According to many of the game’s aficionados, football is “the ultimate team sport.” Fans rave about the individual matchups the game provides, but it’s the factions on the team that make NFL franchises what they are. Corps such as the Los Angeles Rams “Fearsome Foursome” defensive line, the Pittsburgh Steelers “Steel Curtain” linebackers and the Cowboys bulldozing offensive line of the ‘90s contributed mightily toward their team’s success.
To further highlight the importance of group efforts, I’m working on a series entitled Boisterous Brigades. During this sequence, I will rank and breakdown the NFL’s premier duos, corps, tandems and fronts. To continue the series, let’s dissect the league’s top 5 backfields right now.
With the amount of attention the quarterbacks and the passing game garner in today’s NFL, the value and appreciation of running backs seems to steadily diminish. Contrary to this popular belief, it is still possible to be successful with a solid run game. Approaching the game with a smash-mouth style of play, the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers have built championship-caliber squads.
Some teams in the league have elite bell cow rushers that carry the offense like Adrian Peterson for the Vikings, LeSean McCoy for the Eagles, and Jamaal Charles for the Chiefs. Other squads have a stable of backs that can come in and be productive when their names are called. Select few teams are fortunate enough to have a fullback or even a mobile quarterback who can contribute to the ground game.
The rankings of the top 5 backfields are based upon their respective team’s rushing ranks and the amount of players the teams can rely on to wear down opposing defenses.
Top 5 Backfields
1. Buffalo Bills – C. J. Spiller, Fred Jackson, Bryce Brown
Due to their lack of success over the past 15 years, the casual football fan may not consider the Bills to be anywhere near the league’s best in anything. Their running game, however, is the real deal. In 2013, Buffalo quietly finished second in rushing behind the “Shady” McCoy-led Philadelphia Eagles. Averaging 144.2 yards last season, the backfield had to carry a great load with the injury to rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel. Explosive playmaker C.J. Spiller and veteran Fred Jackson both rushed for over 800 yards last season (Spiller – 933, Jackson – 890). With the acquisition of former Eagle Bryce Brown—who has two 160-yard games as a backup—the Bills will further relieve pressure off of their young signal-caller.
2. New York Jets – Chris Johnson, Chris Ivory, Bilal Powell
When the Jets made it to consecutive AFC Championships from 2009-2010, they had a great defense and a great running game. Expanding their offense in efforts to keep up with the Patriots, they have missed the playoffs the last three seasons. Selecting Geno Smith in the second round of last year’s draft, the Jets wanted someone who could put points on the scoreboard. As most rookie quarterbacks do, Smith struggled with 21 interceptions. The brightest spot for Gang Green’s offense was once again the running game, which finished sixth overall. Coming from the Saints, Chris Ivory finished in the top 20 in rushing with 833 yards, including a 139-yard outburst against his former team. Backup Bilal Powell also racked up 700 yards on the ground. Acquiring former rushing champion Chris Johnson will further bolster the Jet’s ground game. If Michael Vick can win the starting quarterback job, New York will feature a quartet of effective rushers.
3. Carolina Panthers – DeAngelo Williams, Johnathan Stewart, Mike Tolbert, Cam Newton
The 2013 Panthers were anchored by Defensive Player of the Year Luke Kuechly and Pro Bowler Greg Hardy. Ranking second overall in defense, Carolina captured the NFC’s number two seed and a first-round bye. Likewise, their tenth-ranked rushing attack played a significant role in their 12-4 campaign. Although not at his Pro Bowl form, DeAngelo Williams rushed for 843 yards last season. From 2008-2011, backup Johnathan Stewart recorded 3,500 yards and 26 touchdowns; his numbers have greatly diminished due to injuries. In his place, however, Pro Bowl fullback Mike Tolbert ran for 361 yards and five scores. The league has seen an increased amount of mobile quarterbacks and Cam Newton has led the way. Since 2011, Newton has established himself as arguably the NFL’s top dual-threat field general. With the Panthers’ top three receivers no longer on the roster, the onus will be further placed on their runners to have productive outputs.
4. San Francisco 49ers – Frank Gore, Colin Kaepernick, Marcus Lattimore, Carlos Hyde
Having a consistent rushing attack has the 49ers as one of the NFL’s best teams, but they place fourth on this list for a few reasons. First off, consider Frank Gore’s age. Since entering the NFL in 2005 and rushing for nearly 10,000 yards, Gore has been one the game’s premier backs; at 31, however, San Fran has to wonder how much longer he can embrace the physical contact. Second, the club has injury issues with speedsters Kendall Hunter and LaMichael James. Second-year man Marcus Lattimore—who has yet to play a down in the NFL—will be asked to share snaps with the aging Gore. Good news for Niners fans is that Coach Jim Harbaugh is “confident” in Lattimore. The 49ers also drafted Carlos Hyde, who might have been the best back in the 2014 NFL draft class and provides insurance behind Lattimore.
5. Cincinnati Bengals – Giovanni Bernard, Benjarvus Green-Ellis, Jeremy Hill
Now that Andy Dalton has received a long-term extension, A.J. Green assumes to be next in order to lock this combo up for years to come. Meanwhile, the Bengals also have young rushers with bright futures. Leading the way is Giovanni Bernard, who had 695 yards and 5 touchdowns in his rookie season. Whether with the Patriots or the Bengals, BenJarvus Green-Ellis has remained a reliable runner for his team. Coming off a successful career at LSU, Jeremy Hill looks to bring his combination of speed and power to a team that is poised to make a deeper playoff run.
Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to follow me on Twitter – @WCotchery2. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport – and “liking” our Facebook page.
For more on sports injuries, check out our friends at Sports Injury Alert.
Football fans…check out our two partnered NFL podcasts – Thursday Night Tailgate Radio and Overtime Ireland. Both shows bring you interesting commentary, critical analysis and fantastic guests including former and current NFL players, coaches and personalities.
