Top 5 Teams For Michael Turner

Jan 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) warms up prior to the NFC Championship game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

When the off-season for the league rolls around, fans around the country/globe sit back and wait to hear what moves their team(s) will make. Most take us by surprise and leave us scratching our heads, kind of like how I was when the Chicago Bears traded Greg Olsen to the Panthers for a 3rd round pick because he didn’t fit in Mike Martz system, then that following off-season he leaves the Chicago Bears.

Anyways, my frustration on that move caught up with me again. Back on topic. We all have to understand that this is a business, just because you signed a contract, doesn’t mean you are safe from being released. No matter how productive you are for the franchise, your days with that team are always numbered.

With Reggie Bush, Stephen Jackson, Ahmad Bradshaw being among the top names in the market when it comes to half backs, Michael Turner is getting set to join that list.

I posted an article yesterday giving readers Top 5 teams that Reggie Bush could end up with, so let’s throw out 5 teams who could use the speedy and powerful Michael ‘Burner’ Turner.

1. San Diego Chargers – Yeah he was drafted by this team and left for Atlanta as we all know. But  ever since LaDainian Tomlinson left in 2009, the run game hasn’t been as solid as they hoped. Ryan Mathews has been a few times in his young career, so Jackie Battle stepped in and much didn’t change. Last season they were ranked 31st in rushing yards, having only rushed for 1,461 as a team and scoring only 4 touchdowns. So as they look for help on offense, since Turner already knows the city and players on the roster, it would make sense to make an attempt to bring him back in to add more depth. He has shown while being in Atlanta that he can handle being the #1 back for the team and has had success, so why not go back to where it all began?

2. Green Bay Packers – A powerful team that desperately needs a running back to help balance that offense. I mentioned before how unstable this running game has been since Ahman Green left the team. Honestly I believe that Turner would be a good fit for this team and if it were to happen, I think the Green Bay Packers would be able to get back to their Super Bowl way of play again. Give Aaron Rodgers and that offense a running back who can pick up nearly 1,000 yards a season and watch out. Being a Bears fan, I do not like this idea, but as a fan of the league and game itself, it would make a whole lot of sense to bring Michael Turner in.

3. Arizona Cardinals – Yet another team who is going to look for that premiere back they have been looking for ever since bringing in Tim Hightower and Beanie Wells. A team looking to completely rebuild on offense, can’t lean on Larry Fitzgerald and expect him to carry this team. They need a powerful back who can stay consistent and move the chains. We aren’t sure which one of these star running backs will be brought in, but we all know that Michael Turner, Ahmad Bradshaw and Stephen Jackson will be hearing from this organization.

4. St. Louis Rams – Why not replace a powerful running back, with a younger powerful running back? The running game for this team has been decent, it’s just been production from the rest of the team that has been a problem. Why wouldn’t a running back want to come to St. Louis? Marshall Faulk? Stephen Jackson? Some greats have been lined up in that backfield and made their marks in this league by ripping teams apart. A young team looking to be a threat in the NFC once again, why not bring in a running back who has double digit rushing touchdowns in 5 years and allow him to keep the strong rushing offense alive?

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – I was sitting here and thinking about a possible 5th team, reviewing my previous list with Reggie Bush and thought, this General Manager wants to win. He has put it out there, that they have money in their pockets and are looking to build a winning team. This team wants to win, and being in the same division as your former team, why not?Yeah they have Doug Martin, who came storming out of the gate last season and caught the attention of almost everybody.

But it wouldn’t hurt to add to that position, especially a veteran who could help out that young man or any other back out. Although he is no Mike Alstott, Warrick Dunn, Michael Pittman, James Wilder or Ricky Bell, he is still a powerful running back who could fit this determined organization perfectly. Michael Turner and Doug Martin splitting carries for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? If this happens and works out well, Atlanta Falcons are going to be kicking themselves. It could only get better from there on. Keep your fingers crossed Tamp Bay fan’s, keep your fingers crossed. Your General Manager is looking to make big moves.