NFC East Position Rankings: Running Backs

(Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)

The running back position in the NFC East is without a doubt the most talented in the league.

With the likes of Brian Westbrook, Clinton Portis, Brandon Jacobs and Marion Barber, all these backs except Jacobs have been invited to a Pro Bowl at least once. This is not a knock to Jacobs however, as he rushed for over 1000 yards last season and was only outdone by the likes of Clinton Portis, Michael Turner, and Adrian Peterson.

Since it would almost be impossible to rank these four backs on just their running abilities, the rotation of all the running backs on each roster, their ability to catch the ball, and to pass block have been taken into account.

4. Washington Redskins

The Redskins are somewhat old fashioned in their approach to the running game. Instead of trying to employ an effective rotation with a one-two punch, they instead have a single feature back.

That back being none other than Clinton Portis.

Clinton Portis is a top tier running back with great vision and the ability to take it between the tackles, but he can also bounce it outside when necessary.

Portis’ instincts have also aided him in the blocking game, assisting him with his judgement of when to cut block or keep his feet.

Last season Portis played only a minor role in the passing game of Jim Zorn’s offense, pulling in 28 receptions for 218 yards and zero touchdowns.

Last season was the first year Portis managed to play all 16 games for the second consecutive year. This is a nice accomplishment for Portis, but in no way should encourage the Redskins front office to continue through this season without a second string running back that can step up when called upon.

Portis may have started all 16 games, but that is not to say that he performed well in all 16.

Portis came out firing at the start of the NFL season averaging 118 yards for the first eight weeks and crashing in for six, seven times. Unfortunately after the first eight weeks, Portis ran out of gas and averaged only 68 yards per game for the final eight weeks and only had two more scores.

Portis ended the season with 1,487 yards rushing and was invited to the Pro Bowl.

A stellar season at first glance, but after further investigation, an underachieving season to say the least.

Ladell Betts grabbed his big contract in 2006 and has thus been a huge disappointment, not even remotely living up to the expectations that were placed on him. 

Anthony Aldridge has been picked up after he was waived by the Broncos and is known for his elusive skills and great speed, such a skill set would complement Portis very well and if Aldridge can find his form and produce, the running game for the Redskins will be instantly upgraded.

Without an efficient rotation, Portis will run out of gas very quickly and since there is no heir apparent in Washington, there would be huge problems if Portis went down.

3. Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles run a west coast offense. In this offense, the running back is spit out wide on many occasions and is utilized almost more in the passing game than in the running game.

Brian Westbrook fills the mould of such a running back perfectly. He’s got great speed, great hands, and can run great routes. He is however a smaller back at only 5’10”, 203 pounds and pushing 30 years of age.  He is a very talented running back and has rushed for over 1000 yards twice in his career.

Unfortunately it doesn’t look like Westbrook will be producing another 1000 yard season in his career. He always had the problem of disappearing behind his offensive lineman and being taken down for a loss. With his speed, however, he usually manages to bounce it to the outside and pull out some nice gains.

Now at the age of 29, soon to be 30, Westbrook is starting to slow down a little and having never played a full season in his career, the signs are not looking good.

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