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Running Back by Committee (RBBC) Update
The 2008 season will be no different than seasons past. Many NFL teams will take a running back by committee (RBBC) approach to their ground attack. We all are familiar with the notable Denver RBBC scheme that Mike Shanahan employs, but more and more teams are resorting to such a strategy. The shear number of quality running backs who can step into a starting role continues to grow and teams capitalize on drafting these guys and holding onto them tightly until they are no longer necessary. I would not do this article justice without mentioning as many teams as could potentially utilize the RBBC option. So, here goes nothing.
Atlanta: Michael Turner vs. Jerious Norwood
Michael "The Burner" Turner finally gets his opportunity to step out from behind the shadow of LT. This season could be a breakout one for Turner, who has shown he can be effective and now has Mike Mularkey (the ground gaming mind behind the Pittsburgh Jerome Bettis days) to guide him. However, in my opinion, Jerious Norwood stands a chance of stealing carries from Turner. I think Norwood is under-rated and could have a large impact in Atlanta's ground attack as well in 2008. In this situation I would say Turner will get the yards and TDs, but keep a waiver wire eye on Norwood if he is not picked up as a handcuff.
Carolina: Jonathan Stewart vs. DeAngelo Williams
Talk about two RBs on the same team being ranked so close. Rookie Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams will surely be splitting carries this season. Both young running backs will have the opportunity to light up defenses if Jake Delhomme is on his game. This RBBC outcome is your best guess. Stewart is a sleeper as he has yet to step foot into a real NFL game and Williams should be a safe #2 or #3 RB, but either one could step it up and stake claim to the TDs and yardage that are anticipated from a high powered Carolina offense. Take your pick; I think you cannot go wrong with either of these guys.
Chicago: Matt Forte vs. Adrian Peterson
Adrian Peterson rolled into the starting job in Chicago after Cedric Benson's latest escapade, but he will have to fight to stay there. Rookie Matt Forte is going to steal carries in the preseason and throughout the season -- maybe even win the starting position early on this year. We know that Peterson has NFL experience and will be given his shot, but Forte could be utilized to spell Peterson more than anticipated. This early, I see Peterson getting the early season yards and TDs with Forte worked in and eventually taking the reigns.
Denver: Selvin Young vs. Ryan Torain
Mike Shanahan's ground attack is always multifaceted. This season with Travis Henry's release, Selvin Young and Ryan Torain (Shanahan's favorite, young and impressionable RBs) will get their chances to split carries and shine. Young has seen NFL action and should be Denver's starter. In this capacity I see him gaining the majority of the yards and being given the chance for scores ahead of Torain. Torain will be used, but is a super-sleeper in my book.
Houston: Chris Brown vs. Ahman Green
Chris Brown joined Houston as a free agent to help resurrect their depleted ground game. Ahman Green (whose knees have seen better days) looks to return to his form of old, but Brown (who is also injury prone) could be poised for a renewed level of production. Houston will play both of these experienced backs in an attempt to get their ground game sparked. I would look for a near even split of carries here until one of these guys suffers their first injury of the season. The other will then take over; I see Brown staying healthy longer than Green.
Jacksonville: Maurice Jones-Drew vs. Fred Taylor
Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor are a duo that Jacksonville uses quite effectively to slash defenses. Jones-Drew has demonstrated his abilities so well that defensive coordinators took early notice last season and adjusted their schemes. This allowed Taylor to gain the bulk of the yardage. The circumstances could be similar this season, although I would put my money on the younger Jones-Drew for TDs this season with yardage up in the air.
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