Doubting Thomas
Posted on 09. Sep, 2009 by Jesse in Articles
After a stellar finish to the ‘08 season, many fantasy rubes jumped on the hype about Saints RB Pierre Thomas. The offseason saw countless fantasy football sites worshipping Pierre and touting him as the breakout candidate I never believed him to be. Reggie Bush was returning from microfracture, and when the club passed on an RB in the first round of April’s draft, Thomas became a very hot item in fantasyland. But honestly, I just can’t see it.
Thomas is in a great offense, don’t get me wrong. But the offense is a pass-first system that focuses on making defenders pay by breaking long plays through the air. Bush is much more suited to that type of game, not Pierre Thomas. Despite my cries to the contrary, many fantasy players blindly drafted Pierre as their #2 back. This could prove to be a big mistake, depending on where said owners drafted Thomas.
Former Bronco Mike Bell has played great during preseason, and by all accounts he’s earned a role in spelling Thomas on rushing downs. Bell is getting picked up all over the place in fantasy leagues. This adds another mouth to feed in an already crowded house.
Now we find out this week that Thomas might not even play in week one. Local reporters are now insinuating that Thomas is likely “Out” for the opener due to a knee injury. Fantasy owners are doubly upset because Thomas was set to face the toothless Lions in week one.
Sorry to say it, but Thomas was way overhyped this offseason. He had just one 100-yard rushing game to his credit last year, and while he should improve on that, I see many other backs I’d rather have as my #2 than Pierre. If you’ve got him, wait for a big game upon his return, and make a move.
