Throughout the entire NFL we only see few featured backs in the league, more and more of them either are great starters or play solid enough to maintain a starting role. Even then, not every back can get the job done alone. Sometimes a good backup is used to rest these essential pieces to a team offense or even take over some nights when they are injured. Some teams can manage with a one two punch but when you have a running back that is so great you don’t need someone to share the load with him just some occasional assistance is nice. Also this would not only benefit those backs but it would help them leave a legacy behind and for a younger back to possibly even take over when that back is gone or be able to go somewhere else and find themselves in a chance to become that featured back. Seattle Seahawks— Marshawn Lynch has been a destructive force and has been feared by many defenses but last season his 301 carries not only lead the team but doubled the rest of the teams carries. Besides him 11 other players carried the ball and was the only running back out of everyone who scored a touchdown. Lynch is known for his power running style but after a couple of seasons that can take a toll on the body, he could use someone to help soften the blows so he could stay a longer period of time. With father time sneaking up on beast mode right now it would be a good time for Lynch to take someone under his wing and mentor them into the great back he is. Up for the job—Robert Turbin or draft pick. Minnesota Vikings— Adrian Peterson is one of the greatest running backs of possibly all time. He is known for being an all-around back that has overcome a great injury not only to come back strong but better than before. He also has had a companion that a year ago would have put him out of this list but just lost him. Toby Gerhart averages 7.9 yards and was never questioned as Petersons backup but now with this loss the Vikings will have to try and find someone to fit the job. The 29 year old back can use a younger back that will not only learn from him but possible be his protégé. Up for the job—Someone in the draft. Chicago Bears— Matt Forte had an outstanding season last year and is in the discussion of top 5 running backs in the NFL today. Behind him only one running back even had rushing yards last season and that was Micheal Bush. Even though Micheal Bush did a great job he is no longer with the team, leaving the team with only one running back behind Forte, Micheal Ford who came off of 2013 with not a single statistic. Forte isnt always known as the healthiest back, but even if he has proven his detractors wrong the Bears would benefit to not only have an insurance plan but to have another weapon to utilize when Matt Forte has an off night. Up for the Job— Free agent or Draft pick. Kansas City Chiefs— Jamaal Charles is the fastest running back in the game and with his lightning fast speed was key piece to the resurrection of the new Chiefs offense. He is turning 28 this season but is coming off a season where he has scored the most touchdowns in his career. He does seem to have a backup who had an okay season (Knile Davis) and if he improves he has a shot to stay Charles backup. Up for the job— Knile Davis or draft Houston Texans—Arian Foster is coming off a season stamped by injuries but has before that has had great seasons even, one where he lead the league in rushing yards. An injury season always gives running backs hesitation when coming back to a full season. Arian Foster for the past couple of seasons has had one of the best backups in the game in Ben Tate but now Tate has left to build his own legacy. The Houston roster has a handful of running backs but none of them seem to pop out to fill in the “Robin” position. The Texans seem to have a knack for drafting good running backs so they may look at this year’s draft to help out Foster. Up for the job—One of the many running backs on the current roster or draft
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