Peterson Best of New RBs
Mike Cobb
Nov 11, 2007 at 2:57 AM Nov 11, 2007 at 7:37 AM
Last Monday, Buccaneer head coach Jon Gruden was asked what he thought of Vikings rookie running back Adrian Peterson, who set the NFL single-game rushing record last Sunday with 296 yards against San Diego.
"I don't think he's a rookie," Gruden said. "That's Jim Brown wearing No. 28. What he did (last Sunday), what he's done in eight games is unbelievable.
"I've never seen a guy do what he's done in eight games, come into the National Football League and dominate like that."
Through eight games, Peterson has rushed for 1,036 and leads the NFL in rushing by 268 yards over Pittsburgh's Willie Parker who is second (768). The next three are The Colts' Joseph Addai (704), Buffalo rookie Marshawn Lynch (690) and Baltimore's Willis McGahee (689).
Notice some names missing here? Fantasy players certainly do.
Were's LaDanian Tomlinson? Or Larry Johnson, Shaun Alexander and Tiki Barber?
The normal names we've become accustomed to seeing at the top of the running back stats aren't there this year. We're seeing a changing of the guard at that position in the NFL.
Tomlinson is sixth (657). Johnson is 14th (559). Alexander is 18th (492). Barber now works for NBC.
Those four have been the dominant backs in the NFL the past few seasons. Now, they're been supplanted.
That's how it is at running back. The days in the spotlight are numbered.
Tomlinson's still a dangerous back but he's playing in a new offensive system. Johnson and Alexander are battling injuries.
Besides, more and more NFL teams are going to a two-back system which diminishes some of the gaudy numbers that individual backs can put up.
The running back position in the NFL is changing. The roles are changing and so are the players we've come to recognize as the best in the league.
When the season began, it was reasonable to expect Alexander (NFC) and Tomlinson or Johnson (AFC) to be the Pro Bowl starters at running back.
Now, we're likely to see Peterson for the NFC with Parker, Addai or Lynch lining up for the AFC.
None of them are up to Jim Brown's level just yet, but give them time. They soon could be.
And then one day, another group will come along and supplant them as the best in the game.
[ Mike Cobb can be reached at mike.cobb@theledger.com or at 863-802-7552. ]