Who Is The Second Best Running Back In The NFC North?
By Adam Carlson
When it comes to running backs in the NFC North, most people won’t hesitate to call Adrian Peterson the king. He has won multiple awards, broken several records and came close to beating the mark for most rushing yards in a season.
Sometimes, when you have a player as good as Adrian Peterson is, you tend to overlook some of the other great players at that position. I know that happens when you try to compare other wide receivers to Detroit’s Calvin Johnson, so it is easy to see both sides of this coin. However, over the last couple years we’ve seen some running backs come in to the NFC North and make a big name for themselves.
This brings up a good question. Who is the second best running back in the NFC North?
Those are all some pretty great players who would normally be at or near the top of their division if they didn’t have to contend with Adrian Peterson. Here are some quick reasons to vote for each:
Dec 16, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush (21) runs for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
- Reggie Bush is a dynamic player who can bring the ball to the house on any play. He ability to catch the football seems effortless and is a great asset in the Detroit Lions offense. While he does struggle with injuries at times, when he is healthy he is a player that the defense must account for.
Dec 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) rushes the ball against Green Bay Packers safety Sean Richardson (28) during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. The Green Bay Packers win 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
- Forte is one of the best running backs in the NFL because he can do it all. He can run inside, run outside, and catch the ball. He quietly put up great numbers last year, amassing over 1,900 total yards and finding the end zone 12 times. He has established himself as a solid runner who is a huge part of the Chicago Bears offense.
Jan 5, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) carries the ball in front of San Francisco 49ers strong safety Donte Whitner (31) during the second quarter of the 2013 NFC wild card playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
- Eddie Lacy exploded on to the scene with over 1,100 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns in his rookie campaign. He showed the potential to be a star running back in the NFL while in an offense that is best known for their passing attack. Lacy provides that threat on the ground that was missing for the Green Bay Packers the last several years before he came along.
Please vote in the poll above and let me know who you think is the 2nd best running back in the NFC North.