Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is simply “that dude.” He’s got the talent, he’s got the money, he’s got the fame and the physique. But does he still hold the title of the best running back in his own division?
Someone – specifically a guy who was drafted in the same year as Christian, may have something to say about that. After McCaffrey missed 13 games due to injuries and that same rival led the league in touchdowns scored from scrimmage, there might be some debate. Here are our rankings for the top seven running backs in the NFC South in 2021.
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The 2013 second-round pick out of the University of North Carolina played second fiddle in the Cincinnati backfield for just about his entire career, whether it was behind Jeremy Hill or Joe Mixon. And while Bernard won’t be the premier back in Tampa Bay either, je may be set up to make a greater impact than he ever has in the pros. Gio joins a position group crowded with name value (which you’ll see later on in this list), but the 29-year-old West Palm Beach native returns home to a role he’s been quite comfy with—a reliable pass catcher. Look for Bernard, who has averaged nearly 43 receptions per season, to crack the field on passing downs and hurry-up situations. So, basically, Bernard could be Tom Brady’s new James White. If he can regain some of his past quickness to couple with his capability in those spots, the Buccaneers will have added yet another viable weapon for their quarterback because that’s totally what that guy needs more of.
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Even in his 30s, Murray is still punishing defenders with his imposing 6-foot-3, 230-pound frame. He’s still a useful chess piece for Saints coach Sean Payton, too. Murray averaged a career-high in yards per carry last season (4.5) as the “smash” to Alvin Kamara‘s “dash.” (Calm down, Panthers fans. Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams are still the rightful proprietors of that namesake. And Chris Johnson and LenDale White can still take a hike on their illegitimate claims on it. Don’t @ me.) Anyway, you must be doing something right on offense if Payton is keeping you around and Murray will be entering his third year in New Orleans as their heavy out of the backfield.
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Similarly to the aforementioned Murray, Fournette brings a heavy, hard-hitting presence to his backfield. However, it may not be enough to keep snaps away from the newly-signed Bernard in 2021. Fournette isn’t exactly in the driver’s seat on that, as he’s coming off a year where he averaged 3.8 yards per carry and 46.2 yards per game. Just as he did in Jacksonville, Fournette continues to fall short of the expectations that came with the fourth overall pick that was used on him in 2017. His overall shortcomings could be somewhat rectified if “Playoff Lenny” shows up more regularly. Fournette flashed us back to his powerful, agile days at LSU this past postseason, averaging 4.7 yards an attempt with four total touchdowns in Tampa’s four-game run to the Lombardi Trophy.
Mike Davis
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Another big boy, and a familiar face to the Carolina faithful pops in here at No. 4. Will he carry over that pop from the Panthers to the Atlanta Falcons? Perhaps calling it a “breakout year” may be a tad too strong, but Davis’ 2020 campaign did see a bunch of defenders break down in their attempts to tackle him. The 5-foot-9, 221-pound bowling ball displayed tremendous burst and balance for Carolina while starting in 12 games in place of an injured Christian McCaffrey. That display, along with his 1,015 scrimmage yards and nine total touchdowns, earned him a two-year, $5.5 million payday with his hometown squad after having bounced around to four different franchises in his six NFL seasons. Will he find a home at home?
Ronald Jones II
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Also on the precipice of a breakout is Jones II, who we’ve been waiting on to become a stud for what seems like much longer than the three years he’s been around. Luckily, we might not have to wait much longer. The 38th overall pick of 2018 ran for his best campaign yet in 2020, notching career-highs in rushing yards (978), rushing touchdowns (seven) and yards per carry (5.1). He also recorded the longest single run of his career with that historic 98-yard score against the Panthers in Week 10. Even if he hasn’t exactly exploded onto the pro scene, Jones still shown the elusiveness and tight footwork that earned him a second-round selection out of college. When he puts it all together, we may be looking at one of the more dynamic backs in the league.
Alvin Kamara
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You all knew it was coming down to this, right? And, honestly, you could perhaps go with a 1A and 1B situation between McCaffrey and this man. Regardless, Kamara is an insane talent that has not shown any deficiencies in any aspect of the job. He runs with speed, power, patience and intelligence. He is extremely difficult to corral, is a terror as a pass-catcher and is even efficient as a blocker in one of the most busy offenses in football. Clearly the most successful of the Chipmunks, Alvin put forth his most productive year in 2020, hitting career-highs in rushing yards (932), total touchdowns (21) and receptions (83). He also scored six times in Week 16 against the Minnesota Vikings, tying an NFL record. When you’re watching Kamara, you immediately know you’re watching something special.
Christian McCaffrey
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What did it for McCaffrey was his overall body of work compared to Kamara’s. Context can be useful, but Kamara has never rushed for 1,000 yards in a season. McCaffrey has done it twice. Kamara has also never caught 100 balls in a season. McCaffrey has done that twice as well. Here’s another interesting one. McCaffrey has the most receiving yards of any running back since 2018, including the 2020 campaign where he played in only three games. So, he has essentially spotted the field an entire season and still leads the pack. McCaffrey hardly ceases to amaze, as his combination of quickness, athleticism, savviness and adaptability is unmatched. Hell, his hands and footwork are so sharp that he could exclusively become a wide receiver and probably be one of the best in the game there, too. The bottom line is McCaffrey and Kamara are two truly elite athletes that can do it all. So, let’s not waste time arguing and just enjoy them. [vertical-gallery id=637525]
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