Jacobs claimed that he was attempting to throw his helmet against the ground, but it slipped out of his hands and soared several rows up into the stands.  It looks like quarterback, in addition to running back, is just another position that Brandon Jacobs wouldn’t be very good at.

1. Brandon Jacobs: At 6′ 4″ Jacobs is a load for opposing defences, but do not be fooled by his size he has great feet and is able to outrun the secondary when he hits the open field. Jacobs has dealt with some injury concerns but is a proven No. 1 running back that may fit in well in a combo back system. He is an established power back that could benefit tremendously with a back up scat back in the system. He may not be available for too long as he is arguably the most talented free agent running back.

TPS Prediction: Jacobs re-signs with the Giants on a long term deal.  He is the “straw that stirs the drink” in that offense, and gives the Giants that “smashmouth” mystique.  They can’t afford to let him go.

2. Darren Sproles: The most explosive available running back on the market will make a future team very happy. Recently nicknamed “Jr LT”, Sproles can provide a team versatility, he is great in the return game and could be used in change of pace role. The question is his size, but that can quickly be overlooked as he had an outstanding end to the ’08 season and carried that momentum into the playoffs, his confidence should be at an all-time high and this will be evident early in the ’09 season.

TPS Prediction: Sproles will soon discover that the demand for a TINY running back in the NFL is also VERY TINY.  He is worth more to San Diego than anywhere else.  He re-signs, and continues his current role.

3. Derrick Ward: Derrick Ward had his best season as a professional raking up 1025 rushing yards in a backup role. He also averaged 5.6 yards per carry, granted he did play for the conference champion New York Giants. Ward has good size, vision, and agility for a big man, he can reaches the second level consistently and has the power to drive opponents backwards. The one drawback to Wards’ situation is that he is turning 29 and that is the tail end of a running backs career, he will probably recieve a short term contract.

TPS Prediction: Ward will be out of New York, as the he will demand more than he is worth.  As stated, he turns 29 by the start of the ’09 season, and is HIGHLY replaceable in the draft.  He will probably sign a three year deal with a contending team, and will be given a featured role.  He will soon discover that he is not as good as his numbers indicate.  He has been spoiled by a great o-line, and by not being keyed on.

4. DeShaun Foster: He has seen his numbers steadily decline over the years, that is not surprising considering he is a backup to Frank Gore. Foster may still have some gas in the tank, but it is a gamble for a team looking to fill a reserve running back role. Foster has had injuries in the past and is also turning 29. He may be a good third down back but at this point in his career in unlikely to fill a starter role in the league.

TPS Prediction: Foster will not find any “biters” in the free agent market, and will have to take a pay cut to stay in football.  Unlike Ward, he has not been productive lately.  At best, he will sign as a third stringer with the Niners or another desperate team.  At worst, he starts the season on his couch waiting for a phone call.

Notable Running Backs

Rudi Johnson, LaMont Jordan, Maurice Morris, Correll Buckhalter, Micheal Pittman, Dominic Rhodes, Jason Wright, J.J. Arrington, Aaron Stecker

Apparently a spy from The New York Post said Eli’s wife, Abby, “gave him a special lap dance” while Beyonce’s hit, “Single Ladies,” blared on the sound system.

“They were trying to hide, but everyone on the dance floor could see them.”

How does a superstar athlete like Eli Manning hide from a club filled with people and unidentified spy’s from the media?  We don’t know, but you better try harder next time Eli cause your Lap Dance is all over the net.

I love the fact that Eli’s staying lose before their home divisional playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles.  Plus his wife is really hot and come on, we all know Eli’s pretty nerdy and if he wasn’t a football star he probably wouldn’t have a wife that hot.

Eli is one of the best quarterbacks in the league and he deserves a hot female giving him a nice, sensual lap dance once and a while.

GO ELI GO!  GO GIANTS GO!

1.  DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers.

Williams was the forgotten man in this backfield prior to the start of this season.  The Panthers drafted highly touted Stewart in the first round of the draft and many people believed that he was going to get a limited amount of carries during the season.  That was not the case and the move has payed off in a big way as both players have had great seasons thus far.  They lead the NFL in combined yardage with 1840, and are second in touchdowns with 21.

2.  Chris Johnson and LenDale White, Tennessee Titans.

This duo is the real Thunder and Lighting in the NFL.  The Titans, like the Panthers, drafted a running back in the first round this year.  The running of these two studs has re-energized the franchise and made them one of the best teams in league.  White is playing the type of football that he was known for in at USC, and Chris Johnson is playing the way Reggie Bush was supposed to play when he entered the league.  I have them ranked number 2, but by seasons end they can easily be number 1.  They have compiled 1768 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns.

3.  Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward, New York Giants,

You can also add in Ahmad Bradshaw, which gives the Giants an embarrassment of riches at the position.  The most amazing part of these players making this list is that neither one was a high pick in the draft.  Earth, Wind and Fire, have been playing well all year for the Gmen and should play a big role in the playoffs.  They have 1701 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns between them (not including Bradshaw).

Honorable mention: Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor, Minnesota Vikings,  Micheal Turner and Jerious Norwood, Atlanta Falcons, Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, New York Jets.