Now we get into the real stars of 2014’s NFL running backs. These five have spent the last few months dodging tackles, running through defenders and catching passes without fear. A couple are seasoned veterans; turning 29 this year, one is nearly thirty and was virtually unknown prior to this year, while yet another is a 2013 draft pick, just 22 years of age. One thing they have in common is that they absolutely mangled defenses left and right in 2014.
TOP 15 NFL RUNNING BACKS OF 2014: 5-1
5. Justin Forsett
A few former backups came through with great seasons in 2014 after their teams’ starters sustained serious injuries. Lamar Miller became a consistent rushing threat for the Dolphins after Knowshon Moreno went down in week two, Jeremy Hill picked up the slack when Gio Bernard was ailing in Cincinnati, and C.J. Anderson had a shockingly impressive breakout season in Denver. Justin Forsett, now 29 years old, didn’t have to step in for an injured starter, but replaced Ray Rice after the biggest story of the offseason (unfortunately).
Interestingly, the long time backup had just eight rushing touchdowns in the previous six seasons of his career. In 2014, he matched that number while rushing for 1,266 yards. Most impressively, he averaged less than 15 carries per game but had the highest yards per carry average of all starting running backs. Adding his 263 yards receiving and zero lost fumbles are just two more examples of how complete of a season Forsett had.
4. Arian Foster
The 28-year-old Texan didn’t put on a season-long clinic like he did in 2010 and 2012, but he was the unquestioned star of an offense that had some serious difficulties this year. Foster only played in 13 games this season but he managed 100+ all-purpose yards in 11 of them, contributing eight rushing touchdowns and a career high five receiving scores. His 4.8 yards per carry was fifth among all starting running backs. With two years remaining on his contract, Foster still looks like he has the instincts and speed of his early years, but durability is becoming an issue. He suffered a season ending back injury in 2013, and suffered from groin and hip issues throughout 2014.
3. Marshawn Lynch
If someone asks you whether or not Marshawn Lynch is one of the best running backs of his generation, the only acceptable answers are “Yeah”, “thank you for asking” and of course “I appreciate you asking about Beast Mode.” His media savvy (or lack thereof) has made a few headlines but yet again, his rushing has been among the most dominant in the league.
He had probably the best run of the year in week 16 when he ran over multiple Cardinals on his way to a 70+ yard touchdown. In terms of numbers, it was his second highest total in terms of yards, and his 17 total touchdowns is his best yet. In an offense with limited receiving options and a mobile quarterback, Marshawn Lynch is a cornerstone that not only earns yardage on his own but also opens up opportunities for Russell Wilson to work his magic.
2. Le’Veon Bell
The second year Steelers’ back was second in the league in yards from scrimmage in 2014. After a decent rookie season with eight rushing touchdowns but a low 3.5 yard per attempt average, Bell earned 100+ all-purpose yards in 12 of 16 games in 2014. His rushing total on the year was 1,361 and he added 854 receiving yards to that total. He matched his 2013 total for rushing scores with another eight, but added three rushing touchdowns. In a season during where Big Ben and Antonio Brown put up the best numbers of their careers, Le’Veon Bell secured himself as one of the stars of this explosive Steelers offense.
1. DeMarco Murray
DeMarco Murray is one of the main reasons for the success of the Cowboys this year. Much like Bell, he was on an offense featuring a quarterback who put up career numbers along with one of the best wide receivers in the game. Murray’s final regular season numbers were 1,845 rushing yards and 416 receiving yards, for a league leading total of 2261 yards. His 13 rushing touchdowns led the league (tied with Marshawn Lynch). One major drawback to this season for Murray was his five lost fumbles. While that is a troubling number, the rest of his numbers in combination with the Dallas Cowboys’ success this year are why he still places ahead of all the rest.
Thank you for reading. Follow me on Twitter – @Langtron57.
Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
Main Photo:
