N.F.L. Current Best Top 5: Running Backs

[TheOneBigWill]

This is the first in a series of threads I'm hoping to start-up to gear everyone up for the up-coming Season of NFL. In this beginning thread, while it may be more traditional to start with the unofficial Leaders of the Field, thus being the Quarterbacks. I'm going with my Favorite position first; Running Backs.

So, its a simple thread. List the current BEST TOP FIVE Players at the Running Back position. Of course, by current, I mean coming out of this previous season - entering this up-coming season. So anyone listing Barry Sanders, while it'd be agreeable - will likely receive red rep from me, for being an idiot in not understanding the concept of this thread.

Please try to explain why you're listing each individual. It doesn't have to be a book, but try to explain more than.. Wow, that guy can run and score. As always, I'll begin..

5. (Houston Texans) Steve Slaton:

268 Carries, 1,282 yds for a 4.8 avg, and 9 TDs.

I'm really high on Slaton, mainly because he's going to be, in my opinion, apart of the new wave of fresh and young talent thats going to finally carry the Texans to a Playoff birth. Will it happen this year? Well, that all depends on how much their Defense develops and how well their QB stays healthy.

So if a Playoff birth rests on seemingly everything but the RB, why do I have Slaton as my 5th best overall Back going into the Season you may be wondering? Simple. Because out of every player on the Texans team, Steve Slaton is the one seemingly sure-fire thing that doesn't need to be questioned about.

He rushed for over 100 yds in 5 games, some of which where he shared carries with Ahman Green as well as other backs. The Texans went on 5-1 run, to finish 8-8 and the biggest reason why they won 5 games was due to the play of Steve Slaton, helping to take pressure off Andre Johnson.

I think going into this year, Slaton won't be a mystery to anyone any longer. But as well, he won't be riding the bench for most of the game, while has-beens and never-was' try their hand at failing. Slaton will help the Texans, to finally find a winning season. I firmly believe this, and its why I list him as my 5th best RB heading into the Up-coming Season.

4. (Tennessee Titans) Chris Johnson:

251 Carries, 1,228 yds for a 4.9 avg and 9 TDs.

While I question placing Chris Johnson 4th overall, especially allowing the likes of Marion Barber, LT & Brian Westbrook to miss the picture of Top 5 overall.. the reason why I placed Chris Johnson here, is because of similar reasons to Steve Slaton.

Johnson shared carries with LenDale White, and if anything helped LenDale to produce finally. Which is something no one else has seemed to be able to accomplish out of the pudgy fucker. Johnson is about as cocky as they come for the new breed of fresh, young, Running Backs. And I think his mouth is going to overload his stat sheet this year. But that won't make him a failure. It'll just make him a Graduate of the Ocho Cinco school of bullshit.

The fact remains, Tennessee didn't get to where they were last year by riding the coat-tails of Kerry Collins. It was purely their Defense, but naturally their Offense had to score points as well.. and thats where Chris Johnson came into play.

I doubt seriously that the Titans repeat this season, what they did last season, however I don't think Johnson will be any worse. I think the Titans Defense lost a big key addition with Haynesworth gone, and because of that - more teams will likely score a bit more this coming season, than last, causing Tennessee to focus more of having to play catch-up, or trying to just stay caught up. Thus, the running game won't be to run clock. Regardless, I still look for Johnson to attempt backing up the words his mouth has already tried writing checks for.

3. (Atlanta Falcons) Michael Turner:

376 Carries, 1,699 yds for 4.5 a avg & 17 TDs.

Without question Michael The Burner Turner was a large reason in part to why Atlanta went from worst, to Wildcard birth last year. Will he continue to help them? Absolutely, and the dangerous aspect to this is he's only going to get better. The man spent his entire career sitting on the bench, behind L.T just waiting and biting his lip, for any hint of a chance to touch the field and explode. Now he does it, as a Starter. Yes, he's going to continue being dominate.. and yes, its only going to be more explosive.

So, why is he only listed at #3 on my list? Because I don't believe Turner is going to be as relied upon as he was a Season ago. With the off-season additions at TE, and the experience that Ryan now has, I firmly believe they'll still crutch to Turner, but they won't slowly cripple him with the must-need of his rushing abilities.

I believe this year Turner will reach another 1,000 yd season if not 1,500 yd season. But I doubt he sniffs over 10 TDs on the ground, total. Ryan is the next in-line Favre as far as I'm concerned. The kid showed that he has the goods to stay, and hes going to want to play with those new toys he's received this off-season. So once again, Turner is where he is on my list because he's every bit worth a #3 spot - and then some, but he isn't higher, because he won't be needed as much as the #2, and #1 guy's I have will be.

2. (Carolina Panthers) DeAngelo Williams:

273 Carries, 1,515 yds for a 5.5 avg and 18 TDs.

Which brings me to my #2, and every bit of a solid #2, DeAngelo Williams. If you would've told me Williams was going to have a breakout season, I'd have semi-laughed at you. And I'm a Panthers fan. The reason for this is because Carolina has longed to return to the ground game, but never seemingly had the pieces to fit the puzzle properly. Foster was a huge failure, and Williams had a rough patch of season riding behind him.

Once Foster was removed from the picture, and Jonathan Stewart was brought in, I firmly believe it was a wake-up call to DeAngelo Williams that its now or never - and if you don't try to shine, you'll be riding out of Carolina just as quickly as Foster was sent packing. The message was received, and responded to.. but Franchise record setting games, and NFL season highs.

Williams scored more TDs total, (18 rushing, 20 overall) than any other RB in the league. He was second, only behind Turner for actual rushing yds, and Williams had 2 games in which he scored 4 TDs in each, as well as an 8 game streak of scoring at least 1 rushing TD.

Without question, Steve Smith is the face of Carolina - but DeAngelo Williams was the fuel that lead them this past year. And I firmly believe with bulk of the Offensive line returning, Williams may not repeat his numbers - but will be looked at and leaned upon to try and repeat every bit of what helped Carolina to clinch a 2nd seed in last year's Playoffs.

1. (Minnesota Vikings) Adrian Peterson:

363 Carries, 1,760 yds for a 4.8 avg and 10 TDs.

While I wanted to push Williams as my #1 overall, even as a Carolina Panther fan I just couldn't ignore the flat-out skill that All-Day holds within himself. And the simple fact that Minnesota could very well be one Hall of Fame Quarterback away from clinching a Superbowl run, makes Peterson that much more dangerous.

Peterson, with a career back-up at the helm for QB, and roughly no talent what-so-ever at WR, still managed to have 10 games of over 100 yds rushing. Thats more than just a little bit impressive, for understanding the lack of talent that surrounds him - much less the amount of coverage and pressure he's bound to secure for being who he's become in the short time he's been in the league.

If Minnesota adds the HOF-bound Favre, then Peterson's stock rises that much more - because at that point, he'll have a QB that can find him through the air as well as handing off. Making Defenses have to think twice about 8 and 9 in the box, all to cover Peterson. Oh yes, I'm calling it now.. Minnesota WILL clinch the North if Favre comes to town. All because Peterson, will eclipse 2,000 yds off the intimidation Favre will bring alone, not counting the shear amount of talent Peterson holds.

Adrian Peterson doesn't exactly need anyone to make him better, and regardless in all honesty of whether the aging future HOF'er decides to unretire for the millionth time or not, makes no matter in the end. Peterson will rush for over 1,000 yds.. he'll find the endzone plenty.. and he'll be the sole reason Minnesota continues to be a serious question mark for making the Playoffs each year, along with that incredible Defense.

 

[Big Sexy]

5. Brian Westbrook- The reason he's not 2 or 3 is because he gets injured way too much, but when he's on the field there is no one more dynamic. He can run outside and between the tackles, he's one of the best receiving running backs in the game if not the best, and he can change the game with one carry.

4. Deangelo Williams- He had an amazing season last year, but it takes more then one good season to truly be considered a great running back. There's plenty of guys who have had great seasons in the past and then completely disappeared the next season. I need to see another great season from him before he gets put any higher.

3. Michael Turner- This guy was in LT's shadows for a few years in San Diego, but he proved he is an elite running back after his season last year in Atlanta. As good as he was last year much like Deangelo Williams, I need to see him do it for more then one year before he gets any higher.

2. Ladainian Tomlinson- He was the best up until last season. He had an off year only averaging 3.8 yards per carry, but I'm not ready to write him off just yet. He is still one of the most talented running backs ever and his pass catching ability combined with his great running ability is a lethal combination. LT is a touchdown machine.

1. Adrian Peterson- AP is a monster. His combination of power and speed can't be matched by any running back in the NFL. He has put up huge numbers for 2 straight years and he has done it with absolutely no passing game whatsoever. He still fumbles too much and needs to improve as a pass catcher, but there's no doubt he is the best running back in the NFL. He's most likely going to have a 2000 yard rushing season before his career is all said and done.

 

[Mighty NorCal]

5. Chris Johnson, Tennesee Titans

Mr. All fucking everything. Your REAL ROY from last year, if racism hadnt given the ROY to Matt Ryan. Does all you could ever ask of a back, returning kicks, being a great receiving threat, and running the ball between the tackles. A true gamebreaker, and not someone to be taken lightly

4. Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

fucking absolute beast. I knew about 2 plays into his carreer. Does it all, for a team with fuck all for other offensive weapons. The other team knows who is getting the ball, and he still gets the job done. Great receiver, pass blocker, and runner. Also posesses game breaking speed, and power as well.

3. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers

Great pure runner, great vision, balance, speed and power. number 3 leading rusher in the league last year, as well as the leader in rushing TDs. Good receiver and blocker as well.

2. Micheal Turner, Atlanta Falcons

The real reason Chris Johnson didnt win the ROY. If they dont win games, Matt Ryan doesnt get that award, and rest assured, they won games becuase of this guy. No.2 in yards, no.2 in TDs. Power, vision, consitency.

1. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings

Like a video game player come to life. Ridiculous speed, power, agility, vision, the guy has it all. Injury prone, yes. Doesnt change he is the best in the game, and if I were starting a franchise tomorrow, he is likely one of about 2 or 3 guys I seriously consider taking.

 

[NSL]

5. Brandon Jacobs - NYG

Outside of his nagging injuries, he's proven to be on of the best in the game. His pass-catching skills are slightly subpar, which is why I have him ranked so low. As a runner though, he can go inside or outside, and can barrel through any defender. I have yet to see him actually get tackled, without it being a gang tackle, or being shoved out of bounds.

4. DeAngelo Williams - CAR

Like everyone else has said, he can do it all. He's a great runner, can make some nice catches, and is one of the best blockers out of the backfield in the NFL. I'm not a fan of the Panthers, but he's good enough to make me watch.

3. Steve Slaton - HOU

I rooted for him while he was in college, and he exceeded almost everyone's expectations in the NFL. He's fast, and burns past most defenders on the outside. He's shown he can be a gamebreaker, and makes a lot of good catches, which helps, since his team only has 1 effective WR. Ask me this question in a season or two, and he could be number 1.

2. LaDanian Tomlinson - SD

He's been doing it for years, and hasn't showed signs of slowing down. Last year was a down year for the entire team, but it picked up once he started turning the corner. He's a touchdown machine, and can do anything on the field. He's a future Hall of Famer, and will break some records, too.

1. Adrian Peterson - MIN

Every team has that one player they need to account for on every play. AP is that man for Minnesota. He can line up anywhere on the field, and still sprint off for 20 yards before anyone knows he has the ball. He's got speed, can break tackles, and is among the best in making people miss. It's an under-rated skill these days. I like Jacobs for barreling over guys like Landry, but I also admire Peterson for making them dive out of their jockstrap...

 

[Christian Battlez]

5.) DeAngelo Williams: Had 20 total touchdowns last year splitting carries with rookie stud Jonathan Stewart. Helped lead the way to the Panthers clinching the second best record in the NFC. Had one breakout season can he have a second?

4.) Michael Turner: Controlled the game for the Falcons and did it without another back to split reps with. Their defense was shit but their offense scored points and a large point of that was because of this man. One of the two biggest factors in the Falcons turnaround from the Vick tragedy the other being Matt Ryan and you can see why Turner trumps Williams.

3.) Matt Forte: As much as I hate the Bears being a Vikings fan. You can't deny the talent Matt Forte possesses. He led the Bears in rushing and receiving last year. With no Quarterback and shit receivers. The Bears success rides more on Forte than Cutler.

2.) LaDainian Tomlinson: Just like one year can't send a guy like Williams or Turner to the top of the crop on year can't shit on a guy like LT's legacy. Tomlinson is arguably the greatest runningback of all time. Time ill tell if the records get eclipsed by the Chargers franchise player.

1.) Adrian Peterson: Last but not least could it have been any more obvious who would be number 1? All Day is the best back I've seen come into the league since LT got drafted. Peterson has the perfect combination of power and speed. He lead us to the playoffs last year with a average quarterback and average receivers. He splits carries with Chestor Taylor and still eclipsed everything. In his rookie season he broke the single game rushing record for yards with 297 yards. He wanted to go for 300 but coach said no. People say he is injury prone but that was college he has only had a couple minor injuries since coming to the league. This fumble prone mess is bullshit too. He had a few game stretch where he had a fumbe problem and he fixed that quick. Peterson is more dominant than any other player at their position and will lead the Vikings to at least one mabe more Super Bowl championships...finally.

 

[simpsons_fanatic742]

5. Matt Forte: Showed his skills last season with Chicago. He's got all around talent. He can block, catch, and run like the best of the them. He's fast and agile and a great player for the Bears.

4. Chris Johnson: A solid running back. Tough, quick, and explosive. He is a great fit with White in Tennessee. He's also young, so if injuries don't slow him down, he will only get better.

3. Michael Turner: He didn't get a chance to shine as the number one back in San Diego, but was still a solid back-up, which was why Atlanta signed him. He quickly came in and tore it up. He is a legit number one back and one of the best running backs in the NFL right now.

2. LaDainian Tomlinson: Injuries slowed him down last season, but this guy is still an elite running back. When he's healthy, he's the best. He will improve this season and show why he is one of the best.

1. Adrian Peterson: The best all around running back in the game. He is a beast in every sense of the word. Peterson will run through you, around you, and between you and won't slow down in any situation. He's also a good blocker and can hold his weight in the passing game. He's just too good and he's young, which makes him even scarier.

 

[Ty Burna]

This thread makes this Minnesota Vikings fan smile from ear to ear. Let me get down to it:

5. Brian Westbrook - This is a tentative pick because I'm not sure how much Westbrook has left in the tank. He's getting worn down from injuries, but you can't ignore the fact how much he brings to the table for the Eagles Offense. He's probably one of the last great hybrid half backs in the vein of Marshal Faulk and Roger Craig. Tis a shame, but for the last time I think, I will put Westbrook in the Top 5.

4. Matt Forte - I hate to admit this, but Forte is a force to be reckoned with at the running back position right now. You look at his rushing average last year for a pretty anemic Bears offense and it's amazing how he carried that offense on his back. Now that he has Cutler at the QB spot (Which is debatable how good he will be without any WR's to work with) some of the load may be lifted off his shoulders, plus they are hoping to get Garret Wolfe involved with the offense as well.

3. Chris Johnson - God damn god damn, this man is electric. He has breakaway speed and is a home run hitter every time he touches the ball. It was pretty obvious he was the better back last year between himself and Lendale White. Johnson is scary, and could be the franchise running back the Titans haven't had since Eddie George was around.

2. Deangelo Williams - This man is simply a beast, and he came out of his shell this last year. Trust me I know this because my brother has been yapping in my ear over Deangelo all last season and up to this point. That is until I show him how good number 1 is.....

1. Adrian Peterson - My man, the best running back in the game today, Adrian Peterson. My dude lead the league in rushing with a shit quarterback situation, defenses stacking the line against him all game long, and he still was dominate. Now granted Deangelo had more rushing TD's than Peterson, but he also had a decent passing game backing him up. Peterson really didn't and had to carry the Vikings on his own. The only major problem with Peterson at this moment in his career is his fumblitis. That is a concern, but when the man gets pissed at himself for failing, he comes back and puts the whole offense on his back and leads them to victory. See: GB game from last year. With the additions the Vikings have and potentially already made to the offense, I could see this being a year that he could break 2,000 yards rushing if all goes well.

Let me make just one more comment here, I seen Tomlinson in some lists here, and I hate to say it because he is such a great player, but I think he's fallen off and he won't be as effective as has been in the past. I foresee Sproles taking over more carries for the Chargers and I could honestly be putting Sproles in the Top 5 Running backs next year.

 

[TwistofRKO]

5. D'Angelo Williams- Forming a great combo back field with Jonathon Stewart. TD machine, focal point of his team's offense. Let's see if he can duplicate it.

4. Brian Westbrook- Would be #2 if he wasn't walking wounded. I could have easily placed him with *Ha*Ha*Ha*Ha*Han Jackson and LT on the injury concern list, but I can't leave him off. He's a dual-threat monster, and the most important weapon McNabb has on his team. He doesn't get spelled like any of the other backs on this list.

3. Michael Turner- What to say? He scored 17 TDs and ran for 1700 yards. He's the primary reason for the Falcons making their run.

2. Clinton Portis- How is he NOT on this list? Really? Dual-threat, coming off of a 1400 yard season, doesn't get spelled too often. True workhorse. He is the one of the most consistent backs when healthy, racking up 1200 yards and 11 TDs in a down year in 2007.

1. Adrian Peterson- Obvious #1 choice. On a team with QB confusion, and no consistency, carries the offense, and is the best gamebreaker in the game today.

Off due to injury concerns- Ladanian Tomlinson, *Ha*Ha*Ha*Ha*Han Jackson

Should be on the list- Frank Gore- Look for him to bounce back in a system other than Mike Martz's which held him back.

 

[z99zazn]

5. Frank Gore- While I’m admittedly not the biggest San Fran fan, as I love the Rams, Gore is such a monster. He has power, and can catch the ball a bit out of the backfield. Sure, his season wasn’t the greatest last year, but he is a damn good back and I see him having a huge bounce-back season. A lot of it has to do with the fact that Singletary is going to be a coach for the whole season this year. I’m scared to have my team in the same division as his, because while they might not be a power right off the bat, I think he can seriously lead their team to great heights, and Gore will probably carry them there.

4. Steven Jackson- I think Steven has really gotten no respect on these lists, because he should be on at least one right now. Sure, has he done much the last couple of years? No, he really hasn’t. But look at the Ram’s line from the past few years. The only solid person they’ve had was Pace, on the down side of his career, and he was injured most of the time. This offseason, the Rams have totally revamped their line, and Jackson could really have a huge year. Jason Brown is a nice addition, and hopefully our first round pick, Jason Smith, can bolster the ends right from the get go. The way the Rams went about their offseason was improving their line, to get a power running game for Jackson. And Spagnuolo knows a thing or two about a power running game, after working for the Giants and observing Brandon Jacobs plow guys over.

3. Brian Westbrook- Westbrook hasn't got much love on these lists either. The guy is probably the most dynamic back in the league. Reggie Bush might be the only guy that is better than him in the passing game, but Westbrook is a much more complete back. He can take it to the house any time he gets the ball, and if he can limit his injuries, he is a perennial Pro Bowler.

2. Michael Turner- This guy really broke out last year. He had played his entire career in LT's shadow, and finally got a chance to start, and was the reason for the Falcons' success. Sure, people talk about Matty Ice a lot, but he was more of a reason they didn't lose games. Turner is summed up in one word, workhorse, and can really beat down the opponent. He showed from the first game of the season last year that he was a star, and now everyone knows that he is a star in the league. Last year, I took him on both of my fantasy teams, and he helped me to win both leagues because of his value. I don't think anyone is going to get him past the first round this year, so I'm going to have to find a new way to fuck people over.

1. Adrian Peterson- I don't think that there is any doubt that he's the best back in the league. He can beat you in so many ways. I think Favre is over the hill, but even if he is far past his prime, he is a definite upgrade over Jackson or Rosenfels, so if he does in fact decide to come back, everyone better watch out. With a passing game, the Vikings are going to be so scary just because of this guy. Teams constantly stack the box against the Vikings, but they still get punished by Peterson. He is still so young, and it is going to be scary seeing what he could do in the future. Thankfully, he is not in the Rams' division.

Honorable Mentions
Maurice Jones-Drew This guy is so talented and is a definite wild-card this year. He has the backfield to himself now, and we'll see if that makes him more or less effective than in the past.

Chris Johnson I love watching Johnson play. He could potentially be the most exciting guy in the league. He is going to be scoring 30+ yard touchdowns for the rest of his career.

LaDainian Tomlinson Though the guy had a down year last year, he is still a great back. He's finally getting up there in age, and may not be the same player he was in the past, but he can still be considered amongst the best of the best in the league.

DeAngleo Williams He was so great last year for the Panthers, and he is so powerful, and with Stewart, among the best duos in the league. My only reason for holding him off of the list is he is very unproven. Sure, I put Turner up there, but he had a lot of success as the backup to LT. Williams was kind of a disappointment before last season, and I would like to see how this season plays out before I consider him one of the best in the league.