Which Division has the Best Running Backs?
Originally posted by Bucsfan1981-30 from a sports forum:
Of all 32 teams there are 8 total divisions with graet RB'S in each, That we can all agree on. My question is which division has the best RB crop. Here is a list of the Divisions, teams and there RBS. Being a homer is ok too so post what you like, just be honest.
NFC. East
1. Cowboys - Marion Barber , Felix Jones , Tashard Choice
Tony Romo to Roy Williams and the Passing game will open up the Run for Barber,Jones and Choice
I give the Cowboys a solid A- on their RB's for 2009. Between all 3 Rb'S they should rush for a combined 2,000+ yds
2. Giants - Brandon Jacobs . Ahmad Bradshaw , Danny Ware
Theese RB's will flourish due to the O-Line , Eli Manning and the Passing Game, but with the loss of Derrick Ward and Plexico Buress
I dont see the Giants Rushing game doing as good this year as last. B+ for this group
3. Eagles - Brian Westbrook , LeSean McCoy , Lorenzo Booker
Donovan McNabb Got a legit WR last year in DeSean Jackson , He also got Jeremy Maclin this year which should help open up the passing game which in turn will open up the run. Look for McCoy to try and move in on Westbrook's starting job. B-
4. Redskins - Clinton Portis , Ladell Betts , Rock Cartwright
Who is the QB? Jason Campbell??? the GM tried to trade Campbell for Jay Cutler, If you thought a clear headed Campbell was bad wait untill this year when he knows he has to be a better player or he is gone next year. Portis is the only real RB in Washington and he will have to do it again by his self. I can see him getting over 1,000 if he stays healthy , the line blocks well and the passing game picks up a little. c+ as a group. B-
NFC North
1. Bears - Matt Forte , Adrian Peterson , Kevin Jones ?????
Jay Cutler traded to the Bears was huge this will only open up the running game even more for Forte as defenders will have to respect the pass. B+
2. Lions - Kevin Smith , Maurice Morris , Aveion Cason
The Lions Drafted Matt Stafford to QB this team, Stafford will be throwing to one of the leagues best in Calvin Johnson. I really like this Lions team but I dont expect much from them this year. Kevin Smith will have a good year if Healthy but their is not a quality back up which is why I give them a C+ overall for their running game. C+
3. Packers - Ryan Grant , Brandon Jackson , DeShawn Wynn
Would any of theese RB's start on any other team??? The Passing Game of Aaron Rodgers is great and his WR group is god as well which is the only reason the Packers will have a decent running game. C-
4. Vikings - Adrian Peterson , Chester Taylor , Albert Young
Adrian Peterson!!! what more can you say the O-Line is great A.P is Great and if they get Bret Favre look out this could be the Cardinals of last year only better come SB time. Peterson makes their running game good like lions good when Barry Sanders played. A+
NFC SOUTH
1. Falcons - Michael Turrner , Jerious Norwood , Jason Snelling
The turn around team of 2008 did as well as they did because of Matt Ryan and the Ground game of Michael Turnner and Norwood.
I give them an A-
2. Panthers - DeAngelo Williams , Jonathan Stewart , Brad Hoover
The Panthers have arguably the best RB tandem in the NFL, Williams and Stewart made up for the lack of Passing game, Jake Dalhomme is getting older and has not really produced great numbers the last couple of seasons but with the teams 2 headed dragon expect more from last year. A +
3. Saints - Reggie Bush , Pierre Thomas , Mike Bell
The Saints are bottom of the Barrell in the NFC South at Rb the Fans can say what they want but they are in the cellar. Reggie Bust is a wr who has been playing RB and will never be the caliber of player he was drafted to be , Pierre Thomas is good but how good we wont know untill he gets more carries I dont see any RB on this team gaining 1,000 yds in a single season, Maybe Drew Brees can rush for them I mean why not he does everything else for that offense. giving this C- for the RB's is hard it felt more like it should have been a D+.
4. Buccaneers - Earnest Graham , Derrick Ward , Cadillac Williams or Clifton Smith
MC Hammer once sang about Hammer time, well for me it is homer time. J/K . But the Bucs have done alot on offense adding Ward , and Winslow most noteble as well as drafting Josh Freeman, The O line is one of the youngest in the league and one of the best as well. With Antonio Bryant , Michael Clayton , Jeremy Stevens and Kellen Winslow their will be miss matches and defenses will respect the pass from whoever QB'S this team. Shaun King would look great with this cast of WR & TE's. I see theese RB gaining over 2500 yds or more between Graham and Ward alone. B+
NFC WEST.
1. Rams - Steven Jackson , Antonio Pittman , Kenneth Darby
Steven Jackson is a stud who would produce probowl type numbers if the Rams had a O-Line to block for him as he can't do it all on his own. This team has a great RB in SJ he will not do well untill they block for him and the passing game picks up, The loss of Issac Burce and Torry Holt in the last 2 years will hurt Jacksons production even more than last year. D-
2. Seahawks - Julius Jones , T.J. Duckett , Justin Forsett
The Seahawks will be a better team in 2009 but that is because Matt Hassellbeck is supposed to be healthy and the Defense has improved. Julius Jones and T.J Duckett will do alot better than Morris and Jones did last year with their starting QB injured most of the year. I think this year defenses will have to respect the Pass enough to open a few holes Jones will get to 1,000 yds. B-
3. Cardinals - Bennie Chris Wells , Tim Hightower , Jason Wright
The Cards cut vetran RB Edgerin James shortly after drafting Chris Wells who will look to take over starting at RB but will have to beat out Hightower in camp to do so. I think this kid is the real deal and will be the opening day starter and look for him to rush for close to 1,500 yds on the ground with Hightower on spot duty and Goal line at best. I give the Cards a B+
4. 49ers - Frank Gore , Michael Robinson , Glenn Coffee
The 49ers struck Gold in 2005 drafting Gore in the late rounds and it has paid off for them Gore has been a beast and would greatly improve if the 49ers could just find a QB maybe Nate Davis is the answere God only knows why Alex Smith has not panned out, C+
AFC EAST
1. Bills - Marshawn Lynch , Fred Jackson , Dominic Rhodes
Well the Bills just got Terrell Owens and he should help Trent Edwards enough, but with Lynch possibly missing 4 games the running game will get very little production, untill Lynch Comes Back. C
2. Dolphins - Ronnie Brown , Ricky Williams , Patrick Cobbs
The wild cat did the Phins well last season and should continue to do more of the same. Maybe if Brown can stay healthy he couldrush for close to 1500 yds, Weather it be Chad Pennington , Chad Henne or Pat White at QB this style of running will make this teams RB look better than they really are especially if Pat wWhite is on the field. B+
3. Patriots - Laurence Maroney , Fred Taylor , Sammy Morris
I dont have alot to say about this team as they pass alot to open up the run and it works because Tom Brady is a great QB with Great WR in Randy Moss Wes Welker and Alex Smith who will emerge after camp as their #1 TE. B-
4. Jets - Thomas Jones , Leon Washington , Shonn Greene
The Jets Running game has improved with Jones rushing over 1,000 yds last year and Leon Washington begining to come into his own coupled with the Rookie Greene this could be a top 8 team in total rushing if if if Mark Sanchez can find a way to get the ball down field to open up the run. A-
AFC NORTH
1. Ravens - Willis McGahee , Le'Ron McClain , Ray Rice
As long as this defense does well and Joe Flacco doesent turn the ball over the Offense will be good and that big full back McClain can run free again this year but there is film on them this time around and it wont be as easy. C
2. Bengals - Cedric Benson , Brian Leonard , Kenny Watson
This team always seems to me like it has so much talent on paper Chad Johnson , Laveranues Coles , Carson Palmer. The offense will be great but it will be great for the pass the Run does not look all that promising. I really dont know if any of the Bengals RB's would even make it on other teams. D-
3. Browns - Jamal Lewis , Jerome Harrison , Noah Herron
This is another team that I think has rb/s that wouldent play for any other team Lewis is living off of his name and what he used to be able to do and the backups are hardly worthy of being called backups. who is there QB going to Be Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson? Braylon Edwards is the only WR worth mentioning and maybe Mike Furrey. C---
4. Steelers - Willie Parker , Rashard Mendenhall , Mewelde Moore
The Sb Champs love to ground and pound the ball but can throw it very well also with Ben Roethlisberger playing at a probowl level teams will respect the pass and it will help Willie Parker and Mendenhall rush for close to 2,000 total YDS. B+
AFC SOUTH
1.Titans - LenDale White , Chris Johnson , Chris Henry
Last year it was all about ball protection with the QB and Slash and dash pounding the ball while playing great defense. Theese rb's are pretty good as a whole only because C. J is such a beast but it's time for sophmore year and he may take a dump like L. W, or could he Adrian Peterson his 2nd year??? I think the running game here is good not great as a whole. B+
2. Texans - Steve Slayton , Chris Brown , Ryan Moats
The Texans loaded up on defense this off season and got rid of a good back up QB. I really like the Texans this year for the Playoffs they can control the Ball on Offense and play mistake free D. Slayton will only do better with an improved defense. B-
3. Colts - Joseph Addai , Mike Heart , Donald Brown
I have never been a fan of the Colts but they have a great Passing Offense through Peyton Manning , Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison. Now that Harrison is gone maybe this team will try to run more. If Im a fan of the Colts I hope they dont try as this group of RB are not really that good Addai aside. C-
4. Jaguars - Maurice Jones-Drew ,
I know there are other RB on the team but they will only see spot duty as the Jags have made M.J.D their lone feature Back who will get 90% or more of the Carries. Sure he hits hard for a little guy but can he do it all game long???? I dont think so. B- with him healthy F with him out.
AFC WEST
1. Raiders - Darren McFadden , Justin Fargas , Michael Bush
This could be one or the best RB triple threats in the NFL D.M.C brings speed and elusiveness, Fargas brings the Power and Bush Brings it all. If they can get any kind of help from the Passing game of JaMarcus Russell they could surprise alot of people this will be a fun RB group to watch. A
2. Chiefs - Larry Johnson , Jamaal Charles , Kolby Smith
I dont even know what to say here L.J is old and not very good anymore, Jamaal Charles showed signs of brightness last year but not enough to write home about this team needs a good RB or even an Edgerin James type player. D-
3. Broncos - Knowshawn Moreno , Correll Buckhalter , LaMont Jordan
I wont even list the rest but this kid Moreno will be a great inside a few years if he can stay healthy Buckhalter and Jordan may get Goal line or 3rd down but this offense will now be about RB in Moreno not QB named Cutler. B+
4. Chargers - LaDainian Tomlinson , Darren Sproles , Michael Bennett
This is make it or move on for L.T contract or not he has to produce this year. he just seems to have lost something over the last couple of years, Sproles has big shoes to fill this year as well only they are his own form last season whare he became a force. this is another really good group. B-
The division with the Best RBs are in the NFC South and AFC WEST, with the NFC slightly better than the AFC
Of all 32 teams there are 8 total divisions with graet RB'S in each, That we can all agree on. My question is which division has the best RB crop. Here is a list of the Divisions, teams and there RBS. Being a homer is ok too so post what you like, just be honest.
NFC. East
1. Cowboys - Marion Barber , Felix Jones , Tashard Choice
Tony Romo to Roy Williams and the Passing game will open up the Run for Barber,Jones and Choice
I give the Cowboys a solid A- on their RB's for 2009. Between all 3 Rb'S they should rush for a combined 2,000+ yds
2. Giants - Brandon Jacobs . Ahmad Bradshaw , Danny Ware
Theese RB's will flourish due to the O-Line , Eli Manning and the Passing Game, but with the loss of Derrick Ward and Plexico Buress
I dont see the Giants Rushing game doing as good this year as last. B+ for this group
3. Eagles - Brian Westbrook , LeSean McCoy , Lorenzo Booker
Donovan McNabb Got a legit WR last year in DeSean Jackson , He also got Jeremy Maclin this year which should help open up the passing game which in turn will open up the run. Look for McCoy to try and move in on Westbrook's starting job. B-
4. Redskins - Clinton Portis , Ladell Betts , Rock Cartwright
Who is the QB? Jason Campbell??? the GM tried to trade Campbell for Jay Cutler, If you thought a clear headed Campbell was bad wait untill this year when he knows he has to be a better player or he is gone next year. Portis is the only real RB in Washington and he will have to do it again by his self. I can see him getting over 1,000 if he stays healthy , the line blocks well and the passing game picks up a little. c+ as a group. B-
NFC North
1. Bears - Matt Forte , Adrian Peterson , Kevin Jones ?????
Jay Cutler traded to the Bears was huge this will only open up the running game even more for Forte as defenders will have to respect the pass. B+
2. Lions - Kevin Smith , Maurice Morris , Aveion Cason
The Lions Drafted Matt Stafford to QB this team, Stafford will be throwing to one of the leagues best in Calvin Johnson. I really like this Lions team but I dont expect much from them this year. Kevin Smith will have a good year if Healthy but their is not a quality back up which is why I give them a C+ overall for their running game. C+
3. Packers - Ryan Grant , Brandon Jackson , DeShawn Wynn
Would any of theese RB's start on any other team??? The Passing Game of Aaron Rodgers is great and his WR group is god as well which is the only reason the Packers will have a decent running game. C-
4. Vikings - Adrian Peterson , Chester Taylor , Albert Young
Adrian Peterson!!! what more can you say the O-Line is great A.P is Great and if they get Bret Favre look out this could be the Cardinals of last year only better come SB time. Peterson makes their running game good like lions good when Barry Sanders played. A+
NFC SOUTH
1. Falcons - Michael Turrner , Jerious Norwood , Jason Snelling
The turn around team of 2008 did as well as they did because of Matt Ryan and the Ground game of Michael Turnner and Norwood.
I give them an A-
2. Panthers - DeAngelo Williams , Jonathan Stewart , Brad Hoover
The Panthers have arguably the best RB tandem in the NFL, Williams and Stewart made up for the lack of Passing game, Jake Dalhomme is getting older and has not really produced great numbers the last couple of seasons but with the teams 2 headed dragon expect more from last year. A +
3. Saints - Reggie Bush , Pierre Thomas , Mike Bell
The Saints are bottom of the Barrell in the NFC South at Rb the Fans can say what they want but they are in the cellar. Reggie Bust is a wr who has been playing RB and will never be the caliber of player he was drafted to be , Pierre Thomas is good but how good we wont know untill he gets more carries I dont see any RB on this team gaining 1,000 yds in a single season, Maybe Drew Brees can rush for them I mean why not he does everything else for that offense. giving this C- for the RB's is hard it felt more like it should have been a D+.
4. Buccaneers - Earnest Graham , Derrick Ward , Cadillac Williams or Clifton Smith
MC Hammer once sang about Hammer time, well for me it is homer time. J/K . But the Bucs have done alot on offense adding Ward , and Winslow most noteble as well as drafting Josh Freeman, The O line is one of the youngest in the league and one of the best as well. With Antonio Bryant , Michael Clayton , Jeremy Stevens and Kellen Winslow their will be miss matches and defenses will respect the pass from whoever QB'S this team. Shaun King would look great with this cast of WR & TE's. I see theese RB gaining over 2500 yds or more between Graham and Ward alone. B+
NFC WEST.
1. Rams - Steven Jackson , Antonio Pittman , Kenneth Darby
Steven Jackson is a stud who would produce probowl type numbers if the Rams had a O-Line to block for him as he can't do it all on his own. This team has a great RB in SJ he will not do well untill they block for him and the passing game picks up, The loss of Issac Burce and Torry Holt in the last 2 years will hurt Jacksons production even more than last year. D-
2. Seahawks - Julius Jones , T.J. Duckett , Justin Forsett
The Seahawks will be a better team in 2009 but that is because Matt Hassellbeck is supposed to be healthy and the Defense has improved. Julius Jones and T.J Duckett will do alot better than Morris and Jones did last year with their starting QB injured most of the year. I think this year defenses will have to respect the Pass enough to open a few holes Jones will get to 1,000 yds. B-
3. Cardinals - Bennie Chris Wells , Tim Hightower , Jason Wright
The Cards cut vetran RB Edgerin James shortly after drafting Chris Wells who will look to take over starting at RB but will have to beat out Hightower in camp to do so. I think this kid is the real deal and will be the opening day starter and look for him to rush for close to 1,500 yds on the ground with Hightower on spot duty and Goal line at best. I give the Cards a B+
4. 49ers - Frank Gore , Michael Robinson , Glenn Coffee
The 49ers struck Gold in 2005 drafting Gore in the late rounds and it has paid off for them Gore has been a beast and would greatly improve if the 49ers could just find a QB maybe Nate Davis is the answere God only knows why Alex Smith has not panned out, C+
AFC EAST
1. Bills - Marshawn Lynch , Fred Jackson , Dominic Rhodes
Well the Bills just got Terrell Owens and he should help Trent Edwards enough, but with Lynch possibly missing 4 games the running game will get very little production, untill Lynch Comes Back. C
2. Dolphins - Ronnie Brown , Ricky Williams , Patrick Cobbs
The wild cat did the Phins well last season and should continue to do more of the same. Maybe if Brown can stay healthy he couldrush for close to 1500 yds, Weather it be Chad Pennington , Chad Henne or Pat White at QB this style of running will make this teams RB look better than they really are especially if Pat wWhite is on the field. B+
3. Patriots - Laurence Maroney , Fred Taylor , Sammy Morris
I dont have alot to say about this team as they pass alot to open up the run and it works because Tom Brady is a great QB with Great WR in Randy Moss Wes Welker and Alex Smith who will emerge after camp as their #1 TE. B-
4. Jets - Thomas Jones , Leon Washington , Shonn Greene
The Jets Running game has improved with Jones rushing over 1,000 yds last year and Leon Washington begining to come into his own coupled with the Rookie Greene this could be a top 8 team in total rushing if if if Mark Sanchez can find a way to get the ball down field to open up the run. A-
AFC NORTH
1. Ravens - Willis McGahee , Le'Ron McClain , Ray Rice
As long as this defense does well and Joe Flacco doesent turn the ball over the Offense will be good and that big full back McClain can run free again this year but there is film on them this time around and it wont be as easy. C
2. Bengals - Cedric Benson , Brian Leonard , Kenny Watson
This team always seems to me like it has so much talent on paper Chad Johnson , Laveranues Coles , Carson Palmer. The offense will be great but it will be great for the pass the Run does not look all that promising. I really dont know if any of the Bengals RB's would even make it on other teams. D-
3. Browns - Jamal Lewis , Jerome Harrison , Noah Herron
This is another team that I think has rb/s that wouldent play for any other team Lewis is living off of his name and what he used to be able to do and the backups are hardly worthy of being called backups. who is there QB going to Be Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson? Braylon Edwards is the only WR worth mentioning and maybe Mike Furrey. C---
4. Steelers - Willie Parker , Rashard Mendenhall , Mewelde Moore
The Sb Champs love to ground and pound the ball but can throw it very well also with Ben Roethlisberger playing at a probowl level teams will respect the pass and it will help Willie Parker and Mendenhall rush for close to 2,000 total YDS. B+
AFC SOUTH
1.Titans - LenDale White , Chris Johnson , Chris Henry
Last year it was all about ball protection with the QB and Slash and dash pounding the ball while playing great defense. Theese rb's are pretty good as a whole only because C. J is such a beast but it's time for sophmore year and he may take a dump like L. W, or could he Adrian Peterson his 2nd year??? I think the running game here is good not great as a whole. B+
2. Texans - Steve Slayton , Chris Brown , Ryan Moats
The Texans loaded up on defense this off season and got rid of a good back up QB. I really like the Texans this year for the Playoffs they can control the Ball on Offense and play mistake free D. Slayton will only do better with an improved defense. B-
3. Colts - Joseph Addai , Mike Heart , Donald Brown
I have never been a fan of the Colts but they have a great Passing Offense through Peyton Manning , Reggie Wayne and Marvin Harrison. Now that Harrison is gone maybe this team will try to run more. If Im a fan of the Colts I hope they dont try as this group of RB are not really that good Addai aside. C-
4. Jaguars - Maurice Jones-Drew ,
I know there are other RB on the team but they will only see spot duty as the Jags have made M.J.D their lone feature Back who will get 90% or more of the Carries. Sure he hits hard for a little guy but can he do it all game long???? I dont think so. B- with him healthy F with him out.
AFC WEST
1. Raiders - Darren McFadden , Justin Fargas , Michael Bush
This could be one or the best RB triple threats in the NFL D.M.C brings speed and elusiveness, Fargas brings the Power and Bush Brings it all. If they can get any kind of help from the Passing game of JaMarcus Russell they could surprise alot of people this will be a fun RB group to watch. A
2. Chiefs - Larry Johnson , Jamaal Charles , Kolby Smith
I dont even know what to say here L.J is old and not very good anymore, Jamaal Charles showed signs of brightness last year but not enough to write home about this team needs a good RB or even an Edgerin James type player. D-
3. Broncos - Knowshawn Moreno , Correll Buckhalter , LaMont Jordan
I wont even list the rest but this kid Moreno will be a great inside a few years if he can stay healthy Buckhalter and Jordan may get Goal line or 3rd down but this offense will now be about RB in Moreno not QB named Cutler. B+
4. Chargers - LaDainian Tomlinson , Darren Sproles , Michael Bennett
This is make it or move on for L.T contract or not he has to produce this year. he just seems to have lost something over the last couple of years, Sproles has big shoes to fill this year as well only they are his own form last season whare he became a force. this is another really good group. B-
The division with the Best RBs are in the NFC South and AFC WEST, with the NFC slightly better than the AFC
posted by The Gryphon at 7:45 AM
<< Home