2005 preview: Running backs

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It's almost impossible to win in the NFL without running the football. That's why everyone is looking for that big-time back. Teams realize they can't throw the ball 40 times every week and expect to win.

With an influx of young quarterbacks into the league, we'll see lots of teams trying to develop their running games. The thing that makes the learning curve not as steep for a young QB is a consistent running game.

Here are the running backs to keep an eye on this season:

Best in the business: LaDainian Tomlinson
There's no running back I would take over him. He can run between the tackles, he has breakaway speed from anywhere on the field and he has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.

I think LT and the San Diego Chargers will go far this season. The biggest question for them is on defense: Can they stop anyone? Also, can they win on the road? Can they win if they have to go to Pittsburgh or Indianapolis in the playoffs? The Chargers won't have as good of a regular-season record as last year, but they'll be good in a tough AFC West.

Most underrated: Tiki Barber
If you look at who has been the New York Giants' most consistent player offensively the last seven years, it's Tiki.

His ability to catch the ball out of the backfield has been really dangerous, and he has become a better runner between the tackles than people ever expected. He's durable, too.

Even though the Giants tried to replace him a number of times through the draft and free agency, Barber has continued to succeed. Plus he plays in a tough division in the NFC East. I don't think there is anyone out there who is as consistent as him and puts up numbers like him week in and week out.

Most overrated: Michael Bennett
He's had one good year, but hasn't shown the ability to stay healthy.

With the Minnesota Vikings' offensive line and their ability to throw the ball, you'd think they could develop some type of running game on a yearly basis. If they had managed to do so, that offense would be the best in the league.

But the thing that holds back the Vikings' offense is that none of the running backs have really stepped up. The biggest culprit has been Bennett, who rushed for a career-low 276 yards despite playing 11 games.

Ready to break through: Tatum Bell
It was unfortunate that he got hurt in training camp last year. That injury prevented him from getting a chance to run behind an outstanding Denver Broncos' offensive line early on. It also kept him from getting into the rotation until late in the season.

Add the way the Broncos block to the way Bell runs, and you'll find he's definitely one of the fastest running backs in the league. If he can beat out Mike Anderson for the starting job, Bell should have a big year (we know what Denver's offense has done with backs that were thought to be very, very average). He can score a touchdown regardless of where he is on the field. I think he'll rush for 1,300 yards this season.

Rookie to watch: Carnell Williams
He has a great burst and he showed that great ability at Auburn in a very tough Southeastern Conference. He has big-play ability, and Jon Gruden – who's a master at getting the matchups he wants on the field – will take advantage of those skills. It's a perfect fit for a running back just coming into the NFL.

I think the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be much improved. Defensively, they'll get back to doing some of the things they've done in the past with regards to shutting people down. Don't forget that with Tampa Bay you don't have to score a lot of points to be effective each week. Now the Bucs have an offense that, in my opinion, is one of the best they've had in the last 10 years. Fans in Tampa should be excited.

Backup to watch: Ronnie Brown
Yes, Ricky Williams will miss the first four games due to his suspension, but I think he will start eventually. The Miami Dolphins will do everything they can to get his trade value up because they realize this will be a one-year situation with Brown being their running back of the future.

Brown will get a lot of carries the first four weeks of the season. After that, when Williams comes back, the Dolphins will have a platoon of backs to run at defenses and help take the pressure off the quarterback. Running the ball will be crucial for the Dolphins. That's why Brown will be in the best situation of any backup back in the league.

Biggest 2005 surprise: DeShaun Foster
He will be the running back that leads the Carolina Panthers back into the playoffs. I've always liked him, but one thing he hasn't been able to beat is the injury bug. It hampered him in college and it's hampered him in his NFL career.

But with what the Panthers do, from a blocking standpoint, it's a great situation for a running back. I believe he will emerge this season. He has given us glimpses of what he can do the last two years, and the 35 carries they normally give to Stephen Davis will go to him. That's why Foster will be a top-flight running back.