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          NFL Nation

          Turner, Blount make plays after contact

          • Pat Yasinskas, ESPN Staff WriterSep 28, 2011, 09:04 AM ET
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            • Previously covered NFC South for ESPN.com
            • Covered Panthers for The Charlotte Observer from 1999-2008
            • Began journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990
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          When it comes to gaining yards after first contact by a defender, Atlanta’s Michael Turner and Tampa Bay’s LeGarrette Blount are -- by far -- the most productive running backs in the NFC South.

          According to ESPN Stats & Information, Turner is tied for fifth in the NFL with 113 rushing yards after contact (Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson leads with 179 yards). Turner is averaging 2.8 yards per carry after contact.

          Blount is eighth in the NFL with 106 yards after contact. He’s averaging 2.5 yards per carry after contact. No other NFC South runner comes close to Turner and Blount.

          Carolina’s Jonathan Stewart is No. 29 with 57 yards and averages 2.5 yards after contact. New Orleans rookie Mark Ingram is No. 30 with 56 yards (a 1.6-yard average) and teammate Pierre Thomas is No. 31 with 53 yards (averaging 2.5 yards after contact).