Maybe, and that is a big maybe, weight helps some of the linemen. Otherwise I don’t think gaining weight can be helpful unless it’s solid muscle weight. But who can make it to the NFL (okay, other than Arrington) without enough weight? Bottom line is that if these people can play at __ weight, then they don’t need to gain weight to become “more durable.” I want to know what idiot came up with that? Then that person should be shot for ruining careers.

Not true. We’ve discussed this several times…enough that I could comment on it on May 5, and refer to that comment in another discussion May 13. And it’s not just me; others have commented on it too, in the course of other discussions. We’re on it. We’re savvy, informed football fans, part of the best Saints blog out there. (Well, some of us are just out there.)

that putting on weight, even if it is muscle, is a good idea as a RB. The proto types for RBs who didn’t get injured were Walter Payton and Jim Brown. Payton wasn’t big but was tough as nails and could run around you , thru you and over you. I think he was just naturally gifted and also didn’t let defenders get direct hits on him all that often.

Jim Brown was bigger and incredubly gifted, a different type of runner, but he could run around you and past you but mainly he broke an amazing amount of tackles because of his size and power. So my point is you need to be the type of runner you naturally are. If you try to be something else, I think you will have trouble succeeding or you will get injured. Tiki Barber can’t be Christian Okoye and Larry Johnson can’t become Gale Sayers. Another RB who comes to mind that wasn’t big but was tough and carried a HUGE workload and was not injured much was Wilbert Montgomery. I will add, though, in the last 10-20 years I think it has become harder for an elite RB to stay healthy and productive more than 4-6 years because of the pounding, but I don’t think putting on a lot of muscle will really fix that, it is what it is and your genetics plays a big role.

My God this dude has strong legs huh! The Saints want a power back; being able to lift 675 lbs. sounds like he got power to me.

not only adds stress to the joints, but also tends to have a negative effect on the runners gait and ability to change direction.

The most durable runners are the ones who stay true to their natural abilities and body size.

I hope LaFeet’s added weight doesn’t sabotage his abilities, but I’m not betting on it.

It is true that the media focuses only on the “SUPERSTAR” players I guess because that’s what gets the viewers. Pierre Thomas is setup to be a breakout player this year, and I really don’t like the thought of him adding more weight.

I don’t understand why running backs can’t just be satisfied with their game. I know that they say you want to always continue to get better, but you can do that without risking your body’s health.

It’s been reported that the extra weight PT has put on is mostly in leg muscle (as is obvious in the 675 lb. squat weight). The other guys mentioned either added or want to add a lot of upper body weight and strength, correct? That extra upper body weight can put more pressure on the knees and legs and, if the leg strength isn’t equally built up to handle it, leg injuries are more prone to happen. If PT is focusing on building up his legs primarily, is there as much risk to injuring those legs? I’m no physical trainer, so I’m just speculating. But, since PT is focusing on building leg strength as opposed to just adding bulk and shear weight, I’m not all that concerned about him blowing out a knee or hammy. Of course, after last season and the M.A.S.H. camp that seemed to set up on our sideline for every game, maybe I should be. I hope Hawkeye, Hot Lips, and Trapper John can take a break this season.

Deuce has said recently that his main problem over the last four years has been his running style. He’s had specialists investigate his injuries and they’ve come to the conclusion that the way he has always run puts too much pressure on his knees, which has led to his ACL injuries. He’s currently working to correct that, and I hope he does and is able to play again.

my homage to the end of Abbey Road.

i expect to see a lot more RB’s trying to add more weight during next year’s offseason.

Appears is simply no longer an issue with AP

According to Rotoworld:

Adrian Peterson’s father revealed that veteran players at the Pro Bowl convinced his son that bulking up to 230 pounds would be a good idea.

They said, “’No defender wants to see you coming downhill at 230,’” AP’s dad explained. “That’s where having an old-school dad comes in handy. I told Adrian, ‘Those veterans are trying to set you up. They want you to add weight so you can slow down a bit and they can have an easier time catching you.’” Peterson has since scrapped the idea. He currently weighs 216.

I am headed off this year to Minnie to see the Vikings play the 49ers (the same fellow that came with me to the Chiefs game is a rabid 49ers fan so i am going to his teams game)…i will admit i am looking forward to seeing AP live…i also think Chester Taylor is highly underrated as a result of AP’s skills…that is a crazy backfield indeed…

But in regards to injuries…AP already had the LCL issue…not as major as other knee issues…but i think it points to the position and the beating RB’s take…

I hope i see AP run like a madman all over the niners…its not the Saints so i want him to have a monster game…i am going there to sport a borrowed niner jersey and heckle some Vikings fans…good times…

Right before and definitely right after I got hitched I went from 175 to 206 and when i ran I felt it all in my knees. Since then I’m down to 175 and the knee problems other than (runners knee) are gone. I’ve also pretty much lightened the nagging of a mild bulging disc I gained that the doctor said would be alleviated through weight-loss. How did I gain so much weight? Lifting. Eventually, (after the wedding) it became fat until I got lost in all running around LA. But I will tell you, it can hurt the dude. I’d rather he just do what he do and not try to come too hard. Although, I could understand he wants to be that powerback that the saints need. Let’s see what happens.