So, I came across an article today. It was ranking the Top 20 RBs in the NFL on Sporting News. After I got past numbers 1-3, which I agreed with, I found myself puzzled, scratching my head even.... Brandon Jacobs and Felix Jones were Top 10 RBs, while players like Ray Rice and Ryan Grant were snubbed.

While this article confirms that I cannot take a lot analysts and writers seriously anymore (especially those that look like math engineers and insurance salesmen), I decided to come up with my OWN Top 20 RB list.. you know, one that's SENSIBLE and not for shock value.


1. Chris Johnson, Titans- Please, I don't want to start with the CJ/AP debate. There is none to me. Aside from the 2,000 yard season Johnson had, he has BALL CONTROL, something Adrian Peterson does NOT possess. Not sure how this is even debatable, especially when some fumbles may have hurt the outcome of games, but I digress. CJ is my top pick

2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings- I didn't bash AP in my previous post, I simply stated the obvious. But that doesn't mean I don't think he's great. I do. And the smackdown he gave William Gay in the Steelers game warranted a great eulogy from Ed The Sports Fan.

3. Stephen Jackson, Rams- It sucks that he plays on a bad team like the Rams. But let's be honest: He's been the ONLY bright spot on that team for some time. With the addition of Sam Bradford at QB, I fully expect Jackson to carry the load while Bradford gets used to the system.

4. Maurice Jones-Drew, Jaguars- I love this little man. The Jags have a great all purpose back in Jones-Drew. He ranked 2nd league in TDs among RBs last year and has made a staple as a Top 5 RB.

5. Ray Rice, Ravens-

In his 2nd year, Rice was 2nd in total yards, only behind Chris Johnson. Rice was not only the leading RB on his team, but the leading receiver as well. With high hopes for the Ravens, I expect Rice to have a great 2010 season if he remains healthy.

6. Frank Gore, 49ers- I love this guy! He's a great RB that can make a big play and score while doing it. If the 49ers are gonna do big things this season, they need Gore to be a big part of their offense. His 11 runs of 20+ more yards ranked 3rd in the league, only behind Johnson and Peterson.

7. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers- For some, it's hard to give Williams his props, because he shared a lot of playing time with Jonathon Stewart, but it's not hard for me. I like Williams.. a lot. And I was one that wanted the Ravens to draft him when he came out of Memphis. I know Stewart and Williams seem pretty equal, but Williams gets my vote in the Top 10

8. Ryan Grant, Packers- A lot of people have forgotten about Grant. I was on Twitter explaining that the SN article couldn't be taken seriously is Grant wasn't on the Top 20 list, and a person asked me why would he be considered at all. I had to remind him he was Top 10 in yards and TDs. I know this is Rodgers' team, but Grant is a big part of it. He deserves to be here

9. Jonathon Stewart, Panthers- So how can 2 RBs on the same squad make the Top 10, you ask?? Simple. Stewart is the 1/2 half of the, "Frick and Frack" backfield tandem that Carolina has. Stewart and Williams are very similar in style as well as numbers (both rushed for over 1,000 yds). It's amazing they are able to co-exist on the same team, but they have.... and it works.

10. Felix Jones, Dallas-

In my mind, Felix Jones >> Marion Barber. I may be wrong, but I still believe that Jones is that good, until further notice.

11. Thomas Jones, Chiefs- Why the Jets felt the need to let Jones go will always be a mystery to me. I know that Shonn Greene will be a viable option at RB for Gang Green, but what's better than having 2 good RBs? Jones was 3rd in the league in rushing yards last year (1412). He can still be a big-play back in this league. The Chiefs are lucky to have him.

12. Michael Turner, Atlanta- This has always been a Fantasy Football fave. Turner missed some time last year but when he's on full speed he is ON. If healthy, I fully expect Turner to go back to his 2008 form and punish defenders, while racking up the TDs.

13. Cedric Benson, Bengals- Benson had a great comeback year with the Bengals last year. While Benson ended up on the injury list with a hip problem, he still managed to rush for 1251 yds. Benson has done very well in a Bengals uniform.

14. Marshawn Lynch, Bills- Lynch would be higher on my list if the offensive line of the Bills were better. He's a good RB who, I think, has potential to be better than advertised. But his front men won't let him be great. Until they do, he remains in the teen portion of my list.

15. Jerome Harrison, Browns-

Here's a guy that not many folks know about or talk about. Harrison should be the starter for the Browns this year, and I anticipate them to let Harrison pound that rock... often. Expect to hear his name a little more often this season, as the Browns are rebuilding and fully need a guy that can carry the load.

16. Rashard Mendenhall, Steelers- Mendenhall has turned into a quality back for Pittsburgh. I expect him to rise a little on my list as the season goes on, especially with the loss of Santonio Holmes. The Steelers may finally get back to smashmouth football, and Mendenhall fits into the Steelers system very well.

17. Ricky Williams, Dolphins- Williams showed us that he's still had it in 2009. He rushed with a 4.7 avg with 11 TDs. The Dolphins would love to have Ronnie Brown at full speed to compliment Williams. But with his health always an issue, Williams has been a great replacement.

18. Shonn Green, Jets- I was always high on Greene, even coming out of Iowa, and he's done nothing but prove that he has potential to be a very good RB in the league, for years to come. With old man L.T. as the Jets other RB, I think it's safe to say that Greene will emerge as the starter, and rightfully so.

19. Reggie Bush, Saints- While he's no where near elusive as he was during his tenure at USC, Bush is still a playmaker and can be a threat in the backfield.

20. Ronnie Brown, Dolphins-

Mr. Wildcat in the flesh. If this guy can stay healthy, he'd be way higher on this list. But he can't. Hopefully 2010 is a year of good luck for him. The potential for him is through the roof

Here are some great blog stories this week:

Yours Truly wrote an article about my beloved Ravens. There's a snitch in the building, and I don't like it. Someone needs to tell the Ravens to Stop Snitching. NFL Odds say it was a rookie that whined and complained too, LOL!



My sis Pigskin Loving Lady lets us know what former NFL player has turned in his helmet for politics and won the primary. Find out here.



If you're a college football fan like I am, this is a MUST read for you. Ed The Sports Fan talks about the possible new alignments of the Pac 10, Big 12 and Big 10 conferences. Will this be the end of the great rivalries in college football? Find out what Ed thinks.



Remember Ahman Green, the RB for the Green Bay Packers??? Sure you do! Find out what he's been up to this week, as MKRob tells us where Green found a home.



For my NBA lovers, Black Sports Online gives us a peak of a new NBA Finals 2010 music video featuring singer Shontelle. Not sure if the vid is a good as she looks, but you be the judge.

My blog brother Ed The Sports Fan asked me to participate in a survey on the Top 10 Wide Receivers in the NFL. I enjoyed the post so I decided to post it over here. Feel free to agree, disagree, or simply read it. I thought a lot of the answers were compelling and interesting. Enjoy!

Sorry I've been neglecting the blog. This is a very big week for my Ravens, and I think the nervousness has finally set in. Tomorrow is a BIG game for my boys and I get more anxious within each hour. Tomorrow, check out the Gridiron Gals Divisional Football picks, but today check out the Blogs Of The Week:

Pigskin Loving Lady takes a look at former Colts Marvin Harrison case, which has since been re evaluated and now investigated by the Feds. if you haven't heard much about this story, it will low your mind. Check out the details regarding Harrison's alleged involvement in a murder.

Ed The Sports Fan has 2 great articles. The new hire of Pete Carroll to the Seattle Seahawks has fans and media wondering if he will bring back the winning times of the once NFC West champs. ETSF also talks about Carroll's successor at USC, Lane Kiffin, and why he's not mad that Kiffin jumped ship from the Vols and ran to Southern Cal.

MKRob tells us how Colts WR Pierre Garcon is coping with trying to find his family members after the devastating earthquake in Haiti.

Ravens Gab talks about how most people are still eating crow after all saying the Ravens didn't have a chance against New England. Do we have a chance against the Colts, we shall see.

And as always, don't forget to check out my other website, Gridiron Gals. Latest news on Ray Lewis's blogging journey,the Bears season in a nutshell, and more.

Today, a star was re-born... on December 29, 2008. I re-launched my blog site. Some of you may not have known, but I have been blogging since 2005, when I was a regular blogger at Fox Sports. I've evolved so much and grown in the last 4 years. Hell, even within the last year of of re-launching the blog, I've grown.

This all started because I love to write and I loved football. So one day I was bored, and I decided to use some spare time to write my thoughts for others to see. I have a long way to go, but the fact that people enjoy what I'm thinking is a blessing within itself. And a year later, I've grown followers and even members of my blogging family, who I know always has my back. I asked my blog family to join me in celebrating my special day with me. Here's the nice (or smart ass) things they had to say about my blog:

Sorry I didn't have a recap ready for you guys and gals this week. I promise I'll be back on my grind next week. In the meantime, here are the best blog reads of the week:

Pigskin Loving Lady shows how Jets S Kerry Rhodes shut down the mall in her latest post. Find out who showed up to support Rhodes at his event.

JP Losman has entered the NFL building! Find out on MKRob's blog, what team has been blessed by Losman's presence (or cursed, whichever way you look at it).

Ed The Sports Fan talks about the final quarter of the NFL season. Find out his thoughts on the Undefeateds, the Cardinals, and who has fallen from grace.

BlackSportsOnline takes a look at Panthers CB Chris Gamble's claim that Randy Moss had quit during the game.

And last, but certainly not least, check out the Gridiron Gals site for a females perspective on the Eagles, Ravens, Raiders or any of your favorite teams.

The heated debate begins.. Drew Brees or Philip Rivers? Ed The Sports Fan gives his take on who he thinks has the edge.

Pigskin Loving Lady talks about "The Unbeatens", Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints. She shows their remaining schedules and takes a look of how they may fare.

Now that Charlie Weis has been given his walking papers, who does former NFL WR Tim Brown want to be the next coach of Notre Dame?? Click here to find out.

What do the Ravens have to do in their upcoming game against the Packers to win? The City That Reeds gives us keys to a Baltimore victory at Lambeau Field.

A good non football story to read. The sporting world was taken back when the news that Tiger Woods' was in fact, human and made a mistake by cheating on his wife. Find out why Black Sports Online says we should stop being so naive and grow up.

My sis Pigskin Loving Lady gives us a taste at what Vikings LT Bryant McKinnie looks like without his uniform. Ladies, it's a good look.


MKRob tells us the latest on the QB debacle in Oakland. Will JaMarcus Russell start, or will Bruce Gradkowski finally get a start??? Find out here.


Everyone knows the Browns are awful, including Ed The Sports Fan. But he ponders the question, what if he were GM of the struggling franchise?? Ed gives you his take on how he would turn the organization around.

The Gridiron Gals shows us why Girls Love Good D. Get your mind out of the gutter, D is for defense... as in Green bay's ferocious unit.



Mind Pinball takes a look at the Ravens win over the Cleveland Browns and asks, isn't a win supposed to inspire confidence. Even with the shut out, the Ravens proved nothing on Monday night. Find out his take on my favorite team.

My blog sistah from another motha, PigskinLovingLady tell us how Colts DE Dwight Freeney was named, "2009 Do Right Man" by Essence magazine.

MKRob gives us insight on the new NFL Draft schedule, starting in 2010. I don't care much for it. But check it out and see if you like the new timeline.

For my Ravens fans, Ravens Gab gives us their take on Six Ravens To Watch for 2009.

Mindpinball takes a trip down memory lane for the city of Baltimore? Remember the CFL Baltimore Stallions??? I do... he reminds us the hope the team gave the city yearning for a football team.

If you love college football, you'll love this one. Ed The Sports Fan tells how QB's Tom Teobow, Colt McCoy and Sam Bradford look to finish what they started in 2008- dominating college football and chasing the Heisman Trophy.

Rumors swirled this week regarding Michael Vick allegedly seen at a strip club with Allen Iverson, right before Vick was to meet with Commissioner Goodell. While Vick's agent has said the allegations are totally false, BlackSportsOnline tells us why strip clubs should be the last place Vick should be seen in.

Happy Friday fam! Got some good blogs coming next week. Let the training camps begin!!!!!

TGIF Boys and Gals! Here are a few great blogs to read before the weekend gets here!



MKRob asks the question on everyone's mind. What is going on with Boston's David Ortiz? Find out what he thinks.

Mindpinball talks about this weekend's Preakness race, something that both he and I are familiar with, being Maryland natives. But with the new changes and the owners filing bankruptcy, does that put a damper in this year's second leg of the Triple Crown?? You decide

My girl PigskinLovingLady has the scoop on Ray Lewis' special honors and Tiki Barber out and bout. Find out what they've been up to.

Who's your favorite baller in a basketball movie?? Jesus Shuttlesworth, Neon Boudreaux, Quincy McCall (my fave!!)?? Ed The Sports Fan tackles the Greatest Movie Hoopers Ever