Week 5 Friday Mailbag

Question 1: Asked by @Steel_Thoughts

I have Mendenhall. Should I play Shonn Greene this week or pickup Isaac Redmen?

Answer

I would pick up Redman. The Steelers have strayed too far from their identity as a run-first team. Now that the offensive line is completely unable to protect Big Ben, they NEED to get back to their running ways to slow the pass rush to help try and keep Roethlisberger healthy.  I think Tennessee will end up winning this and eventually Pittsburgh will need to abandon the run to try and catch back up, but Greene has not been too effective and he still has to share some of his work with LT. Redman will be the guy and the match up doesn’t scare me too much, so go with him.

Question 2: Asked by Zack the Redskins fan

I have MJD and picked up Deji Karim, his back-up, off waivers.  Someone just dropped Demarco  Murray and I have Felix Jones.  To pick him up I would have to drop Karim… would you do it?

Answer

Jones hasn’t missed a game yet, but he was a little banged up and saw some limited work.  This meant more work for Murray and Choice, but neither of them has stepped up and become the clear #2. Jones and MJD are both likely to miss some time, but the handcuff that I would want is Karim and this is why; Your much worse off if you lose MJD as opposed to Jones and the Jaguars are much more committed to the running game with Blaine Gabbert running the offense. We know who will see the work in MJD’s absence and its at best a time share for Murray should Jones go down.

Question 3: Asked by @Sproles86

Would you drop Torain for Daniel Thomas?

Answer

I sure would! Thomas has had trouble staying healthy, but the running game is going to be the focus for Miami. Henne is done for the year and Matt Moore is not able to do any more than try and manage the game. Thomas is the one bright spot left in Miami and if he can stay active for some extended time, he could develop a rhythm and become a top 20 back based off how he has played so far. Torain might not see another snap all season. He also might be the feature back the rest of the way. Too much guess-work, I’d snatch up Thomas.