SI.com has been on a roll lately. A lot of good NFL stuff to chew on, and not just from Peter King. Their latest piece ranks the NFL’s top backfields. Meaning quarterback, running back and new additions or subtractions that may affect the 2009 season. Well, I have a bone to pick with their rankings.
The Eagles rank fifth. I don’t have a problem with that. Actually, I’m surprised they were that high. However, some of the other teams caused me to raise an eyebrow or two.
The Chargers are #1 on the list. Rivers, LT and Sproles being the key guys. I like Rivers, LT is nearing the end, and Sproles is not a feature back, in my opinion. However, I’m not sure another team is deserving of number one. I’d consider the Falcons, but Ryan and Turner don’t have a long enough resume. Same with Cutler and Forte from the Bears.
The Giants are #2. Eli and Jacobs? Without Burress and valuable backup Derrick Ward, this is too high for the G-Men. Ahmad Bradshaw is not as proven as Ward and depending on a rookie like Hakeem Nicks is risky. If Andre Brown becomes the backup, they might be better off, but not deserving of a #2 ranking.
The Cowboys are #3. Hard to argue with Barber, Jones and Choice. They probably have the best 1-2-3 combo in football. Romo without TO will improve his mental health, but not his stats. Although I think Romo is a monumental choke artist, overall the ‘Boys have a pretty decent backfield.
The Pats are ranked #4. Here’s where I have a huge problem. Brady, even coming off a knee injury, is still a stud. But a gimpy Laurence Maroney and a broken-down Fred Taylor is weak. The only team in the Top 10 I would rank below the Pats are the Packers. Brady’s god-like abilities are not enough to offset more balanced teams like Pittsburgh, Atlanta and Indy. If their runners can stay off IR, they’ll be fine. But as they stand now, the Pats are not deserving of a ranking as high as #4.
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Jason Peters has yet to play a down as an Eagle, but he continues to be chosen as an important player for the upcoming season. Clark Judge pegged JP as his #2 difference maker in 2009.
“He’s a more significant pick-up than Jeremy Maclin, Stacy Andrews or LaSean McCoy. The reason: He protects Donovan McNabb’s back, and the Eagles go only as far as McNabb takes them. A year ago, tackle Tra Thomas wore out as the season wore on, with Thomas overpowered by bull rushers.”
Other than Clark’s misspelling of both LeSean and Tre’s names (editor’s note: Tra is spelled correct. I’m an idiot), he makes some good points. With the cash Peters will be making, let’s hope he’s the real deal.
Tags: Best backfields in the NFL, Eagles backfield, top difference makers in 2009 NFL season
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Geesh. I should have my eyes checked. I've only been writing "Tra" for months and still thought he spelled it wrong. Obviously, I need some new medications ;o)
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