Bernard Pierce

rayvens4sb · Joined: 30 Dec 2010 Posts: 197 Location: US

So far this season, Bernard Pierce has looked fantastic and has been a great asset to give Rice a breather once in a while. Do you guys think that he will become greater than that? Maybe even start in the NFL someday? Of course, as long as Rice stays healthy, he won't be starting for us, but I think he could become a starting quality back.

bmore4life815 · Joined: 22 Nov 2010 Posts: 3427 Location: Climbing up M&T

I like him a whole lot. We've been lucky to have some solid complements to Ray as of late (I was really high on Ricky last year).

Future quality starter at the position? Eh... too early to say for sure, but I'm not quite seeing it. He's always struck me as a change-of-pace guy. His short-area burst and vision are good, but I'm not sure if he's above-average in too many other facets. His durability is certainly something to be skeptical of as well.
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dcarey20 · Joined: 15 Feb 2006 Posts: 7180

Possibly, he's obviously going to finish out his rookie contract with us at least. My prediction (and this is a very hard thing to predict because we don't know what other teams think of players) is that he'll finish out his rookie deal with us, we will either re-sign him to continue his role as Rice's backup, OR another team signs him to be in a slightly larger role, but still a platoon with someone else.

I think in order for a team to instill faith in him as "the guy", he's going to have to have a a few huge games where he is the #1. And in order for that to happen Ray Rice is going to have to get hurt and be out for an extended period of time. We've seen it happen with a guy like Michael Turner though, and you can bet that there are many teams that are licking their chops if/when Ben Tate leaves the Texans.

SnA ExclusiVe · Joined: 01 Jun 2011 Posts: 10613 Location: Spokane, WA

I love what we've gotten from him, and I hope we see more of him.
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diamondbull424 · Joined: 02 Dec 2007 Posts: 10017 Location: Baltimore, MD

Hate to say it (actually I don't) but I called this. Smile

I absolutely LOVED this pick... Was probably my favorite pick of the draft tbh. I love his explosiveness and running style. He's definitely a future starter... And I think you have to look no further than he Ravens. Rice will be on the decline after another 3/4 years as he approaches 30. I think by then Pierce is emerging as the guy and Rice becomes his backup/ they're doing a MJD/Fred Taylor type thing.

I can't see us "letting" Pierce, a more than capable runner walk. I think you keep him and then as Rice retires or "loses it" you get another backup for Pierce and continue that process.
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sp6488 · Joined: 14 Mar 2005 Posts: 6230 Location: MD

Mancunian Raven · Joined: 09 Oct 2012 Posts: 511

As has been pointed out, Ray Rice probably only has another four years or so as a top RB, so if Pierce can prove himself in that time, then perhaps he could take over in that role.

However, we still don't know how durable Pierce is, and how well he'd be able to cope with a workload of 20+ carries a game. Not all RBs can stand up to the rigors of that.

Where he might find a starting role, away from the Ravens, would be a pass first offense that uses effective running to set up their passing offense. Ten or fifteen carries a game, and catching a few passes out of the backfield.
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