The National Football League is Stacked at the Running Back Position
It’s never too early to start thinking about the upcoming National Football League season, and with training camps right around the corner, here is a list of the best running backs the NFL has to offer.
1. Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
The third-year tailback in Tennessee is unquestionably the main man in Nashville. Look no further than his 2000 rushing yard season. His tremendous bursts of speed and shifty style of running makes him virtually impossible to tackle, and he is a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators.
Out of the backfield, Chris Johnson adds dynamite to an offence that had lacked an explosive threat in recent years. As the season progressed, it became increasingly clear that he was the most complete back in the league and the most gifted athlete. He was clearly faster and more energetic than the rest.
2. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has the potential to be the league’s most potent back. Peterson has the uncanny ability of running around, over or through defenders, without breaking a sweat. He was the NFL’s leading rusher back in 2008 with 1,760 yards and is definitely a force to be reckoned with. If he can limit his fumbles he will be a complete player. No question that he keeps his offence in gear even when times are hard and he is the Minnesota Vikings most dangerous weapon.
3. Steven Jackson, Saint Louis Rams
Steven Jackson plays on a bad team. I guess the secret is out. To make matters worse, heading in the 2010 season, the Saint Louis Rams will have a rookie quarterback under centre.
Don’t expect their first round draft pick, Sam Bradford to save this struggling franchise; it just won’t happen in the early stage of his career. It takes time for a well-rounded quarterback to develop. Luckily, the Rams have the league’s second leading rusher in Jackson. Look for the Rams to rely heavily on the running game to take pressure off the youngster.
Saint Louis will try to grind down the clock and maintain ball possession by keeping it in the hands of Jackson. He is their workhorse and lone talent offensively. Perhaps the only knock on his game comes from his lack of speed, but Jackson still has enough turbo in the tank to make his dreads fly out in the open field.
4. Ray Rice, Baltimore Ravens
Ranked six in rushing yards with 1,339, Ray Rice came up big last season despite his small stature. He showed that he is not the only “Ray” on the Ravens’ squad capable of leading this team. Having finally earned a starting position over veteran Willis McGahee, Rice proved that he can carry the ball and his team in the process.
Rice’s contribution out of the backfield was immediate and he took full advantage of his playing time. His consistency on the ground and hard-fought yards provided manageable passing situations. With defenses worried about stopping the run, this will alleviate pressure on the passing game and leave the window wide open for Flacco and the Ravens passing attack.
4. Ronnie Brow, Miami Dolphins
Ronnie Brown along with Wild Cat formation, a play that features the direct-snap-to-a-running back, has allowed Brown’s career to take flight by transforming him into a multi-dimensional threat. This strategy continues to work and at times is magical to watch. Brown takes the direct snap from centre with the option to run, hand off, pitch or pass throwing conventional play-calling out the window. Brown has become a one-man show, given the lack of talent on offence, but he will receive help with the acquisition of Brendan Marshall during the off-season.
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