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Top Five NFL Running Backs

Sep 09, 2008

Who is the best running back in the NFL? Is it LT or Adrian Peterson or Reggie Bush? Kidzworld weighs in and ranks our five fave running backs!

#5. Brian Westbrook

Although Brian Westbrook only stands 5'10" in stature, he makes big things happen on the field. This explosive running back has held down the fort for the Philadelphia Eagles for the past six years. Last season, the two-time Pro Bowler led the NFL in all purpose yards. This shows how versatile the Washington, D.C. native is. Westbrook can plow through the defense to get quick yards or he can pop out and catch passes as if he were T.O. His 1,333 rushing yards in 2007 was a career high.

#4. Joseph Addai

It is never easy coming into a good team and replacing a great running back. That is what up-and-coming running back Joseph Addai had to do when he was drafted in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts. Although Addai replaced fan favorite Edgerine James, it didn't take long for him to make a name for himself. In his rookie campaign, Addai led all first-year running backs with 1,081 rushing yards. He has made a Pro Bowl team and even helped the Colts win the Super Bowl in 2007.

#3. Steven Jackson

Last season, Steven Jackson of the St. Louis Rams had a dismal season. But opposing teams shouldn't take this supremely skilled running back lightly this year. This 25-year-old running back has the ability to put up big numbers and cause defenses a lot of headaches. In the 2006 season, Jackson led the NFL in total yards with 2,334. That was enough to earn him a Pro Bowl selection. Jackson can dance his way around defenses and can run over people with his power. Look for this fifth year pro to do big things in '08!

#2. Adrian Peterson

Adrian Peterson is so talented, many people can argue he is the best running back in the NFL. Nicknamed "A.D." for "All Day", Peterson is a tall running back who can break you down with his speed, strength, agility, size and vision. He combines the ability of breakaway speed with massive power. In his short two-year NFL career, A.D. has already been named to the Pro Bowl, was the Rookie of the Year and he has won the 2007 NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He has already set a few big records in the process. Peterson owns the record for the most rushing yards in a single game with 296.

#1. LaDainian Tomlinson

L.T. is one of the most gifted running backs in history. This San Diego Chargers star has an offensive skill set that mixes the graceful style of Walter Payton with the clever moves of Barry Sanders. Since he entered the league in 2001, L.T. has re-written history by breaking dozens of records. He holds the single season record for touchdowns with 31. He also holds the record for most points scored in a season with 186. He has appeared in four straight Pro Bowls and was named league MVP in 2006. L.T. also has the Chargers in contention to win the Super Bowl in 2008!

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