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AFC News 'N' Notes -- Week 4
2007, Week 4, 09/25/2007

NFL RUNNING BACK COMBOS PACK WALLOP

The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint.

This certainly holds true for running backs as they strive to maintain their explosive running styles while taking and delivering punishment.

Tennessee Titans assistant head coach-running backs coach SHERMAN SMITH, who allocates carries to running backs CHRIS BROWN and LEN DALE WHITE, is a firm believer in having a back with fresh legs.

“You should always have a fresh running back because they present numerous problems for the defense,” says Smith, a former running back with the Seattle Seahawks (1976-82). “Our backs have different running styles, so defenses can’t get comfortable with them. The defense can’t say we have to stop a power back when you have a guy that can come in and present speed and vice versa.”

The Houston Texans signed four-time Pro Bowl running back AHMAN GREEN this offseason to team up with RON DAYNE and the Texans are off to their best start in team history (2-1). The former Packer has carried most of the load throughout his 10-year career, but he welcomes the tag-team approach.

“When one is not playing, we’re resting up and the other goes in there and basically continues where the other guy left off,” says Green. “Pounding on the defense in the game takes its toll when it comes to the third and fourth quarters.”

Following is a list of 10 teams with two running backs that have totaled at least 20 carries each through Week 3 (seven of the teams have winning records):.

TEAM
RUNNING BACKS/CARRIES
TOTAL YDS
W-L
Atlanta Warrick Dunn (46) and Jerious Norwood (20)
255
0-3

Carolina DeShaun Foster (46) and DeAngelo Williams (34)
378
2-1

Dallas Marion Barber (40) and Julius Jones (38)
380
3-0

Houston Ahman Green (35) and Ron Dayne (31)
226
2-1

Jacksonville Fred Taylor (39) and Maurice Jones-Drew (33)
256
2-1

New England Laurence Maroney (54) and Sammy Morris (33)
403
3-0

New Orleans
Deuce McAllister (24) and Reggie Bush (29)
172
0-3

Oakland LaMont Jordan (69) and Justin Fargas (21)
432
1-2

Tennessee Chris Brown (42) and LenDale White (50)
427
2-1

Washington Clinton Portis (48) and Ladell Betts (30)
309
2-1

The three teams in history to have two running backs rush for 1,000 yards apiece in a season. All three clubs made the playoffs:


1,000-YARD RB DUOS
TEAM
YEAR
RECORD
YARDS
Franco Harris (1,128) & Rocky Bleier (1,036)
Pittsburgh 1976
10-4
2,164

Larry Csonka (1,117) & Mercury Morris (1,000) *
Miami 1972
14-0
2,117

Kevin Mack (1,104) & Earnest Byner (1,002)
Cleveland 1985
8-8
2,106


*Miami won Super Bowl VII and is the only team in history to post an undefeated season/postseason (17-0).