My Chris Johnson Blog

For as long as I can remember, there's been an adjustment period for running backs as they come into the NFL. No matter how highly touted a running back prospect was, their first year was spent on the bench and in blocking situations to learn the ropes. Whether it's due to increasingly more pro-style offenses in college or simply coaches being more willing to let rookies spread their wings, there has clearly been an increase this year in rookie running back productivity. 3 rookies (Chris Johnson, Steve Slaton, and Matt Forte) rank among the top 15 yardage leaders in the NFL, with several others Tim Hightower, Jonathan Stewart, Darren McFadden, Felix Jones) falling in shortly behind, while each showing flashes of brilliance early.

All of the above mentioned running backs are part of a 2-back tandem except for Matt Forte, and that makes Forte an intriguing prospect. As a rookie, Forte is proving a capable feature back on a team that enters its bye week tied for the division lead. Forte has received 20 or more carries in all but two of the Bears games this season, and currently ranks 4th among all running backs in the NFL with 147 carries. He came into an extremely advantageous situation in Chicago, who had recently been disillusioned by Cedric Benson's lackluster attempt at power running game. Forte has a consistent running style (he has 0 fumbles all season) that fits well into Chicago's possession-based style of offense, and he has taken full advantage of his opportunities as a rookie starter.

Steve Slayton, on the other hand, earned his touches due to injuries to Ahman Green. He wasted little time showing the Texans that was a weapon to be utilized even when Green is healthy. Nicknamed "The Slasher" for his quick cuts and slashing play-style, Slayton also has proven himself to be a capable target out of the backfield, even while the Texans have been losing games. He has scored a touchdown in all but two of the Texans games, including the games he had to split time with Green in. Slayton has all the components to be a terrific positional player as a finesse back in a two-back system, and if the Texans could find a better compliment than Green, it could be one of the most dominant backfields in the NFL.

Speaking of the most dominant backfield on the NFL, another rookie, Chris Johnson, can boast that he is a part of it. Johnson and LenDale White (the NFL's touchdown leader) have formed a tandem so potent that it has carried the Titans to an undefeated record despite the loss of Vince Young. Johnson leads all starting backs with 5.1 yards per carry, and ranks 5th with 626 yards, which would be an impressive stat-line for a feature back, let alone someone splitting time with the NFL's touchdown leader. He's even managed to find the end zone himself 5 times. Once Vince Young returns to this offense, I'm not sure they'll even bother to line up wide receivers any more - just run, run, run, run.

While the position of RB has never been an old man's game, it's never been more clear that rookies can make an impact on their teams, and some can even be the difference maker that pushes their team over the edge.