Jonathan Stewart
Like few positions in football, a great running back can gain valuable yards, score timely touchdowns, and help carry his team to victory.
So what is better than having one great running back? Having two!
"Having depth at the running back position is always key because it is such a long season," says new Chicago Bears running back CHESTER TAYLOR. "To make it through the playoffs, or to the Super Bowl, you've got to have depth in your running backs group."
The 2009 season was a record-setting one for great running back tandems. In Carolina, Panthers running backs JONATHAN STEWART (1,133) and DE ANGELO WILLIAMS (1,117) became the first duo in NFL history to each rush for 1,100 yards in a season.
In addition, they were only the fifth duo in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards each.
De Angelo Williams
The twosome, which has earned the nickname "Double Trouble," also helped the Panthers finish first in the NFC in rushing with 156.1 yards per game.
"There are a lot of football teams in the National Football League that would love to have the luxury that we have," says Williams.
"When one comes out, the other comes in and doesn't miss a beat. Having two guys puts pressure on defenses and keeps them from knowing what to expect. The ability to keep defenses on their heels is something everyone wants. With me and Jonathan back there and sharing it the way we do, that's a real treat and neither one of us is going to get worn out."
TEAMS WITH TWO 1,000-YARD RUNNING BACKS IN SAME SEASON
| YEAR | TEAM | RB DUO (YARDS) |
|---|---|---|
| (Source: National Football League) | ||
| 1972 | Miami Dolphins | Larry Csonka (1,117), Mercury Morris (1,000) |
| 1976 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Franco Harris (1,128), Rocky Bleier (1,036) |
| 1985 | Cleveland Browns | Kevin Mack (1,104), Earnest Byner (1,002) |
| 2008 | New York Giants | Brandon Jacobs (1,089), Derrick Ward (1,025) |
| 2009 | Carolina Panthers | Jonathan Stewart (1,133), DeAngelo Williams (1,117) |
A great running game can go a long way, and in today's NFL, more teams than ever are relying on two running backs instead of just one. With a two-back system, teams are able to keep their players fresh while putting them in situations which match their strengths and skill sets.
"Let's face it, if you are getting 50 or 60 snaps as a running back in a game, you're going to wear down," says Arizona Cardinals head coach KEN WHISENHUNT about the two-back system. "But that isn't the only reason for working the depth chart. It's about playing to each back's strengths. Sometimes, it's as simple as riding a ‘hot hand' as cliché as that might be."
With great running back pairs gaining yards at impressive rates in the past, when it comes to running backs in the NFL, sometimes two is better than one!
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