The Saints RB Situation: Week 3

Wow! This is my third column this year about someone named Pierre. My second in two weeks. Either I'm embracing my French culture more or more guys named Pierre are becoming solid athletes. Probably both.

Ok, let's get to the stuff you care about. And yes, I mean you, the one person who reads my column.

Before the season began Pierre Thomas was on everyones radar, and why wouldn't he be? This is a guy who was responsible for tremendous output in the final 7 weeks of last season, out of no where. This is also a guy who was slated to get the bulk of the carries for an offense that is among the most explosive in the league.

Then came the MCL sprain. All of the sudden, Thomas owners went from being excited about the potential value of their pick to that terrible position fantasy owners dread. That awful spot when a guy goes down with a week to week injury. Now you're constantly searching for updates on his injury status. Is he going to play? Is he going to get touches if he does? Is it bad that my week depends entirely on the previous weekends fantasy results? Ok, maybe that's just me.

In his absence, Mike Bell has done an outstanding job (see my preseason column about Mike Bell... you're welcome) and it started to look like Thomas would take a back seat. However, the tables have turned. Now it's Bell who is down with an MCL sprain.

Thomas returned to action last week, which tells me he's ready to go. Granted he was not effective in his one touch, but let's be serious, it was one touch.

Bell on the other hand has not participated in practice this week and if he doesn't participate again on Friday, I would not expect to see him on the field against Buffalo. That should allow Thomas to slip back in as the premier rusher for the Saints, with Reggie Bush continuing to get his usual action.

There's one more thing to consider though; Is Thomas startable against a Buffalo defense that's only allowed 65 yards per game on the ground? Let's break this down, shall we?

We already know Buffalo has been effective so far stopping the run against the Patriots and Buccaneers. Neither of those are marquee rushing attacks. Also, while they've allowed only 65 yards per game on the ground, in each games they've allowed 9 receptions to running backs for an excess of 60 yards per game. To top that off, the Bills lost their Middle Linebacker Paul Posluszny in the opening game and are using a backup in his place.

Another thing to consider here is the motivation to run the ball. I expect the Saints will outmatch the Bills and get up early, allowing them to lean a bit harder on the running game. On top of that they are expecting rain in Buffalo on Sunday, which could force the Saints to commit to the ground game more than usual.

Because of those factors, I am starting Pierre Thomas this Sunday as a RB3/Flex. To give you an idea of what range of players to consider him in; my RB1 and RB2 are D'Angelo Williams and Ryan Grant. I would not start Thomas over either of those players, but I am starting him ahead of Jamal Lewis and Julius Jones.

Let's just hope I'm right about Pierre. The rest of my week depends on it.

PCB Scout

Questions? Comments? Random nonsense? Email me: pcbscout(at)gmail.com

Bush Out With Knee Injury

New Orleans Saints running back, Reggie Bush, will have surgery and will be out at least a few weeks. He is not done for the season, so do not cut him. The Saints were out of the game and passing the ball, so it was hard to tell who would get the ball the most in the absence of Bush, but clearly Duece McAllister has been the favored second option recently. Pierre Thomas, who was playing well early, on is worth a look if you are desperate. Sin City Scout