Can Tolbert be our feature back?

[Happy Panther]

 He's good for about 7 yards 

That is gold in the NFL

[countryboi]

no only can he be our feature back he should be our feature back he is clearly the best running back we have

[CPcavedweller]

We don't use feature backs. Get it through your head.

[Sloth]

No, we prefer to stall drives trying to rotate guys in to get their touches.

[TheRed]

Don't see why not. He's the most consistent of our backs so far. He's earned his role.

[Ruff]

Definitely. Tolbert is the best back we have. However, his running style means we're going to need a viable option off the bench.

[CRA]

Tolbert has done it before.....best RB we got. He was the primary RB in SD one season

[Matthias]

The biggest thing about Cam being a leading rusher this year vs last year, we run a lot more designed run plays for Cam and he has been more effective in them.  Yet I agree with those who say it's better we rotate our runners.  The biggest stumbling block for both D-Will and J-Stew is this offensive line.  They seem to be patient runners, waiting for an opening to emerge so they can blast through.  Also they excelled when we had a great blocking fullback in Brad Hoover.  Tolbert isn't that kind of fullback, so the only blockers for Stew and DeAngelo is this O-line.  I say let's draft some O-lineman and bring in quality free agents, and they will be back to their normal selves in no time.

[MasterAwesome]

I can't argue with his production...but just from watching the game, it looks like holes somehow open up more for him in the run game compared to Stewart and Williams. Stewart today got hit in the backfield more often than not, before he really had a chance to do anything. Tolbert had some nice holes to take advantage of in the run game both to the outside and inside. Since Tolbert isn't as much of a traditional running back as Williams and Stewart, teams may not be playing the run as much when he's back there. No one finishes runs better than Tolbert though, he's as punishing of a back as there is in the NFL.

[MCC]

I think we need to continue to use him exactly as we are now.  Maybe a few more touches, but I'm not sure if he is cut out conditioning wise to receive much more touches a game and I definitely want him fresh for the playoffs where he'll really make an impact.

 

I would like Stewart to start to get more touches than Williams, though. Tolbert and Stewart's running is just better suited for our O-Line and style of play.  Give Williams more carries in the second half once the opponent's D wears down.

[Pimpdaddy]

I feel for D-WIll but his style isn't cutting it behind a weak OL. We saw it with Barner today too. Stewart at least fought for yardage after being touched (amassed 41 yards on 14 carries). Tolbert is just an animal however. His size gives us an advantage behind this crappy OL.

 

...Hogs wear the line down over the course of a game and they're getting resonable yardage.... pop Dwill at the right time and it will drive a D nuts....not sure how much Dwill has in the tank... the problem for Gettleman is what good can Dwill bring to the team vs the price tag....Dlow doesnt have a burst and he doesn't like to get hit.....should be interesting. Dlow has to learn a new talent but he has the guarrented money.....

[Happy Panther]

Watching ESPN and Jerome Bettis is on. I am thinking these two are not that different in build although Tolbert is still two inches shorter.

 

Any other full time backs that match Tolbert's ht and wt?

[TANTRIC-NINJA]

I think the shotgun offset HB handoff is a limiting running play..but it is key to establishing play action a red option fakes later on.

Cam being way more effective in shotgun makes this run a staple. Stewart until TB was having better success IMO because he can absorb contact so much better. Tolbert bounces off of guys with his low center of gravity and inflicts punishment....and he is oddly the best backfield threat as a pass catcher.

I think adding those Seattle roll out plays withit would be incredible but Wilson has a quicker more accurate release to get the ball in tighter windows.

[@bonafidebanter]

I would consider it. With that weak OL not making holes, he creates his own. I also love the way Tolbert initiates contact with the defenders. IE Erik Reid of SF. I also love how he's got swagger. Keep pounding this kid and no one would want to tackle him in the fourth quarter.