The NFC North is Loaded With Running Backs, Who Has the Most Talented Backfield?
There's no denying the NFC North is loaded with premier talent, especially at the running back position, and this isn't limited to the team's lead back either. The Bears, Lion, Packers, and Vikings all have tremendous talent at the running back position.
The next question, or debate that comes to mind when discussing divisional rivals is, «who has the best backfield?»
Chicago Bears:The Bears have the youngest duo and arguably the most unproven. Despite moving on from the electric Tarik Cohen, the Bears found another stud in Khalil Herbert in the 2021 NFL Draft. The Bears running attack of course is spearheaded by David Montgomery. Montgomery stands out from all 22 players on the field with his tenacious running style and his will to outwork everyone on the field. Montgomery has only eclipsed 1000 yards once in his career but he has missed a few starts each season due to an ankle and knee injury. Montgomery's future is bright and is ready to break out as the Bears improve their offensive attack and offensive line. Operating as the backup running back Khalil Herbert had a promising rookie year averaging 4 yards per carry and stepped up when Montgomery was out. Herbert has tremendous vision and should thrive in the Bears outside zone scheme.
Detroit Lions:The Lions have the true meaning of a veteran and an up-and-comer in their backfield. D'Andre Swift is expected to be the team's future but his first two seasons have been injury-plagued keeping him off the field, Swift only has 265 carries in his first two seasons as a Lion. Despite this Swift has over 4 ypc, 17 total TDs, and proved he can be among the best dual-threat backs in the league when on the field. 2021 was the first season In Detroit for Jamaal Williams after leaving the Green Bay Packers. Williams carried the rushing attack when Swift was down and complimented the talented back but also experienced some injuries only appearing in 13 games.
Green Bay Packers: The Packers roster former Co-Rushing TD leader, Aaron Jones, and another up-and-coming back, AJ Dillon. Jones has been the Packer's Achilles heel in the backfield for five seasons now, in those seasons surpassing 5,600 all-purpose yards and 53 TDs, allwhile sharing snaps with Jamaal Williams and AJ Dillion. As talented as Jones is, AJ Dillon may be the future of this organization. Despite having a lackluster rookie season Dillon made the most of his sophomore campaign going for 803 yards rushing on 187 carries. Dillon was always reliable in the passing game, on 37 targets Dillon came down with 34 receptions and 313 yards receiving, that's a nearly 92% catch rate.
Minnesota Vikings:Statistically, in the division, there is no running back who has had a better previous three years than Dalvin Cook. Over the past three years, Cook has gone for 1135,1557 and 1159 yards rushing all while missing multiple games in the three seasons. Cook can catch the ball, he's can be a three-down back if needed. If there was anything to knock on him it would be his durability. Even though Cook is a three-time consecutive Pro Bowl nominee, there is nothing wrong with having an insurance policy, especially at the running back position. For the Vikings, that would be Alexander Mattison. Mattison has filled in for Cook when he's gone down but he always sometimes is giving crucial snaps when he has the hot hand. In his three-season in Minnesota, the former Boise State Bronco has gone for 1,387 yards rushing on 330 attempts. Similar to Cook that's over an average of 4.0 yards a carry.
