Navin Rajagopalan-Flickr
No. 10 Reggie Bush: Highly underestimated and considered a bust after his years with the New Orleans Saintsand Miami Dolphins, Bush has made his claim as one of the better backs in the NFL. Bush had his second 1,000-yard Rushing season in his career with the Detroit Lions. He had one of the better average yards-per-carry on this list as well as a couple runs over 20-yards. With the Lions adding more to the receiving game, Bush’s numbers could improve greatly if he can prove to be a product in the Red-zone. Bush’s 4-touchdowns were the lowest on this list. This year, if he can take the heat off Calvin Johnson, look for Bush to ramp up production in the running-game and passing-game. Bush’s 500+ Receiving-yards made him one of the most reliable backs in the passing-game. If healthy, Bush will easily have over 1200-yards this season.
No. 9 Eddie Lacey: Before I get chewed out, Lacey is a good Running Back. Lacey had an impressive Rookie season with 1100+ yards and 11-touchdowns. A really impressive performance for the rookie. Lacey will only continue to get better with experience. While most believe he will be a top 5 back his stats and performance are that of a top 10 back. His 4.1 average per carry doesn’t look bad. After all 4-yards-per-play is pretty good, but other backs on this list have a higher yard-per-carry ratio. In his defense, Lacey does have one of the best QBs in the game, even if Aaron Rodgers missed part of the season. Another factor that might hurt Lacey is that the Green Bay Packers are going to be looking to James Starks to help carry the load as well. Can Lacey prove he is a top-5 Back? Yes, I do believe he can be but will he? In my mind, I say not until another year or so.
No. 8 Doug Martin: The “Muscle Hamster”, and the least talked about player not only among the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but also in the Running Backs conversation. Before missing last season, Martin had nearly 1500-yards and 11-touchdowns in an impressive rookie breakout. Despite the issues Tampa has, Martin very well is the best weapon on the Offense. If healthy, martin can re-climb the mountain that he fell off of due to injury. The climb will be harder than before but with a hopefully improved passing-attack, Martin could see increased performance.
No. 7 Marshawn Lynch: The Super Bowl ring, the holdout and lack of performance could see a decrease in Lynch’s ability. Can Lynch be a top-5 Back? I boldly say no. His 4.2 per carry is amongst the lowest on the list; however his 12-touchdowns proved he can do it in goal-line and Red-zone situations. With the emergence of Robert Turbin taking a bulky amount of carries, Lynch will not be as productive but he will be a good performer this season. Look for Lynch to help the Seattle Seahawks win instead of dominating teams completely.
No. 6 Demarco Murray: The one Running Back that I have felt is the most underrated in the league is of course Demarco Murray. For the Fantasy freaks Murray helped me win two-championships last season but more importantly he helped the Dallas Cowboys lead a spectacular Offense. If the Defense didn’t play like the 0-16 Lions Offense, Murray would be more recognized. Murray leads this list with a 5.2-yards-per-carry. If the Cowboys would hand the ball of to Murray more than 4 times (see Minnesota Vikings game), the Cowboys could be more successful. Not to mention in that game Murray had 4-carries for 31-yards and a 7.8 average. Sadly, that will always be the problem with Murray. He can not seem to get the ball in his hands, but when he does, he makes it happen. Murray will have a great year and should emerge as almost a top-5 Back.
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Josh Gantt is a Writer for Couch Rider Report. Follow us on twitter or Facebook
