Dynamic Duos: Top Five Running Back Tandems in the NFL

The NFL has become a pass-happy league over the last decade, which can be attributed to the likes of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees.

Just as there are future hall of fame players at the quarterback position, there are those at the running back position. The constant beating and banging these guys take on a yearly basis is extreme, and now the majority of teams primarily use two backs instead of just one shouldering the entire load.

Would you rather have one great back, or two pretty good backs?

I'm sure it is all about what you prefer, and everyone will have different opinions. I have compiled my personal list of the teams with the five best running back tandems in the league for the upcoming season.

Just missing the cut for this list include the Jets, Saints, Redskins, and Falcons. It was hard to leave these teams off of this list, but I do believe that the five teams I selected are the right ones. Let me know who belongs in this list, and be sure to state which team you would take out.

Baltimore Ravens

With Ray Rice emerging as the tough runner, Willis McGahee is the perfect compliment in this system. Like most duos, there is a bigger back that can go up and through people, and then there is the slasher/speed back like McGahee that is excellent at turning the corner. With the addition of Anquan Boldin, and Joe Flacco taking another step, there might not be as many carries for these guys. Still, they are a dynamic pair, and will help carry the Ravens deep into the playoffs.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys may have more of a three-headed monster here, but Marion Barber and Felix Jones look to be the two main backs. Tashard Choice is a very good runner, and could be a great fit on another team, but the Cowboys will still find time for him on the field.

Barber is the punishing runner that is tough to bring down, and Felix is lightning quick and can take it to the house at any moment. Barber has had some injuries over the last two seasons, but, if he can stay healthy, the Cowboys running attack will really excel in the Dallas offense.

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers may be very young when it comes to the quarterback position, but they do have, in my opinion, the best running back tandem in the NFL. DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart are the two most feared running backs in the eyes of the defense.

With the agility and speed that Williams has is paired with the brutal running of Stewart, the defense isn't sure what to expect. Their success may be limited because teams know they will be looking to run more than pass, but they should be strong enough to overcome it, and still punish defenses on a regular basis.

Miami Dolphins

Much like the Panthers, the Dolphins have a young quarterback. Everyone knows they will want to run the ball 80 percent of the time, or more. The "Wildcat" system is in full effect, and even though Ricky Williams' history is well documented, he can still be a very effective runner in this system.

Ronnie Brown is the engine behind this team, but the two as a pair are extremely dangerous. I was hesitant to put them in the list, but I ultimately picked them over a few others because of their "Wildcat" system, and the opportunity that they have. The addition of Brandon Marshall should open things up for them even more, which is scary.

New York Giants

What happened to the Giants last year? The best answer: injuries. Nearly everyone on the team was injured at some point of the season last year. With everyone back healthy, and the emergence of Steve Smith as a favorite target of Eli Manning, things should be opening up more for one of the best running back combos in the league.

Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs are a very frightening duo. Bradshaw is a very nice runner, and Jacobs will plow over anything and everyone. I've heard from players, that it's basically like Eli is handing the ball off to 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis. Jacobs looks to be healthy this year, and has been getting most of the snaps in training camp.

Who would you add to this list? If you add the Jets, Redskins, Falcons, Saints or whoever, you also have to take one of these teams out.