Little Guy was a Huge Addition (from the previous Sproles/Suh link)
The Philadelphia Eagles made headlines during the condensed NFL offseason, but the New Orleans Saints had perhaps the best player transaction by signing the versatile Darren Sproles away from the San Diego Chargers.
Sproles can run between the tackles, run around the corners, stay in the backfield to block blitzers, swing out as a receiver and return both punts and kickoffs. Saints coach Sean Payton made full use as Sproles set an NFL record with 2,696 all-purpose yards in the regular season. Sproles is only 5-foot-6, but he runs strong and breaks arm tackles, as Detroit's Ndamukong Suh learned (pictured).
Sproles was just one of many stars in the Saints' 45-28 undressing of the Lions on Saturday, but he still had 143 all-purpose yards and two rushing TDs. He could be an even bigger factor against the San Francisco 49ers in the next round, as his blocking and receiving abilities become more important against the 49ers' superior pass rush. The Niners know they'll have to wrap up on Sproles when quarterback Drew Brees dumps off quick passes. Arm tackles just won't do because Sproles can turn a short pass into a big game in an instant.
