Running Backs are Overrated

I've been thinking about this for awhile and have decided that running backs are overrated as individuals. Now, I'm not saying that running backs are overrated as a position, b/c obviously a team has to be successful on the ground to be successul in the win column.

However, with the exception of players like LT and Barry Sanders who are so athletic that they didn't need a good offensive line, it really is mostly about the offensive line and blocking schemes, including a good fullback.

Of course some running backs are better and will be more productive than others b/c of their quickness, power, etc, but I don't think Denver has just had a lucky string of good running backs for a long time.

Look at Ahman Green. Coming into this year he was supposedly an elite running back, but the Packers lost two of their best offensive lineman to free agency and one to injury. All of a sudden, he can't do anything. But, since so many people can play running back well, Najeh Davenport and Samkon Gado pretty much come in and cause nothing to be lost in the running game.

Here's some more guys this year that have come in from nowhere and been pretty much as effective as the "good" starters: Chester Taylor, Jonathan Wells, Ryan Moats, Willie Parker, Cedric Houston, Greg Jones, Artrose Pinner, Marion Barber.

Even LT's replacement broke the biggest play of the game in Chargers win and was averaging over 4 yards per carry in the game before that run.

Just an observation.

J.H. Naners