Five Years of PFF Grades: Top 10 Running Backs

[SgtJoo]

7. DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers (+20.8)

 

While backs like Lynch and Spiller made the list off of great 2012 seasons, Williams has made it in large part thanks to his great 2008 season. That year, he maintained a 5.5 yards per carry average with 3.9 of them coming after contact. While three backs have reached the 1,500 yard mark over the last five years, no one has done it in as few carries as Williams’ 273.

 

Over a 40-game span from 2009-2012, Williams had just one 100-yard game, so he has yet to reach that kind of dominance since 2008. During that time, he still played at a decent level on his limited number of carries. In Week 17 of the 2012 season, he had a 210-yard performance against the Saints, so there is a chance he could still be a great player, but prior to that game he had just 3.5 yards per carry over the season.

 

8. Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers (+20.6)

 

Part of the reason Williams has had limited carries is because the Panthers also have Jonathan Stewart. Over the last five years, Stewart has averaged 3.1 yards per carry after contact, which is the third-most for backs with at least 500 carries behind only Adrian Peterson and DeAngelo Williams.

 

His part-time role has made it difficult for Stewart to get much recognition, but he has played well for the most part in that role. He had a down 2012 due to injury, but outside of that, consistent solid play is hard to find for a back even if it is in a part-time role.

 

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2013/07/12/five-years-of-pff-grades-top-10-running-backs/

[panthers55]

The reality is that teams change out running backs so often that I suspect it is hard to last long enough to be on this list.

[SgtJoo]

Just good to see the tandem getting some recognition.

[iamhubby1]

DWill, second in the league in yards after contact. So much for all those folks who claim he goes down easily, and he ain't tough. Sounds tough enough to me.

Both backs have proven capable of being productive. Hope this trend continues.

[nosuchthingasapanther]

DWill, second in the league in yards after contact. So much for all those folks who claim he goes down easily, and he ain't tough. Sounds tough enough to me.

Both backs have proven capable of being productive. Hope this trend continues.

 

that monstrous 2008 season has done wonders for williams's overall stats.

[iamhubby1]

that monstrous 2008 season has done wonders for williams's overall stats.

That 1 mediocre season in 2012 has gone a long way in providing ammunition to downplay his career.

[CRA]

To be frank, I hope we keep this core of RBs for years to come. Let the league become obsessed with the passing aspect of the game. Control the clock and pace!

You want an expensive, old and injury plagued RB corp for years to come?

We can teach other RBs celebrations dances and how to engage fans on social media....2 years from now neither need to be panthers

[CRA]

That 1 mediocre season in 2012 has gone a long way in providing ammunition to downplay his career.

2012 doesn't downplay his career or what he was....but it is a sign he is aging and where he is headed

[iamhubby1]

2012 doesn't downplay his career or what he was....but it is a sign he is aging and where he is headed

Well, if you say so. Can you give me some stock tips as well.

You say that like you have a clue. It is all supposition. There is no set age that a RB hits his wall.

DWill still works and practices like a beast. He has never had a major injury. He has never been a workhorse. So if it is all right with you. I am going to believe he still has the motor to be effective.

I do realize the time is coming for him to hang em' up. I just don't think he has hit that wall yet.

Oh, and by the way. Over the last 5 years he is 2nd in the league in yards after contact. That doesn't sound like he has hit the wall either.

[CRA]

Well, if you say so. Can you give me some stock tips as well.

You say that like you have a clue. It is all supposition. There is no set age that a RB hits his wall.

DWill still works and practices like a beast. He has never had a major injury. He has never been a workhorse. So if it is all right with you. I am going to believe he still has the motor to be effective.

I do realize the time is coming for him to hang em' up. I just don't think he has hit that wall yet.

Oh, and by the way. Over the last 5 years he is 2nd in the league in yards after contact. That doesn't sound like he has hit the wall either.

again, talking about what RBs did over the last half decade.....means nothing when talking about the yearS to come.

Yeah, a 35 yr old RB and one in a wheel chair sounds great in years to come. Go buy some stock in Blockbuster Video then....bc they were awesome years ago too.

[Admiral Ackbar]

I think the tandem does more than people think for the running game and the RBs. It limited their overall carries which limits the amount of hits they take over the course of the season. This allows RBs to last longer in the NFL, which is important since most RBs are done in a few years. It also allows for a different play types and looks which can cause havoc for a defense.

 

I feel that tandems will occur more and more in the NFL and we will see longer careers for running backs. Hopefully Smash and Dash can get back to their former state of play and we can have a powerful run game without our QB being a leading rusher and get back to our winning ways

[CRA]

Old and injury plagued? No.

Expensive? That can be fixed. Good luck finding a duo like D-Will and J-Stew. They're only ranked behind Adrian Peterson in YAC and broken tackles these last couple of years. Blame the playcalling and OL for last season, not the RBs. Enjoy them while you can.

Um, I responded to someone claiming they should remain for years to come.

Williams is already a 30 yr old RB....years to come makes him ancient. Stewart also isn't going to become a healthier RB in years to come.

They aren't be future here...not when talking about the upcoming years.