to spell Helu throughout the game to keep from overworking Helu.

[Scamp1]

Helu today reminded me and my brothers of Larry Brown, but we also remembered how G.Allen pounded him into the ground. Waste not want not, and in Helus case I think he should be guarded.

[8181]

Yup... Split his carries from here on out in a 60/40 ratio....

[ddub52]

I like the idea of using Torain as trade bait. He has had some great games for us, but I really love seeing us have a back that fits our system well. I think Torain could go somewhere else and do very well if he stays healthy. But I like having Helu gain experience. There is still room for improvement and he hasnt had a whole bunch of playing time this year anyways. I hope I dont look back on this thread and say that you were right

[Skins199021]

why? he is gonna have to play a whole season next year... why shut him down? he is an mlb pitcher.

I would like to keep feeding him the ball and I want him to be more involved in the passing game.... more screens to him

[lazarus0280]

Connskins is right. No way the team would do this. You play to win and it would be the wrong message to put out there. Plus, he's clearly only going to get better and this experience is great for him. I would, however, prefer that the team keep his carries under 25. That is a lot of touches for any back and it's shown time and again that in this league backs can get wear down when they've seen too many touches. Don't shelf him but Royster showed some talent today as well and I think they should use him more to spell Helu throughout the game to keep from overworking Helu.

Well, with your valid point, what if like I stated in previous thread that Mike Shanny came out before the game and stated, "hey, Helu has shown us alot now these last 3 games I wanna see what Royster has got."

Would anyone be upset? Along with this runningback thread guess it would be nice for just a tad transparency with the coaches. But if they came out like that and stated it, would any of you be up in arms or angry at the coach for stealing "one of our sparks". I def agree that Helu is a spark by the way and gives us our best chance to win. *at least at this point without seeing royster*

[hail2skins]

The Giants should still be in the playoff hunt regardless of whether they win or lose tonight and I went them to get our best shot, so leave Roy in there.

After that we play the worthless Vikes and Eagles so Shanny can do what he wants. In fact, since Rex might be back as a backup QB (and possibly a starter for the first few games), maybe we should sit him the last two and go with the incomparable Beck. If this was annouced, whatever tickets remained in STHs hands would appear on Stubhub in the blink of an eye.

[Califan007]

The carries you give a running back aren't really dictated by percentages or limits...it's more about how a back is holding up and the situations your offense is in.

At any rate, in 4 years I sincerely doubt anyone, anywhere, will be saying "If only we hadn't given him those extra 40 carries back in 2011!!" :ols:...

[amm0409]

I dont think The staff will just sit Helu for the rest of the season. I do however, think they should give some more carries to Royster which will give some rest for Helu. ( I think they will )

[lazarus0280]

why? he is gonna have to play a whole season next year... why shut him down? he is an mlb pitcher.

I would like to keep feeding him the ball and I want him to be more involved in the passing game.... more screens to him

My only argument here is hypothetical so not really, valid. But I'll state it anyway just for arguments sake. How MUCH better can he get by playing, and HOW MUCH can we lose by him continuing to play? Again it's hypothetical but that is the question each fan should weigh.

[Sacks N Stuff]

I want that kid on the field. Too bad Hank and Jenkins are hurt.

Notable 2011 Redskins Rookies
Gomes
Hankerson
Helu
Hurt
Jenkins
Kerrigan
Neild
Paul
Royster
Smith

That's arguably better than the last four Vinny drafts combined.

[Newera]

I mean why. Does not make sense. Just play. You can't worry about injuries. The more he plays, the better. He's emerging. He has all off season to heal. Last draft was the best draft in years.

[TD_washingtonredskins]

My only argument here is hypothetical so not really, valid. But I'll state it anyway just for arguments sake. How MUCH better can he get by playing, and HOW MUCH can we lose by him continuing to play? Again it's hypothetical but that is the question each fan should weigh.

But his job is to play football? Couldn't you ask that question about any player during the course of any game or season?

[lazarus0280]

The carries you give a running back aren't really dictated by percentages or limits...it's more about how a back is holding up and the situations your offense is in.

At any rate, in 4 years I sincerely doubt anyone, anywhere, will be saying "If only we hadn't given him those extra 40 carries back in 2011!!" :ols:...

Possibly could if one of those 40 runs resulted in some crazy injury. Then we could all be saying "what if". ( Though I know this could happen first play of next season or whenever)

To me, I see that Helu has it and while I think there is still a tad more improvement to be had, just don't see it since most of us agree that there will be a ton more variables by next seasons start. Hopefully a new qb, a more solid offensive line and a big threat wr. So in essence he's playing in a situation, gaining exp for nothing more then game speed when everything else around him will change.

Lastly, he had 25 runs today i believe. So at that average that would be another 75 more runs for rest of season. That is a pretty heavy work load with lots of room for injuries. By giving Royster the start, the next 3 games you could theoretically extend Helu's career. While a RB can sustain an injury at any time, it gets more and more likely after more hits. Allowing royster the start next three weeks your taking away these compounding hits and nagging injuries....also allowing Royster (or Torrain) a chance to earn coaches respect/time for next season giving us that two headed/3 headed back field.

[aussieskin]

Helu needs to play as many snaps as he can get, the way he runs means its unlikely he will get badly hurt, experience is the best teacher, the more experience he gets the better he will be next season, and with the Offence being seen to in the next draft it is imperative that he be one of the leaders on the Offence. Let me man play football

[lazarus0280]

But his job is to play football? Couldn't you ask that question about any player during the course of any game or season?

Yea, very true, and I have to admit that I am looking at it through tinted glasses in regards to Helu. But for me personally, we already have a 2nd string line in for the most part. I wouldn't mind seeing Neild get the start and seeing Kerrigan sit to see whoever his backup is. Our safeties are already depleted so we are seeing depth there already too. Quite frankly we are seeing depth everywhere, just about and I like what Helu has shown....so now I'd like to see the next one without risk to Helu. Probablly not fair to him I suppose....but I guess I BELIEVE that next year will be magical and I scared to lose him for that ride.

[mzkp54]

He should keep playing. It is Shanahan's job to put out the team that he thinks has the best chance to win. And right now that team includes Roy Helu. I think shutting down your best players just because you want to save them for next year would mess with the integrity of the league.

I'd like to see him get the experience in the divisional games too- we all know this games work differently.

Hail

[Alcoholic Zebra]

I would advocate letting Royster getting some more reps. He seemed to have a burst that I didn't see in the preseason. Hit the hole very hard and had some very nice runs.

So maybe let both Helu and Royster carry the load, but not taking Helu totally out of the picture.

I'm fine with Royster getting carries, but the split still has to be like 75-80% Helu.

You are right though, he did not have that burst in the preseason, I was a bit shocked looking at how different he is now from what he was back then.

[Spunkush]

are you serious? you are afraid that a Rookie who shared carries in college will obtain too much wear and tear form playing 3 more games? you must not expect much longevity from Helu if thats the case.

[superozman]

Never, ever, ever would this happen. And benching a rookie? He's going to have to compete with Hightower next year if Timmy is back.

[TD Riggo]

He needs the experience more than he needs to be packed away in an egg crate.

[the burgundy and gold]

No, these games are extremely valuable to his growth as an NFL player. Maybe cut his number of carries, but to shut him down would be absurd.

[Skinsfan4life83]

My only argument here is hypothetical so not really, valid. But I'll state it anyway just for arguments sake. How MUCH better can he get by playing, and HOW MUCH can we lose by him continuing to play? Again it's hypothetical but that is the question each fan should weigh.

I'll bite. He gets experience. Maybe its in pass blocking footwork. Maybe its him getting familiar with his defensive reads or finding the holes in the zone running scheme. Point is, with said experience Helu is getting better now. Instead of possible growing pains biting is in the ass when this team is trying to compete.

I'm sure an extra 40-50 carries isn't gonna hurt in the long run, I am for Royster getting more carries though.

[jfriedenthal]

Nope. We don't "mail it in". Keep playing, and fighting. That's what professionals do.

[lazarus0280]

I guess for me.... I only see him improving slightly in the pass blocking game. I thought he has done pretty good there actually but see a bit of growth. Otherwise, I don't see how more "experience" will improve him that much more. I mean, he's seen the speed of the game and begun to excel. He will have to adjust probablly to a new qb next year and a new offensive line then what he used to. While I am def not in the "Flunk for Luck" bandwagon, since 2/3's or our team is backups now anyway, I don't see that sticking with Helu outweighs the gain with the possible loss we could face. I not saying shut him down entirely but 5-10 carries a game I would be more then happy with.

[sportjunkie07]

disagree with the OP. i would say to just limit his carries if anything. i think the bulk of "rb's wearing down" occurs when they are injured and have to play anyway. helu seems fine.

i dont think it's prudent to stop a young player when he is developing noticeably every game. why stop the progress, let's see how far he can go. you can tell he is getting continually more comfy in the system as he's picking up when to hit the holes, learning which blitzer to pick up, etc.

he needs to know how to train his body to deal with the grind of a 16 game season.. the only way to do that is through experiencing it.

[lazarus0280]

disagree with the OP. i would say to just limit his carries if anything. i think the bulk of "rb's wearing down" occurs when they are injured and have to play anyway. helu seems fine.

i dont think it's prudent to stop a young player when he is developing noticeably every game. why stop the progress, let's see how far he can go. you can tell he is getting continually more comfy in the system as he's picking up when to hit the holes, learn which blitzer to pick up, etc.

he needs to know how to train his body to deal with the grind of a 16 game season.. the only way to do that is through experiencing it.

Yeah, this makes the most sense to me. Training his body to deal with an NFL schedule. I can understand that. Again, I biting my nails that nothing happens to him.... but I am so used to such bad luck happening with these skins that.... I cringe thinking bout it.

[sportjunkie07]

Yeah, this makes the most sense to me. Training his body to deal with an NFL schedule. I can understand that. Again, I biting my nails that nothing happens to him.... but I am so used to such bad luck happening with these skins that.... I cringe thinking bout it.

you arent the only one. it's especially annoying because we have been void of playmakers for so long that one of those injuries is a big deal.

in other news, the cowboys rookie rb is out for the season with an ankle fracture and sprain.

[lazarus0280]

you arent the only one. it especially annoying because we have been void of playmakers for so long that one of those injuries is a big deal.

in other news, the cowboys rookie rb is out for the season with an ankle fracture and sprain.

ugghhh my thoughts exactly..... how many games he started??? 4 or 5 now? looked pretty nasty. Just can't get it outta my head with our string of luck.

and this on twitter as a side note

Grant Paulsen
@granthpaulsen Grant Paulsen
Roy Helu has rushed 23, 23 and 27 times the past three weeks. His avg during this stretch, extrapolated over 16 games would be 389 carries
3 minutes ago via web Favorite Undo Retweet Reply
Retweeted by lazarus0280 and 3 others

[PleaseGoForTheWin]

I think it's going to be all Helu and Royster for the rest of the season. I'm not sure these last 3 games are going to shorten his career.

[Warhead36]

The whole point of rebuilding is playing young guys.

[lazarus0280]

The whole point of rebuilding is playing young guys.

Agreed. But we have another RB that's young. Besides getting a tad better at pass pro.... Helu won't get that much better. At least definitively. Teams will be banged up, resting starters...etc. so how accurately can ya judge. He has witnessed speed of game and adjusted and excelled. Royster should get 3 games as well. See what he has rest of season and let Torrain pick up the slack with a very slight sprinkle of Torrain. Todays McMurray injury for dallas a prime example of what could go wrong.

[SkinsGuy]

No way you sit Helu for the rest of the season.

He is a rookie. Rookies need experience. Especially in the details of the game such as blocking, reading defenses, following his blocks, and finding holes.

The NFL is a tough business, and it needs guys (especially RBs) to be tough. Not wrapped in lamb's wool.

I agree that he shouldn't be ground into the dirt for these last 3 games with 30+ carries a game. I want to see more of Royster, anyway.

However, Helu needs to play so that he will be that much more ready, experience wise, next season.

[Dirt]

See I think wanting to sit Helu is the same kind of fan-created thinking that suggests losing a bunch of games is somehow beneficial. The guy needs to play, the best available players need to play, the team needs to win some games and grow and compete. Sitting one of your best players when he's perfectly healthy is about the same as telling your guys to just run a little slower and save their breath. You have to have the best chance to win on Sunday.

Fans think too much and think they see some big picture. The guys actually playing and coaching are taking football very seriously, every time. You sit Helu if you've locked up your division, not just because you're 4-9. You don't 'give Torain a bunch of carries' just to 'give Torain a bunch of carries'. It's not practice, it's a game and there's only 16 of them. Helu only has 3 more games until he doesn't get to play another one for 8 months.

Try to get used to rooting for your team to give it's best effort, with it's best, healthiest players every Sunday so you're not surprised when we start winning games.

[perez24]

See I think wanting to sit Helu is the same kind of fan-created thinking that suggests losing a bunch of games is somehow beneficial. The guy needs to play, the best available players need to play, the team needs to win some games and grow and compete. Sitting one of your best players when he's perfectly healthy is about the same as telling your guys to just run a little slower and save their breath. You have to have the best chance to win on Sunday.

Fans think too much and think they see some big picture. The guys actually playing and coaching are taking football very seriously, every time. You sit Helu if you've locked up your division, not just because you're 4-9. You don't 'give Torain a bunch of carries' just to 'give Torain a bunch of carries'. It's not practice, it's a game and there's only 16 of them. Helu only has 3 more games until he doesn't get to play another one for 8 months.

Try to get used to rooting for your team to give it's best effort, with it's best, healthiest players every Sunday so you're not surprised when we start winning games.

Amen. While I could see giving some rookies or 2nd year guys some extra time on the field for development purposes, the team still needs to try and win. Intellectually I understand the whole deal about losing helps us in the draft, but that too is fan thinking. Maybe it's right...I don't know until we see whom they draft. If people want to root for losses or whatever that's their decision. However, professional players and coaches want to win.

[SWO-tarious]

More reps for Helu! The experience will benefit our effort next year.

[S.T.real,lights,out]

Ummm, seeing how he's has really only played in 3 games this year no u dont sit him.

[Henry]

Some of you guys are SERIOUSLY overthinking things. Of course you start Helu the rest of the season. We have no idea what we have in him. A sample size of three or four starts is not nearly enough to close the book on him. And if his durability is an issue, if he's not capable of shouldering the load of an every-down back, we need to know that now.

All the rookies who can start should start from here on out. Get them experience, continue to evaluate them and prepare them for next year and beyond. We don't have the luxury of acting like a playoff team right now.

[Bang]

Absolutely not. Football players must play football.

~Bang

[Lombardi's_kid_brother]

I'll give you 3 to 1 that he starts less than 7 games next year.

[rockfan7224]

No, bad idea.

But I'm liking our combo of a healthy THT, Helu, and Royster for next year. Three headed monster for sure.

[TD_washingtonredskins]

Absolutely not. Football players must play football.

~Bang

That's a novel concept!

[washedup2]

would not shut him down, saving him for what? he needs the experience and I agree with giving Royster some carries to see what he can do. Nobody is trading for Torain.

[USS Redskins]

What a monstrously bad idea. At this point the wins are meaningless, yes... but shelving a developing Rookie? No way - he should be out there taking hits and getting the experience necessary to shoulder the load of a full season next year. If the Skins get a QB, he will need a strong runner to take some of the pressure off.
This is a great start for the young guy... keep it going!
But if they lose, so be it... better draft.

[SkinSabbath]

I don't agree with sitting Helu; however, I do agree with giving more reps to Torrain and Royster.

I think Mike will want to evaluate ALL of his backs for the remainder of the season, to better assess the draft needs.

[scruffylookin]

Helu needs to play. The young guys need to play as much as possible. Their continued growth (Helu is far from a finish product) is the only value there is to these last 3 games.

Instead of Helu, the players that you should be talking about taking a seat are Gaffney, Moss and Jammal Brown on offense and let younger players get some work in. Doc was raving about Smith yesterday during the game. I'd love to see him be given a shot at left and leave Polumbus out at right.

[GaryGreenMonk]

Maybe go half way?

have him split carries with Royster or Torrain, so that he's still getting experience but not such a ridiculous work load.

Last thing we need is Helu busting an ACL in week 17.. so he'll miss all of training camp and OTA's.

[Redskins4ever]

Roy Helu has just set a rookie record for the Redskins. This is with a patchwork line. I believe most of us can agree that we know we have a winner with this young man. As the 2011 season comes to an end, many of us are arguing whether to dump games for draft picks or play the spoiler to other teams.

With the shelf life of NFL RB's being so short, I am wanting us to sit Helu. Save him the damage of the rest of the season. That could potentially save him from around 70 game day hits not to mention the minor contact throughout first string practice contact. Accidents happen and I'd hate for us to lose Helu on some freak accident because he does run violently.

Hightower took a serious injury, and from what I understand was only signed to a 1yr contract anyway. (like the guy and hope he recovers and are able to bring him back). If he is healthy I hope he is in the mix as well, but when it comes to accidents don't want what happened to him happen to Helu.

Finally, I'd like to see Royster get the starting nod. See where we sit with him. Also, give Torrain a bunch of carries. We could potentially use Torrain for traid bate.... or even Royster...(though i like Royster). Depending on how each of these 2 guys shine. If Torrain blows it up these last 3 games cause some of these teams are sitting starters or what have you, maybe we get a 3rd round pick for him, etc.

In conclusion, I don't see the sense in still pounding Helu the rest of this season, when to me he looks pretty comfortable out there, and all I can see is harm from continuing playing him at this point. What are your thoughts and feelings?

I really don't understand your logic. It's all about experience. Helu has played better than anyone could have hoped for. You can't sit him because of you're afraid that he might suffer some freakish injury. Shanahan has to play him, and tone him up in order for him to be seasoned enough to be better next season. In addition, Roy Helu is a bright spot in the Redskins offense. He's ran hard and played hard. If he's playing well, he's earning playing time. And he's already a starter anyway.

Royster should see a lot of action during the last three games. He had some decent rushes yesterday. He needs experience. As for Torain, I'm not sure what the future holds. The coaches are taking a long look at the younger running backs and Torain looks to be excluded. Not sure if whether that bodes well for him returning next year, or if Mike Shanahan is just allowing Torain to sit because he knows what he has in Torain already. After all, Ryan Torain for the most part has been a good looking running back.

[moondog]

Well, with your valid point, what if like I stated in previous thread that Mike Shanny came out before the game and stated, "hey, Helu has shown us alot now these last 3 games I wanna see what Royster has got."

Would anyone be upset? Along with this runningback thread guess it would be nice for just a tad transparency with the coaches. But if they came out like that and stated it, would any of you be up in arms or angry at the coach for stealing "one of our sparks". I def agree that Helu is a spark by the way and gives us our best chance to win. *at least at this point without seeing royster*

Yes, I would be upset. Helu has earned the right to play and 5-10 carries per game is not enough for him. Shanahan consistently preaches the guys who earn playing time via the way they practice and prepare will play. We have seen this with a lot of younger players. You don't tell a professional who busts their ass that hey man, go ahead and sit the rest of the year because we aren't going anywhere. It sends a bad message to the team that one player is more valuable than the rest and it takes experience away from Helu. Your point of all the pieces around him will change next year is invalid. It's not just game experience but learning how to prepare yourself each week and get your body and mind right and how to take care of yourself. That process cannot be overstated and Helu has said on multiple occasions he feels more and more comfortable with every carry.

Like I said, I think they should keep his carries right around 20 - not just this year but even if he is the starter next year. Reason being is that we clearly have other capable backs and it keeps everyone fresh. Royster definitely earned some reps by showing up yesterday and that is another reason to not let Helu's touches creep up toward 30. It is reasonable to see us entering next season with a rotation of Helu, Hightower and Royster and there is absolutely no reason any of them should be touching the ball 30 times - it will keep them all fresh both during the game and throughout the season which is important come December/January if we are there next year.

So no, you do not shelf him or limit him to 5-10 carries. He should continue to be the workhorse but they should work to keep his carries to around 20 with a few screen passes as well. In games that are close, which hopefully will be the next three, we should continue to run the ball at a 50-50 rate and I think that means we should see Helu around 20 and Royster around 10 carries.

Edit: With Murray breaking his ankle last night, Helu actually has a reasonable (although slightly unlikely) chance to lead the league in rushing yards for a rookie. I have ZERO doubt he will lead the league in yards from scrimmage for rookies as he is already close. We play the Giants who could not stop either Murray or Felix Jones last night and the Eagles have had an awful run defense this year (although they did shut our running game down this year). Again, it's unlikely but I would not be shocked to see Helu finish the season with 6 straight 100 yard games or at least in the vicinity.

[Dan T.]

Let's rest all the starters. In fact, we'll have a fan tryout camp, and those people will be chosen to finish out the season. Of course they'll be paid vet min. + incentives, because hey, let's not get unrealistic here. So get your cleats out of the closet, because very soon you might be the starting running back for the Washington Redskins.

[Skinz4Life12]

give hime 5-10 touches a game and ride royster to see what we have with him

[lazarus0280]

Sounds like most of you agree that we should continue to work him. Let me state that I don't really have any problems with that and I understand the thinking behind it. I played Tailback albeit only to the college level and feel as though that particular position is a bit easier to excel at right out of the gate as opposed to a WR or something. He not going to hit the hole any faster then he already is. He's running the right plays. Keeping his head up when he blocks from inside out is his main area of improvement. Once we ever get a steady offensive line we may see more improvements when he gets the feel what certain lineman may do on certain blocks.

Because I suffered a knee injury at college I cringe when I see what happened to Demarco Murray and pray Helu stays healthy. I agree it probablly not fair to him to have him sit, etc. As a fan I just want to know I have him for next year, specially since we have talent behind him that needs to be evaluated.

We can all agree though that Shanny picked a good one here (at least to this point, durability issues not withstanding, if there are any). He has been fun to watch. HTTR! Thanks for the interesting point of views.

[Kelvin Bryant]

ugghhh my thoughts exactly..... how many games he started??? 4 or 5 now? looked pretty nasty. Just can't get it outta my head with our string of luck.

and this on twitter as a side note

Grant Paulsen
@granthpaulsen Grant Paulsen
Roy Helu has rushed 23, 23 and 27 times the past three weeks. His avg during this stretch, extrapolated over 16 games would be 389 carries
3 minutes ago via web Favorite Undo Retweet Reply
Retweeted by lazarus0280 and 3 others

Helu has 334 yards rushing and 102 yards receiving during those three games, which extrapolates to 1781 rushing and 544 receiving for a season.

By the way, the 389 carries noted above is a total, not an average.

[skinfan2k]

a 3 game sample is just too small. we need to see if this guy has the tools to be the A back for the next 5-7 years. A true workhorse back doesn't worry about carries in his first season lol

[IrepDC]

He still needs to get carries, but letting him share carries and not throwing to him every down(Beck) would be nice. He's still gaining valuable experience. I'd just limit the hits.

[beachboy757]

The OP mainly seems concerned that Helu gets will get injured with more playing time. Even if we preserve him and only give him 5 - 10 carries he can still get hurt, so I do not agree with limiting his playing time.

Helu needs to be continue to get the carries he's been getting for many reasons:

Mike and Kyle need more real game film to determine how to build the offense around him
Needs more experience playing NFCE rivals
Needs more experience in pass blocking
Need to find out if he is another China doll or not

Also, If he can continue to have 100 yrd rushing games. It will help us build on our passing game much sooner than later. I think Royster will get a few extra carries in the upcoming weeks anyway.

[pjfootballer]

27 carries is not alot. Let him run. He's 22 and young.

---------- Post added December-13th-2011 at 04:01 PM ----------

You can't bubble wrap football players. He plays.