fbpx
Skip to main content

5 most indomitable running backs in the NFL today

NFL Week 15: Lions-Titans, Derrick Henry

Unfathomable agility. Juggernaut power. A burning desire to win. There are a few running backs in the NFL today with these qualities, and they are almost impossible to bring down.

These five running backs cause even the most skilled tacklers to doubt themselves. Just when you think they’re down, they’ve put you in the dirt and left a trail of dust behind them.

5. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders

As a rookie, Jacobs proved his worth early and often. Appearing in just 13 games, he racked up impressive stats that would be considered successful over 16 games for most NFL running backs. Jacobs was tough to bring down last season, as many a defender can attest.

In addition to being the shiftiest running back in the open field last season, Jacobs broke 26 tackles. He gained 683 yards after contact, averaging 2.8 yards after contact per rush. Now this dude is going to be playing in an offense with insane speed in the receiving corps. He could be poised for even greater success in 2020.

4. Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks

Remember the moment when Chris Carson dragged nearly half the San Francisco 49ers defense into the end zone? We do. We also remember this insane Spiderman-esque recovery from the Seahawks running back.

Carson is nearly impossible to bring down. He rushed for 734 yards after contact last season, averaging 2.6 yards after first contact per rush. Carson also broke 28 tackles. Keep in mind, he’s doing all this playing in the meat grinder that is the NFC West.

3. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

Kamara did not have his best season in 2019, not even close. Now that we know just how hurt he was throughout the year, it all makes sense. Still, thanks to his otherworldly agility and surprising power, Kamara remained one of the most difficult running backs to bring down in the NFL.

Because of his injuries, Kamara only carried the ball 171 times last season. He still managed five rushing scores, averaged 4.7 yards per carry, and his 29 broken tackles was good for third in the NFL.

2. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns

One of the most underrated players in the NFL today, Browns running back Nick Chubb is a stunning playmaker. He combines power with speed and agility that makes him one of the biggest home-run threats in the league.

In addition to his ability to break off huge runs, Chubb is incredibly difficult to bring down. Of his 1,494 rushing yards gained last season, Chubb earned 882 after contact. He also broke 32 tackles, tied with Aaron Jones for the league lead.

1. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans

Derrick Henry is the NFL’s Juggernaut. Give him a head of steam and it’s rare to see him get hauled down without multiple defenders getting involved.

The Titans star led the NFL with 1,540 yards on the ground last year. He also led the league by a wide margin in yards after contact (968), was tied for the league lead with a 3.2 yard average per rush after contact. Big running backs who rack up the carries rarely last long in this league, but until his time is up it’s always a treat to watch this dominant back perform.

Mentioned in this article:

More About: