Tag Archives: best running backs of the 2000s

H2H 144: Matt Forte vs. Ahman Green – Who was Better?

As one of the greatest rivalries in sports, the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers have faced off as NFC North rivals more than 200 times dating back to 1921, with the latter holding a slight all-time lead in terms of won-loss record.  Moreover, from Gale Sayers and Walter Payton to Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung, both franchises have a long tradition of standout running backs; in recent memory, two Pro Bowl running backs who donned the respective Bears and Packers uniforms during the 21st century were Matt Forte and Ahman Green – each was a consistent workhorse back in his prime with similar all-around versatility both running and catching the ball, thus making for an interesting comparison:

Who was better – Matt Forte or Ahman Green?

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H2H 138: Steven Jackson vs. Marshawn Lynch – Who was Better?

The prototype power running back is an all-around offensive weapon who can carry a team’s offense with his ability to pound the football while also having the ability to catch passes out of the backfield.  Over the past 20 years, two of the best power running backs to come around in the NFL have been Steven Jackson and Marshawn Lynch – in their respective primes, each was a true workhorse back known for his punishing running style and consistently producing 1,000-yard seasons year in and year out.  With both players having hung up their cleats in recent years, it is perhaps a natural comparison to ask:

Who was better – Steven Jackson or Marshawn Lynch?

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H2H 126: Jamal Lewis vs. Clinton Portis – Who was Better?

During the 2000s, the D.C. area’s NFL teams, the Baltimore Ravens and the former Washington Redskins, were characterized by hard-nosed ground games on offense; spearheading these rushing attacks were two powerful, between-the-tackles runners in Jamal Lewis and Clinton Portis.  Both were true workhorse backs who possessed the toughness and skill to rack up 1,000+ rushing yards year in and year out and give an unquestionable identity to their teams.  However, this type of punishing running style ultimately took its toll and limited each player to less than a decade in the NFL – looking back on their similarly productive careers, the question is:

Who was better – Jamal Lewis or Clinton Portis?

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