December 23, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Steven Jackson (39) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. St. Louis Rams defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-13. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta fans are rejoicing, following the news they received about the signing of free agent running back Steven Jackson. Jackson, 29, was considered one of the best running backs on the market after he voided his contract with St. Louis. Last season the former Ram ran for 1,042 yards on 257 carries, and added 4 touchdowns. Jackson has quite a few miles on him considering he has had three 300-carry seasons, but still has plenty of gas left in the tank. Jackson was an iconic player in St. Louis, and  is poised to bring his tough running style to Atlanta.

The Falcons had a combined rushing attack of Michael Turner and Jacquizz Rodgers in 2012, and weren’t exactly stellar finishing 29th in the league in rushing yards. Turner was not the same player as he was in the past, he seemed very slow, and was very ineffective making defenders miss. If you ask me, the best running back in an Atlanta uniform was Rodgers. The Falcons released the declining Turner, and they know that Rodgers is not a 3 down back. That left a hole at running back, and they went out and snagged the best power runner in free agency.

What Jackson can bring to the Falcons is a tough runner that can be used in 3rd and short scenarios. The Falcons seemed to be more effective in 3rd and 7, than in 3rd and 1 last season, and that had to do with the lack of the running game. The Falcons were definitely a pass first team in 2012, and Jackson will be able to help balance that out if need be.

With a high octane passing game with Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Roddy White, and Tony Gonzalez, Jackson won’t see 300 carries, but he certainly will be a very important piece to the Falcons offense. Lastly, the thing that gets overlooked about the Falcons in 2012 was the issue of finishing games in the second half. It was most evident in the playoffs when in both games against Seattle and San Francisco the Falcons jumped out to a big, early lead, but then let it slip away.

The main reason for that was the lack of the running game that could bleed the clock. Steven Jackson could play a big role in the 2nd half when the Falcons will need to be able to protect leads. All in all, this was a very good signing for Atlanta, and Jackson will be a key piece in helping the Falcons make a push for a Super Bowl title this season.

Dec 16, 2012; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end John Abraham (55) leads the defense onto the field before the game at The Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Giants 34-0. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons have made moves today releasing a slew of veteran players. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter tweeted the news this morning.

“Major moves in ATL: Falcons are releasing CB Dunta Robinson, RB Michael Turner and DE John Abraham today.”

While most, including us at NFL Spin Zone, anticipated the Falcons releasing Michael Turner due to his lack of production and age the other two come more as a shock.

Dunta Robinson is 30 years old, he is on the fence in terms of age in this league. Despite that he had 1 interception, 1.5 sacks and 67 tackles this season. It was his highest tackle total since his 3rd season in the league, with Houston. He has also been a reliable contributor in the past 4 seasons starting at least 15 games in each season.

John Abraham was the eldest of those handed the pink slip at 34 years. He has an impressive career resume with 122 sacks, including 10 last season. He also had 6 forced fumbles and 7 passes defended this past season, career highs in both categories.

But with more players joining the free agent market comes the down side as Andrew Brandt points out.

“Veterans released like Abraham, Turner and Robinson add more supply to the free agent market, decrease demand and lower marketplace.”

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.

Jan 13, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Michael Turner (33) runs the ball in the fourth quarter of the NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

After locking up the #1 seed in the NFC, home field advantage and reaching the NFC Championship game. It looked like the Atlanta Falcons had a team that could get them all the way, but needed to add a few more pieces for good measure. One key piece being Tony Gonzalez, was leaning heavily on retirement, but recently changed his mind. All seems well, right? Not exactly.

Now with the off season being here and free agency being 18 days away, the Atlanta Falcons are now reportedly planning to release 31 year old Michael Turner.

Michael “Burner” Turner has spent 5 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons after being drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2004, spent 4 seasons with the Bolts before heading to Atlanta in 2008.

Before leaving San Diego for Atlanta, Turner was a #2 back behind their #1 back at the time, LaDainian Tomlinson. In his 4 seasons with the Chargers and backing up Tomlinson, Turner rushed for 1,257 yards and 6 touchdowns.

In his first season with the Atlanta Falcons, Burner Turner broke loose and showed exactly what he was capable of. Now being a #1 back, Turner ran for a career high 1,699 rushing yards with another career high of 17 touchdowns. It was pretty safe to say that this 5’10 running back out of Northern Illinois could handle his business whenever he was handed the ball. After hitting the ground running and not looking back, Michael was selected to his 1st of 2 pro bowls since becoming an Atlanta Falcon.

Leading the NFC in rushing in back to back seasons (2010, 2011), Turner racked up 1,371 (2010) and 1,340 (2011) and reached double digit touchdowns in each season. Actually since becoming a Falcon, the 31 year old has recorded double digit rushing touchdowns in 5 straight seasons. In his possible last season with the Falcons, Michael (503) was splitting snaps with 2nd year pro Jacquizz Rodgers (502), over 1000 snaps between the two of them. It looks as if the Falcons are comfortable with Jacquizz Rodgers taking over as their #1 back as they move forward without Turner.

Turner was scheduled to make $6.9 million for this upcoming season. Career totals for Michael Turner as of 2012 are currently 7,338 rushing yards and 66 touchdowns.

Where does 2010's rushing champ rank on our list?

Continuing in our “Top Five” segment, we take a look at the top five running backs in the NFL heading into the 2011 season, if such a thing is to exist.

Last week we counted down the top five quarterbacks, and next week will likely be wide receivers.

So without further adieu, here are the top five running backs in the NFL, according to me, in reverse order.

5. Michael Turner – Atlanta Falcons

After a down year in 2009, Turner rebounded in 2010 with almost 1,400 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. The only knock on Turner in 2010 was his yards per carry, which was the lowest it’s been (4.1) since he came to Atlanta in 2008.

But Turner has an incredible ability to finish in the red zone, and it could in fact be the number of red zone carries he saw that knocked his yards per carry down so far. I will take a one-yard carry if it’s a stroll into the endzone.

Turner must become a better receiving option out of the backfield, but the guy is a bruiser with the ball in his hands and not someone even linebackers look forward to tackling.

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Ryan's effeciency is what sank the Bengals' rally.

The Cincinnati Bengals just can’t seem to put it all together in one game this year. If Carson Palmer is on his game — as he was against the Atlanta Falcons — then it seems like the running game can’t get going and vice versa. Or if the offense is clicking as a unit, the defense finds a way to allow a ton of points.

I’m a fan of Marvin Lewis and thought for a while he was a player or two from taking the Bengals to the Super Bowl, but the lack of discipline seemingly displayed by the team and their inability to play together has me thinking it might be time for a change.

When you have a group like the Bengals filled with separate egos and past trouble-makers, your team must either have a disciplinarian leading them at head coach, or a trusted veteran leader to keep things in line. Right now, it doesn’t seem like the Bengals have either.

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