Tag Archives: best running backs of the 2010s

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 117: Jamaal Charles vs. Chris Johnson – Who was Better?

In football, there is the saying that “speed kills” – as a result, at the NFL Combine each year, one of the most closely tracked metrics is the 40-yard dash, even though its ability to predict greatness at the next level is at best murky.  Nevertheless, at the running back position, the 2008 NFL Draft saw the arrival of two of the fastest running backs ever in Jamaal Charles and Chris Johnson, with Johnson at one point running the fastest 40-yard time ever.  With their blazing speed, both backs were multi-purpose weapons and among the game’s most productive offensive players at their respective peaks (and consensus first-round fantasy draft picks) – their similar styles of play and levels of production thus raises the question:

Who was better – Jamaal Charles or Chris Johnson?

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