The Ultimate Guide To The Elite Running Backs Of The 2000s
Who were the best running backs of the 2000s? Running backs are some of the most exciting players to watch in football, and the 2000s saw some of the best to ever play the game. These players were a combination of speed, power, and agility, and they could change the outcome of a game with a single play.
Some of the best running backs of the 2000s include:
- LaDainian Tomlinson
- Shaun Alexander
- Edgerrin James
- Priest Holmes
- Jamal Lewis
These players were all dominant forces in their prime, and they helped their teams achieve great success. Tomlinson was the NFL's MVP in 2006, and he led the Chargers to the AFC Championship Game that season. Alexander was the NFL's MVP in 2005, and he led the Seahawks to the Super Bowl that season. James was a three-time Pro Bowler, and he helped the Colts win Super Bowl XLI. Holmes was a four-time Pro Bowler, and he helped the Chiefs win the AFC West division title in 2003. Lewis was a two-time Pro Bowler, and he helped the Ravens win Super Bowl XXXV.
The running backs of the 2000s were some of the most exciting players to watch in NFL history. They were a combination of speed, power, and agility, and they could change the outcome of a game with a single play.
Essential aspects of the "best rbs of the 2000s"
The running backs of the 2000s were some of the most exciting players to watch in NFL history. They were a combination of speed, power, and agility, and they could change the outcome of a game with a single play.
- Speed
- Power
- Agility
- Vision
- Balance
- Strength
- Durability
- Versatility
These are just a few of the key aspects that made the running backs of the 2000s so special. They were a unique combination of physical and mental skills, and they were able to dominate the game in a way that few other players could.
For example, LaDainian Tomlinson was one of the most versatile running backs in NFL history. He was a threat to score every time he touched the ball, and he could also line up as a wide receiver or return kicks. Shaun Alexander was one of the most powerful running backs in the NFL during his prime. He was a battering ram who could run over defenders with ease. Edgerrin James was one of the most agile running backs in the NFL during his prime. He had great balance and vision, and he was able to make defenders miss with ease.
The running backs of the 2000s were a special group of players. They were a combination of speed, power, and agility, and they could change the outcome of a game with a single play. They were some of the most exciting players to watch in NFL history, and they will always be remembered as some of the best to ever play the game.
1. Speed
Speed is one of the most important aspects of a running back's game. It allows them to get to the edge of the defense quickly, break away from tackles, and score touchdowns. In the 2000s, there were a number of running backs who had blazing speed, including:
- LaDainian Tomlinson
- Shaun Alexander
- Edgerrin James
- Priest Holmes
- Jamal Lewis
2. Power
Power is an essential aspect of a running back's game. It allows them to break tackles, gain yards after contact, and score touchdowns. In the 2000s, there were a number of running backs who had incredible power, including:
- Shaun Alexander
- Jamal Lewis
- Priest Holmes
- Ahman Green
- DeShaun Foster
- Physical Strength
Physical strength is a key component of power. It allows running backs to break tackles and gain yards after contact. Shaun Alexander was one of the strongest running backs in the NFL during his prime. He was able to bench press over 400 pounds, and he used his strength to gain over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first five seasons in the NFL.
- Leg Drive
Leg drive is another important component of power. It allows running backs to generate power from their legs and drive through tackles. Jamal Lewis was one of the best leg drivers in the NFL during his prime. He was able to squat over 600 pounds, and he used his leg drive to gain over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first four seasons in the NFL.
- Balance
Balance is also important for power. It allows running backs to stay upright and maintain their momentum after contact. Priest Holmes was one of the best balanced running backs in the NFL during his prime. He was able to stay upright even after being hit by multiple defenders, and he used his balance to gain over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first five seasons in the NFL.
- Vision
Vision is also important for power. It allows running backs to see the holes in the defense and make quick decisions. Ahman Green was one of the best visionaries in the NFL during his prime. He was able to see the holes in the defense and make quick decisions, and he used his vision to gain over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first six seasons in the NFL.
Power is a key component of a running back's game, and the running backs of the 2000s were some of the most powerful in NFL history. They used their power to their advantage, and they were all among the best in the NFL during their primes.
3. Agility
Agility is a key component of a running back's game. It allows them to change direction quickly, avoid tackles, and make quick cuts. In the 2000s, there were a number of running backs who had incredible agility, including:
- LaDainian Tomlinson
- Edgerrin James
- Priest Holmes
- Warrick Dunn
- Darren Sproles
- Change of Direction
Change of direction is a key component of agility. It allows running backs to quickly change direction without losing speed or balance. LaDainian Tomlinson was one of the best at changing direction in the NFL during his prime. He was able to make sharp cuts and juke defenders with ease, and he used his change of direction to gain over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first seven seasons in the NFL.
- Elusiveness
Elusiveness is another important component of agility. It allows running backs to avoid tackles and make defenders miss. Edgerrin James was one of the most elusive running backs in the NFL during his prime. He was able to make defenders miss with ease, and he used his elusiveness to gain over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first six seasons in the NFL.
- Balance
Balance is also important for agility. It allows running backs to stay upright and maintain their momentum even after being hit. Priest Holmes was one of the best balanced running backs in the NFL during his prime. He was able to stay upright even after being hit by multiple defenders, and he used his balance to gain over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first five seasons in the NFL.
- Speed
Speed is also important for agility. It allows running backs to get to the edge of the defense quickly and make quick cuts. Warrick Dunn was one of the fastest running backs in the NFL during his prime. He was able to run a 4.39 40-yard dash, and he used his speed to gain over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first eight seasons in the NFL.
Agility is a key component of a running back's game, and the running backs of the 2000s were some of the most agile in NFL history. They used their agility to their advantage, and they were all among the best in the NFL during their primes.
4. Vision
Vision is a key component of a running back's game. It allows them to see the holes in the defense and make quick decisions. Running backs with good vision are able to find the open lanes and make the most of their opportunities. In the 2000s, there were a number of running backs who had incredible vision, including:
- LaDainian Tomlinson
- Edgerrin James
- Priest Holmes
- Ahman Green
- Warrick Dunn
One of the best examples of a running back with great vision is LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson was able to see the holes in the defense and make quick decisions, and he used his vision to gain over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first seven seasons in the NFL. In 2006, Tomlinson was named the NFL's MVP after rushing for over 1,800 yards and scoring 31 touchdowns.
Vision is a key component of a running back's game, and the running backs of the 2000s were some of the best in NFL history. They used their vision to their advantage, and they were all among the best in the NFL during their primes.
5. Balance
Balance is a key component of a running back's game. It allows them to stay upright and maintain their momentum even after being hit by defenders. Running backs with good balance are able to keep their feet moving and continue to gain yards after contact. In the 2000s, there were a number of running backs who had incredible balance, including:
- LaDainian Tomlinson
- Shaun Alexander
- Priest Holmes
- Edgerrin James
- Jamal Lewis
One of the best examples of a running back with great balance is LaDainian Tomlinson. Tomlinson was able to stay upright even after being hit by multiple defenders, and he used his balance to gain over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his first seven seasons in the NFL. In 2006, Tomlinson was named the NFL's MVP after rushing for over 1,800 yards and scoring 31 touchdowns.
Balance is a key component of a running back's game, and the running backs of the 2000s were some of the best in NFL history. They used their balance to their advantage, and they were all among the best in the NFL during their primes.
6. Strength
Strength is a key component of a running back's game. It allows them to break tackles, gain yards after contact, and score touchdowns. In the 2000s, there were a number of running backs who had incredible strength, including:
- Shaun Alexander
- Jamal Lewis
- Priest Holmes
- Ahman Green
- DeShaun Foster
Strength is important for a running back for a number of reasons. First, it allows them to break tackles. When a running back is hit by a defender, they need to be able to use their strength to power through the tackle and continue running. Second, strength allows running backs to gain yards after contact. After a running back is tackled, they often need to be able to use their strength to push forward and gain extra yards. Third, strength allows running backs to score touchdowns. When a running back is close to the end zone, they often need to be able to use their strength to push through the defense and score a touchdown.
The running backs of the 2000s were some of the strongest in NFL history. They used their strength to their advantage, and they were all among the best in the NFL during their primes.
7. Durability
Durability is a key component of a running back's game. It allows them to stay healthy and productive throughout the course of a long and demanding season. In the 2000s, there were a number of running backs who had incredible durability, including:
- LaDainian Tomlinson
- Edgerrin James
- Priest Holmes
- Ahman Green
- Warrick Dunn
- Physical Fitness
Physical fitness is a key component of durability. Running backs need to be in excellent physical condition in order to withstand the rigors of a long and demanding season. LaDainian Tomlinson was one of the fittest running backs in the NFL during his prime. He was known for his rigorous training regimen, and he was able to stay healthy and productive for over a decade.
- Injury Prevention
Injury prevention is another important component of durability. Running backs need to be able to avoid injuries in order to stay on the field. Edgerrin James was one of the most durable running backs in the NFL during his prime. He was known for his ability to avoid injuries, and he only missed one game due to injury during his entire career.
- Mental Toughness
Mental toughness is also important for durability. Running backs need to be able to mentally tough in order to withstand the physical and emotional challenges of a long and demanding season. Priest Holmes was one of the toughest running backs in the NFL during his prime. He was known for his ability to play through pain, and he never missed a game due to injury during his entire career.
- Good Fortune
Good fortune also plays a role in durability. Running backs need to be lucky enough to avoid major injuries. Ahman Green was one of the most durable running backs in the NFL during his prime. He was able to stay healthy and productive for over a decade, but he also had the good fortune to avoid any major injuries.
Durability is a key component of a running back's game, and the running backs of the 2000s were some of the most durable in NFL history. They were able to stay healthy and productive for many years, and they were all among the best in the NFL during their primes.
8. Versatility
Versatility is a key component of a running back's game. It allows them to do a variety of things on the field, which makes them more valuable to their team. In the 2000s, there were a number of running backs who had incredible versatility, including:
- LaDainian Tomlinson
- Edgerrin James
- Priest Holmes
- Ahman Green
- Warrick Dunn
There are several reasons why versatility is so important for a running back. First, it allows them to be more effective in the passing game. Running backs who can catch passes out of the backfield are more dangerous to defenses, because they can create mismatches with linebackers and safeties. Second, versatility allows running backs to stay on the field in different situations. For example, a running back who can block well can stay on the field in pass-protection situations, which can help his team protect the quarterback.
The running backs of the 2000s were some of the most versatile in NFL history. They were able to do a variety of things on the field, which made them more valuable to their teams. They were all among the best in the NFL during their primes, and they helped their teams achieve great success.
FAQs about the "best rbs of the 2000s"
The running backs of the 2000s were some of the most exciting and talented players in NFL history. They were a combination of speed, power, and agility, and they could change the outcome of a game with a single play. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the best running backs of the 2000s:
Question 1: Who were the best running backs of the 2000s?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as there were many great running backs playing during the 2000s. However, some of the most commonly cited names include LaDainian Tomlinson, Shaun Alexander, Edgerrin James, Priest Holmes, and Jamal Lewis.
Question 2: What made the running backs of the 2000s so special?
The running backs of the 2000s were special for a number of reasons. First, they were incredibly fast and agile. Second, they had great power and strength. Third, they had excellent vision and balance. Finally, they were all very durable and versatile.
Question 3: Who was the most dominant running back of the 2000s?
LaDainian Tomlinson was arguably the most dominant running back of the 2000s. He led the NFL in rushing yards four times and touchdowns three times. He was also named the NFL's MVP in 2006.
Question 4: How did the running backs of the 2000s compare to the running backs of today?
The running backs of the 2000s were just as talented as the running backs of today. However, the game of football has changed a bit since the 2000s. Today, teams are more likely to use a running back by committee, which means that there is less opportunity for individual running backs to put up big numbers.
Question 5: Who are some of the best running backs playing today?
Some of the best running backs playing today include Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, Ezekiel Elliott, and Nick Chubb.
The running backs of the 2000s were some of the most exciting and talented players in NFL history. They were a combination of speed, power, and agility, and they could change the outcome of a game with a single play. While the game of football has changed a bit since the 2000s, the running backs of today are just as talented as their predecessors.
Transition to the next article section:
The running backs of the 2000s were a special group of players. They were a combination of speed, power, and agility, and they could change the outcome of a game with a single play. They were some of the most exciting players to watch in NFL history, and they will always be remembered as some of the best to ever play the game.
Conclusion
The running backs of the 2000s were a special group of players. They were a combination of speed, power, and agility, and they could change the outcome of a game with a single play. They were some of the most exciting players to watch in NFL history, and they will always be remembered as some of the best to ever play the game.
The running backs of the 2000s helped to usher in a new era of NFL football. They were more versatile and dynamic than running backs of the past, and they were able to make big plays in a variety of ways. They helped to make the NFL a more exciting and entertaining game, and they inspired a new generation of running backs.
The legacy of the running backs of the 2000s is still felt today. Many of the running backs who are playing today were inspired by the players of the 2000s. They are continuing to push the boundaries of the game, and they are helping to make the NFL a more exciting and entertaining game than ever before.Article Recommendations
