Unlike the quarterback position, there isn't a lot to debate when it comes to the running backs. This is easily the most talented and deepest position on the roster.
Chris Johnson is coming of a rookie season where he set the league on fire, and believe it or not, there is still a lot more he can do in this offense. You can probably count on one hand the amount of times he motioned out of the backfield and lined up in the slot. I am sure the reason they didn't let him do that much last season was because of the load that he was already carrying on the offense, but now with a full season under his belt, there is a good chance we will see him do that more. Also, he is really fast.
I think we all expect for LenDale White to have the best season of his career in this his contract season. While there is a part of me that gets really mad when guys do that, it will be just fine with me because the Titans will get the benefit of that in 2009, and then some team will give him a boatload of money in free agency. Then we won't have to worry about him anymore. (Although I will miss his interviews because there are very few guys out there who can come up with a term like swaggerjacked!)
Chris Henry is also fast, and there is a very good shot that he will be running into offensive lineman's backs in another city in 2009. The kid has a deadly combination of size and speed, but if you don't have vision it just doesn't matter.
I can't wait to see what they get from Rafael Little. He was a game changing running back before tearing up his knee, and it would be great if the Titans could plug him in there to give Crazy Legs some plays off next season.
Javon Ringer is another guy that I am pretty excited about. He proved in college that he is capable of carrying the load, and he is also very solid catching the ball out of the backfield. His best shot to be active on game day in 2009 will be to make an impact on special teams, but he could be a guy that could make an impact if CJ or The Round Mound go down with an injury.
And of course there is The Sarge, Ahmard Hall. Hall brings a lot to this offense that doesn't show up on the stat sheet, and he proved last season that he can make some plays when Dinger calls his number.
A lot of you didn't agree with me when I said quarterback was a strength of the Titans' roster, but I dare you to argue with me when I call running back the strength of the roster. These running backs combined with the offensive line that will be in front of them and a head coach that LOVES to run the football should bring good things to Nashville in 2009.
[UPDATE]- My apologies to the Bowling Ball, Quinton Ganther. He is a guy that got us all excited and does have some talent, but I just don't see anyway he can make the 2009 roster.