Ranking the Top 10 Running Back Tandems Entering 2015
Even as NFL teams emphasize the passing game more than ever, many successful franchises have acquired talented running backs to bring balance to their offense. Some teams opt for a heavy dosage of one back. Others must rely on a tandem of two backs, often with varying styles to keep defenses on their toes.
The few teams with an elite back carrying the load generally have lesser-quality backups.
There’s little reason to split playing time and pay big money to a backup with a star running back already on the team. This only applies to a few teams in the league, though.
Whether led by a star back or having two high-quality backs, we’ve ranked the top 10 running back tandems entering 2015. Teams with two high-caliber players in the backfield have an advantage over star-led backfields in this list. The reason is simple: If the starter goes down, the backup must be capable of producing decent numbers.
Let’s jump in.
10. Carlos Hyde and Reggie Bush, San Francisco 49ers
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We start our list with an exciting young running back in Carlos Hyde and an explosive veteran in Reggie Bush. The San Francisco 49ers are hoping that Hyde will be a workhorse-type back who occasionally breaks off big runs. If his time at Ohio State is an indicator of what’s to come in his second season, he will satisfy the team well.
Hyde didn’t play much in 2014, as he ran only 83 times for 333 yards and four touchdowns. With a new offensive line, offensive coordinator and no Frank Gore in front of him, Hyde should shine as the featured back. At 230 pounds, Hyde has a great blend of speed, power and vision to help him produce.
Bush is a potential high-upside signing for the 49ers. His production was limited in 2014 with the Detroit Lions due to injuries and a poor offensive line. But his talent as a receiver is something the 49ers have lacked for years and should really help this offense be less predictable.
9. Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals
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In an effort to reduce quarterback Andy Dalton's workload, the Cincinnati Bengals invested a second-round pick in 2014 on running back Jeremy Hill. With Hill and third-year back Gio Bernard, the Bengals have a potent tandem. Hill provides the boom, and Bernard's the more elusive back.
Expect to see Hill as the lead back in 2015. He started eight games last season and played in all 16. He ran the ball 222 times for 1,124 yards and nine touchdowns. His production as a rookie is a promising sign that he can develop into one of the best running backs in the league.
Bernard hasn’t been as dynamic as the Bengals had hoped to this point in his career, but he’s a solid second option behind Hill. His value as a receiver exceeds his running talent right now, as he’s averaged 8.7 yards a catch.
8. Todd Gurley and Tre Mason, St. Louis Rams
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The St. Louis Rams had one of the deeper backfields in the NFL before they selected Todd Gurley 10th overall in the 2015 NFL draft. Adding him to the mix when he’s 100 percent healthy is going to give the Rams one of the best tandems in the league. After all, second-year running back Tre Mason showed promise as a rookie last season.
Gurley, recovering from a torn ACL last fall, is aiming to be available for training camp. Even if the Rams bring him back slowly, Gurley will contribute in 2015. He’ll be working to prove that he was worth the top-10 pick and hype that engulfed his play at Georgia.
Mason had a solid rookie season despite little help around him. He has the talent to start, but the Rams will benefit from bringing a fresh Mason in the game after softening defenses with Gurley. This tandem is the most likely to climb this list in the coming years, considering their age and talent level.
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7. Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin, Seattle Seahawks
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When talking about the best overall running back in the NFL, Seattle’s Marshawn Lynch has entrenched himself into the conversation. In his four-and-a-half seasons in Seattle, Lynch has totaled 5,930 yards and 54 touchdowns. His blend of power, vision and elusiveness has helped him achieve elite status.
If we were looking at just the best overall backs, Lynch would be higher on this list. But he and his backup Robert Turbin don’t crack the top five as far as tandems. Turbin just hasn’t been anything special so far.
With 231 carries over three seasons, Turbin has averaged four yards a carry. That’s decent enough, but he hasn’t scored a touchdown as a rusher. He’s been slightly better as a receiver, with 427 yards on 43 receptions. He has much to prove if he ever has to step in for Beast Mode as a starter.
6. Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis, Kansas City Chiefs
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Like Marshawn Lynch on the previous slide, Kansas City Chiefs’ running back Jamaal Charles is in rare company in the NFL. His incredible skill set has led to an insane 5.5 yards-per-carry average over the course of his career. The only two seasons he hasn’t broken 1,000 yards rushing were his rookie season and 2011, when he tore his ACL.
Charles is also a plus receiver. He’s averaged almost three receptions a game for 24 yards. Just two years ago he set a career high with 693 receiving yards.
What’s behind Charles is an issue for the Chiefs, though. Despite being a great athlete, Knile Davis hasn’t been effective running the ball. His 3.5-yard average in two seasons is wholly uninspiring thus far. It’s a good thing Charles is still going strong for the Chiefs.
5. Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller, New Orleans Saints
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After struggling to be a consistent runner in his first two seasons, Mark Ingram has developed into an above-average back for the New Orleans Saints. His breakout 2014 season was a promising reboot for his career outlook. Ingram totaled 964 yards and nine touchdowns in nine starts.
Although Ingram isn’t a star, he’s great for what the Saints need at the position. He takes what is given and can earn a little more once upfield. What is exciting is what the Saints will get out of both Ingram and new backup C.J. Spiller.
The obvious caveat with Spiller is his health. He’s been unable to string together complete seasons throughout his career. When he’s on the field, Spiller is truly electric. A strong 2015 will go a long way for his reputation.
4. LeSean McCoy and Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills
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One of the more surprising moves of the offseason came when the Buffalo Bills acquired running back LeSean McCoy from the Philadelphia Eagles. McCoy was one of the top few backs in his time with the Eagles, with a 1,000-yard season every year he played more than 12 games.
The Bills will be running McCoy a lot in 2015. With his ability to make defenders miss and explode upfield, he might be the most productive running back in the league this year. His opportunity to be explosive on the Bills offense is almost incomparable.
At 34 years old, veteran Fred Jackson is aiming to prove he’s still productive. He has been solid but unspectacular as a backup for the last seven seasons. Jackson’s receiving ability is underrated, as well. He had 66 receptions for 501 yards in 2014.
3. Adrian Peterson and Jerick McKinnon, Minnesota Vikings
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The return of Adrian Peterson will be great for everyone except Minnesota Vikings opponents. He’s arguably been the premier back for the last eight seasons. His blend of size, strength, speed and vision will lead him into the Hall of Fame one day.
Peterson is 30 now, but he’s proved to be an exceptional athlete throughout his career. There’s no reason to think he’ll slow down in 2015.
Behind Peterson is running back Jerick McKinnon. McKinnon is a terrific athlete who played well in limited time last season. As a rookie, McKinnon totaled 538 yards with a 4.8 yard-per-carry average. His developmental upside is immense.
2. DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews, Philadelphia Eagles
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To help replace LeSean McCoy, the Philadelphia Eagles loaded up with two talented free-agent running backs. Former Dallas Cowboy DeMarco Murray is coming off a career year, and Ryan Mathews has been impressive when he’s healthy. Both have struggled staying on the field, though.
Assuming the best, the Eagles’ running game will be dynamic. Both Murray and Mathews are powerful runners who fit into the Eagles’ zone-blocking system perfectly. Behind an elite line in 2014, Murray led the NFL with 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Mathews has been frustrating because of his injuries. His 2013 season showed he’s capable of being a lead back. He totaled 1,255 yards with a 4.4 yard-per-carry average. The Eagles are hoping for similar effectiveness.
1. Le’Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams, Pittsburgh Steelers
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Led by 23-year-old running back Le’Veon Bell, the Pittsburgh Steelers have the top running back tandem entering 2015. Bell has transformed his body and game since entering the NFL from Michigan State. He was once a lumbering power back but has proven to be so much more with the Steelers.
Bell is a top-tier runner and receiver. He improved his yards-per-carry average to 4.7 in 2014. As impressively, he notched 83 receptions and 854 yards out of the backfield. Although Bell will miss the first two games of the season due to suspension, he doesn’t have the same age or durability concerns as some of the other top backs in the league.
Steelers’ backup DeAngelo Williams is looking to reinvigorate his career in Pittsburgh. He missed 10 games last year and didn’t play particularly well when he was on the field. After a full offseason to heal, there should be optimism that Williams will get back to form. He can provide extra power to the Steelers’ running attack.
All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
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