NFC East: Battle of the Ground Game
Who has the best running game in the NFC East? The reason I ask is that I believe that in the end, this division will be determined according to who has the best running game. Last season it was the Giants and this season its wide open for many reasons. There are many great backs in this division and I will briefly breakdown team by team who I believe will be the best this season and why.
Washington Redskins - History shows they have always been a good running team. But with Clinton Portis' engine wearing down and the offensive line only getting older and more fragile, the Skin's will have the worst running attack in the NFC East. The Redskins are in need of a change up back and they have to decide if that will be Ladell betts or someone else. But right now Portis can't handle the entire load. He is breaking down faster then a used Pontiac at this point in his career.
Philadelphia Eagles - Brian Westbrook is a dynamic running back, and with an improved offensive line he may have another very productive season. The only thing holding him back is his mileage as well as getting past the recent ankle surgery that he underwent. Westbrook is a better player catching the ball out of the back field then he is running it since Westbrook has only recorded two 1,000 yard rushing seasons. Rookie LeSean McCoy will be the back I believe the birds will go to, to carry the load. Sprinkle in a little Westbrook and you have a possible top ten rushing attack.
Dallas Cowboys - The Dallas Cowboys may have one of the best running attacks in the NFL this season. Just like the Cowboys as a team, their running game is flying under the radar. Marion Barber is a proven beast as a back. Behind Barber, is an explosive and dynamic runner in Felix Jones. The Cowboys possess great depth as well, with a third back like Tashard Choice. Choice proved last year when called upon that he could handle the load. The Dallas passing game won't be the same without T.O. But their running game will be a spark to Tony Romo and the offense. I would place the Cowboys behind the Giants, only because of the offensive line. The Cowboys and Giants running backs are equal in my opinion.
New York Giants - The Giants offensive line is the best in the NFL and you can't argue that. They led the league last season in rushing and have been the most consistent over the past few years. They have one of the most feared backs in Brandon Jacobs, who can run over almost any defender. The Giants change up back, Ahmad Bradshaw, may be one of the most underrated running backs in the NFL. He was a seventh round draft choice three years ago and possesses all of the skills to be an impact player. Time will only tell whether he is better then a guy like Felix Jones. Behind Bradshaw is Danny Ware, who the Giants signed off the jets practice squad a couple of years ago. He has nice burst to go along with good upper body strength. He reminds me a lot of Derrick Ward.
