San Diego Chargers ready to lock down running back Darren Sproles on Sunday – NFL News
San Diego Chargers know a lot about one player of New Orleans Saints, a team they will face in their Week 5 tie on Sunday, October 07, 2012. That player is the dynamic running back Darren Sproles.
Chargers head coach Norv Turner has the hands-on experience of the skills that Sproles has. Turner was the first person to recognise the talent of Sproles and introduced him to the league. Talking about the strategy against Sproles, Turner said:
"I think what you do is take from what people did to us. You look at the games where people were effective against him and see how they managed it, how they handled it. You know he's going to get his plays, but we'll try to keep him from getting the ball
out in space where he makes big plays."
Sproles has played six seasons with Chargers before signing up with Saints in the 2011 offseason. He is renowned for the versatility in his game.
The running back has the ability to be dangerous in passing as well as running game. He also plays as a kick returner.
Since joining Saints, Sproles has been phenomenal. Last season, he broke the National Football League (NFL) record for total yards covered with 2,696 yards.
Sproles has played at various positions for Saints this season. He has scored two touchdowns and has covered 207 receiving yards. He also averages 29.4 yards per kickoff returns and has rushed for 82 yards. Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano said:
"He's so explosive, and he's a playmaker. They want to get the ball in his hands and have him do different things whether that is running the football, splitting him out or motioning him.”
Even though Chargers are preparing themselves with the experience they had with Sproles, there is other side of the coin as well.
Sproles will also know the strong points as well as weaknesses of the defensive players with whom he has spent a considerable time of his career. Chargers drafted Sproles in the fourth round (130th overall pick) in the 2005 draft.
Tags: