Rookie RB Analysis

Knowshon Moreno. Denver has gone absolutely insane with signing free-agent running backs this offseason, considering the huge plague of injuries the RB (and FB) core suffered last season. Prominent names that they have acquired include Correll Buckhalter, J.J. Arrington and Lamont Jordan. On top of that, the Broncos have sophomore Ryan Torain and rookie Kestahn Moore to battle for carries. Although Moreno is the frontrunner to receive the bulk of the carries, the Broncos have been notorious for splitting carries. We question the future of the franchise with Josh McDaniels succeeding Mike Shanahan’s fifteen year term.

Donald Brown. Last season, the Indianapolis Colts ranked 31st in the league in rushing, second to only the Arizona Cardinals. The Colts 27th overall pick in Donald Brown confirms that change in their rushing attack is imminent. Incumbent Joseph Addai posted a paltry 3.5 yards per carry in 2008, showing that he is not the every-down back people once expected. With the departure of Dominic Rhodes, Brown will probably split carries to begin the season. Tony Dungy is out, and with it, we project the Colts to improve significantly from the 79.4 rushing YPG last season. Brown should be an essential part of that as he will easily topple the 150 carry mark.

Chris “Beanie” Wells. J.J. Arrington signed with the Denver Broncos; Edgerrin James was released several days after the draft, leaving Tim Hightower as sole competition for the rookie out of Ohio State. In 2008, Hightower proved his worth as a third down running back, but his 2.9 YPG shows that he cannot shoulder the full load. The only question surrounding Wells’ potential is his ability to stay healthy. If he does, he is in position to be the starting back in the desert. Granted, the Cardinals ranked dead last in rushing last season, but they showed true promise with rushing the ball in their postseason run, and we look for a more dynamic attack to emerge for the high-octane offense – with Beanie handling the ground game.

McFadden Breaks Out

Oakland rookie running back and top running back taken, Darren McFadden, rushed for 164 yards and a TD after Justin Fargas went down to an injury (surprise, surprise). We knew it was a matter of time for either Fargas to go down or for McFadden to breakout, well both happened in just week two. If you have Fargas, dump him, it was a bad move in the first place. Bush is a better option. By the way, Michael Bush rushed for another 91 yards and a TD on 16 carries. He should continue to get goal line carries and more playing time with Fargas down. Sin City Scout

Stewart Takes First Step in Being #1

Jonathan Stewart has way too much talent to play behind DeAngelo Williams and took his first step it getting the job by running 14 times for 77 yards and 2 TD's. Williams rushed 11 times for just 31 yards. He is a must have for keeper leagues, but it is likely too late to acquire him cheaply, but it is worth a try. By the way, it was Stewart at the end of the game when it counted and they weren't just good stats, he looked good running. Sin City Scout