NFC East rankings: running backs

[tomson75]

No Barber on what he has shown is not anything like a Emmitt back . He isn't like Westbrook either , he is closest to Jacobs but more healthy .

What surprises me for such a big back he doesn't seem to make his money running though the middle of the line, he is a one cut and go or edge runner, he can demolish DB and safeties but equally if he gets stood up on at the line he goes nowhere .

The kinds of numbers he should be putting up if he is as great as everyone says should be around the 5 + yards per carry mark that both Westbrook and Portis have accomplished .

As for the comments about Portis average coming down as his carries go up, lets see how Barber deals with being a starter after his -1 yard per carry average last season as a regular starter.......

Barber and Jacobs run nothing alike. Jacobs runs with his 6'4 264 ilb frame in a very upright manner. Barber keeps his 6'0 220 lbs frame pretty low. Jacob's has no ability to make defenders miss, while Barber does. He's far less apt to be hit by defenders as is Jacobs...hence the superior health. You're analysis is weak.

I'll gladly revisit this thread in eight months if you'll do the same. Somehow I'm thinking Barber's -1 yard game won't be commonplace, while Portis' injuries will further shorten his career. I doubt I'll see you back though...

 

[jobberone]

Oh, he'll be back if he has something to even barely sink his teeth into. It's obvious he is a Skins' fan.

 

[JonJon]

No Barber on what he has shown is not anything like a Emmitt back . He isn't like Westbrook either , he is closest to Jacobs but more healthy .

What surprises me for such a big back he doesn't seem to make his money running though the middle of the line, he is a one cut and go or edge runner, he can demolish DB and safeties but equally if he gets stood up on at the line he goes nowhere .

The kinds of numbers he should be putting up if he is as great as everyone says should be around the 5 + yards per carry mark that both Westbrook and Portis have accomplished .

As for the comments about Portis average coming down as his carries go up, lets see how Barber deals with being a starter after his -1 yard per carry average last season as a regular starter.......

You obviously have not seen Barber run very much if that is the conclusion you have drawn. Barber is nothing like Brandon Jacobs. Brandon is a one-cut running back with no wiggle. He just bores through the line and is tough to bring down like a Jerome Bettis. Barber is nothing like that. He is tough to bring down, but he can make people miss and has more than one cut. He also does not get "stood up" at the line. He is probably the most efficient RB in the league when at the goaline. If he isn't the best, he is at the top. All you need to do is go to youtube and watch his highlight against to Patriots to prove your own self wrong. He was supposedly "stood up" at his own goaline by the Patriots defense only to break like 8 tackles and juke his way out of trouble and even managed to pick up a few yards on the play.

 

[JonJon]

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.

When in doubt, ask Madden!

Eagles
Westbrook 97, Buckhalter 82, Hunt 75. Average= 84.6

Cowboys
Barber 93, Jones 80, Choice 77. Average= 83.3

Giants
Jacobs 87, Bradshaw 82, Ward 81. Average= 83.3

Commanders
Portis 91, Betts 84, Cartwright 73. Average= 82.6

 

[AsthmaField]

Oh, he'll be back if he has something to even barely sink his teeth into. It's obvious he is a Skins' fan.

Yeah, he's from Extremeskins. He posts under the same 'bedlamvr' name over there.

He's still dilusional too, I see.

 

[AsthmaField]

Somehow I'm thinking Barber's -1 yard game won't be commonplace

Partucularly considering that Barber, in his only start, had over 100 yards at the half against the Giants... who, BTW, have a much, much, MUCH better defense than the Commanders. They have better defensive players, a better scheme and they also have the coach who turned down Snyder rather than take a head coaching gig in a career dead end spot like Washington.

If Barber could get a hundred by halftime against the super bowl champs, I think it's pretty safe to say that he can gain some yardage against Washington. Especially when it isn't a meaningless game to end the season.

 

[jterrell]

There is virtually no separation at RB for these 4 NFCE teams.

Westbrook is the best back but also has the weakest players around him, Portis is very good but has been banged up recently.

Dallas was certainly not hurting last year at RB and if you want to rank them 4th feel free but do so knowing Dallas finished last year tied for 7th in the NFL in rushing per attempt at 4.2 per carry, tied for 10th in rushing TDs, and tied for 5th in fewest fumbles.

Dallas had 4 fumbles while Washington had 15. The Eagles actually scored 2 less rushing TDs than the Boys.

If you balance all the rushing stats you'll see these teams are basically neck and neck.

Also Dallas scored over 28 points per game and had the second highest scoring offense in the NFL. The running game was certainly not holding them back.

--------------

Also note Dallas was the only team who added noteworthy members to their backfield with both a 1st and 3rd rounder. If the Eagles had added Tashard Choice to spell Westbrook we'd be hearing it daily.

 

[utrunner07]

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

exactly. that is why we are number three right now at best. Anything higher is just hopefully and could be at this point.

 

[Skinsmaniac]

Partucularly considering that Barber, in his only start, had over 100 yards at the half against the Giants... who, BTW, have a much, much, MUCH better defense than the Commanders.

The stats don't bear that out.

When in doubt, ask Madden!

Eagles
Westbrook 97, Buckhalter 82, Hunt 75. Average= 84.6

Cowboys
Barber 93, Jones 80, Choice 77. Average= 83.3

Giants
Jacobs 87, Bradshaw 82, Ward 81. Average= 83.3

Commanders
Portis 91, Betts 84, Cartwright 73. Average= 82.6

I prefer it like this :

Commanders
Portis 91, Betts 84, Sellars 85. Average= 86.7

Giants
Jacobs 87, Bradshaw 82, Hedgecock 88. Average= 85.7

Cowboys
Barber 93, Jones 80, Anderson 83. Average= 85.3

Eagles
Westbrook 97, Buckhalter 82, Wilson 75. Average= 84.6

 

[JonJon]

exactly. that is why we are number three right now at best. Anything higher is just hopefully and could be at this point.

Of the college duo's to hit the NFL, we got the better RB between Barber and Maroney. It's an extreme long shot, but hopefully we got the better RB between Jones and McFadden too...

 

[bedlamvr]

Oh, he'll be back if he has something to even barely sink his teeth into. It's obvious he is a Skins' fan.

Not debating that I am a skins fan . The Skins have their own problems and I admit that, but it just amazes me I get called delusional when Cowboys fans have 2 back to back post season seasons ( 1 divisional crown) , in both of which you go no further than the first game and then buy into the hype that the Boys are SO much better than anyone else in their division that is delusional .

I saw Barber plenty and yes he did have those jaw dropping highlight reel, (the Patriots escape was something) runs but in between that I saw a very average back . If he got hit at the line he would either stand up and try an bounce the ball outside (illegal stiff arming his way out of trouble) or go down for a loss .

His best running he does in space where he can make people miss, but he doesn't have the break away speed to be a home run threat or make the space. He only gets the space because of other factors on the offence, remember you guys sent 13 players to the prowbowl and three of those on the offensive line . Portis got more yards coming back from injury and with warm bodies in front of him.

It is good that the fan base has so much faith in Barber because your FO doesn’t . Sure they gave him a big contract but NFL contracts can always be broken... They could have made that secondary frightening and picked up Kenny Phillips along with Jenkins , upgraded the depth at DE with Calias Campbell, got some any of the top rated WR to inject youth at a key position behind the 35 year old Owens and Glenn who may or may not return, you could have traded down or up, or even into next year but instead of any of those options your FO took Felix Jones in the first round to "compliment" your superstud RB who has 1 career regular season start, and so confident were they with that they tough to add to the complement him further with a 4th round pick...lets not forget it was in the 4th round Barber himself was taken . Yes going into the draft you only had one back of note but you could have fleshed out your roster cheaper with maybe 1 draft pick, a UDFA and or free agency pickup had it just been a matter of depth .

As for the Giants having the better defence ... well their pass rush is amazing but against the run they were not as good as the Skins who ranked no 4 in the league against the run, and how often did the Skins build a huge lead so teams just gave up with the run ?

And no one cared about the week 17 game? That’s why you had starters in the game until the third quarter? You had Barber and Romo chasing personal records and you had a chance to close the lid on the Commanders post season hopes ... no i guess no one cared .... just like no one cared about the game where the horribly inconsistent Eagles beat you a couple of weeks earlier, when you were playing for home field advantage... and apparently no one cared when the Giants ate you alive in the divisional playoff game either ..wow three back to back losses to NFCE rivals ...but hey who cares

 

[Velvet Jones]

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

How can you, in one sentence, say that the depth behind Westbrook is questionable but then in your next sentence say that a rookie fits perfectly with our starter?

We know what we have in Barber and we know what they have in Westbrook. Point; Westbrook. We know what they have in Buckhalter and we have no idea in anything we have behind Barber. Point; Buckhalter.

I would put us third only because we have an unknown tandem. Next year, I could see this bumping to two, possibly one. I know we WANT to be first but it isn't there. Westbrook is a beast. Would we rate Washingtons wide receivers higher than ours simply because they drafted two or three guys in the second round or would we say that they haven't proven anything? It has to work both ways.

 

[Tobal]

Buckhalter is a solid back, in the past he had alot of injuries, but he's hurt Dallas plenty.

Portis isn't the dybamic back you saw in Denver but he's solid and we haven't seen what Barber will do as the starter..... Now I'm in no way saying he's Hambrickm but he's not Mr Smith either.

He runs so hard and frankly makes some poor decisions as times. He'd be a much better back if he'd adjust his style to the game. IE trying to bounce outside on a 3rd and 1, when the 1 is there for the taking... He was better this yr, but yr before he did that several time.

I love the guys fight though and you can tell his teamates do to.

 

[jterrell]

How can you, in one sentence, say that the depth behind Westbrook is questionable but then in your next sentence say that a rookie fits perfectly with our starter?

We know what we have in Barber and we know what they have in Westbrook. Point; Westbrook. We know what they have in Buckhalter and we have no idea in anything we have behind Barber. Point; Buckhalter.

I would put us third only because we have an unknown tandem. Next year, I could see this bumping to two, possibly one. I know we WANT to be first but it isn't there. Westbrook is a beast. Would we rate Washingtons wide receivers higher than ours simply because they drafted two or three guys in the second round or would we say that they haven't proven anything? It has to work both ways.

So then no team can count a rookie in their ratings???
That makes zero sense.

Felix Jones is our backup RB and he is our speed RB component. We KNOW that already.

Can we expect him to be a superstar? NO! Can we count him right now, this minute as a backup with good speed? YES!

I am fine with us being 3rd BTW, but the specific argument that we should give Felix Jones a zero because he is a rookie is silly.

Burkhalter is never healthy. That is a zero, not being a rookie first round pick.

Because we drafted Carpenter and Spencer without spots for them to play does not make Jones some wily unknown. He is a solid speed back and how he develops beyond that is still question but he is far from a zero impact.

Its sad when falling back on Madden is more accurate then anything else.

 

[Sarge]

How do some of you guys rank the Giants ahead of us?????

I don't get that one.

 

[jterrell]

Not debating that I am a skins fan . The Skins have their own problems and I admit that, but it just amazes me I get called delusional when Cowboys fans have 2 back to back post season seasons ( 1 divisional crown) , in both of which you go no further than the first game and then buy into the hype that the Boys are SO much better than anyone else in their division that is delusional .

I saw Barber plenty and yes he did have those jaw dropping highlight reel, (the Patriots escape was something) runs but in between that I saw a very average back . If he got hit at the line he would either stand up and try an bounce the ball outside (illegal stiff arming his way out of trouble) or go down for a loss .

His best running he does in space where he can make people miss, but he doesn't have the break away speed to be a home run threat or make the space. He only gets the space because of other factors on the offence, remember you guys sent 13 players to the prowbowl and three of those on the offensive line . Portis got more yards coming back from injury and with warm bodies in front of him.

It is good that the fan base has so much faith in Barber because your FO doesn’t . Sure they gave him a big contract but NFL contracts can always be broken... They could have made that secondary frightening and picked up Kenny Phillips along with Jenkins , upgraded the depth at DE with Calias Campbell, got some any of the top rated WR to inject youth at a key position behind the 35 year old Owens and Glenn who may or may not return, you could have traded down or up, or even into next year but instead of any of those options your FO took Felix Jones in the first round to "compliment" your superstud RB who has 1 career regular season start, and so confident were they with that they tough to add to the complement him further with a 4th round pick...lets not forget it was in the 4th round Barber himself was taken . Yes going into the draft you only had one back of note but you could have fleshed out your roster cheaper with maybe 1 draft pick, a UDFA and or free agency pickup had it just been a matter of depth .

As for the Giants having the better defence ... well their pass rush is amazing but against the run they were not as good as the Skins who ranked no 4 in the league against the run, and how often did the Skins build a huge lead so teams just gave up with the run ?

And no one cared about the week 17 game? That’s why you had starters in the game until the third quarter? You had Barber and Romo chasing personal records and you had a chance to close the lid on the Commanders post season hopes ... no i guess no one cared .... just like no one cared about the game where the horribly inconsistent Eagles beat you a couple of weeks earlier, when you were playing for home field advantage... and apparently no one cared when the Giants ate you alive in the divisional playoff game either ..wow three back to back losses to NFCE rivals ...but hey who cares

Marion Barber made the Pro Bowl. He did so based on the fact he breaks so many tackles. The problem with discussing other team's players is one often does so ignorantly. Barber averaged 4.8 yards per carry. He didn't go down at the line hardly at all. He was one of the hardest guys in the league to tackle. But don't take my word for it ask the Patriot's defense and Rodney Harrison.

And no, as hard as it to believe most Dallas Cowboys players could care less about the Commanders who are never really any good until 3 or 4 weeks to go in a season. Did Dallas care about losing to Philly? Yes, they did. Did they care very much about the Giants playoff loss? Of course, but they only had starters in against the Skins trying for personal records so yea, basically no one cared.

It isn't our fault your Super Bowl each season is us and we could care less about you. Truth is, it really isn't that big a rivalry anymore because the Skins just do not matter. We have the Giants and Eagles who also consider us their biggest rival. We just let you losers fight each year to see which one of you is relevant.

 

[jterrell]

How do some of you guys rank the Giants ahead of us?????

I don't get that one.

OL.

Outside that they have one guy in jail and the other is crying for a new contract. Jacobs had a good year with 1000 yards and 5.0 yards per carry but the OL was very good.

 

[Stash]

I'd say

1 Commanders, they have a bell cow and a great backup

2 Eagles, They have the best back in the conference and solid depth

3 Cowboys, I'll take Barber over Jacobs and Jones should be a perfect compliment to Barber

4 Giants, Jacobs still hasn't proved he can carry the load, less durable than Barber

No question that Westbrook is the division's best back, but 'solid depth'?

Pfftt.

Please.

Westbrook goes down and the Eagles go with him.

They have no depth. There is no replacing him on that team.

 

[Velvet Jones]

So then no team can count a rookie in their ratings???
That makes zero sense.

Felix Jones is our backup RB and he is our speed RB component. We KNOW that already.

Can we expect him to be a superstar? NO! Can we count him right now, this minute as a backup with good speed? YES!

I am fine with us being 3rd BTW, but the specific argument that we should give Felix Jones a zero because he is a rookie is silly.

Burkhalter is never healthy. That is a zero, not being a rookie first round pick.

Because we drafted Carpenter and Spencer without spots for them to play does not make Jones some wily unknown. He is a solid speed back and how he develops beyond that is still question but he is far from a zero impact.

Its sad when falling back on Madden is more accurate then anything else.

Felix should defintely be counted... but counted as a rookie unknown, not as the perfect compliment to Barber. As for Barber, we know that he can last half a game at an elite level. But that is better than Westbrook who has torn up many stout NFL defenses and has for some time now?

 

[Idgit]

No Barber on what he has shown is not anything like a Emmitt back . He isn't like Westbrook either , he is closest to Jacobs but more healthy .

What surprises me for such a big back he doesn't seem to make his money running though the middle of the line, he is a one cut and go or edge runner, he can demolish DB and safeties but equally if he gets stood up on at the line he goes nowhere .

The kinds of numbers he should be putting up if he is as great as everyone says should be around the 5 + yards per carry mark that both Westbrook and Portis have accomplished .

As for the comments about Portis average coming down as his carries go up, lets see how Barber deals with being a starter after his -1 yard per carry average last season as a regular starter.......

I know message boards take all types, but it is beyond me how anybody, anybody, could be anything but impressed with Marion Barber's work to-date. I guess there are legitimate questions about how his game will translate as a starter, but even that we got a taste of last year in the playoffs v. the Giants.

bedlamvr *has* to be a handle for Julius Jones. Doesn't he? Or maybe Felix?