Three-headed monster in Saints backfield?

Attention, fantasy owners.  (I know, this is usually Rosenthal's thing.)  If you're thinking about drafting any of the three top running backs this year in New Orleans, it would be wise to keep in mind the strong possibility that each of them will see action in games.

Asked whether he would use a "three-headed monster" of Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas, and Mike Bell in the backfield, Saints coach Sean Payton said Wednesday, "I think a lot of people do."

Payton then explained the reason for using multiple backs.

"You play a long season and I've just been taught that at that position you have to stack it up and have some depth," the fourth-year head coach said.  "You're going to have some nicks along the way.  I think the exception to the rule is the team that can feature just one back the whole season.  When you understand what they do well and try to highlight what they do well it's very common.  You can go through every team and see a rotation of some sort even in Minnesota where there's more than one back.  It's a tough position."

Of the three tailbacks, it sounds like the newest arrival might be the guy to get the most chances to score touchdowns from close range.

"If you ask me what his strengths are I'd say Mike Bell is an upright runner who stays the course," Payton said.  "He's pretty physical when he hits the hole.  I think he has pretty good acceleration.  He can lower his pads.  Those are some of the things if you are paying attention to practice and watching us, you can see it in the goal line.  Those are some of his strengths."

Still, the apparent intention to split the touches not between two backs but between three of them is generally bad news for each of their prospects from a fantasy football perspective. 

Permalink 21 Comments Latest stories in: Latest News and Rumors, NFL Mobile Exclusives - Rumors, New Orleans Saints, Top Stories

21 Responses to "Three-headed monster in Saints backfield?"

  1. KILLER FIN says: August 26, 2009 7:06 PM

    have to use multiple backs Bush can't stay healthy!!! just waiting for that shoe to drop!!!

  2. bwag says: August 26, 2009 7:17 PM

    We all know this will be more like a 2 headed donkey. Bush might be lucky to make it halfway through the first game.

  3. Jimmy says: August 26, 2009 7:22 PM

    A "Thee-headed monster"?? And they pay you to run this site and you can't even use the spell check?? Anyway, my Saints should be a dominant force this year, an upgraded defense, an improved #1 offense in the league that now has a running game!! Scary Scary thought for opposing defenses!! GEAUX SAINTS!!

  4. touchdowntrabo says: August 26, 2009 7:28 PM

    Your mom is a three-headed monster.

  5. DWat393 says: August 26, 2009 7:32 PM

    Florio, I think I'm one of the few that have never criticized you, but typos in headlines are pretty ridiculous.

    I would be very curious to find out what a "thee-headed monster" is, though.

    Constructive criticism: Proofread your material before you make it public.

  6. Anrkist says: August 26, 2009 7:47 PM

    Dude posts like 500 stories a day, cut him some slack.

  7. Occam says: August 26, 2009 7:48 PM

    "I would be very curious to find out what a "thee-headed monster" is, though."

    It's an early Elizabethan RB rotation.

  8. ravensos says: August 26, 2009 7:51 PM

    Kordell Stewart prefers the one-eyed monster.

  9. Mattmanus says: August 26, 2009 8:03 PM

    Thee-headed monster is a Monty Python character! Lighten up folks, we all make typos. As for the Saints, I agree, they will be mucho tougher this year. The only problem with the 3 headed theory, Reggie Bust, ooopps I mean Bush.

  10. EricTheClown says: August 26, 2009 8:36 PM

    no effin way.
    payton will go pass happy in the first game.

  11. "Terrible" Terry Tate says: August 26, 2009 8:38 PM

    "Florio, I think I'm one of the few that have never criticized you, but typos in headlines are pretty ridiculous."
    .
    Are you kidding me? Give Florio a break. Granted he's no Rosenham, but he tries hard.

  12. JoeSixPack says: August 26, 2009 9:23 PM

    Interesting... when they talk about a three headed monster in New Orleans they're talking about three running backs.

    When they talk about a two headed monster in Pittsburgh they're talking about one QB and his inclination to be involved in lawsuits.

    Go figure.

  13. saintsfan985 says: August 26, 2009 9:46 PM

    Jimmy sai it all....WHO DAT!!!

  14. SaintsBucsPanthersSUKK says: August 26, 2009 9:50 PM

    One day Reggie Bush can be as good as me, if he really works at it.

    Sincerely,

    Steve Slaton

  15. Philtration says: August 26, 2009 10:24 PM

    Three-headed monster in your backfield?
    Sounds like another Kim Kardashian video.

  16. boettch08 says: August 26, 2009 10:48 PM

    A. Thee is a word. It would not show up as a misspelled word in a spell check. Grammer check maybe. 2. I think Reggie Bush is going to have a great year, or more accurately, a great couple of plays througout an injury riddled season.

  17. SaintsBucsPanthersSUKK says: August 26, 2009 11:05 PM

    You could have used spell check for your "grammer" check. :)

  18. redsquare says: August 27, 2009 12:10 AM

    I think fantasy football is one of the most pathetic things to come along in ages.

    Just root for a team, already. You're not an owner of anything.

  19. 2Mannings1Cup says: August 27, 2009 7:55 AM

    ravensos says:
    August 26, 2009 7:51 PM
    Kordell Stewart prefers the one-eyed monster.

    Hilarious!

    Florio, give Ravensos a prize

  20. Biggie says: August 27, 2009 8:05 AM

    You bunch of idiots! Give Flo some slack, "Thee" won't be picked up by spell check. This doesn't hurt fantasy, who would pick any of them anyways. Now I'd pick anyone from their passing part of the offense but not running.

  21. marcduke says: August 27, 2009 10:11 AM

    Uh-oh, Pierre Thomas just fell out of the 2nd Round of my Fantasy Football Draft.

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