For as long as I can remember, there's been an adjustment period for running
backs as they come into the NFL. No matter how highly touted a running back
prospect was, their first year was spent on the bench and in blocking situations
to learn the ropes. Whether it's due to increasingly more pro-style offenses in
college or simply coaches being more willing to let rookies spread their wings,
there has clearly been an increase this year in rookie running back
productivity. 3 rookies (Chris Johnson, Steve Slaton, and Matt Forte) rank among
the top 15 yardage leaders in the NFL, with several others Tim Hightower,
Jonathan Stewart, Darren McFadden, Felix Jones) falling in shortly behind, while
each showing flashes of brilliance early.
All of the above mentioned running backs are part of a 2-back tandem except
for Matt Forte, and that makes Forte an intriguing prospect. As a rookie, Forte
is proving a capable feature back on a team that enters its bye week tied for
the division lead. Forte has received 20 or more carries in all but two of the
Bears games this season, and currently ranks 4th among all running backs in the
NFL with 147 carries. He came into an extremely advantageous situation in
Chicago, who had recently been disillusioned by Cedric Benson's lackluster
attempt at power running game. Forte has a consistent running style (he has 0
fumbles all season) that fits well into Chicago's possession-based style of
offense, and he has taken full advantage of his opportunities as a rookie
starter.
Steve Slayton, on the other hand, earned his touches due to injuries to Ahman
Green. He wasted little time showing the Texans that was a weapon to be utilized
even when Green is healthy. Nicknamed "The Slasher" for his quick cuts and
slashing play-style, Slayton also has proven himself to be a capable target out
of the backfield, even while the Texans have been losing games. He has scored a
touchdown in all but two of the Texans games, including the games he had to
split time with Green in. Slayton has all the components to be a terrific
positional player as a finesse back in a two-back system, and if the Texans
could find a better compliment than Green, it could be one of the most dominant
backfields in the NFL.
Speaking of the most dominant backfield on the NFL, another rookie, Chris
Johnson, can boast that he is a part of it. Johnson and LenDale White (the NFL's
touchdown leader) have formed a tandem so potent that it has carried the Titans
to an undefeated record despite the loss of Vince Young. Johnson leads all
starting backs with 5.1 yards per carry, and ranks 5th with 626 yards, which
would be an impressive stat-line for a feature back, let alone someone splitting
time with the NFL's touchdown leader. He's even managed to find the end zone
himself 5 times. Once Vince Young returns to this offense, I'm not sure they'll
even bother to line up wide receivers any more - just run, run, run, run.
While the position of RB has never been an old man's game, it's never been
more clear that rookies can make an impact on their teams, and some can even be
the difference maker that pushes their team over the edge.
About
the Author
Writer and editor, Colby Brister, is a former athelete and a
current sports fanatic. His love of the game of football is reflected in his
words and memories of playing sports throughout Junior College with his, cousins
and neighborhood friends. His favorite pastime is watching college football on
TV and attending every sporting event in person every chance he gets. Colby
Brister is a huge fan of the National Football League, and loves paying
attention to the Rookies in the game. Check out his
Authentic NFL
Jerseys and read up on the National Football League at
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