Tate it to the Limit

I’d like to start off by saying I made a few bold predictions this year. None of which could’ve been more bold than predicting Ben Tate will score more fantasy points than Arian Foster in 2011. I made this prediction in April in anticipation of a few setbacks from fantasy’s top pick, Arian Foster. A pulled hammy and a missed Week 1 later and he were are, Ben Tate is in the driver’s seat in Houston. It may have been just one game but I would like to point out a couple strong arguments that state Tate’s case to get the nod Sunday and take that first carry.

1. The hot hand.

The Texans love going to the guy who is producing. Experience means nothing in this backfield. If Foster can go against Miami on Sunday, who’s to say the job is guaranteed to be his? Gary Kubiak just deployed a back that racked up 116 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. Those are starting-caliber numbers in the big leagues. Derrick Ward’s exit certainly helped his situation, but he was presented an opportunity that he took full advantage of and showed us that 2nd round value he possesses. Which brings me to my other point…

2. Potential.

Let’s look at the facts here. Arian Foster went to an SEC school, Tennessee, and was overlooked by all 32 teams so much that he wasn’t worth drafting over 255 other guys. Ben Tate was a second round selection by a Houston team that already had Foster at the time. Tate was not drafted to back up Arian Foster. Second rounders are drafted for one reason and one reason only. To start. Period. The ironic part of Foster’s situation is that he is losing his job to the same guy he took it from, because of injury, just a year ago. The wild irony. I respect Foster’s game and believe he could be a great producer in this offense once again. I also suspect Gary Kubiak would like to maximize the offense’s potential. Let’s see what Tate can do behind that gorgeous O-line in Houston. As an improving pass blocker that is potentially more explosive, Kubiak owes it to himself to see if there is a bigger, stronger, faster back that can be deployed as the Texans gear up for a 2011 playoff run.

No matter how the season plays out, it’s clear Tate is the real deal and any doubt cast in 2010 has been erased. I think you give the kid his shot and let him see what he can do with the full workload. I’ve been in an Empire Tate of Mind for months now, and it feels great to see a bold prediction become very possible.

Tate – 17

Foster – 0


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