NFC East rankings: running backs

[Gryphon]

NFC East rankings: running backs
Sporting News correspondents

In the latest installment of NFL offseason position rankings, SN's correspondents break down the running backs in the NFC [East].

1. VIKINGS

2. EAGLES: Brian Westbrook is the NFL's most dangerous all-around back. He's almost unstoppable in the open field. Correll Buckhalter is a reliable power runner, and newcomer Lorenzo Booker is a pass-catching threat.

3. Commanders: Clinton Portis can still break open a game on any carry. Ladell Betts hits the holes quickly, has good acceleration and is an excellent receiver. Fullback Mike Sellers is a powerful blocker and capable short-yardage back.

4. GIANTS: Few teams can match the depth in the Giants' backfield. Brandon Jacobs is a load but must become more durable. Derrick Ward averaged 4.8 yards per carry in 2007, and Ahmad Bradshaw has the speed to become a star.

5. COWBOYS: Marion Barber will get his shot to start. He's a battering ram who can get the tough yards and close out games. The team hopes rookie Felix Jones will provide the big-play threat it lacked the past couple of years.

 

[TheSport78]

NFC East rankings: running backs
Sporting News correspondents

In the latest installment of NFL offseason position rankings, SN's correspondents break down the running backs in the NFC [East].

1. VIKINGS

2. EAGLES: Brian Westbrook is the NFL's most dangerous all-around back. He's almost unstoppable in the open field. Correll Buckhalter is a reliable power runner, and newcomer Lorenzo Booker is a pass-catching threat.

3. Commanders: Clinton Portis can still break open a game on any carry. Ladell Betts hits the holes quickly, has good acceleration and is an excellent receiver. Fullback Mike Sellers is a powerful blocker and capable short-yardage back.

4. GIANTS: Few teams can match the depth in the Giants' backfield. Brandon Jacobs is a load but must become more durable. Derrick Ward averaged 4.8 yards per carry in 2007, and Ahmad Bradshaw has the speed to become a star.

5. COWBOYS: Marion Barber will get his shot to start. He's a battering ram who can get the tough yards and close out games. The team hopes rookie Felix Jones will provide the big-play threat it lacked the past couple of years.

Hmm when did the Vikings join the NFC East? Yes, Westbrook is a top 5 back, but the depth behind him is questionable. Barber is a pro-bowler and Felix is the perfect compliment. I'de rank it this way:

1. Giants
2. Cowboys
3. Commanders
4. Eagles

 

[Gryphon]

Hmm when did the Vikings join the NFC East? Yes, Westbrook is a top 5 back, but the depth behind him is questionable. Barber is a pro-bowler and Felix is the perfect compliment. I'de rank it this way:

1. Giants
2. Cowboys
3. Commanders
4. Eagles

Just letting people know that the Vikes are holding the number one position.

 

[reddyuta]

If Felix and Choice perform to their expectations than it will be tough to beat our rushing attack but it also depends on our O-line.I would rank it as(right now)-

1)Giants
2)Cowboys
3)Reskins
4)Eagles.

 

[Kilyin]

Just letting people know that the Vikes are holding the number one position.

And they're just letting you know you can't be ranked number 1 in the NFC East unless you play in the NFC East.

 

[proline]

And they're just letting you know you can't be ranked number 1 in the NFC East unless you play in the NFC East.

 

[zeroburrito]

westbrook is better than all the other nfc east backs combined.

eagles
cowboys
Commanders
giants

 

[JohnL2288]

If Felix and Choice perform to their expectations than it will be tough to beat our rushing attack but it also depends on our O-line.I would rank it as(right now)-

1)Giants
2)Cowboys
3)Reskins
4)Eagles.

I agree with this ranking. When taking the entire running game into consideration, the Eagles have nothing without Westbrook. Every other team could handle an injury, but the Eagles would be pathetic without Westbrook

 

[zeroburrito]

I agree with this ranking. When taking the entire running game into consideration, the Eagles have nothing without Westbrook. Every other team could handle an injury, but the Eagles would be pathetic without Westbrook

this ranking is with westbrook. we would suck at qb without romo. we would suck at wr without TO. if westbrook is on the field, they are the best. not only is he the best back in the east, hes better than most of the easts wr's.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

yOU just gotta love our combo of four rb's

 

[TheSport78]

westbrook is better than all the other nfc east backs combined.

eagles
cowboys
Commanders
giants

You could argue that Marion Barber or Clinton Portis could have similar statistics to Westbrook if Dallas or Washington had no other real threats on offense other than their RB. If Dallas had an injury prone TE like LJ Smith, a bunch of #2 WR's, you can bet your bottom dollar that Barber would be the main focus of the Dallas O.

 

[zeroburrito]

we don't even know how good jones or choice will be. they could be worse than jones.

 

[JohnL2288]

this ranking is with westbrook. we would suck at qb without romo. we would suck at wr without TO. if westbrook is on the field, they are the best. not only is he the best back in the east, hes better than most of the easts wr's.

No, the ranking is of all the RBs on the given teams and the combo that the Eagles have ranks behind the rest of the NFC East IMO despite the fact that Westbrook is the best RB. Westbrook is getting older and more injury prone so his stay at the top may be coming to an end

 

[zeroburrito]

No, the ranking is of all the RBs on the given teams and the combo that the Eagles have ranks behind the rest of the NFC East IMO despite the fact that Westbrook is the best RB. Westbrook is getting older and more injury prone so his stay at the top may be coming to an end

it may be, but hasn't yet. i still think westbrook alone is better than any 1-2 punch of the rest of the east, as does every logical person.

 

[Gryphon]

And they're just letting you know you can't be ranked number 1 in the NFC East unless you play in the NFC East.

This is an inclusive list..

 

[JohnL2288]

it may be, but hasn't yet. i still think westbrook alone is better than any 1-2 punch of the rest of the east, as does every logical person.

not even close, and I'm sure a poll would prove it to you

Westbrook is the best individually, but there is not that much seperation

 

[Deep_Freeze]

Our backfield still has a huge amount of "ifs" in it. We don't know how Barber will be as a starter, and we have 2 rookies backing him up.

Rating us too high is a bit homerish, RBs don't make our engine run anyway, Romo and TO do.

 

[DFWJC]

Just letting people know that the Vikes are holding the number one position.

Maybe, with Jacksonville a very close second.

 

[DFWJC]

yOU just gotta love our combo of four rb's

I love them in theory.

 

[dooomsday]

Until his production slows Westbrook is one the NFLs top backs. And one of the best big play RBs.

I think NY has great depth. Bradshaw really rounded out that unit.

Same with Wash. Betts is a beast. And Portis played well, but seems a tad lady like.

I think we are underated. MB's TD producton is up their with the top backs. He'll pound it out and not miss a beat as a feature IMO. And one T Choice will eat up yards as an important back up with Felix being moved all over the place ala early Westbrook.

Its tight. They all have what they need.