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Chargers still the best, but teams are closing the gap
By Jeremy Green
Scouts Inc.
(Archive)
Updated: July 8, 2008
The Chargers might have lost a little depth in the offseason, but as long as they have LT, it's hard to say there's a better rushing attack in the NFL. However, the competition is creeping up on San Diego, and the gap between the Chargers and the rest of the league is no longer as great as it once was. And it might be a little surprising to see who is closing fast in the top 10.
1. San Diego Chargers
Even though San Diego did not finish the 2007 season with the No. 1 run offense, the Chargers take the top spot in the running back rankings. They don't have the deepest running back unit, but they do have LaDainian Tomlinson, the best running back in the game. He was the 2007 MVP, has won back-to-back rushing titles and is the most feared running back in the game because of his versatility. He can align in multiple spots and create numerous mismatches for defensive coordinators as a runner and as a receiver. The overall unit took a bit of a hit with the loss of Michael Turner via free agency to Atlanta, but new backup Darren Sproles has made plays when given the opportunity.
2. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings had the No. 1 run offense in the NFL in 2007, and had RB Adrian Peterson not missed two games due to injury, he would have won the rushing title as a rookie. Although you could make an argument for Peterson being the best back in the game today, he does not possess Tomlinson's versatility. This also is not to take away from Peterson, but he has the good fortune of running behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL -- a line backup RB Chester Taylor gained 1,216 yards running behind in 2006. Peterson is going to be a superstar and eventually take the throne from LT, but as of this moment, the 1-2 punch of Peterson and Taylor is still just No. 2.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Starting RB Fred Taylor seems to get better with age. He reached the 10,000-yard plateau for his career in 2007, which has him in line to see his name enshrined in Canton, Ohio. Taylor has been the opposite of what you normally see from the RB position. He often was injured early in his career, and he has improved since turning 30. The Jaguars also have solid depth with third-year runner Maurice Jones-Drew, who has 22 rushing touchdowns and a 5.1 yards-per-attempt average for his career. With Taylor, who has been Mr. Consistency, and Jones-Drew, who is a home run threat every time he touches the ball, expect the Jaguars' run game to once again be in the top three in the NFL.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Even though Pittsburgh's running game was expected to drop off in 2007 after the retirement of Jerome Bettis and with new offensive coordinator Bruce Arian's emphasis on throwing the ball, the Steelers remained one of the most consistent running teams in the NFL. That won't change this year. Former undrafted free agent RB Willie Parker has totaled 4,198 yards in his career, proving that he can be a feature back despite his lack of size. Pittsburgh's biggest issue had been creating consistent depth behind Parker. The Steelers fixed that problem when RB Rashard Mendenhall fell into their laps at the bottom of the first round. Mendenhall, a physical inside runner, should be a nice complement to Parker, who has great speed and is a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
5. Dallas Cowboys
When Dallas opted not to re-sign starting RB Julius Jones, it got better. Even though Jones was the starter, he split carries with backup RB Marion Barber, who is the more effective runner and receiver. With Barber now thrust into the starting role, the Cowboys are a more physical team that can control the line of scrimmage. Dallas also created solid depth at the position by drafting RB Felix Jones with its second pick in the first round. Jones is a speedster who can turn the corner, catch the ball and create mismatches. The Cowboys' rushing numbers might not be as big as those of other teams because offensive coordinator Jason Garrett leans more on the passing game, but this is a great 1-2 punch.
6. St. Louis Rams
The Rams' 25th-ranked run offense in 2007 was no indication of how good Steven Jackson is. He has the ability to be a top-three running back in the NFL, and in terms of versatility, he ranks right behind Tomlinson. Jackson has excellent hands and creates a lot of mismatches. His production was down last season because he was not healthy and the Rams had injuries on the offensive line. If everyone stays healthy, Jackson is good enough to compete for a rushing title. Brian Leonard provides solid backup depth, and even though he showed in Jackson's absence that he can't be counted on to carry the load, his versatility is a plus.
7. Philadelphia Eagles
Brian Westbrook is one of the most unappreciated running backs in the NFL. He basically was the Eagles' offense in 2007 with 278 carries and 90 receptions. Although he never has played a full season, he has avoided major injury and pretty much put aside questions about his size and his ability to carry the load. Westbrook is one of the tougher backs in the NFL, will produce and will play at less than 100 percent. It should come as no surprise that, as with the majority of backs in this top 10, versatility is a major factor for Westbrook, because he often aligns all over the field in multiple looks and formations. Correll Buckhalter missed the 2002, 2004 and 2005 season with injuries but has been solid when healthy, and the Eagles have a lot of untested, young depth with Ryan Moats, Tony Hunt and Lorenzo Booker.
8. Indianapolis Colts
Some might feel this is a little low for Colts RB Joseph Addai, but his production might stem more from the offensive system than from his own skills, although he is a very talented back. Addai benefits from one of the best offensive schemes in the NFL, a passing attack that prevents a defense from jamming eight defenders into the box, an excellent zone-blocking scheme and an offensive line coached by one of the best in the business, Howard Mudd. Addai is an excellent one-cut runner who has great vision and patience. However, he does not run with great power and doesn't have home run speed. His versatility to make plays in the passing game is a great asset in the Colts' offense. This season, the backfield will be as deep as it has been in years, with veteran Dominic Rhodes competing with rookie Mike Hart for the backup spot.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
Two years ago, you could have made the argument that Larry Johnson was the second-best RB in the NFL. A lot has been made of the offensive line play in Kansas City being responsible for his lack of production, and while that is partly true, he has not been the same type of player since signing his long-term deal. Even though he is only 28, he is starting to show some wear and tear from carrying the ball 752 times over the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Johnson is a direct runner who hits the hole hard but needs a run lane. He is neither elusive nor fast and can be limited in terms of his production when forced to run wide. The Chiefs added quality depth in the draft when they picked up rookie Jamaal Charles, a speedster who can turn the corner.
10. San Francisco 49ers
Even though the 49ers were awful on offense in 2007, it's hard to deny the talent of RB Frank Gore. With better play at quarterback, better play up front and better play calling, he can be an elite back. Gore's lack of production last season was not due to a lack of commitment to running the football. The effort was there, but the 49ers often fell behind and Gore became more useful in the passing game. With new offensive coordinator Mike Martz running the show, Gore will be the featured player on offense. Martz is known more for the pass than for the run, so look for Gore to build on his 53 receptions from last season. The 49ers' lack of depth at running back has been an issue in the past, but it will be better in 2008 with the addition of veteran DeShaun Foster.
Rankings show just how far some running games have fallen
Updated: July 8, 2008
Go figure. The once pass-happy Raiders are suddenly loaded at running back while the once proud ground game of Chicago is suddenly looking for answers at the position. The running back situations have sure changed over the years.
11. Oakland Raiders
Even though the Raiders finished the 2007 season with the 25th-ranked offense, they had the No. 6 run offense although they were often playing from behind. In terms of overall talent, the Raiders are deep at the position despite the fact they are eventually expected to release veteran RB LaMont Jordan. It all starts with Justin Fargas, who is entering his sixth year and more then doubled his career output when he ran for 1,009 yards last season. Next is Michael Bush, whom the Raiders drafted in the fourth round in 2007. Bush missed his senior season at Louisville with a leg injury, but had he been healthy would have likely been the second RB taken in his draft class, and he's supposed to be back at full strength this year. Take that group and add rookie Darren McFadden, who is the most electrifying player from the 2008 draft class, and the Raiders may very well have the deepest backfield in the NFL.
12. Washington Commanders
Clinton Portis is one of the most underrated RBs in the NFL. In six seasons, he has topped the 1,200-yard mark five times. The only season he didn't top 1,000 yards was in 2006, when he played only eight games due to injury. Though nicked at times, he has shown the toughness to play through injury. One of his biggest issues has been fumbling and he put it on the ground six times last season. In 2006 with an injured Portis out, Ladell Betts totaled 1,154 yards. He struggled last year because he didn't get enough touches, but he is one of the better backups in the NFL.
13. Buffalo Bills
Marshawn Lynch turned what was one of the worst running games in the league into a solid one. He didn't show a lot of big-time speed or playmaking ability, but he did provide what this offense needed most and that was a big back who could pound it between the tackles. After Lynch, the Bills' depth is scarce.
14. Green Bay Packers
It is hard to imagine the Packers with the 14th-ranked RB unit coming into this season. This is a team that was dead last in rushing through the first part of the 2007 season. It was not until ineffective play and injuries allowed fourth-string RB Ryan Grant an opportunity that Green Bay turned things around. What the Packers found in Grant was a player who fit their system. Over the second half of the season, Grant was outgained by only San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson. Grant is a one-cut runner who is elusive enough to make the first defender miss and even though he's not highly touted, his success was no fluke. He is a legit No. 1 RB. The Packers have a ton of young depth, but none will be able to challenge Grant for playing time.
15. Tennessee Titans
Other than QB Vince Young, the only thing this team has going for it offensively is its running backs. In terms of pure talent at the position, the Titans do not rank that high, even though they finished last season fifth in total rushing. Starter LenDale White had 1,110 yards, but averaged just 3.7 yards per carry and did not show much big-play ability as a runner or receiver. The team drafted Chris Henry in 2007 for that speed element, but he missed four games due to a suspension. This year the team added Chris Johnson in the first round of the draft and the Titans may be able to get into a full house backfield. The best-case scenario right now is for White to be the starter and have Johnson play a RB/WR hybrid role using his blazing speed to create mismatches.
16. Cleveland Browns
Veteran RB Jamal Lewis had a bounce-back year in Cleveland, but he's 29 and entering his ninth season. You have to wonder if the wear and tear and all the touches will catch up to him. Lewis is a power back who runs behind one of the best left sides in the NFL and is a nice fit for the Browns' wide-open passing attack. Lewis has some injury history and must stay healthy because the Browns' depth is marginal at best.
17. Baltimore Ravens
As good as it was for Buffalo to part ways with veteran back Willis McGahee, that move was also good for him because he found new life with a new team. Despite playing on a team that could not throw the ball, McGahee finished the season eighth in the league in rushing. He's not a power back or a speed back. He's simply a productive back. He attacks the line of scrimmage, has good vision and tends to run through initial contact. Baltimore knows it needs to win with a run game and defense, so it also added rookie Ray Rice, who had excellent college production, but is not a speed back. Still, Rice will get touches in this offense.
18. New York Giants
Even though the Giants finished the 2007 season ranked fourth in run offense, that was based more on their commitment to run the football than their actual talent at the position. The best part about the Giants' run game is the physical play they get up front from the offensive line. The other solid aspect to the Giants' run game is depth at the position. Starter Brandon Jacobs is big, but not very physical. Derrick Ward saw extensive action before his injury and Ahmad Bradshaw adds a speed element. There is no premier player in New York, but the depth is good.
19. New England Patriots
Running back is about the only position where you can rank the Patriots low. Part of the reason is the Patriots' system. Laurence Maroney does not get a lot of touches in this pass-happy, spread offense. He carried the ball only 185 times last season, but was effective with a 4.5 yard-per-carry average. However, Maroney does not come up with nearly as many explosive plays as he should despite the fact the spread offense benefits him and gives him more run lanes with fewer defenders in the box. The Pats have good depth with the versatile Kevin Faulk, who is a savvy veteran who comes up with big plays in big games.
20. New York Jets
The Jets are ranked fairly low, but RB Thomas Jones could have a bounce-back season. Last season was his first after a trade, he missed time in the preseason and struggled to gain his footing in a new system. Now, he has a feel for the system and also will be running behind one of the top offensive guards in the NFL in Alan Faneca. Jones is a tough runner who does not have big-time speed, but chews up yards quickly. He has solid vision, can make the first guy miss and knows how to finish his runs. Leon Washington is the backup and is more of a returner than RB, but he is dangerous with the ball in his hands.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Even though the Bengals' run game is inconsistent, it's hard to put that on the shoulders of RB Rudi Johnson. Johnson's numbers were down last season because this team gets in shootouts every week and completely neglects the run game. Johnson is a good inside runner who runs hard, pushes the pile and rarely gripes about his lack of touches. But you get the impression his own team does not really respect him. Kenny Irons missed all of last season and will get touches along with dependable veteran Kenny Watson, who catches the ball well out of the backfield and runs hard.
22. New Orleans Saints
Although they have some big names in the backfield, it is hard to rank the Saints much higher. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2571">Deuce McAllister can't stay healthy and Reggie Bush is not a quality starter because he is not effective between the tackles. The most productive or at least the most consistent back last season was journeyman runner Aaron Stecker. Plus, Pierre Thomas is a young player with talent. This unit is four deep, but lacks a quality starter who can pound the rock.
23. Carolina Panthers
Even though you could argue it has talent, this unit still hasn't produced. The Panthers drafted two running backs in the first round in the past three years and gave a lucrative free-agent contract to DeShaun Foster, who is no longer on the roster. DeAngelo Williams will likely be the starter at first, but when a team drafts a back in the first round a few seasons later as Carolina did this year, it could indicate how the Panthers feel about Williams. Head coach John Fox wants to be physical and Williams is more of an outside runner. Look for rookie RB Jonathan Stewart to eventually take over the starting role because he brings a physical inside presence.
24. Seattle Seahawks
After it became apparent that former MVP Shaun Alexander had hit the wall, the team revamped the position this offseason. The Seahawks added what might become a nice combo in Julius Jones, who is more effective on the perimeter, and T.J. Duckett, who can pound it between the tackles. Neither Jones nor Duckett is a legitimate No. 1 back, but together they give the offense something the Seahawks have been missing lately -- a little consistency.
25. Miami Dolphins
Why did the Dolphins not even consider taking McFadden? Starter Ronnie Brown is coming off a season-ending knee injury and backup Ricky Williams has never been dependable. If Brown plays this year, he may not be 100 percent healthy. There are a lot of questions here.
26. Atlanta Falcons
It is hard to rank this running back situation. Jerious Norwood is back and though he has primarily been the backup to veteran Warrick Dunn, he has been productive. The wild card is Michael Turner. Like Norwood, he has been a backup and while in San Diego looked like one of the best backups in the NFL. We like the one-two punch of Turner and Norwood, but we're not sure how effective they can be on a team that will play from behind often.
27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
You almost have to put an asterisk here because no one knows what Carnell Williams can or will do coming off a major knee injury. Often it takes a running back one season to regain his form after returning from a major injury. The team lost veteran Michael Pittman, who has been a dependable backup, and even though the Buccaneers have Earnest Graham, he has had only one year of production. Even with a healthy Williams, it's hard to see much big-play ability here.
28. Houston Texans
The Texans' scenario is the same as last year because they haven't found out if they have a No. 1 back. Under head coach Gary Kubiak they have adopted Denver's strategy; they create competition and hope someone who is a one-cut runner will shine behind their zone-blocking offensive line. Denver was successful with late-round or free-agent running backs and Houston is taking the same approach. Look for Darius Walker, who played well last season, to emerge. Ahman Green is a veteran who will get some touches if he's healthy and don't ignore the excitement rookie Steve Slaton brings to the table.
29. Denver Broncos
The Broncos cut their No. 1 RB, Travis Henry, this offseason because they were not thrilled about the way he was working. Right now the starter is Selvin Young, who totaled 729 yards as a part-time starter. Head coach Mike Shanahan has always believed the system makes the player and that will have to be proved this year with no proven No. 1 back. Young fits the system so look for him to get the touches. The team added Pittman, but he's not a one-cut runner with great vision and does not seem to fit Denver's scheme.
30. Arizona Cardinals
Even though there was more of a commitment to run the ball with new head coach Ken Whisenhunt and offensive line coach Russ Grimm, the Cardinals ultimately could not run effectively, which led to them getting in a lot of shootouts. Even though starter Edgerrin James rushed for 1,222 yards, he carried it 324 times for a 3.8 yard-per-carry average. James does not show a lot of big-play ability anymore. He still runs hard and finds the hole, but the explosion is gone. The Cardinals have done nothing to upgrade the depth and will once again have plodder Marcel Shipp and speedy but straight-line runner J.J. Arrington as the backups.
31. Detroit Lions
The team released often-injured RB Kevin Jones and surprisingly brought back always nicked and not physical RB Tatum Bell. Aveion Cason is a Mike Martz holdover, Brian Calhoun has been a bust and Artose Pinner has never reached his potential. This opens the door for rookie Kevin Smith, who was an absolute workhorse in college. Smith is the most physical back on the roster and as long as he can learn the offense, he gives this team a chance to actually be productive at the position this season.
32. Chicago Bears
It is hard to believe that two seasons ago this team was in the NFC Championship Game with a gritty offensive line and underrated Thomas Jones at RB. Jones was traded to make room for Cedric Benson, whose poor play and off-the-field issues resulted in his release. That has now paved the way for rookie Matt Forte. Forte runs hard, which is something Benson never did. But Forte, like backup Garrett Wolfe, is not ready for prime time. Veteran Adrian Peterson will be back again in his underappreciated No. 3 role, but by season's end, he might be the most productive back on the roster because he knows the system, catches the ball well and can pick up the blitz, which is something Forte is likely to struggle with early on.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.
By Jeremy GreenScouts Inc.
(Archive)
Updated: July 8, 2008
The Chargers might have lost a little depth in the offseason, but as long as they have LT, it's hard to say there's a better rushing attack in the NFL. However, the competition is creeping up on San Diego, and the gap between the Chargers and the rest of the league is no longer as great as it once was. And it might be a little surprising to see who is closing fast in the top 10.
1. San Diego Chargers
Even though San Diego did not finish the 2007 season with the No. 1 run offense, the Chargers take the top spot in the running back rankings. They don't have the deepest running back unit, but they do have LaDainian Tomlinson, the best running back in the game. He was the 2007 MVP, has won back-to-back rushing titles and is the most feared running back in the game because of his versatility. He can align in multiple spots and create numerous mismatches for defensive coordinators as a runner and as a receiver. The overall unit took a bit of a hit with the loss of Michael Turner via free agency to Atlanta, but new backup Darren Sproles has made plays when given the opportunity.
The Vikings had the No. 1 run offense in the NFL in 2007, and had RB Adrian Peterson not missed two games due to injury, he would have won the rushing title as a rookie. Although you could make an argument for Peterson being the best back in the game today, he does not possess Tomlinson's versatility. This also is not to take away from Peterson, but he has the good fortune of running behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL -- a line backup RB Chester Taylor gained 1,216 yards running behind in 2006. Peterson is going to be a superstar and eventually take the throne from LT, but as of this moment, the 1-2 punch of Peterson and Taylor is still just No. 2.
Starting RB Fred Taylor seems to get better with age. He reached the 10,000-yard plateau for his career in 2007, which has him in line to see his name enshrined in Canton, Ohio. Taylor has been the opposite of what you normally see from the RB position. He often was injured early in his career, and he has improved since turning 30. The Jaguars also have solid depth with third-year runner Maurice Jones-Drew, who has 22 rushing touchdowns and a 5.1 yards-per-attempt average for his career. With Taylor, who has been Mr. Consistency, and Jones-Drew, who is a home run threat every time he touches the ball, expect the Jaguars' run game to once again be in the top three in the NFL.
Even though Pittsburgh's running game was expected to drop off in 2007 after the retirement of Jerome Bettis and with new offensive coordinator Bruce Arian's emphasis on throwing the ball, the Steelers remained one of the most consistent running teams in the NFL. That won't change this year. Former undrafted free agent RB Willie Parker has totaled 4,198 yards in his career, proving that he can be a feature back despite his lack of size. Pittsburgh's biggest issue had been creating consistent depth behind Parker. The Steelers fixed that problem when RB Rashard Mendenhall fell into their laps at the bottom of the first round. Mendenhall, a physical inside runner, should be a nice complement to Parker, who has great speed and is a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
When Dallas opted not to re-sign starting RB Julius Jones, it got better. Even though Jones was the starter, he split carries with backup RB Marion Barber, who is the more effective runner and receiver. With Barber now thrust into the starting role, the Cowboys are a more physical team that can control the line of scrimmage. Dallas also created solid depth at the position by drafting RB Felix Jones with its second pick in the first round. Jones is a speedster who can turn the corner, catch the ball and create mismatches. The Cowboys' rushing numbers might not be as big as those of other teams because offensive coordinator Jason Garrett leans more on the passing game, but this is a great 1-2 punch.
The Rams' 25th-ranked run offense in 2007 was no indication of how good Steven Jackson is. He has the ability to be a top-three running back in the NFL, and in terms of versatility, he ranks right behind Tomlinson. Jackson has excellent hands and creates a lot of mismatches. His production was down last season because he was not healthy and the Rams had injuries on the offensive line. If everyone stays healthy, Jackson is good enough to compete for a rushing title. Brian Leonard provides solid backup depth, and even though he showed in Jackson's absence that he can't be counted on to carry the load, his versatility is a plus.
Brian Westbrook is one of the most unappreciated running backs in the NFL. He basically was the Eagles' offense in 2007 with 278 carries and 90 receptions. Although he never has played a full season, he has avoided major injury and pretty much put aside questions about his size and his ability to carry the load. Westbrook is one of the tougher backs in the NFL, will produce and will play at less than 100 percent. It should come as no surprise that, as with the majority of backs in this top 10, versatility is a major factor for Westbrook, because he often aligns all over the field in multiple looks and formations. Correll Buckhalter missed the 2002, 2004 and 2005 season with injuries but has been solid when healthy, and the Eagles have a lot of untested, young depth with Ryan Moats, Tony Hunt and Lorenzo Booker.
Some might feel this is a little low for Colts RB Joseph Addai, but his production might stem more from the offensive system than from his own skills, although he is a very talented back. Addai benefits from one of the best offensive schemes in the NFL, a passing attack that prevents a defense from jamming eight defenders into the box, an excellent zone-blocking scheme and an offensive line coached by one of the best in the business, Howard Mudd. Addai is an excellent one-cut runner who has great vision and patience. However, he does not run with great power and doesn't have home run speed. His versatility to make plays in the passing game is a great asset in the Colts' offense. This season, the backfield will be as deep as it has been in years, with veteran Dominic Rhodes competing with rookie Mike Hart for the backup spot.
Two years ago, you could have made the argument that Larry Johnson was the second-best RB in the NFL. A lot has been made of the offensive line play in Kansas City being responsible for his lack of production, and while that is partly true, he has not been the same type of player since signing his long-term deal. Even though he is only 28, he is starting to show some wear and tear from carrying the ball 752 times over the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Johnson is a direct runner who hits the hole hard but needs a run lane. He is neither elusive nor fast and can be limited in terms of his production when forced to run wide. The Chiefs added quality depth in the draft when they picked up rookie Jamaal Charles, a speedster who can turn the corner.
Even though the 49ers were awful on offense in 2007, it's hard to deny the talent of RB Frank Gore. With better play at quarterback, better play up front and better play calling, he can be an elite back. Gore's lack of production last season was not due to a lack of commitment to running the football. The effort was there, but the 49ers often fell behind and Gore became more useful in the passing game. With new offensive coordinator Mike Martz running the show, Gore will be the featured player on offense. Martz is known more for the pass than for the run, so look for Gore to build on his 53 receptions from last season. The 49ers' lack of depth at running back has been an issue in the past, but it will be better in 2008 with the addition of veteran DeShaun Foster.
Rankings show just how far some running games have fallen
Updated: July 8, 2008
Go figure. The once pass-happy Raiders are suddenly loaded at running back while the once proud ground game of Chicago is suddenly looking for answers at the position. The running back situations have sure changed over the years.
11. Oakland Raiders
Even though the Raiders finished the 2007 season with the 25th-ranked offense, they had the No. 6 run offense although they were often playing from behind. In terms of overall talent, the Raiders are deep at the position despite the fact they are eventually expected to release veteran RB LaMont Jordan. It all starts with Justin Fargas, who is entering his sixth year and more then doubled his career output when he ran for 1,009 yards last season. Next is Michael Bush, whom the Raiders drafted in the fourth round in 2007. Bush missed his senior season at Louisville with a leg injury, but had he been healthy would have likely been the second RB taken in his draft class, and he's supposed to be back at full strength this year. Take that group and add rookie Darren McFadden, who is the most electrifying player from the 2008 draft class, and the Raiders may very well have the deepest backfield in the NFL.
Clinton Portis is one of the most underrated RBs in the NFL. In six seasons, he has topped the 1,200-yard mark five times. The only season he didn't top 1,000 yards was in 2006, when he played only eight games due to injury. Though nicked at times, he has shown the toughness to play through injury. One of his biggest issues has been fumbling and he put it on the ground six times last season. In 2006 with an injured Portis out, Ladell Betts totaled 1,154 yards. He struggled last year because he didn't get enough touches, but he is one of the better backups in the NFL.
Marshawn Lynch turned what was one of the worst running games in the league into a solid one. He didn't show a lot of big-time speed or playmaking ability, but he did provide what this offense needed most and that was a big back who could pound it between the tackles. After Lynch, the Bills' depth is scarce.
It is hard to imagine the Packers with the 14th-ranked RB unit coming into this season. This is a team that was dead last in rushing through the first part of the 2007 season. It was not until ineffective play and injuries allowed fourth-string RB Ryan Grant an opportunity that Green Bay turned things around. What the Packers found in Grant was a player who fit their system. Over the second half of the season, Grant was outgained by only San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson. Grant is a one-cut runner who is elusive enough to make the first defender miss and even though he's not highly touted, his success was no fluke. He is a legit No. 1 RB. The Packers have a ton of young depth, but none will be able to challenge Grant for playing time.
Other than QB Vince Young, the only thing this team has going for it offensively is its running backs. In terms of pure talent at the position, the Titans do not rank that high, even though they finished last season fifth in total rushing. Starter LenDale White had 1,110 yards, but averaged just 3.7 yards per carry and did not show much big-play ability as a runner or receiver. The team drafted Chris Henry in 2007 for that speed element, but he missed four games due to a suspension. This year the team added Chris Johnson in the first round of the draft and the Titans may be able to get into a full house backfield. The best-case scenario right now is for White to be the starter and have Johnson play a RB/WR hybrid role using his blazing speed to create mismatches.
Veteran RB Jamal Lewis had a bounce-back year in Cleveland, but he's 29 and entering his ninth season. You have to wonder if the wear and tear and all the touches will catch up to him. Lewis is a power back who runs behind one of the best left sides in the NFL and is a nice fit for the Browns' wide-open passing attack. Lewis has some injury history and must stay healthy because the Browns' depth is marginal at best.
As good as it was for Buffalo to part ways with veteran back Willis McGahee, that move was also good for him because he found new life with a new team. Despite playing on a team that could not throw the ball, McGahee finished the season eighth in the league in rushing. He's not a power back or a speed back. He's simply a productive back. He attacks the line of scrimmage, has good vision and tends to run through initial contact. Baltimore knows it needs to win with a run game and defense, so it also added rookie Ray Rice, who had excellent college production, but is not a speed back. Still, Rice will get touches in this offense.
Even though the Giants finished the 2007 season ranked fourth in run offense, that was based more on their commitment to run the football than their actual talent at the position. The best part about the Giants' run game is the physical play they get up front from the offensive line. The other solid aspect to the Giants' run game is depth at the position. Starter Brandon Jacobs is big, but not very physical. Derrick Ward saw extensive action before his injury and Ahmad Bradshaw adds a speed element. There is no premier player in New York, but the depth is good.
Running back is about the only position where you can rank the Patriots low. Part of the reason is the Patriots' system. Laurence Maroney does not get a lot of touches in this pass-happy, spread offense. He carried the ball only 185 times last season, but was effective with a 4.5 yard-per-carry average. However, Maroney does not come up with nearly as many explosive plays as he should despite the fact the spread offense benefits him and gives him more run lanes with fewer defenders in the box. The Pats have good depth with the versatile Kevin Faulk, who is a savvy veteran who comes up with big plays in big games.
The Jets are ranked fairly low, but RB Thomas Jones could have a bounce-back season. Last season was his first after a trade, he missed time in the preseason and struggled to gain his footing in a new system. Now, he has a feel for the system and also will be running behind one of the top offensive guards in the NFL in Alan Faneca. Jones is a tough runner who does not have big-time speed, but chews up yards quickly. He has solid vision, can make the first guy miss and knows how to finish his runs. Leon Washington is the backup and is more of a returner than RB, but he is dangerous with the ball in his hands.
Even though the Bengals' run game is inconsistent, it's hard to put that on the shoulders of RB Rudi Johnson. Johnson's numbers were down last season because this team gets in shootouts every week and completely neglects the run game. Johnson is a good inside runner who runs hard, pushes the pile and rarely gripes about his lack of touches. But you get the impression his own team does not really respect him. Kenny Irons missed all of last season and will get touches along with dependable veteran Kenny Watson, who catches the ball well out of the backfield and runs hard.
Although they have some big names in the backfield, it is hard to rank the Saints much higher. http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?playerId=2571">Deuce McAllister can't stay healthy and Reggie Bush is not a quality starter because he is not effective between the tackles. The most productive or at least the most consistent back last season was journeyman runner Aaron Stecker. Plus, Pierre Thomas is a young player with talent. This unit is four deep, but lacks a quality starter who can pound the rock.
Even though you could argue it has talent, this unit still hasn't produced. The Panthers drafted two running backs in the first round in the past three years and gave a lucrative free-agent contract to DeShaun Foster, who is no longer on the roster. DeAngelo Williams will likely be the starter at first, but when a team drafts a back in the first round a few seasons later as Carolina did this year, it could indicate how the Panthers feel about Williams. Head coach John Fox wants to be physical and Williams is more of an outside runner. Look for rookie RB Jonathan Stewart to eventually take over the starting role because he brings a physical inside presence.
After it became apparent that former MVP Shaun Alexander had hit the wall, the team revamped the position this offseason. The Seahawks added what might become a nice combo in Julius Jones, who is more effective on the perimeter, and T.J. Duckett, who can pound it between the tackles. Neither Jones nor Duckett is a legitimate No. 1 back, but together they give the offense something the Seahawks have been missing lately -- a little consistency.
Why did the Dolphins not even consider taking McFadden? Starter Ronnie Brown is coming off a season-ending knee injury and backup Ricky Williams has never been dependable. If Brown plays this year, he may not be 100 percent healthy. There are a lot of questions here.
It is hard to rank this running back situation. Jerious Norwood is back and though he has primarily been the backup to veteran Warrick Dunn, he has been productive. The wild card is Michael Turner. Like Norwood, he has been a backup and while in San Diego looked like one of the best backups in the NFL. We like the one-two punch of Turner and Norwood, but we're not sure how effective they can be on a team that will play from behind often.
You almost have to put an asterisk here because no one knows what Carnell Williams can or will do coming off a major knee injury. Often it takes a running back one season to regain his form after returning from a major injury. The team lost veteran Michael Pittman, who has been a dependable backup, and even though the Buccaneers have Earnest Graham, he has had only one year of production. Even with a healthy Williams, it's hard to see much big-play ability here.
The Texans' scenario is the same as last year because they haven't found out if they have a No. 1 back. Under head coach Gary Kubiak they have adopted Denver's strategy; they create competition and hope someone who is a one-cut runner will shine behind their zone-blocking offensive line. Denver was successful with late-round or free-agent running backs and Houston is taking the same approach. Look for Darius Walker, who played well last season, to emerge. Ahman Green is a veteran who will get some touches if he's healthy and don't ignore the excitement rookie Steve Slaton brings to the table.
The Broncos cut their No. 1 RB, Travis Henry, this offseason because they were not thrilled about the way he was working. Right now the starter is Selvin Young, who totaled 729 yards as a part-time starter. Head coach Mike Shanahan has always believed the system makes the player and that will have to be proved this year with no proven No. 1 back. Young fits the system so look for him to get the touches. The team added Pittman, but he's not a one-cut runner with great vision and does not seem to fit Denver's scheme.
Even though there was more of a commitment to run the ball with new head coach Ken Whisenhunt and offensive line coach Russ Grimm, the Cardinals ultimately could not run effectively, which led to them getting in a lot of shootouts. Even though starter Edgerrin James rushed for 1,222 yards, he carried it 324 times for a 3.8 yard-per-carry average. James does not show a lot of big-play ability anymore. He still runs hard and finds the hole, but the explosion is gone. The Cardinals have done nothing to upgrade the depth and will once again have plodder Marcel Shipp and speedy but straight-line runner J.J. Arrington as the backups.
The team released often-injured RB Kevin Jones and surprisingly brought back always nicked and not physical RB Tatum Bell. Aveion Cason is a Mike Martz holdover, Brian Calhoun has been a bust and Artose Pinner has never reached his potential. This opens the door for rookie Kevin Smith, who was an absolute workhorse in college. Smith is the most physical back on the roster and as long as he can learn the offense, he gives this team a chance to actually be productive at the position this season.
It is hard to believe that two seasons ago this team was in the NFC Championship Game with a gritty offensive line and underrated Thomas Jones at RB. Jones was traded to make room for Cedric Benson, whose poor play and off-the-field issues resulted in his release. That has now paved the way for rookie Matt Forte. Forte runs hard, which is something Benson never did. But Forte, like backup Garrett Wolfe, is not ready for prime time. Veteran Adrian Peterson will be back again in his underappreciated No. 3 role, but by season's end, he might be the most productive back on the roster because he knows the system, catches the ball well and can pick up the blitz, which is something Forte is likely to struggle with early on.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.
