bubba9497 Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=3477621&type=story Chargers still the best, but teams are closing the gap By Jeremy Green Scouts Inc. The Chargers might have lost a little depth in the offseason, but as long as they have LT, it's hard to say there's a better rushing attack in the NFL. However, the competition is creeping up on San Diego, and the gap between the Chargers and the rest of the league is no longer as great as it once was. And it might be a little surprising to see who is closing fast in the top 10. 1. San Diego Chargers Even though San Diego did not finish the 2007 season with the No. 1 run offense, the Chargers take the top spot in the running back rankings. They don't have the deepest running back unit, but they do have LaDainian Tomlinson, the best running back in the game. He was the 2007 MVP, has won back-to-back rushing titles and is the most feared running back in the game because of his versatility. He can align in multiple spots and create numerous mismatches for defensive coordinators as a runner and as a receiver. The overall unit took a bit of a hit with the loss of Michael Turner via free agency to Atlanta, but new backup Darren Sproles has made plays when given the opportunity. 2. Minnesota Vikings The Vikings had the No. 1 run offense in the NFL in 2007, and had RB Adrian Peterson not missed two games due to injury, he would have won the rushing title as a rookie. Although you could make an argument for Peterson being the best back in the game today, he does not possess Tomlinson's versatility. This also is not to take away from Peterson, but he has the good fortune of running behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL -- a line backup RB Chester Taylor gained 1,216 yards running behind in 2006. Peterson is going to be a superstar and eventually take the throne from LT, but as of this moment, the 1-2 punch of Peterson and Taylor is still just No. 2. 3. Jacksonville Jaguars Starting RB Fred Taylor seems to get better with age. He reached the 10,000-yard plateau for his career in 2007, which has him in line to see his name enshrined in Canton, Ohio. Taylor has been the opposite of what you normally see from the RB position. He often was injured early in his career, and he has improved since turning 30. The Jaguars also have solid depth with third-year runner Maurice Jones-Drew, who has 22 rushing touchdowns and a 5.1 yards-per-attempt average for his career. With Taylor, who has been Mr. Consistency, and Jones-Drew, who is a home run threat every time he touches the ball, expect the Jaguars' run game to once again be in the top three in the NFL. 4. Pittsburgh Steelers Even though Pittsburgh's running game was expected to drop off in 2007 after the retirement of Jerome Bettis and with new offensive coordinator Bruce Arian's emphasis on throwing the ball, the Steelers remained one of the most consistent running teams in the NFL. That won't change this year. Former undrafted free agent RB Willie Parker has totaled 4,198 yards in his career, proving that he can be a feature back despite his lack of size. Pittsburgh's biggest issue had been creating consistent depth behind Parker. The Steelers fixed that problem when RB Rashard Mendenhall fell into their laps at the bottom of the first round. Mendenhall, a physical inside runner, should be a nice complement to Parker, who has great speed and is a threat to score from anywhere on the field. 5. Dallas Cowboys When Dallas opted not to re-sign starting RB Julius Jones, it got better. Even though Jones was the starter, he split carries with backup RB Marion Barber, who is the more effective runner and receiver. With Barber now thrust into the starting role, the Cowboys are a more physical team that can control the line of scrimmage. Dallas also created solid depth at the position by drafting RB Felix Jones with its second pick in the first round. Jones is a speedster who can turn the corner, catch the ball and create mismatches. The Cowboys' rushing numbers might not be as big as those of other teams because offensive coordinator Jason Garrett leans more on the passing game, but this is a great 1-2 punch. 6. St. Louis Rams The Rams' 25th-ranked run offense in 2007 was no indication of how good Steven Jackson is. He has the ability to be a top-three running back in the NFL, and in terms of versatility, he ranks right behind Tomlinson. Jackson has excellent hands and creates a lot of mismatches. His production was down last season because he was not healthy and the Rams had injuries on the offensive line. If everyone stays healthy, Jackson is good enough to compete for a rushing title. Brian Leonard provides solid backup depth, and even though he showed in Jackson's absence that he can't be counted on to carry the load, his versatility is a plus. 7. Philadelphia Eagles Brian Westbrook is one of the most unappreciated running backs in the NFL. He basically was the Eagles' offense in 2007 with 278 carries and 90 receptions. Although he never has played a full season, he has avoided major injury and pretty much put aside questions about his size and his ability to carry the load. Westbrook is one of the tougher backs in the NFL, will produce and will play at less than 100 percent. It should come as no surprise that, as with the majority of backs in this top 10, versatility is a major factor for Westbrook, because he often aligns all over the field in multiple looks and formations. Correll Buckhalter missed the 2002, 2004 and 2005 season with injuries but has been solid when healthy, and the Eagles have a lot of untested, young depth with Ryan Moats, Tony Hunt and Lorenzo Booker. 8. Indianapolis Colts Some might feel this is a little low for Colts RB Joseph Addai, but his production might stem more from the offensive system than from his own skills, although he is a very talented back. Addai benefits from one of the best offensive schemes in the NFL, a passing attack that prevents a defense from jamming eight defenders into the box, an excellent zone-blocking scheme and an offensive line coached by one of the best in the business, Howard Mudd. Addai is an excellent one-cut runner who has great vision and patience. However, he does not run with great power and doesn't have home run speed. His versatility to make plays in the passing game is a great asset in the Colts' offense. This season, the backfield will be as deep as it has been in years, with veteran Dominic Rhodes competing with rookie Mike Hart for the backup spot. 9. Kansas City Chiefs Two years ago, you could have made the argument that Larry Johnson was the second-best RB in the NFL. A lot has been made of the offensive line play in Kansas City being responsible for his lack of production, and while that is partly true, he has not been the same type of player since signing his long-term deal. Even though he is only 28, he is starting to show some wear and tear from carrying the ball 752 times over the 2005 and 2006 seasons. Johnson is a direct runner who hits the hole hard but needs a run lane. He is neither elusive nor fast and can be limited in terms of his production when forced to run wide. The Chiefs added quality depth in the draft when they picked up rookie Jamaal Charles, a speedster who can turn the corner. 10. San Francisco 49ers Even though the 49ers were awful on offense in 2007, it's hard to deny the talent of RB Frank Gore. With better play at quarterback, better play up front and better play calling, he can be an elite back. Gore's lack of production last season was not due to a lack of commitment to running the football. The effort was there, but the 49ers often fell behind and Gore became more useful in the passing game. With new offensive coordinator Mike Martz running the show, Gore will be the featured player on offense. Martz is known more for the pass than for the run, so look for Gore to build on his 53 receptions from last season. The 49ers' lack of depth at running back has been an issue in the past, but it will be better in 2008 with the addition of veteran DeShaun Foster. http://proxy.espn.go.com/espn/print?id=3477622&type=story Rankings show just how far some running games have fallen Go figure. The once pass-happy Raiders are suddenly loaded at running back while the once proud ground game of Chicago is suddenly looking for answers at the position. The running back situations have sure changed over the years. 11. Oakland Raiders Even though the Raiders finished the 2007 season with the 25th-ranked offense, they had the No. 6 run offense although they were often playing from behind. In terms of overall talent, the Raiders are deep at the position despite the fact they are eventually expected to release veteran RB LaMont Jordan. It all starts with Justin Fargas, who is entering his sixth year and more then doubled his career output when he ran for 1,009 yards last season. Next is Michael Bush, whom the Raiders drafted in the fourth round in 2007. Bush missed his senior season at Louisville with a leg injury, but had he been healthy would have likely been the second RB taken in his draft class, and he's supposed to be back at full strength this year. Take that group and add rookie Darren McFadden, who is the most electrifying player from the 2008 draft class, and the Raiders may very well have the deepest backfield in the NFL. 12. Washington Redskins Clinton Portis is one of the most underrated RBs in the NFL. In six seasons, he has topped the 1,200-yard mark five times. The only season he didn't top 1,000 yards was in 2006, when he played only eight games due to injury. Though nicked at times, he has shown the toughness to play through injury. One of his biggest issues has been fumbling and he put it on the ground six times last season. In 2006 with an injured Portis out, Ladell Betts totaled 1,154 yards. He struggled last year because he didn't get enough touches, but he is one of the better backups in the NFL. 13. Buffalo Bills Marshawn Lynch turned what was one of the worst running games in the league into a solid one. He didn't show a lot of big-time speed or playmaking ability, but he did provide what this offense needed most and that was a big back who could pound it between the tackles. After Lynch, the Bills' depth is scarce. 14. Green Bay Packers It is hard to imagine the Packers with the 14th-ranked RB unit coming into this season. This is a team that was dead last in rushing through the first part of the 2007 season. It was not until ineffective play and injuries allowed fourth-string RB Ryan Grant an opportunity that Green Bay turned things around. What the Packers found in Grant was a player who fit their system. Over the second half of the season, Grant was outgained by only San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson. Grant is a one-cut runner who is elusive enough to make the first defender miss and even though he's not highly touted, his success was no fluke. He is a legit No. 1 RB. The Packers have a ton of young depth, but none will be able to challenge Grant for playing time. 15. Tennessee Titans Other than QB Vince Young, the only thing this team has going for it offensively is its running backs. In terms of pure talent at the position, the Titans do not rank that high, even though they finished last season fifth in total rushing. Starter LenDale White had 1,110 yards, but averaged just 3.7 yards per carry and did not show much big-play ability as a runner or receiver. The team drafted Chris Henry in 2007 for that speed element, but he missed four games due to a suspension. This year the team added Chris Johnson in the first round of the draft and the Titans may be able to get into a full house backfield. The best-case scenario right now is for White to be the starter and have Johnson play a RB/WR hybrid role using his blazing speed to create mismatches. 16. Cleveland Browns Veteran RB Jamal Lewis had a bounce-back year in Cleveland, but he's 29 and entering his ninth season. You have to wonder if the wear and tear and all the touches will catch up to him. Lewis is a power back who runs behind one of the best left sides in the NFL and is a nice fit for the Browns' wide-open passing attack. Lewis has some injury history and must stay healthy because the Browns' depth is marginal at best. 17. Baltimore Ravens As good as it was for Buffalo to part ways with veteran back Willis McGahee, that move was also good for him because he found new life with a new team. Despite playing on a team that could not throw the ball, McGahee finished the season eighth in the league in rushing. He's not a power back or a speed back. He's simply a productive back. He attacks the line of scrimmage, has good vision and tends to run through initial contact. Baltimore knows it needs to win with a run game and defense, so it also added rookie Ray Rice, who had excellent college production, but is not a speed back. Still, Rice will get touches in this offense. 18. New York Giants Even though the Giants finished the 2007 season ranked fourth in run offense, that was based more on their commitment to run the football than their actual talent at the position. The best part about the Giants' run game is the physical play they get up front from the offensive line. The other solid aspect to the Giants' run game is depth at the position. Starter Brandon Jacobs is big, but not very physical. Derrick Ward saw extensive action before his injury and Ahmad Bradshaw adds a speed element. There is no premier player in New York, but the depth is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rdskn4Lyf21 Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 ...and the Cowboy love continues... :doh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarrellsMyHero28 Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 Honestly I might put the Vikes over the Chargers. I haven't seen Sproles besides on special teams but AD + Chester Taylor may be better than just LT. LT is the best in the league but if he goes down the Chargers are screwed, whereas Taylor is easily a starting RB. The Cowboys are too high, the Chiefs are too high and the Skins should be higher. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phatSkins27 Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 most of his anaylsis is accurate but you can tell the bias he put on certain teams like the Dallas Cowboys who do not have a back on their roster who has rushed for 1000 yards in a season Jeremey Green always has a slant on his work toward certain teams this is no different. This is also why Scouts INC takes away credibility from ESPN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted July 8, 2008 Author Share Posted July 8, 2008 ...and the Cowboy love continues... :doh: Yeah a non 1000 yard back and 2 rookies are 7 spots higher than a 3 time 1500 yard back over 1200 yards 5 years, and a 1100 yard back as a starter for 1/2 a year Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F Landry Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 Giants at 18th... Thats when you know these "Rankings" are BS. No way the Cowgirls should be above the VaGiants. :dallasuck :gaintsuck :helmet: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stew Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 Eh, I think we have a better rushing team then San Fran. CP>Gore Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted July 8, 2008 Author Share Posted July 8, 2008 it's going to be a fun 2 weeks Wide Receivers • Wednesday, July 9 Tight Ends • Thursday, July 10 Offensive Line • Friday, July 11 Defensive Line • Monday, July 14 Linebackers • Tuesday, July 15 Defensive Backs • Wednesday, July 16 Special Teams • Thursday, July 17 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jweisk1 Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 I am confused, are they ranking the actual RB or the depth at RB...how are the Eagles, Raiders, Chiefs, San Fran & St Louis in front of the skins...we have a great #1 RB and one of the, if not the best 2nd RB in the league...they might as well be rating the individual player... how many snaps has McFadden played yet?? Just making sure.... I hate ESPN....how many more days until pre-season begins?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cooley4President Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 We should just go ahead and hand Dallas the Lombardi now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidenreich Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 Whats so great about Felix Jones? I am a huge Marion Barber fan, but he was exposed in the playoffs last year. He is not a #1 back, and it will be shown this season.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heidenreich Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 I am confused, are they ranking the actual RB or the depth at RB...how are the Eagles, Raiders, Chiefs, San Fran & St Louis in front of the skins...we have a great #1 RB and one of the, if not the best 2nd RB in the league...they might as well be rating the individual player...how many snaps has McFadden played yet?? Just making sure.... I hate ESPN....how many more days until pre-season begins?? 26 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doncherry Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 i have to agree, as a Cowboys fan I just can't see how Marion and Felix are rated above CP and Betts, it just doesn't compute. Kind of embarrassing, really.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimmyConway Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 I was one of those guys that enjoyed ESPN's rankings, not so much anymore. Guarantee the Cowgirls are in the top 5 in pretty much every one of the rankings. If for some reason they're not in the top 5 they'll fall to number six or seven. Our ranking is of course too low. They definitely cheated one of, if not our strongest position. For reasons see previous posts above (I'm lazy). The final countdown until week 1 is so on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IbleedBnG83 Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 How are the 49ers higher than the Redskins? Or the Chiefs? I don't like how they include teams like the Cowboys or Steelers with rookie running backs who haven't taken a snap up there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jweisk1 Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 I cant wait until they rank the TE's...we should be top 3...maybe 1 to be honest... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted July 8, 2008 Author Share Posted July 8, 2008 I don't like how they include teams like the Cowboys or Steelers with rookie running backs who haven't taken a snap up there. I'm curious to see if he gives the Skins as much credit for our rookie WR's and TE. I somehow doubt it :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elkabong82 Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 ESPN: Still the Worst Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troy Fakeman Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 5. Dallas CowboysWhen Dallas opted not to re-sign starting RB Julius Jones, it got better. Even though Jones was the starter, he split carries with backup RB Marion Barber, who is the more effective runner and receiver. With Barber now thrust into the starting role, the Cowboys are a more physical team that can control the line of scrimmage. Dallas also created solid depth at the position by drafting RB Felix Jones with its second pick in the first round. Jones is a speedster who can turn the corner, catch the ball and create mismatches. The Cowboys' rushing numbers might not be as big as those of other teams because offensive coordinator Jason Garrett leans more on the passing game, but this is a great 1-2 punch. The Pink color is so fitting... GG Bubba! :applause: :laugh: :applause: :laugh: :applause: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IbleedBnG83 Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 I'm curious to see if he gives the Skins as much credit for our rookie WR's and TE.I somehow doubt it :laugh: Of course not...we aren't in Dallas:doh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SkinsGuy Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 I like his fumbling double talk at the end of the Cowboys paragraph :laugh: ("Well... well.. see.. yes the Cowboys numbers aren't as big as others at the top, that's true... but, but but, with a perrenial non-starter like Barber... and... and.. that rookie... yeah that rookie they got... yeah... they should punch it in 1 or 2 times... I mean have a great 1-2 punch..."). There isn't one, NOT ONE running back on the Cowboys roster who has ever rushed for 1000 yards in the pros. They have a guy who was a back-up his WHOLE carrer until it finally became obvious even to the Dallas brainrust Julius Jones wasn't going to work out, and Barber got the job by default. And the have a rookie who has NEVER taken a snap in the NFL.... And THIS, they believe, will be the 5th best rushing attack in the league?? :doh: :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgray1111 Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 I really don't understand either the point, or the process of ranking any position in the off season. I think it was this time last year when everyone and their mom was saying how Larry Johnson was poised to take the league by storm and that Stephen Jackson was a Fantasy stud. I don't remember anyone talking about Ahmad Bradshaw or Ryan Grant, however, both of those guys seemed to help their teams get DEEP into the playoffs. Also, how can you rank based on depth that involves unproven rookies? Adrian Peterson was the rare case of a rookie making an impact at RB. When it happens, it looks amazing, but often, the case is that they're incredibly inconsistent. I can't wait to see what the rankings at WR are, I'm sure that There will be a bunch of big names ahead of a bunch of productive names. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bubba9497 Posted July 8, 2008 Author Share Posted July 8, 2008 And THIS, they believe, will be the 5th best rushing attack in the league?? :doh: :laugh: because it's the pokes ESPN= Every Sunday Pokes Network Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burgundy Burner Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 Did the cowboys have a 1,000 yard rusher this past season? I heard he was close, but not get it in his final regular season game? Hmmm - I wonder how many yards he had in that game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No Excuses Posted July 8, 2008 Share Posted July 8, 2008 I like how the Cowboys are so high with two runners who have never eclipsed the 1000 yard mark in the NFL and have never been the featured back at the college level or the NFL level. Barber was the back up to Maroney in college and Jones in Dallas. F. Jones was the back up to McFadden in college and now Barber in Dallas. ESPN = Troy Aikman and Michael Irvins love child. Hop off there nuts. They haven't done poo in 12 years Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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