Rushing Leaders

I haven't looked at the NFL's rushing leaders this season. That's probably due to the unfortunate fact that Adrian Peterson hasn't been a part of the ground gaining fun and the Minnesota Vikings, as a team, have been historically horrible at running the football. Those running difficulties probably have more to do with struggles and injuries on the offensive line than it has to do with Peterson's absence. He would even have troubles running behind this line. How bad have the Vikings been on the ground? Eight running backs have gained more rushing yards than their 782 yards. They are doing this at a 2.8 yards/carry clip. Very sad.

Here are the running backs that are doing a fine job of running with the football.

Rank	Player	Team	Att	Yds	Avg	TD
1	Ezekiel Elliott	DAL	243	1,199	4.9	11
2	DeMarco Murray	TEN	229	1,043	4.6	8
3	David Johnson	ARI	210	921	4.4	10
4	Melvin Gordon	SD	234	908	3.9	9
5	Lamar Miller	HOU	211	881	4.2	3
6	LeGarrette Blount	NE	212	869	4.1	12
7	Jay Ajayi	MIA	161	847	5.3	7
8	LeSean McCoy	BUF	157	819	5.2	9
9	Jordan Howard	CHI	149	766	5.1	2
10	Matt Forte	NYJ	202	759	3.8	7
11	Devonta Freeman	ATL	161	729	4.5	5
12	Mark Ingram	NO	136	721	5.3	3
13	Spencer Ware	KC	149	705	4.7	2
14	Le'Veon Bell	PIT	151	699	4.6	3
15	Frank Gore	IND	178	670	3.8	4

Ezekiel Elliott is having an outstanding first season in the NFL. He's just about locked up the rookie of the year award and is probably on the short list for league MVP and offensive player of the year. He could threaten Eric Dickerson's 33-year old rookie rushing record. Running behind the Cowboys superb offensive line makes it all look so easy for Elliott. He often isn't even touched until he's in the secondary.

A couple of the surprises among the top-15 runners are Jay Ajayi and rookie Jordan Howard. Ajayi's a surprise because he was in the Dolphins doghouse at the start of the season. He got out of that doghouse and he's been a running terror ever since. Howard has simply been a great find for the Bears. As a fifth round pick out of Indiana he was supposed to be a backup to Jeremy Langford. Langford got hurt and now he can't get his job back.

Another surprise is the lofty place of LeGarrette Blount. The surprise is due to the Patriots frequent preference of not featuring a single back. Perhaps that preference has always been due to a single back not stepping up and consistently performing as Blount has done this season. He's been great and his 12 touchdowns stand out.

Another back that doesn't get touched much until he's in the secondary is Devonta Freeman. The line in front of him is terrific. He may not run through as many gaping holes as Elliott but that could be simply because he doesn't get anywhere near as many carries. Freeman and Tevin Coleman make up the league's most dynamic backfield tandem. When they are clicking the Falcons offense is real tough to stop.

Le'Veon Bell might be around 1,000 yards if a suspension hadn't kept him out of the Steelers first three games.

David Johnson is probably my favorite back to watch right now. That choice is made easier with Adrian Peterson sidelined. Johnson is just so good at everything. His nimble feet, subtle speed, and excellent receiving skills are such a fun combination.

It's always fun to see young, exciting players emerge in the NFL. There are several running backs that qualify. Elliott is the newest gem but he's hardly alone. David Johnson is great. Melvin Gordon has given Philip Rivers his first real backfield threat since LaDanian Tomlinson. Johnson and Gordon are only in their second seasons. Lamar Miller, Jay Ajayi, Jordan Howard, Devonta Freeman, Le'Veon Bell. The NFL has a fine group of young runners. And some people say that the running back position has become a disposable one.

The league's leading rushers list is dominated by the youngsters but it's nice to see a couple of grey beards keeping pace. Matt Forte and Frank Gore. They may not be gaining yards in chunks like they once did but they are still grinding it out and moving the chains.