Running Backs To Watch: Michael Turner, Julius Jones, Derrick Ward

Everybody who's not used to a full season as the starter, raise your hand.  Falcons' RB Michael Turner is averaging only 3.9 yds per carry over the past four games and only has one TD in that time.   It looks like Jerious Norwood will be seeing more playing time, but I've said that about 87 times over the past few seasons so who knows.  Turner is definitely slowing down though.
 
Among RBs with 100 or more attempts this season, the three worst yard per carry averages belong to Fred Taylor (3.476), Edgerrin James (3.491) and Jamal Lewis (3.551).  That's not too surprising, each of them are older than some Supreme Court justices.  The next two worst guys are surprising though -- Marshawn Lynch (3.558) and Ryan Grant (3.613).   That stat doesn't bode well for their performance for the rest of the season as they -- and their offensive line -- begins to tire.
 
Giants' backup Derrick Ward is a Top 20 running back in rushing yards this season (OK, he's 20th, but still) and has received 10+ carries in four of the last five games.
 
It's only a small sign, but Seattle RB Julius Jones had a decent game on Sunday, rolling up 88 yards on 16 carries. He had only 92 rushing yards in the previous three games combined.  The 'Hawks have a good matchup against the Cardinals this week where Jones could have another not-terrible game.  If you've put him on your bench and forgotten him, he's worth a shot this week.