2008 NFL Recap: Best Running Back Duos

1.  DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers

I am still somewhat stunned by the season DeAngelo produced: 1,515 yards at 5.5 yards per carry and 20 TDs (18 rushing). I guess he responded to the challenge Carolina presented by drafting Jonathan Stewart with the 13th pick last year.

Stewart wasn’t a slouch either with 836 yards at 4.5 ypc and 10 TDs. They are just the fourth RB duo to both surpass 10 TDs.  They were instrumental in earning the Panthers a first round bye.

2.  Chris Johnson and LenDale White, Tennessee Titans

Johnson and White almost joined the 10+ rushing TD group as White had 15 and Johnson had nine.

Johnson did add one through the air to give him 10 total TDs though.  Johnson was the big play guy with 1,228 yards with 4.9 ypc, while White was the punisher with 773 yards with 3.9 ypc. The rushing game helped propel the Titans to the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

3.  Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward, New York Giants

The only RB combo to each reach 1,000 yards.  Jacobs was a bull with 1,089 yards at 5.0 ypc and 15 TDs.  Ward was more than capable; spelling and filling in for Jacobs with 1,025 yards at 5.6 ypc with two TDs.

He added 384 yards through the air. Even third—stringer Ahmad Bradshaw was successful with 355 yards at 5.3 ypc. Although Eli had a fine season, it was the rushing attack that gave New York their identity.

4.  Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor, Minnesota Vikings

It helps having the NFL’s leading rusher in this duo, but Chester Taylor was quite capable as well. Peterson had 1,760 yards at 4.8 ypc and 10 TDs. Taylor had 798 total yards, equally split on the ground and through the air. 

He averaged 4.0 ypc and had six TDs (four rushing). Peterson often made the big play, while Chester would make a key play to help the Vikings win the NFC North.

5.  Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood, Atlanta Falcons

Like Minnesota, this duo is elevated mainly because of their lead back.  Michael Turner was simply amazing.  Turner rolled to 1,699 yards at 4.5 ypc and 17 TDs.  Early on, he dominated bad teams and was mediocre against good ones.

That inconsistency cost him the rushing title, but he corrected that ship by scoring in seven of his last eight games. 

He started (220 yards vs. Detroit) and finished (208 yards vs. St. Louis) the season with a bang. 

Norwood doesn’t stack up to the other backs in this group, but he did manage total 827 yards and six TDs (489 rushing). His 5.1 ypc didn’t match the 6.4 and 6.0 from his two prior years, but it’s still a pretty good number.

They helped make life easier for Matt Ryan as Atlanta made its way back to the playoffs.

6.  LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles, San Diego Chargers

L.T. wasn’t quite himself this year, but he did manage 1,536 total yards and 12 TDs (1,110 and 11 rushing). His 3.8 ypc wasn’t great, but Norv Turner didn’t exactly let L.T. wear teams down like usual. 

Sproles was more effective catching the ball (342 yards and 5 TDs to 330 and 1), but he did average 5.4 ypc. Not bad considering the Chargers were fairly pass happy this year. They did sneak into the playoffs.

7.  Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, New York Jets

Thomas Jones also had a great season. He ran for 1,312 yards at 4.5 ypc with 13 TDs, with an additional 207 and 2 through the air. Leon Washington simply made big plays.

He had total 803 yards (448 rushing) and nine TDs (6 rushing, 2 receiving, and 1 KR).  Leon averaged 5.9 ypc. Had they leaned on this duo a little more than Brett’s shaky arm, perhaps the Jets would have been in the playoffs.

8.  Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, Miami Dolphins

This duo was easily the most surprising as Ronnie was coming off a major knee-injury, and Ricky was trying to overcoming injuries and suspensions. Ronnie had 916 yards at 4.3 ypc with 10 TDs. Ricky had 659 yards at 4.1 ypc with four TDs. 

They each had over 200 receiving yards (Ronnie—254 and Ricky—219).  They helped turn the Dolphins 1-15 season to a 11-5 AFC East winning one.

Honorable Mention: Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush, and Deuce McAllister; Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor; Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes; Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson; Le’Ron McClain and Willis McGahee