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Does LaDainian Tomlinson Still Rank Among The Top 5 Running Backs in the NFL?
Published by JM Van Horn on June 21, 2009
When it comes to running backs in the NFL, LaDainian Tomlinson was at the top of the food chain for some time. After carrying the ball 2,657 times and being battered by the opposing defenses, some say the game has started to take its toll.
With Tomlinson turning 30 in two days, the questions have started to surface whether he still one of the best in the league.
Here are the top five running backs who are the top game changers in the NFL.
5. Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans)
Normally I do not jump on the bandwagon of a player until they prove themselves for more than one season. I am making an exception when it comes to this former East Carolina running back. Though he lacks the size, weighing only 200 pounds, Johnson’s electric speed and moves keep defenders guessing.
During his rookie campaign, Johnson carried the ball for 1,228, allowing him to average 4.9 yards every time he touched the ball. Do not forget that Johnson had 43 receptions for 260 yards. Add the 10 touchdowns he scored, nine on the ground and one through the air and you will see why the future is bright for Johnson. Even though Johnson will share carries with LenDale White, look for Johnson to receive 65% of the carries.
4. DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers)
Though he did not lead the NFL in rushing, Williams arguably had the best overall season for a running back in 2008. He ended the season carrying the ball 273 times for 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns. Williams 5.5 yards per carry was only behind Derrick Wards 5.6 yards average.
One of the more astounding statistics from Williams’ 2008 season is how many times he lost control of the ball. Zero. That’s right, even though he double the times he carried the ball, Williams held on to it every time. If the Panthers were smart, they would continue to feed the ball to Williams, making sure he carries the ball 60% of the time.
3. LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers)
Despite having his lowest production since his rookie season, Tomlinson still put up 1,110 yards with 11 touchdowns on 292 carries. In fact, Tomlinson broke the 100 yard mark only two times in 2008. These statistics alone have caused people to say his time is done and the Chargers should look to the future.
How soon we forget the less than stellar season Emmitt Smith had in his eight season when he ran for 1,074 yards and four touchdowns. Smith followed up this season with three seasons averaging 1,310 yards and 11 touchdowns. Tomlinson will look to rebound in 2009 and even though he will not reach MVP numbers, will show why is he is still one the best in the game.
2. Michael Turner (Atlanta Falcons)
Many NFL fans thought Michael Turner would be a solid running back when he became the starting back. No one expected him to produce like he did in 2008. Turner carried the ball 376 times for 1,699 yards with 17 touchdowns and was one of the main reasons for the Falcons success.
The one area of the game where Turner needs to improve is in the passing game. In 2008, Turner caught the ball a total of six times for 41 yards. Not only will he be able to help with the development of Matt Ryan, this will give Turner an added dimension that defenses could not ignore.
1. Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings)
When it comes to naming the top running back in the NFL, the majority of NFL fans would select Peterson. And they would be right. During his first two seasons in the NFL, Peterson has carried the ball 601 times for 3,101 yards and 22 touchdowns. Averaging 5.2 yards per carry, Peterson has broken 150 rushing yards in a game five times.
Despite earning the top spot at the start of the 2009 NFL season, Vikings fans should be concerned about Peterson’s inability to hold onto the ball. In 2008, Peterson lost the handle on the ball nine times, resulting in four fumbles. The next closest running back had six fumbles. If Peterson is going to improve his game and become one of the greats in the history of the game, he will need to get a better hold on the pigskin.
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- 2009 NFL Season Predictions
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- 2009 NFC South Preview
- 2009 NFL Predictions Midseason Review
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