While the NFL’s passing numbers are racing out to a record start, the number of true “impact” running backs is dropping. With Chris Johnson out of shape and Adrian Peterson being inexplicably taken out of his team’s gameplan while trying (and failing) to hold leads, the title of “best NFL running back” is up for grabs.
While our debate on Sam Bradford vs Ryan Fitzpatrick got pretty lopsided in favor of the bearded one, this question generated a wide (and surprising) range of responses.
The TGS writers make their picks, after the break.
Will: With apologies to McFadden, I don’t think any running back is creating more on a per-play basis than LeSean McCoy. He is getting a heavier workload than usual in the Eagles’ traditionally pass-first offense, and could be getting even more work and contributing more toward keeping Vick healthy. He is building a highlight reel of moves, consistently getting yardage after contact. He also manages to look smooth running out of those clumsy shotgun sets, finding space with Marshall Faulk-like patience, precision, and explosion.
Matt: It may sound crazy to say the best running back in the league is coming off a 9 attempt, 2 yards game… but I’m picking Matt Forte from the Bears.
Forte has to play behind the worst offensive line in the league and his offensive coordinator isn’t doing him any favors either. Alas, this is the nature of the passing league the NFL has become. Forte has been a receiving monster out of the backfield (22 rec, 287 yards already this season) and has over 1,400 yards from scrimmage in each of his first four seasons. If Forte played on a team that had any semblance of an offensive line or a commitment to the running game, just imagine what kind of numbers he could produce.
Shane: Darren McFadden has astounded me the past 2 seasons. He didn’t exactly make a lot of headlines when he first entered the league, but he’s turned into one of the fastest power runners I’ve ever seen, and that’s a dangerous combination. He secures the ball well, he runs over guys, and when he gets in open field, he just pulls away from defenders. For my money, he’s as good as it gets.
Adrian Peterson is a great runner, but it’s hard to tell just how great he is because he doesn’t have good blocking or a competent team to play with. If I had to pick just 1, I’m taking McFadden.
Anthony: Six words: Fred Jackson, unbeaten Bills, Buffalo winters. Ryan Fitzpatrick draws the media attention for the resurgent Bills because that’s what the media does for quarterbacks. If you know football, you know that a strong running game loosens coverage for quarterbacks.
Enter Fred Jackson, now the NFL’s fourth-ranked running back with 418 yards of total offense. Jackson is the most valuable running back to his team whose value will grow through the season when the ground game is more essential in cold weather.
Lawrence: I have to agree with Matt here. Run DMC is separating himself from the pack these days. He has the ability to run through the tackles for the tough yards. As we saw against the Jets, he still has that breakaway speed that he showed off while at Arkansas. Then he is also an exceptional pass catcher out of the backfield. What makes him a complete player is that he does not shy away from contact despite his relatively large 6-foot-2 frame.
It took some time for DMC to get it going in the league, but last year he served notice that he is here to stay. Running for 1157 yards in just 13 games, and while playing banged up for a significant portion of the season, McFadden positioned himself amongst the elite. This year he
has moved past the pack.
Size? Check. Speed? Check. Vision? Check. Endless touches? Check.
