Where do Bills' Lynch, Jackson rank in league rushing duos?

by Brian Galliford on Dec 4, 2008 2:00 PM EST in Buffalo Bills Opinion

Where do Jackson, Lynch rank? (buffalobills.com)

The NFL is all about trends, and one of the most prominent offensive trends we've seen develop over the past few years has been the transition from one-back to two-back rushing systems. The days where one runner is featured in a backfield are quickly coming to a close, with one-two punches being implemented to sustain careers and increase the production of rushing games across the league. The Buffalo Bills are no different; Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson are two of Buffalo's five most important offensive players.

Lynch and Jackson are, at least statistically, enjoying a highly productive season between the two of them. Curious to know how the duo stacked up to other dominant rushing duos in the league, I decided to do what the nerd in me relishes: crunch numbers. Lynch and Jackson have been terrific, but this list should highlight exactly where they stand when it comes to two-back duos in the current NFL.

You're probably going to look at this list and be confused - especially if, say, you're a Cowboys fan stopping by. "Where's Marion Barber and Felix Jones?" I left off any duo that's dealt with significant injuries this season, and with Jones on IR, MB3 has been getting the bulk of the rushing load while dealing with injuries himself. Some seriously good running backs won't make this list because they do most of the work themselves (I'm looking at you, Willie Parker and Brian Westbrook). This is, of course, an opinion piece, so feel free to disagree with me. As it stands at this moment, however, here's how I'd rate the Top 10 1-2 rushing punches in the NFL.

#1 - Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, NY Jets
- 294 carries, 1414 yards (4.8 average), 15 TD; 61 receptions, 449 yards (7.4 average), 4 TD

#2 - Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward, NY Giants
- 315 carries, 1580 yards (5.0 average), 14 TD; 41 receptions, 402 yards (9.8 average), 0 TD

#3 - DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, Carolina
- 320 carries, 1539 yards (4.8 average), 17 TD; 24 receptions, 131 yards (5.5 average), 2 TD

#4 - Chris Johnson and LenDale White, Tennessee
- 349 carries, 1533 yards (4.4 average), 20 TD; 39 receptions, 241 yards (6.2 average), 1 TD

#5 - Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor, Minnesota
- 350 carries, 1604 yards (4.6 average), 12 TD; 51 receptions, 385 yards (7.5 average), 1 TD

#6 - Michael Turner and Jerious Norwood, Atlanta
- 359 carries, 1620 yards (4.5 average), 15 TD; 31 receptions, 277 yards (8.9 average), 1 TD

#7 - Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, Miami
- 289 carries, 1202 yards (4.2 average), 13 TD; 40 receptions, 344 yards (8.6 average), 1 TD

#8 - Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson, Buffalo
- 291 carries, 1205 yards (4.1 average), 8 TD; 70 receptions, 506 yards (7.2 average), 1 TD

#9 - Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor, Jacksonville
- 260 carries, 1055 yards (4.1 average), 12 TD; 58 receptions, 507 yards (8.7 average), 0 TD

#10 - Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes, Indianapolis
- 252 carries, 908 yards (3.6 average), 8 TD; 53 receptions, 335 yards (6.3 average), 3 TD

Clearly, there are some incredibly productive rushing tandems out there, and Lynch and Jackson trail significantly in several categories, specifically yards per attempt and touchdowns. That keeps them out of the "elite" category, but clearly, they're productive in their own right. No running back tandem in the league has more receptions than the 70 Lynch and Jackson have put up (New Orleans' Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas have notched 67 as their closest competitors).

It's not exactly a news flash, but this running back duo of ours is very, very good. If Turk Schonert can get them more touches and find a way to get them in the end zone more often, this duo could establish themselves as "elite". Until then, they'll have to defer to the rest of the outstanding duos ahead of them on this list.

Poll

Where would you rank Marshawn and Freddie on this list?

1-3

9 votes

4-6

73 votes

7-10

58 votes

140 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I'd put Parker/Moore in there...

I know Parker gets the bulk of carries when healthy, but that’s pretty rare nowdays. Moore is right up there with Kevin Faulk and Leon Washington as best 3rd down backs in the league.

A couple of other good tandems that you left off the list (I probably would too, they’re not necessarily having great years): Tomlinson/Sproles, and Thomas/Bush in New Orleans.

by Make a play Whitner on Dec 4, 2008 2:25 PM EST reply actions

I left Thomas/Bush off because I consider them inferior to the folks on this list. Same with Tomlinson/Sproles, at least this year.

I left the Steelers backs off the list because that only became a two-back system when Parker got hurt. It was all Parker, all the time before that – Rashard Mendenhall was barely a factor, let alone Moore. I don’t consider the Steelers a true two-back attack, but I gave them more consideration than the other two you mentioned, because as you said – Moore has been good.

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by Brian Galliford on Dec 4, 2008 2:32 PM EST up reply actions

Crap I meant to add Tomlinson/Sproles somewhere….11th works then. Tomlinson has been mediocre this year, but has had some moments. In fact, his numbers are similar to Lynch’s. Sproles hasn’t had the opportunities that he should be getting. OH well.

by Kurupt on Dec 4, 2008 2:41 PM EST up reply actions

I have

Lynch and jackson on Fantasy football team and I have to say that Lynch is a dependable point machine. Lynch is like Ward of the Giants, who i also have. What they lack in running yards, they make up in receptions and TDs.

As for Jackson, I’m not totally sold—he is great to have but not a hardcore second punch. I agree with the analysis. They are a very good tandem, but not elite. I guess the question is can they get to that level or is there a ceiling with Jackson.

by Ono on Dec 4, 2008 3:52 PM EST reply actions

The Giants

Have a great #3 running back too in Ahamad Bradshaw. He has 310 yards on just 49 carries. Those numbers are better than Bush or Taylor.

by jmantemp on Dec 4, 2008 6:53 PM EST reply actions

Earth, Wind, and Fire

I agree the giants are so good at running that they sucessfully operate a three back system, I’d say the Giants are at the top of the list by far. Throw in Bradshaw and the Giants have a total of 1890 rushing yards. Thats absolutley insane

"Where else would you rather be than right here, right now?"

by ArenZimm on Dec 4, 2008 7:48 PM EST up reply actions

Giants...

I can’t quite say that they have a “duo” in the New Jersey Giants’ back field, and even if you only count Jacobs & Ward, they have to be #1. What they are doing up there with their 3 headed monster this year is simply ludicrous. How do you average 5ypc? Outstanding.

After that it’s a 2 way tie for 2nd between NJ & Tenn, then it gets jumbled after that. Not sure if I would consider Minn and maybe Atlanta a true “tandem” system. Colts, Jax, gotta be at the bottom (of this list, this year)

So I guess I gotta put Lynch & Jackson around the 4-5 spot (a lil biased, yes) but I just cant ignore 70 rec for 506 yrds I really enjoy that stat. I am glad that our rookie OC is getting the ball to these guys in space. Now just get em more carries and we have the potential to be right at the top of this list.

Nice “Change of Pace” article Brian lol

There is only one NFL football team that plays in New York state...and Canada?

by MonStarr_716 on Dec 4, 2008 9:58 PM EST reply actions

Turk is doing nothing to get Lynch/Jackson the ball in space….what are you seeing there? Those receptions are pretty much ALL Edwards checking down to them. When is the last time we ran a successful screen? How often have we run outside this year?

If anything, our OC has done a TERRIBLE job getting them the ball in space….

by Kurupt on Dec 5, 2008 12:36 AM EST up reply actions

So you think that pretty muchall of the 70 receptions by our backs were not designed plays? Ok, I’ll agree with the screens comment, but i will also reiterate the point that Turk is a rook. Either way, good or bad, Turk has had something to do with our guys catching so many balls. I also vaguely remember Turk mentioning that he planned to use Marshawn and Fred more as receivers this year.

There is only one NFL football team that plays in New York state...and Canada?

by MonStarr_716 on Dec 5, 2008 1:15 AM EST up reply actions

We’re still waiting for him to actually design the plays to get them the ball. There have been a few plays here and there where he called a pass play for one of them, but yes, mostly it’s been Trent dumping it down to them.

by Kurupt on Dec 5, 2008 2:25 AM EST up reply actions

Lets place the blame where it really belongs

Our offensive line is one of weakest lines in the NFL. I f you look at the major difference in production between these backs it’s the TD’s. I know all of you want to blame our offensive cordinator for not calling ML’s number enough, but is there any game out there where the Bills have been consistant running the ball in the redzone (especially inside the 10) without ML making an unbelievable move or run? There hasn’t been one. This line is not strong enough to blow people off the ball. They are decent with technique, which makes them more than adequate but they are not strong.
Also, I think they lack the mindset or mentality to run the football consistently. I know some of you are going to ridcule me and say I am crazy for saying this but our lineman are soft. How many other teams do you know of that a lineman has a weekly show? How many lineman out there are going to yell at the crowd after a disgusting loss? I’ve never seen a team where the lineman get interviewed more than the skill players. I wish that they would do what most of the better teams do which is shut up and play. Play nasty, stop picking people up and knock people down close to a pile. ML & FJ can be home run hitters but even when we do make a hole the backside pursuit always makes the play. Thats why up until a couple of weeks ago ML long run was just over 20 yds. and I don’t believe he has a very long TD run for all the carries (but I’m not sure).
I know we all want to blame Turk but when he know’s and we know that ML is your only weapon in the red zone. The other team also knows it, and to stop one threat in a 20 yd area is pretty simple at the NFL level.
Sorry to be long winded but we went into the year knowing what the difficencies were in the offense. They are and have been exposed. We needed Hardy to mature quickly and it hasn’t happened, that is not saying he won’t. But next year I am looking forward to the Bills adding a new Guard or 2 along with a C and a stud TE and then this RB dual will be talked about in the upper 2 or 3.

by Honestabe75 on Dec 5, 2008 12:59 AM EST reply actions