Michael Turner Expectations for the 2011 season

Michael Turner scores vs Green Bay

Heading into his fourth season as an Atlanta Falcon, Michael Turner has emerged from the days in San Diego backing Ladainian Tomlinson to becoming one of the best backs in the NFL today. In his three seasons in Atlanta, Turner have rushed for (3,941) yards, recorded (39) rushing touchdowns, and average (4.5) yards per carry, which places him among some of the top runningbacks in Falcons history. Turner's (3,941) rushing yards  moves him into fifth place all-time in Atlanta Falcons history and his (39) touchdowns are now ranked second most in franchise history. Turner also broke other team records such as most rushing yards in a game (220), most touchdowns in a game (4), and most rushing touchdowns in one season (17). Turner's first campaign as a Falcon in 2008 with (1,699) rushing yards was the second most in the NFL that season and ranked third most in Falcons history. Michael Turner is a huge factor for this Atlanta offense and provides the balance for Matt Ryan and the Falcons as a team. Entering the 2011 season, here are my expectations for Michael Turner's fourth season as an Atlanta Falcon.


1. Turner will remain one of the best backs in the NFL and make his 3rd Pro Bowl Appearance

Michael Turner in the NFL playoffs

Michael Turner will continue to be a major part of the Falcons offense despite adding Julio Jones and Jacquizz Rodgers to provide an explosive outlook to this team. Turner's running game is the bread and butter to the success of the Atlanta offense and Turner lead the NFC in rushing last season with (1,371) rushing yards and Turner's offensive line continues to be one of the best in the NFL today and with the best fullback in the NFL, Ovie Mughelli, continuing to block for Michael Turner, his dominance will continue throughout the NFL season. Last season, Turner and the physical offensive line for the Falcons, grinded the clock down and decreased their opponents stamina as Atlanta ranked second in the NFL last season for time of possession in each game by having the ball an average of (32:47) per game. Atlanta's rushing offense ranked 12th in the NFL with (1,891) total rushing yards. This season, Turner will be 100 percent healed from his surgery that he received after an ankle injury in 2008 so his production will improve for the Falcons in 2011. Michael Turner continues to cause issues against many defenses around the league and today and in some of the biggest games this season, he have the opportunity to establish his dominance as a great running back. Some of the teams that are scheduled to face the Falcons have seen Turner post major numbers against their team to lift the Falcons to victory. Against the Saints, Turner averages (74) yards per game with a (4.2) average per carry and when he rushes past the 100-yard mark for the Falcons, Atlanta is 2-0 against their divisional rival. Against other NFC South rivals, Tampa Bay and Carolina, Michael Turner dominates against those teams. Against Tampa, Turner averages (97.2) yards per game and a (4.0) yards per carry average and Atlanta is 4-1 with Turner starting at running back. Michael Turner have posted career numbers against the Panthers defense and in his three years in Atlanta have dominated this team averaging (94.6) yards per game, (5.3) yards per carry, and also set the franchise record with (4) touchdowns in one game against them. As the Falcons face off against some great teams such as Philadelphia, Green Bay, and Indianapolis, he will have to set the tone to place Atlanta in position to win those big games.

2. As Atlanta offense gets very explosive throughout the season, expect Michael Turner's yards per carry to increase.

Michael Turner scores vs GB

After suffering a loss to the Green Bay Packers in the postseason, the Falcons set a mission to keep the balanced and physical team that brought them to a 13-3 record in 2010, but to add a explosive side to the Falcons offense in 2011 in order to display a tremendous amount of balance for the team. With their offense coming together as the season progresses, Michael Turner should average more yards per carry because with the offensive weapons of Julio Jones and Roddy White at receiver, the Falcons will be a very unpredictable team and with the addition of rookie Jacquizz Rodgers as a change of pace back, Turner will be allowed to have some breaks during the game and will have enough stamina in order to make big runs from scrimmage for the Falcons offense. One of the main issues that wondered many Falcons fans and other NFL experts is the amount of carries that Turner receives during the entire season; however, with a balanced attack and a change of pace runner, Turner should catch some time to produce at a higher rate than the previous three seasons for the Falcons. Atlanta's offensive line will pave the way for Michael Turner to continue to impress Falcons fans and provide a mismatch for the opposing defenses this season.

3. Turner will set more records and break current Falcons records for a running back

Michael Turner scores against CAR

Entering his fourth season as the Falcons star rusher, Michael Turner have made his place on the Falcons record book. In 2008, Michael Turner established his mark in team history by becoming the 2nd Falcons running back to finish second in the NFL in rushing (1,699) yards, which only Jamal Anderson and the 1998 Atlanta Falcons would make. Turner achieved his 1st Pro Bowl appearance in 2008 and returned to the Pro Bowl in 2010 as one of the best backs in the league today. Coming into the 2011 season, Michael Turner could inch closer to breaking all Falcons rushing record. Last season, Turner moved past Michael Vick to rank 5th in franchise history for most yards with (3,941) yards and with at least a 1,000 yard rushing season, he could move closer to surpassing Jamal Anderson for 4th all time on the Falcons rushing list. Turner is the only Falcons runningback to surpass 205 yards rushing with a (220) yard rushing game vs the Detroit Lions in 2008 and a (208) yard game vs the St. Louis Rams in 2008. Turner could also break the Falcons record for most rushing yards per carry which was (4.8) in 2009. Michael Turner, who has led the NFL in carries in two of the past three seasons, will look to produce another great season for these Falcons as they continue their quest towards winning the Super Bowl in 2011. In order to establish their offense as explosive, they will need a lot of production out of Michael Turner. FALCONS RISE UP!!!