So we're signing the slowest RB of all time, is that correct?

"he's sudden and slippery in tight areas..."

I like him already.

We don't need another rookie/practice squad guy... we have one. Hope this report is false. Not sure how this guy will contribute?

Ted Thompson's answer to everything.... the scrap heap.

Not impressed - keep looking!

I love how the video clip shows him with an okay run, then getting hurt. Yep, just what this team needs.

Isnt there a guy on our practice squad, James Johnson, that we could replace Grant with? He's not a rookie and has little experience but its a rookie who didnt have that great of a preseason...interesting, but last time we grabbed a guy off another's practice squad that was a RB was the guy Nance will replace...hope he is as good as Grant

This move fits right into Thompson's MO. I hope Jackson can really take advantage of his opportunity, this is what he's been waiting 4 years for.

And he gets hurt on the play.

Sounds like the Falcons scrammbled to retain him, obviously the Packers had previously scouted him considering how rapid the transaction was.

This is where my head spins and, regardless of the Packers organization being right or wrong on how they scouted this kid, gives you an appreciation for what the scouting department does. 24/7 operation watching film of every franchise pre-season along with some level of contingency planning.

Do these guys sleep?

The Pack RB is needed in Nov/Dec. That is when Grant got most of his yards (my perception). Let the passing game have fun now, then have the running game ready for later.

That said, I said "who??"

Take a look at these FA and we pick up this guy really TT

Samkon Gado
TJ Ducktt
Najeh Davenport
Adrian Peterson
Shun Alexander

Do the Falcons still run the zone blocking scheme like we do? Hopefully...then at least that will be familiar.

NONE of you guys knew the who the hell Ryan Grant was when TT made his trade for him. Now suddenly you think he's just picking a guy "off the scrap heap" because you know nothing about him! It's laughable.

People...pay attention. This team is excellent in large part because the talent evaluation is top notch.

I think I'll put my trust in TT and our scouting staff.

PLEASE tell me he's a guy who can be effective on screens.

Nance - 5' 10" .....218#... From ASU website....

"Tough inside runner who led the Sun Devils in rushing each of his last two seasons...straight-ahead, compact rusher who rarely is tackled for loss and is ideal for short-yardage and goal-line situations...played in 45 games during his ASU career, making 18 starts over his four-year career...totaled 1,934 rushing yards on 482 carries (4.0 avg.) and 19 touchdowns...became a bigger factor in the passing game over the course of his career, as he finished with 63 career receptions for 463 yards (7.3 avg.) and one touchdown. "

Willie Parker is a FA I think he would be a good backup to Jackson

Don't get me wrong I'm more than willing to give him a shot, I'm just surprised we didn't promote our existing PS guy.

B-Jacks our man though. I think he'll surprise a few as he look good against the Eagles.

This clips a little better.

http://www.veoh.com/browse/videos/category/sports/watch/v1314707hq8fq9cc

The new business plan in the NFL. Find good athletes through superior talent evaluation, coach them up to create value, don't reach and overpay high price cast off players other teams don't want, resign your own players because the already know the system, take the "next man up" philosophy and advance from within.

Green Bay, Indy, the Pats...the good teams follow this approach.

As a former season ticket holder and alum of ASU, I watch a lot of Sun Devil football. And I can tell you that Nance is- ok. Really, it was hard to gauge exactly how good he was with thye Devils because they really have had just about the worst offensive line in FBS over the past few seasons. Just abomidable. That he was able to gain 800 yards last season behind that slag heap of a line says something on his behalf.

Matt Forte ran a 4.59 speed, Dexter McCluster ran a 4.58; I'd bet everyone here would love to have one of those guys right now.

The 40 can be very deceiving. I'd much more interested in his 20-yard shuttle.

Good call Jeremy. 40 times are highly overrated. I was watching Jimmy Leonhard last night thinking that very thing. Some guys are just good football players...period.

Oh, DMITRI Nance...of the Falcons. I thought we signed Larry Nance from the Phoenix Suns. My bad.

Seriously, Dimitri Nance?

Agreed. Have faith in TT and MM. But...will we be the last team in the NFL to have a scat back?

Oh and this just in...as of 3:52 cst...Greg Jennings TD catch officially has had it's process completed. Nice TD, GJ.

No one is asking the guy to start, just to fill in the depth chart.

Idiot Fan says:
September 14, 2010 at 4:23 pm

Sorry, I thought the sarcasm was obvious…
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Yep. Your user name was advertising in bright neon lights, and your sarcasm made me chuckle. :)

Was that Nance pass-blocking on the TD throw in your clip Aaron? If so, that was very well done. Leveled the rusher.

Ted Thompson has been good this year with Zombo, and McDonald to fill up depth. So I will surely give Dimitri a chance. Teddy knows what he is doing, and the Falcon tried to keep Dimitri from going to Lambeau. But honestly, if the team predicted by most to go to the superbowl and the star rb gets hurt and they come to you offering the #2 RB Job not to mention a potential KR & PR duty. Would you say no and stay on the Falcon PS Squad?

Why is it that he get's Grant's spot on the 53 automatically? Wouldn't James Johnson have a better chance at making the 53 than Nance? Otherwise, why didn't we try signing Nance to the PS instead of Johnson?

Bank on it that Ted is on the phone every day looking to improve our team and he always has his poker face on. I like this signing better on the basis of potential alone than bringing back a Gado or a slow and old Parker, Alexander or even the mad crapper...Davenport. All of these guys will never improve, Nance has the chance to, and it's only week 2, there will be more roster movement to come.

Instead of looking at one of the Three running backs in Dallas and helping there O-Line. Ted knows it's best to let the turnsile continue on Romo and not improve an NFC opponent. I would bet he has inquiried w/ Buffalo about Marshawn Lynch.

TT believes Nance is better than Johnson, that's why he's on the 53

How long will this guy hold a roster spot if Starks ever get's healthy?

Why not DeDe Dorsey? He is available and can return punts also.

I am sorry to say that but I have got the feeling that James Stark is a typical "Justin Harrell" player... Potential shadowed by a bad health.
Personally, I do not think he will contribute this season...

As to Dimitri Nance, it is an intriguing move. He is described as a 3rd down back, almost a fullback actually. But I think that Kuhn could do this job as well (we already have 3 pretty heavy RB/FB). I thought we needed a speedy back very lighter on his feet more like Parker...

I agree. Watching BJax running into blockers and not having a second gear to get past the second line of defense gets old. I hope he proves me wrong, but there is a reason why TT was looking at Jahvid Best in the draft and hopefully will gain a game changer next year. But this guy doesn't excite me. Lonyae Miller for instance is on Dallas' PS or trade for Laurence Maroney (too late, but for basically nothing), Tashard Choice, or Steve Slaton to name a few. The fact we are so close to a championship yet we keep holding draft picks to keep getting younger while half of them don't even pan out Brohm, Lee, Harrell, Hawk, why not trade for at least some players that have shown some flashes is beyond me. Go Pack, Go TT, I am putting my faith in you bro.

Choice from Dallas could be had for cheap after his blunder on Sunday Night Football. 4 sec left in half and fumbles that get return for TD. I don't know about you I don't wont some that has a fumbling problem right now.

they should have had a try out for a bunch of backs that got cut. Javarris james had good pre-season for colts he got cut cause they have 5 backs im sure there was others as well what was the rush

I believe it will be good choice for Dimitri Nance

I have faith in Teddy on this one.

Why pluck some washed up guy off the street for a veteran's salary when you can get a young buck with potential to be coached from scratch instead.
Runningbacks don't typically age very well.

It doesn't matter my gut tells me that TT will call up Green from the UFL and give him a job!!! Not that I like it just a guy feeling...

I do remember the Cowboys having a similar problem finding a QB while Bill Parcels was coach. During a press conference after taking questions similar to the frustrations and criticisms in this blog, he blurted out, "What do you think, we can dial 1-800-get a QB'

Its not that simple, there are 31 other teams, named talent that can rush for 1200 yards are not sitting at home.

An unknown with potential IMO is a good move, better than to bring back a guy like Shawn Alexander.