Tennessee Titans: 15 best running backs in franchise history
By Will Lomas
(1996-03). Eddie George. 3. player. 35. . RB
- Best season: 2000
- 1,509 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns
- 453 receiving yards, two receiving touchdowns
Is this treason? There are so many accolades that fit the argument for Eddie George possibly being the best running back on this list, and probably top two:
- All-Pro in 2000
- Truly a workhorse with over 300 caries every year, with 403 rushes in his best season
- Four seasons with eight-plus rushing touchdowns
- All-time Titans leader in rushing yards with 10,009
And that isn’t even talking about the emotional attachment fans have to him because of the personality he helped give this team, nor is it taking into account how the Heisman Trophy winner with the Ohio State Buckeyes raised the national profile of the Titans during their early years in Nashville.
Only a career year by Edgerrin James and Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk kept George from being the NFL’s leader in yards from scrimmage in 2000.
As much as it hurts, what it came down to was the fact that even in his best years, he was never a very efficient runner. Don’t get me wrong, George was a sledgehammer that the Titans used to impose their will on defenses, but only twice in his nine-year career did he have more than 3.9 yards per attempt.
Ultimately, it came down to three great running backs and the argument was just a little bit better for the other two that find themselves of the former Heisman winner.