SI Ranks Offensive Backfields

[SBXVII]

Originally Posted by GusFrerotte

Yeah I agree with you. Although I am not yet 100% sold on JC as being the guy to lead us to a SB, he did end up 13th in passing last season. Not Pro Bowl necessarily, but definitely solid starter material, especially for what he has to work with. I am concerned about CP though. He is taking real punishment now, and I am worried he will go the way of Stephen Davis. We really screwed both of these guys with not addressing the O line deficiencies from last season. Clinton is going to get hammered and JC is going to be running for his life. Orakpo is great, but unless we really get a substantial lift in the turnover ratio with good field position to boot, we really aren't going to improve all that much in terms of wins and losses. Our offense will mirror that of last year. I wouldn't put too much stock in those rook WR's of last season either. They will improve, but that is because they sucked so bad last year that improving is all they can do.

I agree with you. I think another part of our problem is we are kinda one demensional in the RB department. Most teams know now that they need a 2 back system. No problem we have that. However I think with our back field we have two similar style of runners, both are between the tackle runners...pounding the ball. They do not have the speed to get outside and get yardage. Portis has not been used as a receiving out of the back field RB but on few occassions to include screens. I believe most teams know then if we run the ball it's going to be between the tackles so all they have to worry about is stopping the run up the middle and worry more about the pass plays.

I think or maybe perhaps the team is hoping with picking up a change of pace back like Alridge then teams have to worry about him either running inside, outside, or even catching passes out of the back field. In college he was used in this capacity. Putting both Portis and Alridge in the back field would create a headache for teams having to figure out fast enough who's getting the ball and adjusting for that particular runner.