Ranking the NFC North's Backfields
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Much is made of the quarterback position -- and rightfully so.
But, the balance that a stellar ground game can provide is invaluable, no matter the level of football that you’re playing.
Let’s find out where the teams in the NFC North stack up when it comes to running the football:
4.) Chicago Bears
David Montgomery and Tarik Cohen aren’t entirely to blame for Chicago’s struggles to run the football a season ago.
Its offensive line struggled mightily in run-blocking situations, and the passing game wasn’t consistent enough in 2019 to keep opposing defenses off balance.
Cohen’s numbers fell off in both the rushing and receiving categories after a Pro Bowl campaign in 2018.
Montgomery accumulated 3.7 yards per carry, while Cohen managed just 3.3 -- a number that dropped from 4.7 in the previous year.
There is also very little depth at the position.
The seldom-used Ryan Nall appears to be next in line behind Cohen at this current juncture.
3.) Detroit Lions
Matthew Stafford has never truly had a consistent running game behind him, but that could very well be different after Detroit selected running back D’Andre Swift in the second round of the 2020 draft.
Swift proved himself to be one of the most dynamic backs at the college level, with the ability to not only run but also to be effective in the passing game.
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He will accompany Kerryon Johnson in a backfield that could produce a solid 1-2 punch for offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell to work with.
Johnson’s health has been an issue in the past.
After only playing eight games a season ago, one has to wonder if he’ll stay healthy for the entirety of this upcoming season.
Swift is obviously taking the jump from college to pro football. So, there are still some question marks surrounding the two until proven otherwise on the field.
2.) Green Bay Packers
The Packers' running game might actually make their future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers more dangerous than he already is.
The amount of balance that their rushing attack should give this offense in 2020 is ample.
The Green Bay ground game starts with Aaron Jones, who, in three seasons, has proven that he’s one of the league’s best up-and-coming backs.
Jones tied for the NFL lead in rushing touchdowns last season with 16 -- the second-most in team history behind Jim Taylor’s 19 in 1962.
Jamaal Williams is more than capable of taking the load off of Jones when necessary.
He’s excellent when it comes to catching balls out of the backfield, and adds a nice physical component to this running game.
1.) Minnesota Vikings
Vikings fans should hold their running game in high regard heading into 2020.
Dalvin Cook is coming off a well-deserved Pro Bowl appearance. And when healthy, is perceived by most to be the best back in the division.
His three-year career has seen him average 103.1 yards from scrimmage per game -- a product of his acceleration, vision and elusiveness in the running game and his seemingly innate skills in the passing game.
To continue the theme of wonderful up-and-coming running backs, Cook’s backup Alexander Mattison pieced together a stellar rookie season with 544 yards from scrimmage in 2019.
Mattison’s 220-pound frame makes for a nice power presence, but he’s also showcased an ability to accelerate.
The Vikings ranked sixth in team rushing yards a season ago, and could very well be a top-five rushing attack in 2020.
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