The Fall season is the death of mother nature and becomes the resurrection of humanity as football takes over. To symbolize this transgression I will be indulging in a weekly column focusing on the coming week’s “Walkers.” The Zombie Apocalypse is engulfed in entertainment as it is ultimately the last attempts of a man against extinction. The human mind is infatuated with survival and NFL players can face the end of their NFL life at any moment.
Each week there are players looking over their shoulders waiting for a player to feed off of their success and players lurking in the back ready to make their presence known.
Last Stand: Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
The preseason was an introduction and Week 1 presented the main show. The Falcons are a high octane offense and Michael Turner is the complete opposite. Turner struggled to make anything happen and now the media demands Jacquizz Rodgers as a favorite to get carries.
The only problem with Rodgers is that the Falcons only gave him the ball in garbage time. Turner seems to have a solid hold on the position for right now, but job security has to be on the back of his mind.
First the Group May Turn On: Wes Welker, New England Patriots
A very quiet first week has gone overlooked with the praise of the tight end duo, but Brandon Lloyd has stepped up as the Patriots number one receiver. Tom Brady relied on Lloyd to make some tough catches after he misplayed a sure touchdown early in the game.
Lloyd is a great one on one player and the Pats made it aware that they expect him to be a playmaker with quick screens. With Wes Welker’s future in the air after this season, the Patriots may already be looking forward to the future. The amount of elite athleticism on the Patriots might keep Welker from seeing his full number of receptions.
Holding Out Supplies: Bernard Scott, Cincinnati Bengals
Before the season I held Scott in very high regard because I thought BenJarvis Green-Ellis wouldn’t be able to run outside of New England’s offense.
I was wrong as the "Law Firm" ran for over five yards a carry against a tough Baltimore Ravens defense. The Bengals have consistently stated they will use a "hot-hand" approach so there will always be oppurtunity for Soctt. Green-Ellis has definitely solidified touches for now, but Scott would prove an asset if he is able to become a playmaker, espeically in the passing game.
The One That Came Out Alive: Alfred Morris, Washington Redskins
Everyone knows the nightmare that the Redskins’ backfield can be every week, but when Mike Shanahan settles on a running back it always grabs hold of a fantasy owner’s attention.
Sunday was a good reason to buy into the week to week battle of finding the next Redskins’ starter as Morris received 28 carries. Those fantasy owners that gambled were rewarded and he should be on everyone’s radar against the Rams next week.
Man Down!: Issac Redman, Pittsburgh Steelers
Jonathon Dwyer dominated playing time in Sunday Night’s Game and should step up to the starting role while Rashad Mendenhall is out. Redman did little to impress during the preseason and then averaged less than two yards a carry in the opener. Dwyer averaged almost five yards a carry and punished defenders. He fits the perfect mold for a Steelers running back and should be a stopgap until Mendenhall returns for desperate fantasy owners.
Another situation to monitor is the Bills’ backfield. The injury to Fred Jackson could have lingering effects which could lead to a ton of touches for CJ Spiller. Jackson is expected to miss fours week and Spiller has produced like a stud when he's been on the field. At the age of 31 Jackson could be on his last legs and could very well find himself in this column in the coming weeks.
An injury in the NFL or zombie apocalypse could be the end of everything and players have to do their best to protect themselves. Week 2 starts Thursday night and should bring on a new wave of survivors and recently turned zombies to our attention.