The last few seasons, the two back system has become a very popular trend in the NFL. Teams are noticing that the two back system keeps both backs fresh and avoids them from taking a pounding. Most two back systems have a combination of power and speed. Almost all of the teams on this list have that. So without further explanation, here is my list of the top ten running back tandems in the NFL.
1. Fred Taylor, Maurice Jones-Drew Jaguars: Many people wouldn't agree with this but both Taylor and Jones-Drew are among the top 20 backs in the league. Taylor hasn't really gotten much national attention but is one of the most consistent backs in the league. Jones-Drew is a touchdown machine as he has 22 career rushing touchdowns in two years. The two back system has also helped both of them as well as Jones-Drew is learning from one of the best backs in the game while Taylor has added at least 2 years onto his career.
2. Adrian Peterson, Chester Taylor Vikings: Many people would have put this tandem at number one on the list. But to me their is more of a drop off from Peterson to Taylor then with the Jaguars tandem. Peterson had an excellent rookie season and if he keeps it up will be one of the best backs in the league for a long time. Taylor also had a solid season with 844 yards and 7 touchdowns. It seems hard to believe but this tandem can be even more effective when the Vikings develop a passing game.
3. LaDainian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles Chargers: It's hard to beat a tandem with the best back in the league and a shifty scat back who can score everytime he touches the ball. They may have lost Michael Turner in the offseason, but that won't stop Tomlinson from having a great year as he is always good for at least 14 touchdowns. Sproles also played very well last year and showed he is a good receiver out of the backfield.
4. Marion Barber, Felix Jones Cowboys: This is the perfect example of a thunder and lightning tandem. Barber is one the best brusing backs in the game as he had 10 rushing touchdowns last year. While Jones has great speed and will run all over defenses after Barber has worn them down. This tandem could be much higher next year.
5. Clinton Portis, Ladell Betts Redskins: Portis had another great season last year as he had 1262 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has established himself as one of the best backs in the game. While Betts even though he didn't play that well last season, he is one of the better backups in the league and has the potential to start for some teams.
6. Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw Giants: Considering Jacobs missed 5 games, he had a very good season last year as he averaged 5 yards a carry and had over 1000 yards. The only problem was with his size he should score more then 4 touchdowns. Bradshaw was a great find for the Giants late in the draft last year as he was very elusive and had a big part in the offense during the playoffs.
7. Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden Raiders: This group has the potential to be in the top 4 in this list next year. Fargas had a very good season last year as he had over 1000 yards in 14 games. While McFadden was too good for the Raiders to pass up with the 4th pick. This tandem will really shine once JaMarcus Russell develops but even if the passing game struggles, this duo will be fun to watch.
8. Michael Turner, Jerious Norwood Falcons: This group compliments each other very well as Turner is more of a bruiser while Norwood is among the fastest backs in the league. Both of these guys also have fresh legs as neither of them started last year. Until Matt Ryan develops, these two will be the majority of the Falcons offense.
9. Willis McGahee, Ray Rice Ravens: McGahee had a solid first year in Baltimore with over 1200 yards and 7 touchdowns. Rice was drafted in the second round and due to the fact he is very durable,has the ability to give the Ravens 12-15 carries in his first season. Both of these guys will benefit from having Cam Cameron as offensive coordinator as he loves to utilize his running backs.
10.Willie Parker, Rashard Mendenhall Steelers: This group could become one of the top tandems in the league if Parker stays healthy and if Mendenhall lives up to the billing of a first round pick. Mendenhall has the ability to become a back who can handle 25 carries a game while Parker is a threat to score everytime he touches the ball. Mike Tomlin will love coming up with ways to get both of these guys on the field at once.
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