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The second in a five-part series
Texans — Ahman Green vs. the field
Ahman Green came to Houston last year to boost the team’s ho-hum running game, but a knee injury limited him to just six contests. Although he’s expected to return healthy in ’08, players with Green’s age (31) and injury history often don’t make full recoveries from serious knee problems. If Green is hampered at all leading up to Week One, his starting spot could be up for grabs. The Texans signed ex-Titan Chris Brown this offseason and drafted West Virginia’s Steve Slaton in the third round. The veteran Brown likely would have the edge between the two, but Slaton could add a nice change of pace. Also aboard in Houston is Chris Taylor, whom the team is high on; he could factor into the mix as well.
Broncos — open competition
In what has become an annual occurrence, the Broncos enter the season with a muddled backfield situation. Their June 2 cutting of Travis Henry clears up the picture somewhat, but most of the team’s remaining backs come with little experience. The front-runner now appears to be Selvin Young, who started eight games as a rookie last season and gained an impressive 5.2 yards per carry. He should be a capable starter, but it’s uncertain if he can carry a full load. The Broncos also drafted Arizona State's Ryan Torain in the fifth round this April and signed veteran Michael Pittman in May. The team is high on Torain, and Pittman has proved to be a serviceable back in the past. Fantasy owners are used to being in the dark when it comes to Denver RBs, and, unfortunately, you can expect much of the same in the coming months.
Bears — Matt Forté vs. the field
While it appeared that the RB battle in Chicago would be between Cedric Benson and rookie Matt Forté, everything changed on June 9, when the Bears released Benson following two alcohol-related arrests. Although that move was necessary, it leaves the team inexperienced in the backfield. Forté, the Bears’ second-round pick, showed plenty of big-play potential while at Tulane and brings a passion and toughness to the position that the team had been lacking. He seems very likely to be the new starter, but it’s not a lock given the fact that he’ll need time to adjust to the pro game. His only legitimate competition right now is Adrian Peterson, who made five starts last season but struggled when given a heavy workload. Expect Chicago to sign a veteran back before Week One, but Forté should remain the guy to grab in fantasy leagues.
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Jonathan Stewart
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Panthers — Jonathan Stewart vs. DeAngelo Williams
Fans of DeAngelo Williams thought their man finally would get the opportunity to be the No. 1 back with DeShaun Foster gone, but the Panthers nixed that idea when they used a first-round pick on Jonathan Stewart. Stewart gives coach John Fox exactly what he has been looking for: a strong, bruising back with breakaway speed who can carry the offense if needed. Stewart looks like a future star, but he’s still sitting out with a toe injury and could take time to adapt to a pro offense. Meanwhile, Williams made his mark last year as a reserve, gaining 5.0 yards per carry and scoring five total TDs. Although he’s very talented, he might not be built to handle a full load, so a change-of-pace role could suit him well. Even if Williams begins ’08 as the starter, Stewart should assume that position before long.
Lions — Kevin Smith vs. Tatum Bell
Few RB battles will be as closely watched as the one in Detroit, where rookie Kevin Smith looks to unseat starter-by-default Tatum Bell. Bell played sparingly last season, his first as a Lion, after rushing for 1,025 yards for Denver in 2006. Although an effective runner with a career 4.8 yards per carry, Bell doesn’t appear to be the workhorse back that new offensive coordinator Jim Colletto wants for his rushing attack, which is probably why the Lions drafted Smith. The Central Florida product was an absolute monster last year, and his one-cut running style should fit Colletto’s system well. Regardless of who opens the year as the starter, Smith should be the one who finishes with the better numbers.
Thursday: Training-camp battles — wide receivers
Related Articles:
Training-camp battles — quarterbacks
By Michael Blunda, Tuesday, July 8, 2008
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