NFL Nation: Dangerous Player 09
Dangerous Player: DeSean Jackson, Eagles WR
November, 4, 2009
Nov 4
1:04
PM ET
» NFC: D. Jackson (PHI) | S. Jackson (STL) | P. Harvin (MIN) | D. Williams (CAR)
» AFC: R. Brown (MIA) | D. Sproles (SD) | J. Cribbs (CLE) | C. Johnson (TEN)
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
A look at the players opposing teams hate to see with the ball in their hands in the open field.
I believe that DeSean Jackson is the most dangerous player in the NFL right now. He's not the best receiver or the best punt returner -- but his ability to strike from anywhere on the field makes him one of the most potent weapons we've seen in years. Wide receivers such as the Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald and the Texans' Andre Johnson are going to make a ton of plays, but Jackson's the type player who only needs a couple of touches to change the course of a game.
Two weeks ago against the Redskins, Jackson took an end around 67 yards for a touchdown on the Eagles' first possession. Later, he raced through the Skins' secondary for a 57-yard touchdown and then danced an Irish jig in the end zone. With Jackson in the lineup, the Eagles don't have to rely on dinking and dunking the ball down the field. There's not a single player in the league who can cover Jackson one-on-one. The Bucs held him to one catch for 1 yard by using a cornerback and a safety over the top to bracket the second-year receiver.
That opened things up for Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb to connect with rookie wide receiver Jeremy Maclin for a couple of touchdowns. Last season, he finally hit the rookie wall in December and didn't even register a catch in a Dec. 7 game against the Giants. But he elevated his game during the '08 playoffs and became one of McNabb's favorite targets.
One longtime NFC pro personnel scout told me recently that it's Jackson's ability to stutter-step and then be at full speed within about four strides that separates him from most receivers in the league. Asked recently if he'd coached a weapon as potent as Jackson, Eagles coach Andy Reid referenced Terrell Owens and Brian Westbrook. But he quickly returned to Jackson.
"I won't take anything away from [Jackson]," Reid said. "That kid's explosive. He's exciting to watch, and most of all he loves to play the game. He loves to play."
Jackson already has six touchdowns this season of 50 or more yards. If he can score two more times from that distance, he'll tie the record that Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch set in 1951 while with the Los Angeles Rams. He's scored four times through the air, once on a punt return and once on the end around against the Redskins.
Watching him race down the sideline against the Skins was remarkable in that he completely erased the angles that LaRon Landry and DeAngelo Hall had on him. The only fear with Jackson is his slight frame. He's not built to take a heavy pounding -- but he may not have to when you consider that he's normally running wide open behind another team's secondary.
"I'm just being put in some great positions to go out there and, I guess, score over 50 yards," Jackson said after Sunday's game. "But whatever we need to do to make it work, man, that's what we're going to do."
Last Sunday, the Giants trimmed the Eagles' lead to 16-7 late in the first half. It looked like the Giants might finally have gained a little momentum. But on the next play from scrimmage, Jackson sold Giants safety C.C. Brown on a subtle fake to the inside, caught a pass from McNabb and then raced up the field for a 54-yard touchdown. The Giants were completely deflated by the play and never recovered.
Jackson gives the Eagles more margin for error than they've had in years. When a player makes 60-yard touchdowns seem commonplace, it takes pressure off the rest of the offense. I know the Cowboys will probably try to cover Jackson on Sunday with veteran cornerback Terence Newman and then shade one of the safeties to Jackson's side. That's the type of respect the most dangerous player in the game deserves these days.
» AFC: R. Brown (MIA) | D. Sproles (SD) | J. Cribbs (CLE) | C. Johnson (TEN)
Posted by ESPN.com's Matt Mosley
A look at the players opposing teams hate to see with the ball in their hands in the open field.
I believe that DeSean Jackson is the most dangerous player in the NFL right now. He's not the best receiver or the best punt returner -- but his ability to strike from anywhere on the field makes him one of the most potent weapons we've seen in years. Wide receivers such as the Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald and the Texans' Andre Johnson are going to make a ton of plays, but Jackson's the type player who only needs a couple of touches to change the course of a game.
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| Win McNamee/Getty Images | |
| DeSean Jackson has six touchdowns this season that have covered at least 50 yards. |
Two weeks ago against the Redskins, Jackson took an end around 67 yards for a touchdown on the Eagles' first possession. Later, he raced through the Skins' secondary for a 57-yard touchdown and then danced an Irish jig in the end zone. With Jackson in the lineup, the Eagles don't have to rely on dinking and dunking the ball down the field. There's not a single player in the league who can cover Jackson one-on-one. The Bucs held him to one catch for 1 yard by using a cornerback and a safety over the top to bracket the second-year receiver.
That opened things up for Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb to connect with rookie wide receiver Jeremy Maclin for a couple of touchdowns. Last season, he finally hit the rookie wall in December and didn't even register a catch in a Dec. 7 game against the Giants. But he elevated his game during the '08 playoffs and became one of McNabb's favorite targets.
One longtime NFC pro personnel scout told me recently that it's Jackson's ability to stutter-step and then be at full speed within about four strides that separates him from most receivers in the league. Asked recently if he'd coached a weapon as potent as Jackson, Eagles coach Andy Reid referenced Terrell Owens and Brian Westbrook. But he quickly returned to Jackson.
"I won't take anything away from [Jackson]," Reid said. "That kid's explosive. He's exciting to watch, and most of all he loves to play the game. He loves to play."
Jackson already has six touchdowns this season of 50 or more yards. If he can score two more times from that distance, he'll tie the record that Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch set in 1951 while with the Los Angeles Rams. He's scored four times through the air, once on a punt return and once on the end around against the Redskins.
Watching him race down the sideline against the Skins was remarkable in that he completely erased the angles that LaRon Landry and DeAngelo Hall had on him. The only fear with Jackson is his slight frame. He's not built to take a heavy pounding -- but he may not have to when you consider that he's normally running wide open behind another team's secondary.
"I'm just being put in some great positions to go out there and, I guess, score over 50 yards," Jackson said after Sunday's game. "But whatever we need to do to make it work, man, that's what we're going to do."
Last Sunday, the Giants trimmed the Eagles' lead to 16-7 late in the first half. It looked like the Giants might finally have gained a little momentum. But on the next play from scrimmage, Jackson sold Giants safety C.C. Brown on a subtle fake to the inside, caught a pass from McNabb and then raced up the field for a 54-yard touchdown. The Giants were completely deflated by the play and never recovered.
Jackson gives the Eagles more margin for error than they've had in years. When a player makes 60-yard touchdowns seem commonplace, it takes pressure off the rest of the offense. I know the Cowboys will probably try to cover Jackson on Sunday with veteran cornerback Terence Newman and then shade one of the safeties to Jackson's side. That's the type of respect the most dangerous player in the game deserves these days.
Dangerous Player: Joshua Cribbs, Browns returner
November, 4, 2009
Nov 4
1:00
PM ET
» NFC: D. Jackson (PHI) | S. Jackson (STL) | P. Harvin (MIN) | D. Williams (CAR)
» AFC: R. Brown (MIA) | D. Sproles (SD) | J. Cribbs (CLE) | C. Johnson (TEN)
Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker
A look at the players opposing teams hate to see with the ball in their hands in the open field.
Despite a 1-7 start, the most dangerous open-field player in the AFC North remains Cleveland Browns return specialist Joshua Cribbs.
Cribbs is tied with Percy Harvin of the Minnesota Vikings for the NFL lead in kickoff return yards with 860, which includes a 98-yard return for a touchdown. Cribbs also has 295 yards and a touchdown on punt returns this year, in addition to his many duties on coverage teams, receiver and part-time quarterback in Cleveland's Wildcat package.
The Browns cannot get the ball in Cribbs' hands enough, because he is the most dynamic and versatile player the team has. As an undrafted player out of Kent State, Cribbs has a mixture of fearlessness and old-school toughness that is hard to find.
There are several qualities that make Cribbs very dangerous in the open field. He has great vision for a kick returner, and he's big enough to break through arm tackles and fast enough to pull away from defenders. Cribbs also has a unique ability to remain at top speed while stiff-arming would-be tacklers. Many of his biggest returns have come as a result of this move.
Other players who just missed the cut in the AFC North include Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes, who was last season's Super Bowl MVP after catching the game-winning touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. Holmes led the NFL in yards per catch two years ago among players with 25 receptions or more. He continues to make big plays but needs to work on his consistency.
Baltimore Ravens tailback Ray Rice also was in consideration. The second-year tailback is among the league leaders in all-purpose yards and is a star in the making.
» AFC: R. Brown (MIA) | D. Sproles (SD) | J. Cribbs (CLE) | C. Johnson (TEN)
Posted by ESPN.com’s James Walker
A look at the players opposing teams hate to see with the ball in their hands in the open field.
Despite a 1-7 start, the most dangerous open-field player in the AFC North remains Cleveland Browns return specialist Joshua Cribbs.
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| Tom Cammett/Diamond Images/Getty Images | |
| Joshua Cribbs’ stiff-arm has become one of his signature moves. |
Cribbs is tied with Percy Harvin of the Minnesota Vikings for the NFL lead in kickoff return yards with 860, which includes a 98-yard return for a touchdown. Cribbs also has 295 yards and a touchdown on punt returns this year, in addition to his many duties on coverage teams, receiver and part-time quarterback in Cleveland's Wildcat package.
The Browns cannot get the ball in Cribbs' hands enough, because he is the most dynamic and versatile player the team has. As an undrafted player out of Kent State, Cribbs has a mixture of fearlessness and old-school toughness that is hard to find.
There are several qualities that make Cribbs very dangerous in the open field. He has great vision for a kick returner, and he's big enough to break through arm tackles and fast enough to pull away from defenders. Cribbs also has a unique ability to remain at top speed while stiff-arming would-be tacklers. Many of his biggest returns have come as a result of this move.
Other players who just missed the cut in the AFC North include Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes, who was last season's Super Bowl MVP after catching the game-winning touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. Holmes led the NFL in yards per catch two years ago among players with 25 receptions or more. He continues to make big plays but needs to work on his consistency.
Baltimore Ravens tailback Ray Rice also was in consideration. The second-year tailback is among the league leaders in all-purpose yards and is a star in the making.
Dangerous Player: Steven Jackson, Rams RB
November, 4, 2009
Nov 4
1:00
PM ET
» NFC: D. Jackson (PHI) | S. Jackson (STL) | P. Harvin (MIN) | D. Williams (CAR)
» AFC: R. Brown (MIA) | D. Sproles (SD) | J. Cribbs (CLE) | C. Johnson (TEN)
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
A look at the players opposing teams hate to see with the ball in their hands in the open field.
Rams running back Steven Jackson on Sunday plowed through several Detroit Lions and barreled over umpire Bill Schuster during a bruising 17-yard run.
"I'm not a guy who can stop on a dime -- I'm just going to be flat-out honest with you," Jackson told 101ESPN St. Louis. "If I'm going in one direction and you're in the way, I'm sorry."
The statement could apply to quite a few linebackers and defensive backs, and probably some defensive linemen, too. The 6-foot-2, 236-pound Jackson combines uncommon size -- he's an inch taller and 20 pounds heavier than Adrian Peterson -- with the speed, moves and heart to make him the NFC West's most dangerous player in the open field.
One play after that 17-yard run against the Lions, Jackson outran a linebacker and a safety for the winning 25-yard touchdown.
"He is a big back that can move like a smaller back -- he makes people miss," Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said.
Jackson isn't the only NFC West player defenses fear in the open field. Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin attacks defenders with a ferocity that might be unique among current players at the position (with the exception of the Steelers' Hines Ward). Niners running back Frank Gore is another tough matchup in the open field. He runs hard and has deceptive power. But no player in the division consistently punishes and defeats tacklers as effectively at Jackson, who seems to be running harder more consistently this season.
Jackson has an NFL-leading 25 rushes of at least 10 yards this season. No one else has more than 22. Only five have more than 15.
"I know people don’t like to tackle him," Spagnuolo said. "I remember defending and playing against him and there were murmurs always on the film that guys really didn’t want to go in there and tackle him -– the guys we were coaching in the meetings."
» AFC: R. Brown (MIA) | D. Sproles (SD) | J. Cribbs (CLE) | C. Johnson (TEN)
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
A look at the players opposing teams hate to see with the ball in their hands in the open field.
Rams running back Steven Jackson on Sunday plowed through several Detroit Lions and barreled over umpire Bill Schuster during a bruising 17-yard run.
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| Scott Rovak/US Presswire | |
| Steven Jackson is difficult to bring down in the open field. |
"I'm not a guy who can stop on a dime -- I'm just going to be flat-out honest with you," Jackson told 101ESPN St. Louis. "If I'm going in one direction and you're in the way, I'm sorry."
The statement could apply to quite a few linebackers and defensive backs, and probably some defensive linemen, too. The 6-foot-2, 236-pound Jackson combines uncommon size -- he's an inch taller and 20 pounds heavier than Adrian Peterson -- with the speed, moves and heart to make him the NFC West's most dangerous player in the open field.
One play after that 17-yard run against the Lions, Jackson outran a linebacker and a safety for the winning 25-yard touchdown.
"He is a big back that can move like a smaller back -- he makes people miss," Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo said.
Jackson isn't the only NFC West player defenses fear in the open field. Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin attacks defenders with a ferocity that might be unique among current players at the position (with the exception of the Steelers' Hines Ward). Niners running back Frank Gore is another tough matchup in the open field. He runs hard and has deceptive power. But no player in the division consistently punishes and defeats tacklers as effectively at Jackson, who seems to be running harder more consistently this season.
Jackson has an NFL-leading 25 rushes of at least 10 yards this season. No one else has more than 22. Only five have more than 15.
"I know people don’t like to tackle him," Spagnuolo said. "I remember defending and playing against him and there were murmurs always on the film that guys really didn’t want to go in there and tackle him -– the guys we were coaching in the meetings."
Dangerous Player: Ronnie Brown, Dolphins RB
November, 4, 2009
Nov 4
1:00
PM ET
» NFC: D. Jackson (PHI) | S. Jackson (STL) | P. Harvin (MIN) | D. Williams (CAR)
» AFC: R. Brown (MIA) | D. Sproles (SD) | J. Cribbs (CLE) | C. Johnson (TEN)
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham
A look at the players opposing teams hate to see with the ball in their hands in the open field.
Perhaps the most scintillating anticipatory moment on an NFL field occurs each time the crowd realizes there's no quarterback between the center and Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown.
What's he going to do? Run it? Throw it? Hand it off? The only thing Brown can't do when he takes a direct snap in the Wildcat offense is pass it to himself, but you better believe he can catch.
Regardless of the formation, Brown is nasty.
"He's the best back in the league," New York Jets coach Rex Ryan said recently. "This guy can run anything. If you want to play I-formation or any scheme, this guy would be a great back. The fact that he's back there in the Wildcat, he's a special player back there."
New England Patriots receiver Randy Moss is another AFC East player who qualifies as dangerous, but we went with Brown because he doesn't rely on a quarterback's help to exact damage.
Brown's rushing yardage and receptions are tempered by the presence of Ricky Williams in the Dolphins' backfield. Each of them could run for 1,000 yards this year.
Despite averaging 17.1 carries through seven games, though, Brown has 518 yards. His seven rushing touchdowns are tied for fourth in the NFL.
He went to his first Pro Bowl last year, but certainly would have gone the season before had he not suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 7. At the time he went down, he led the NFL in yards from scrimmage. He had 39 receptions in just seven games.
Brown has lost only one fumble since 2006.
"He believes that when he has the ball in his hands he has the responsibility to make something positive happen with it," Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said. "I think that is what the elite backs do. Those guys are not worried about how many carries they get. They are worried about what happens when they make these carries."
» AFC: R. Brown (MIA) | D. Sproles (SD) | J. Cribbs (CLE) | C. Johnson (TEN)
Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham
A look at the players opposing teams hate to see with the ball in their hands in the open field.
Perhaps the most scintillating anticipatory moment on an NFL field occurs each time the crowd realizes there's no quarterback between the center and Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown.
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| Marc Serota/Getty Images | |
| Running back Ronnie Brown is a versatile threat in the Dolphins’ backfield. |
What's he going to do? Run it? Throw it? Hand it off? The only thing Brown can't do when he takes a direct snap in the Wildcat offense is pass it to himself, but you better believe he can catch.
Regardless of the formation, Brown is nasty.
"He's the best back in the league," New York Jets coach Rex Ryan said recently. "This guy can run anything. If you want to play I-formation or any scheme, this guy would be a great back. The fact that he's back there in the Wildcat, he's a special player back there."
New England Patriots receiver Randy Moss is another AFC East player who qualifies as dangerous, but we went with Brown because he doesn't rely on a quarterback's help to exact damage.
Brown's rushing yardage and receptions are tempered by the presence of Ricky Williams in the Dolphins' backfield. Each of them could run for 1,000 yards this year.
Despite averaging 17.1 carries through seven games, though, Brown has 518 yards. His seven rushing touchdowns are tied for fourth in the NFL.
He went to his first Pro Bowl last year, but certainly would have gone the season before had he not suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 7. At the time he went down, he led the NFL in yards from scrimmage. He had 39 receptions in just seven games.
Brown has lost only one fumble since 2006.
"He believes that when he has the ball in his hands he has the responsibility to make something positive happen with it," Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said. "I think that is what the elite backs do. Those guys are not worried about how many carries they get. They are worried about what happens when they make these carries."
Dangerous Player: Percy Harvin, Vikings WR
November, 4, 2009
Nov 4
1:00
PM ET
» NFC: D. Jackson (PHI) | S. Jackson (STL) | P. Harvin (MIN) | D. Williams (CAR)
» AFC: R. Brown (MIA) | D. Sproles (SD) | J. Cribbs (CLE) | C. Johnson (TEN)
Posted by ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert
A look at the players opposing teams hate to see with the ball in their hands in the open field.
Percy Harvin had just turned 21 when he arrived at Minnesota’s training camp this summer. He played only three years of college football at Florida, but Vikings coaches had no qualms about handing him the fullest plate imaginable for a rookie receiver.
Harvin was handed duties as a kickoff returner. He was told to learn all three receiver positions, given a role as a spread-style tailback and also became the Vikings’ primary Wildcat quarterback. Harvin never blinked, however, and his diverse talent has made him one of the top new playmakers in the NFL.
He’s the NFL’s leading kickoff returner with a 30.7-yard average, including two touchdowns. He’s also caught three touchdown passes from new quarterback Brett Favre and ranks second among Vikings receivers with 28 receptions.
Overall, Harvin is averaging 158.5 all-purpose yards per game.
“He can get up to speed,” coach Brad Childress said. “He runs with a running back mentality. He’s got 'A' instincts. ... He’s developed a great relationship with Brett. He’s learned this offense, and what he can do, and the flexibility that he has.”
From the first day Harvin stepped on the Vikings’ practice field, he demonstrated the speed and upfield mentality that makes him a scoring threat every time he touches the ball. But in watching the Vikings play this year, one development has stood out to me: Harvin has become Favre’s most trusted receiver on third down.
Harvin ranks first on the Vikings, and No. 4 overall in the NFL, with 15 receptions on third down. He’s converted 13 of them (87 percent) into first downs. He’s put himself in that position at 21 years and six months.
Imagine what he will do at 22.
» AFC: R. Brown (MIA) | D. Sproles (SD) | J. Cribbs (CLE) | C. Johnson (TEN)
Posted by ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert
A look at the players opposing teams hate to see with the ball in their hands in the open field.
Percy Harvin had just turned 21 when he arrived at Minnesota’s training camp this summer. He played only three years of college football at Florida, but Vikings coaches had no qualms about handing him the fullest plate imaginable for a rookie receiver.
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| Scott Boehm/Getty Images | |
| Rookie Percy Harvin (12) has proven to be Brett Favre’s go-to guy on third down. |
Harvin was handed duties as a kickoff returner. He was told to learn all three receiver positions, given a role as a spread-style tailback and also became the Vikings’ primary Wildcat quarterback. Harvin never blinked, however, and his diverse talent has made him one of the top new playmakers in the NFL.
He’s the NFL’s leading kickoff returner with a 30.7-yard average, including two touchdowns. He’s also caught three touchdown passes from new quarterback Brett Favre and ranks second among Vikings receivers with 28 receptions.
Overall, Harvin is averaging 158.5 all-purpose yards per game.
“He can get up to speed,” coach Brad Childress said. “He runs with a running back mentality. He’s got 'A' instincts. ... He’s developed a great relationship with Brett. He’s learned this offense, and what he can do, and the flexibility that he has.”
From the first day Harvin stepped on the Vikings’ practice field, he demonstrated the speed and upfield mentality that makes him a scoring threat every time he touches the ball. But in watching the Vikings play this year, one development has stood out to me: Harvin has become Favre’s most trusted receiver on third down.
Harvin ranks first on the Vikings, and No. 4 overall in the NFL, with 15 receptions on third down. He’s converted 13 of them (87 percent) into first downs. He’s put himself in that position at 21 years and six months.
Imagine what he will do at 22.
Dangerous Player: Darren Sproles, Chargers RB
November, 4, 2009
Nov 4
1:00
PM ET
» NFC: D. Jackson (PHI) | S. Jackson (STL) | P. Harvin (MIN) | D. Williams (CAR)
» AFC: R. Brown (MIA) | D. Sproles (SD) | J. Cribbs (CLE) | C. Johnson (TEN)
Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
A look at the players opposing teams hate to see with the ball in their hands in the open field.
Darren Sproles is simply a terror.
All 5-foot-6-inch, 181 pounds of him.
Yes, he may not look like much on a football field, but the diminutive Sproles can drop opponents to their knees and cause opposing coaches to go back to the drawing board.
Sproles is one of the best players in the open field in the NFL.
“We want to get Darren in space,” San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers said.”He’s pretty hard to stop in space.”
Nearly every game he plays, Sproles inflicts major damage in the open field. He is ultra fast, shifty and he jukes would-be tacklers like none other. Sproles can change directions in a flash and because of his size he is difficult to see when he has a lead blocker.
Sproles can beat opponents in so many ways. He is effective as a rusher, receiver and on kick and punt returns. He has touchdowns running, receiving and on a punt return this season. He also has a 66-yard kick return.
Just get Sproles the ball and enjoy the show.
There are some solid players in this division who are also difficult to stop. Denver receivers Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal are monsters with the ball in their hands for different reasons. The large, strong Marshall is nearly impossible to bring down.
Royal has defense-splitting speed. When healthy, Oakland running back Darren McFadden has potential to be an open-space terror, but Sproles is a special case.
Get Sproles in the open field, and you’re going to get six points.
» AFC: R. Brown (MIA) | D. Sproles (SD) | J. Cribbs (CLE) | C. Johnson (TEN)
Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
A look at the players opposing teams hate to see with the ball in their hands in the open field.
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| Jason Bridge/US Presswire | |
| Opponents have little hope of catching Chargers' running back Darren Sproles in open space. |
All 5-foot-6-inch, 181 pounds of him.
Yes, he may not look like much on a football field, but the diminutive Sproles can drop opponents to their knees and cause opposing coaches to go back to the drawing board.
Sproles is one of the best players in the open field in the NFL.
“We want to get Darren in space,” San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers said.”He’s pretty hard to stop in space.”
Nearly every game he plays, Sproles inflicts major damage in the open field. He is ultra fast, shifty and he jukes would-be tacklers like none other. Sproles can change directions in a flash and because of his size he is difficult to see when he has a lead blocker.
Sproles can beat opponents in so many ways. He is effective as a rusher, receiver and on kick and punt returns. He has touchdowns running, receiving and on a punt return this season. He also has a 66-yard kick return.
Just get Sproles the ball and enjoy the show.
There are some solid players in this division who are also difficult to stop. Denver receivers Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal are monsters with the ball in their hands for different reasons. The large, strong Marshall is nearly impossible to bring down.
Royal has defense-splitting speed. When healthy, Oakland running back Darren McFadden has potential to be an open-space terror, but Sproles is a special case.
Get Sproles in the open field, and you’re going to get six points.
Dangerous Player: Chris Johnson, Titans RB
November, 4, 2009
Nov 4
1:00
PM ET
» NFC: D. Jackson (PHI) | S. Jackson (STL) | P. Harvin (MIN) | D. Williams (CAR)
» AFC: R. Brown (MIA) | D. Sproles (SD) | J. Cribbs (CLE) | C. Johnson (TEN)
Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky
A look at the players opposing teams hate to see with the ball in their hands in the open field.
Chris Johnson wants to race Usain Bolt and he’s not kidding around when he says he thinks he’d beat the 100-meter Olympic gold medalist.
In the AFC South, Texans receiver Andre Johnson, Colts receiver Reggie Wayne and Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew are all feared skill guys, opponents don’t want running with the ball in their hands. But no one ranks as a bigger threat than Johnson, the Titans’ second-year running back who may be the league’s fastest player.
He leads the NFL in rushing yards (824) and is among the top-50 rushers in the league. His 6.9-yard average is tops among backs with at least 40 carries. He leads the AFC in yards from scrimmage with 961 -- an average of 7 yards a touch.
“I don’t think any team has got too many guys that can catch him,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said before New England crushed Tennessee 59-0. “He’s absolutely a threat to go all the way anytime he’s got the ball. Just look at the Houston game. We’re talking about big time here now. This is as good as we’ve seen and as good as I’ve seen in quite a while.
“This Chris Johnson, go to the Houston game, he can go 90 yards on a draw play, third-and-10, third-and-20. He just takes it to the house. You can’t give this guy any space at all. ... He’s a terrific back. He’s got speed. He’s got quickness. He makes people miss. He breaks a lot of tackles. He’s as good a back as I’ve seen in a long time.”
Johnson absorbs his share of no gains or carries for a loss, but they are part of the trade-off for his home-run potential. The Titans have 12 plays of 30 yards or longer this season. Nine them are from Johnson -- runs of 91, 89, 57, 52, 48, 40, 32, and 30 yards and a 69-yard catch. Those have produced five of the Titans’ 12 touchdowns.
Many a team finishes with the Titans and laments a failure to tackle Johnson when they had a chance. Jacksonville safety Brian Russell was a victim Sunday when the Titans got their first win. Johnson bounced off Russell en route to the end zone.
“Their guy, he’s got some juice,” Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said. “We know that. You’ve got to keep him hemmed in, you’ve got to tackle him. You have to get population to the ball.”
» AFC: R. Brown (MIA) | D. Sproles (SD) | J. Cribbs (CLE) | C. Johnson (TEN)
Posted by ESPN.com’s Paul Kuharsky
A look at the players opposing teams hate to see with the ball in their hands in the open field.
Chris Johnson wants to race Usain Bolt and he’s not kidding around when he says he thinks he’d beat the 100-meter Olympic gold medalist.
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| Don McPeak/US Presswire | |
| Titans running back Chris Johnson has nine plays of 30 yards or longer this season. |
In the AFC South, Texans receiver Andre Johnson, Colts receiver Reggie Wayne and Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew are all feared skill guys, opponents don’t want running with the ball in their hands. But no one ranks as a bigger threat than Johnson, the Titans’ second-year running back who may be the league’s fastest player.
He leads the NFL in rushing yards (824) and is among the top-50 rushers in the league. His 6.9-yard average is tops among backs with at least 40 carries. He leads the AFC in yards from scrimmage with 961 -- an average of 7 yards a touch.
“I don’t think any team has got too many guys that can catch him,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said before New England crushed Tennessee 59-0. “He’s absolutely a threat to go all the way anytime he’s got the ball. Just look at the Houston game. We’re talking about big time here now. This is as good as we’ve seen and as good as I’ve seen in quite a while.
“This Chris Johnson, go to the Houston game, he can go 90 yards on a draw play, third-and-10, third-and-20. He just takes it to the house. You can’t give this guy any space at all. ... He’s a terrific back. He’s got speed. He’s got quickness. He makes people miss. He breaks a lot of tackles. He’s as good a back as I’ve seen in a long time.”
Johnson absorbs his share of no gains or carries for a loss, but they are part of the trade-off for his home-run potential. The Titans have 12 plays of 30 yards or longer this season. Nine them are from Johnson -- runs of 91, 89, 57, 52, 48, 40, 32, and 30 yards and a 69-yard catch. Those have produced five of the Titans’ 12 touchdowns.
Many a team finishes with the Titans and laments a failure to tackle Johnson when they had a chance. Jacksonville safety Brian Russell was a victim Sunday when the Titans got their first win. Johnson bounced off Russell en route to the end zone.
“Their guy, he’s got some juice,” Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio said. “We know that. You’ve got to keep him hemmed in, you’ve got to tackle him. You have to get population to the ball.”
Dangerous Player: DeAngelo Williams, Panthers
November, 4, 2009
Nov 4
1:00
PM ET
» NFC: D. Jackson (PHI) | S. Jackson (STL) | P. Harvin (MIN) | D. Williams (CAR)
» AFC: R. Brown (MIA) | D. Sproles (SD) | J. Cribbs (CLE) | C. Johnson (TEN)
Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas
A look at the players opposing teams hate to see with the ball in their hands in the open field.
There is no player in the NFC South opposing defenses hate seeing in the open field more than Carolina running back DeAngelo Williams. He has a combination of speed and elusiveness that makes him especially dangerous.
Williams has become an all-around back and has shown he can run between the tackles. But he’s at his best in the open field and has a history of breaking off long runs, including a career-best 77-yard touchdown this year. Much like last year, Williams started the season rather quietly, but that was due mostly to the rest of the offense struggling in the passing game.
But Williams seems to have hit his stride in recent weeks. He’s run for 399 yards in the past three games and had 158 rushing yards in Sunday’s win against Arizona. The Panthers also are trying to make Williams more of a factor in the passing game this year.
Williams already has 18 catches, after having only 22 a year ago. The Panthers use Williams in a backfield tandem with Jonathan Stewart and that’s a nice combination. Both are complete backs, but Stewart is at his best in the power games while Williams is most dangerous when he’s out in the open.
Williams was selected as the division’s most dangerous player in the open field after consideration was given to teammate Steve Smith, Atlanta receiver Roddy White, Atlanta running back Michael Turner and New Orleans receivers Marques Colston and Devery Henderson.
Williams was the clear winner. Smith, who would have been the obvious choice in a lot of recent years, is having a relatively quiet season. Same for White and Turner. Colston is big and can break tackles, but he’s much more of a red zone threat than an open-field threat. Henderson might be the division’s best deep receiver, but isn’t especially dangerous in the open field.
» AFC: R. Brown (MIA) | D. Sproles (SD) | J. Cribbs (CLE) | C. Johnson (TEN)
Posted by ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas
A look at the players opposing teams hate to see with the ball in their hands in the open field.
There is no player in the NFC South opposing defenses hate seeing in the open field more than Carolina running back DeAngelo Williams. He has a combination of speed and elusiveness that makes him especially dangerous.
 | |
| Kim Klement/US Presswire | |
| DeAngelo Williams has rushed for 399 yards in the Panthers’ past three games. |
Williams has become an all-around back and has shown he can run between the tackles. But he’s at his best in the open field and has a history of breaking off long runs, including a career-best 77-yard touchdown this year. Much like last year, Williams started the season rather quietly, but that was due mostly to the rest of the offense struggling in the passing game.
But Williams seems to have hit his stride in recent weeks. He’s run for 399 yards in the past three games and had 158 rushing yards in Sunday’s win against Arizona. The Panthers also are trying to make Williams more of a factor in the passing game this year.
Williams already has 18 catches, after having only 22 a year ago. The Panthers use Williams in a backfield tandem with Jonathan Stewart and that’s a nice combination. Both are complete backs, but Stewart is at his best in the power games while Williams is most dangerous when he’s out in the open.
Williams was selected as the division’s most dangerous player in the open field after consideration was given to teammate Steve Smith, Atlanta receiver Roddy White, Atlanta running back Michael Turner and New Orleans receivers Marques Colston and Devery Henderson.
Williams was the clear winner. Smith, who would have been the obvious choice in a lot of recent years, is having a relatively quiet season. Same for White and Turner. Colston is big and can break tackles, but he’s much more of a red zone threat than an open-field threat. Henderson might be the division’s best deep receiver, but isn’t especially dangerous in the open field.
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NFL SCOREBOARD
Thursday, 11/19
Sunday, 11/22
Final Washington 6 Dallas 7 Final Cleveland 37 Detroit 38 Final San Francisco 24 Green Bay 30 Final/OT Pittsburgh 24 Kansas City 27 Final Seattle 9 Minnesota 35 Final/OT Atlanta 31 New York 34 Final New Orleans 38 Tampa Bay 7 Final Buffalo 15 Jacksonville 18 Final Indianapolis 17 Baltimore 15 Final Arizona 21 St. Louis 13 Final San Diego 32 Denver 3 Final Cincinnati 17 Oakland 20 Final New York 14 New England 31 Final Philadelphia 24 Chicago 20
Monday, 11/23
WEEKLY LEADERS
- M. Stafford DET - QB
- 26-43, 422 yds, 5 tds
- vs CLE | Final
- R. Williams MIA - RB
- 22 car, 119 yds, 2 tds
- @ CAR | Final
- T. Owens BUF - WR
- 9 rec, 197 yds, 1 td
- @ JAC | Final
