Thread: The 2010 NFL Running Back Awards

The following is a list of the best running backs by category in the 2010 NFL season.

The Newcomer*: LaGarrette Blount, Buccaneers
[img size=500]http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Stephen+Nicholas+LeGarrette+Blount+Tampa+Bay+Y8iVq HWCJ9El.jpg[/img]
I find it funny how every year teams find almost as good quality in later rounds as in the first rounds at the running back position. This season has been an extreme example at exactly that as undrafted running backs have been dominating this year's class. The most impressive rookie is undrafted LeGarrette Blount as he has shown great athleticism for his giant size. Think Brandon Jacobs, but much more athletic.
Runner-up: Chris Ivory, Saints - An undrafted rookie who made a name for himself in New Orleans.

*Only category including rookie players.


The Surpriser: Arian Foster, Texans
[img size=500]http://nflsoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Arian-Foster-Texans.jpg[/img]
Arian Foster was signed by the Texans in 2009 as an undrafted agent and didn't see much action playing behind Steve Slaton. Then came 2010 and Foster opened up the season with a boom, rushing for 231 yards. Not looking back, Foster emerged as one of the best halfbacks in the NFL.
Runner-up: Peyton Hillis, Browns - Came from Denver where he once was buried on the depth chart in a trade and quickly became the Browns' biggest star this year.

The What-We've-Been-Waiting-For: Darren McFadden, Raiders
[img size=500]http://imgs.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2009/10/01/sp-raiders02_ph_0500654101.jpg[/img]
Before the 2010 season, many people were already calling McFadden a bust, but the "Run DMC" proved the critics wrong and finally showed us why he was picked fourth in the first round.
Runner-up: none

The Comeback: LaDainian Tomlinson, Jets
[img size=500]http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-JP261_tomlin_G_20100816233654.jpg[/img]
Tomlinson's last season as a Charger was disappointing and many people even suggested that Tomlinson should retire. However, the old guy had other plans and showed that he still can keep up with the younger guys. Granted he is no longer the workhorse and has slowed down towards the end of the season, it's still very impressive for a 31 year old with eight 1000+ seasons. Tomlinson is the clear-cut winner of the Comeback Award.
Runner-up: Brandon Jacobs, Giants - After his amazing 2008 season, Jacobs had a very disappointing 2009 season, but now he seems to be back to his old form.

The Trade Steal: Peyton Hillis, Browns
[img size=500]http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Peyton+Hillis+St+Louis+Rams+v+Cleveland+Browns+0_c VleeLHyJl.jpg[/img]
At first glance, the trade seemed awful on the Browns part. The Browns traded Brady Quinn (a young first round QB) for Peyton Hillis (a then little-known backup RB) and a 6th round draft pick. Boy, did that turn out great! The trade is now being condemned by every Broncos fan and Hillis has turned into a top 5 versatile running back and fan favorite.
Runner-Up: Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks - The Bills received a fourth round draft pick for a still young former first round pick. He didn't have a statistically spectacular season in 2010, but few fans will forget his playoffs run.

The Free Agency Steal: Danny Woodhead, Patriots
[img size=500]http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Danny+Woodhead+New+England+Patriots+v+Pittsburgh+x DRv6IisIVql.jpg[/img]
Woodhead showed promise on the Jets, but they still took the chance to sneak him through waivers. Bad move! The Patriots quickly picked him up and immediately received the perfect replacement for Kevin Faulk in their pass oriented offense. Woodhead has fast feet and great hands and is the type of player Coach Belichick loves.
Runner-up: LaDainian Tomlinson, Jets - Can't really call this a steal as everyone knows who Tomlinson is, but few people thought he would have such a formidable season.

The Area of Improvement: Adrian Peterson (ball security)
[img size=500]http://images.dailyme.com/assets/2009091300001723.jpg[/img]
Ball security was most people's biggest knock on Adrian Peterson after the 2009 season. Most critics said that Peterson's fumbling issue was the one thing that kept him from being the greatest running back in the NFL. Turn the time forward past the off-season and Peterson has only one fumble through a whole season of football. That's how you turn the critics quiet!
Runner-up: none

The Speedster: Jamal Charles, Chiefs
[img size=500]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y253/chrisjnelson/JamaalCharles.jpg[/img]
This is not an award for the fastest running back, but rather an award for the running back who best utilize and has had the most success with his speed and quickness. Charles definitely knows how to take advantage of his speed and his average of around 6.4 yards per carry just screams speed and explosiveness.
Runner-up: Chris Johnson, Titans - He's arguably the fastest player in the NFL, but hasn't had the same type of season as Jamaal Charles.

The Bruiser: Peyton Hillis, Browns
[img size=500]http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Peyton+Hillis+Cleveland+Browns+v+Tampa+Bay+LDGmoop x95_l.jpg[/img]
One of my favorite moments on the Gridiron field is when a ball carrier decides to be the one to deliver the blow. There's just something manly about a man giving all his effort to run over another man who just ran half the field just to do the same to him. This award is for the running back who loves to punish the defenders, with great success. Hillis was a fullback in college, looks like a fullback, and has the fullback mentality. Hillis brings this to the running back position better than anyone in the league. Hillis' 2010 highlight reel is filled with him trucking over all kinds of defenders, from defensive backs to linemen.
Runner-up: Michael Turner, Falcons - Another type of bruiser who has amazing lower-body strength.

The Pass-catcher: LeSean McCoy, Eagles

LeSean McCoy is unfairly overshadowed by Michael Vick and DeSean Jackspn. McCoy is the type of player who can do everything you ask for as a RB and he leads all running backs with 78 receptions
Runner-up: Ray Rice, Ravens, and Peyton Hillis, Browns - Rice with the most reliable hands and Hillis with the most spectacular.

The Most Impressive: Jamaal Charles, Chiefs
[img size=500]http://nflsoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Jamaal-Charles-Chiefs.jpg[/img]
The man with two names is the most impressive runner of 2010 and is the most valuable player on the Chiefs offense. The Chiefs are the surprise team of the year and that's astonishing considering their QB situation.
Runner-up: Arian Foster, Texans - People would argue that Foster is the most impressive runner and I wouldn't disagree. I would make it a tie if I could. Foster has had an heck of a season, but is he a one-year wonder? Only time will show.

... So there you have it folks. Let the debate begin!

Not sure if you made these up or just got them from somewhere, but what a hell of a list. Awesome job. I have to agree with all of them, maybe after I sleep I'll find something I disagree with, but at 3:20 AM on a sugar/caffeine crash after a 2 liter of Mt. Dew, everything looks great!

Haha! Thanks! It's actually all my work. I was sick yesterday and had nothing to do so I made this list. Didn't really plan to make it so big, but it just happened.

Glad someone liked it!

PS: Boy, I miss Mt. Dew! I don't think I've had one since I lived in the States in '07.

6.4 yards per carry. Jamaal Charles.

Jamaal Charles joined Jim Brown as only players to average 6.3 yards-per-carry and rush for 1,400 yards.

Arian Foster made $192/rush yd, Adrian Peterson made $2,804/rushing yard.



some interesting facts I just noticed on twitter

Foster for my fantasy team.
Ja Charles to watch. Kid is runreal
McCoy cuz Vick is playing
McFadden for my fantasy team.
AP sucks. Nice fumble.
LT you are old. Retire.
Hillis sucks. Nice fullback white boy.

Like many of the positions in American football, the running back position is one of the most inconsistent. One year the consensus was that Adrian Peterson was the best running back in the league. Next year it was Chris Johnson, and now both of them have taken a back-seat to a pair of newcomers.

One major factor for the inconsistency is of course that the running backs need other players to make good blocks for them. Fortunately, Adrian is so talented that I think he will be in the top no matter what line he runs behind.

good list, hell of a job w/ the pictures too btw, all of them were perfectly coincided with each award

Originally Posted by "HEY" #1086483

The following is a list of the best running backs by category in the 2010 NFL season.

The Newcomer*: LaGarrette Blount, Buccaneers
[img size=500]http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Stephen+Nicholas+LeGarrette+Blount+Tampa+Bay+Y8iVq HWCJ9El.jpg[/img]
I find it funny how every year teams find almost as good quality in later rounds as in the first rounds at the running back position. This season has been an extreme example at exactly that as undrafted running backs have been dominating this year's class. The most impressive rookie is undrafted LeGarrette Blount as he has shown great athleticism for his giant size. Think Brandon Jacobs, but much more athletic.
Runner-up: Chris Ivory, Saints - An undrafted rookie who made a name for himself in New Orleans.

*Only category including rookie players.


The Surpriser: Arian Foster, Texans
[img size=500]http://nflsoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Arian-Foster-Texans.jpg[/img]
Arian Foster was signed by the Texans in 2009 as an undrafted agent and didn't see much action playing behind Steve Slaton. Then came 2010 and Foster opened up the season with a boom, rushing for 231 yards. Not looking back, Foster emerged as one of the best halfbacks in the NFL.
Runner-up: Peyton Hillis, Browns - Came from Denver where he once was buried on the depth chart in a trade and quickly became the Browns' biggest star this year.

The What-We've-Been-Waiting-For: Darren McFadden, Raiders
[img size=500]http://imgs.sfgate.com/c/pictures/2009/10/01/sp-raiders02_ph_0500654101.jpg[/img]
Before the 2010 season, many people were already calling McFadden a bust, but the "Run DMC" proved the critics wrong and finally showed us why he was picked fourth in the first round.
Runner-up: none

The Comeback: LaDainian Tomlinson, Jets
[img size=500]http://si.wsj.net/public/resources/images/OB-JP261_tomlin_G_20100816233654.jpg[/img]
Tomlinson's last season as a Charger was disappointing and many people even suggested that Tomlinson should retire. However, the old guy had other plans and showed that he still can keep up with the younger guys. Granted he is no longer the workhorse and has slowed down towards the end of the season, it's still very impressive for a 31 year old with eight 1000+ seasons. Tomlinson is the clear-cut winner of the Comeback Award.
Runner-up: Brandon Jacobs, Giants - After his amazing 2008 season, Jacobs had a very disappointing 2009 season, but now he seems to be back to his old form.

The Trade Steal: Peyton Hillis, Browns
[img size=500]http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Peyton+Hillis+St+Louis+Rams+v+Cleveland+Browns+0_c VleeLHyJl.jpg[/img]
At first glance, the trade seemed awful on the Browns part. The Browns traded Brady Quinn (a young first round QB) for Peyton Hillis (a then little-known backup RB) and a 6th round draft pick. Boy, did that turn out great! The trade is now being condemned by every Broncos fan and Hillis has turned into a top 5 versatile running back and fan favorite.
Runner-Up: Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks - The Bills received a fourth round draft pick for a still young former first round pick. He didn't have a statistically spectacular season in 2010, but few fans will forget his playoffs run.

The Free Agency Steal: Danny Woodhead, Patriots
[img size=500]http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Danny+Woodhead+New+England+Patriots+v+Pittsburgh+x DRv6IisIVql.jpg[/img]
Woodhead showed promise on the Jets, but they still took the chance to sneak him through waivers. Bad move! The Patriots quickly picked him up and immediately received the perfect replacement for Kevin Faulk in their pass oriented offense. Woodhead has fast feet and great hands and is the type of player Coach Belichick loves.
Runner-up: LaDainian Tomlinson, Jets - Can't really call this a steal as everyone knows who Tomlinson is, but few people thought he would have such a formidable season.

The Area of Improvement: Adrian Peterson (ball security)
[img size=500]http://images.dailyme.com/assets/2009091300001723.jpg[/img]
Ball security was most people's biggest knock on Adrian Peterson after the 2009 season. Most critics said that Peterson's fumbling issue was the one thing that kept him from being the greatest running back in the NFL. Turn the time forward past the off-season and Peterson has only one fumble through a whole season of football. That's how you turn the critics quiet!
Runner-up: none

The Speedster: Jamal Charles, Chiefs
[img size=500]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y253/chrisjnelson/JamaalCharles.jpg[/img]
This is not an award for the fastest running back, but rather an award for the running back who best utilize and has had the most success with his speed and quickness. Charles definitely knows how to take advantage of his speed and his average of around 6.4 yards per carry just screams speed and explosiveness.
Runner-up: Chris Johnson, Titans - He's arguably the fastest player in the NFL, but hasn't had the same type of season as Jamaal Charles.

The Bruiser: Peyton Hillis, Browns
[img size=500]http://www1.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Peyton+Hillis+Cleveland+Browns+v+Tampa+Bay+LDGmoop x95_l.jpg[/img]
One of my favorite moments on the Gridiron field is when a ball carrier decides to be the one to deliver the blow. There's just something manly about a man giving all his effort to run over another man who just ran half the field just to do the same to him. This award is for the running back who loves to punish the defenders, with great success. Hillis was a fullback in college, looks like a fullback, and has the fullback mentality. Hillis brings this to the running back position better than anyone in the league. Hillis' 2010 highlight reel is filled with him trucking over all kinds of defenders, from defensive backs to linemen.
Runner-up: Michael Turner, Falcons - Another type of bruiser who has amazing lower-body strength.

The Pass-catcher: LeSean McCoy, Eagles

LeSean McCoy is unfairly overshadowed by Michael Vick and DeSean Jackspn. McCoy is the type of player who can do everything you ask for as a RB and he leads all running backs with 78 receptions
Runner-up: Ray Rice, Ravens, and Peyton Hillis, Browns - Rice with the most reliable hands and Hillis with the most spectacular.

The Most Impressive: Jamaal Charles, Chiefs
[img size=500]http://nflsoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Jamaal-Charles-Chiefs.jpg[/img]
The man with two names is the most impressive runner of 2010 and is the most valuable player on the Chiefs offense. The Chiefs are the surprise team of the year and that's astonishing considering their QB situation.
Runner-up: Arian Foster, Texans - People would argue that Foster is the most impressive runner and I wouldn't disagree. I would make it a tie if I could. Foster has had an heck of a season, but is he a one-year wonder? Only time will show.

... So there you have it folks. Let the debate begin!

To me, breakout runner is simple.....Arian Foster. As a 'Husker fan, I'm not surprised at all by Jamaal Charles' accomplishments. Dude is a Lamborghini in pads, and, one helluva competitor. I'm with you on the one hit wonder moniker for Foster, but, breakout, he's the winner to me...because, I had expectations that my man Charles would build on his rookie year success.

BTW...you must be a webmaster, nice post/thread bro. Thanks

Originally Posted by "MaxVike" #1088312

To me, breakout runner is simple.....Arian Foster. As a 'Husker fan, I'm not surprised at all by Jamaal Charles' accomplishments. Dude is a Lamborghini in pads, and, one helluva competitor. I'm with you on the one hit wonder moniker for Foster, but, breakout, he's the winner to me...because, I had expectations that my man Charles would build on his rookie year success.

BTW...you must be a webmaster, nice post/thread bro. Thanks

I agree with you. Arian Foster is the break-out running back in 2010 when taking into consideration nobody even knew his name before the season started.

Like you said, Jamaal Charles looked great in the last half of the 2009 season. I think he would have been the NFL rushing leader if you only counted that half so I'm not surprised he performed so well this season (but I didn't predict that he would play THAT great).

I am about equally impressed by both Arian Foster and Jamaal Charles, but it's Jamaal's explosiveness that really impresses me. Arian Foster is a big guy at about the same size as Adrian Peterson, except a little heavier, so it's understandable that he looks almost slow compared to Jamaal Charles who is a cross between Reggie Bush and Chris Johnson in size.

I hate to do it, but just to illustrate the difference in speed, here's their 40 yard times:
Jamaal Charles - 4.36
Arian Foster - 4.69

Arian Foster has a very slow time, but he plays much faster. As for Charles, his time translates to the field very well and sometimes he even looks faster too.

Fun facts: Chris Johnson has the faster 40-yard dash at 4.24, but Jamaal Charles ran the 100 meters in 10.1 in his freshman year in college. Chris Johnson "only" ran a 10.3. That means Charles runs the 100 meters faster than the NFL's arguably fastest man. That's remarkable! Charles could probably be an Olympic sprinter if he wanted to.