The NFL is changing. For many years, each team had one guy that got all of the touches. In today’s game, we have come to accept the idea of tandem backs. The every down role where a guy guts through each game getting 25-30 carries along with catches out of the backfield is all but extinct.
5. Fred Jackson – Bills
Career yards per carry: 4.7
I have never been very high on him like everyone else seems to be, but now that he got two starts under his belt I see what the fuss is about. Fred Jackson has been one of the top backs in the league this season while starting in place of the suspended Marshawn Lynch. Jackson has definitely given the Bills something to think about when Lynch returns.
4. Ahmad Bradshaw – Giants
Career yards per carry: 5.8
How good is this guy? Even as the Giants’ number three RB last year, everyone that knows football still knew bout Bradshaw. Every chance he got he made a name for himself. Bradshaw is good and will only get better the more he sees the ball.
3. Rashard Mendenhall – Steelers
Career yards per carry: 4.0
After being picked in the first round last year, Mendenhall was injured and out almost the entire season. He is back and healthy now and has showed some real star talent, especially during a couple of runs against the Bears in week two.
2. Leon Washington – Jets
Career yards per carry: 4.8
Mark Sanchez and Leon Washington are the future of the NY Jets. Washington has lightning speed and has showed that off for a few years now during kick returns and the little other touches he received. This season the Jets have given him more opportunities and he is not disappointing. This guy could eventually be a top back in the NFL.
1. Felix Jones – Cowboys
Career yards per carry: 8.9
He gets in the game quite a bit, and when he does he’s explosive. His problem last year was staying healthy, and with an injury-prone Marion Barber starting ahead of him, he can’t have that problem again.
* Honorable Mention: Darren Sproles, Michael Bush, Chester Taylor, Jerious Norwood, Ray Rice, LenDale White, Chester Taylor.
How can you be so high on Mendenhall? Because of the two nice runs he had against the Bears? That’s about all he has done in his career.
Bradshaw might be my favorite on that list. You’re right, if you’ve ever seen this guy you know exactly what we’re talking about. He’s a beast.
Mendenhall just shows star potential when he’s givin a real chance. I’m not talkin one carry here or there.. I mean 5-6 carries. Felix Jones showed why he is marked my number one last night, but.. his health still got him. Michael Bush I also think could have made this list, along with Darren Sproles.