Double-Trouble Running Backs

Matt Forte, Chicago Bears Double-threat Running Backs
Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

They seem to be all over the league. Guys like La Dainian Tomlinson, Matt Forte, Steve Slaton and others.

These are the running backs that can hurt you two ways -- rushing or catching the ball.

"If a running back has certain skills -- speed, vision, burst, ability to cut, good hands -- he can play in any system, whether it's the I-formation, offset or in a spread," says Baltimore Ravens general manager OZZIE NEWSOME.

Double-threat running backs not only force defenses to be ready for anything, but they allow offenses to keep their best playmakers on the field in any situation.

"Any time your best player is capable of playing downs one through three, you want him out there, especially with all the chips on the line," says Steelers running backs coach KIRBY WILSON.

More and more, offenses are relying on these dual-threat runners to keep the chains moving. Eight running backs gained more than 1,000 rushing yards while registering 40 catches in 2008.

The eight NFL running backs that gained 1,000 rushing yards and caught 40 passes in 2008

Matt Forte, Chicago Bears (1,238 Yards Rushing, 63 Receptions)

"He's a hard runner. He runs downhill. He's got speed. He can make people miss and he's smart. He's got the whole package." -- Bears center OLIN KREUTZ

Frank Gore, San Francisco 49er (1,036, 43)

"The thing that's really impressive about Frank is he's also one of our leading receivers. Usually you don't see that type of yards-per carry average with the amount he touches the ball." -- 49ers vice president of player personnel SCOT MC CLOUGHAN

Steven Jackson, St. Louis Rams (1,042, 40)

"With his size, speed and versatility, he is just an unbelievable package." -- Rams safety COREY CHAVOUS

Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans (1,228, 43)

"C.J. has a chance to be one of the best in the league because of his freakish ability to break plays. He can do it all." -- Titans fullback AHMARD HALL

Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo (1,036, 47)

"He's very athletic. He's diligent in his preparation, and he's also clearly a very good athlete, by any standards." -- Bills head coach DICK JAURON

Steve Slaton, Houston 1,282 50 "He's got such a good burst, and when he sees something, he hits the hole hard. You watch him and it's hard for the first guy to bring him down." -- Texans quarterback MATT SCHAUB

LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego (1,110 52) "He brings as much versatility as any running back ever has." -- Pro Football Hall of Fame running back EMMITT SMITH

Derrick Ward, N.Y. Giants now with Tampa Bay (1,025 41)

"He has good vision and he's got the physical tools to make plays." -- Giants center SHAUN O'HARA

 

NFL 2009 Preview | Double-Trouble Running Backs Can Hurt You Rushing and Receiving