Chiefs’ backup RBs have L.J.’s back

By Adam Best  |   Wednesday, May 30, 2007  |  Comments( 5 )

Kansas City Chiefs
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Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson toted the rock 416 times last season, breaking the previous NFL record for most rushing attempts. The previous record holder -- former Atlanta Falcons running back Jamal Anderson -- carried the ball 410 times during the '98 season. Unfortunately, he suffered a devastating injury early the next season. Former Chiefs running back Christian Okoye tallied a whopping 370 carries back in '89, and he never quite recovered. Okoye retired three seasons later.

History hasn't been kind to running backs who absorb the kind of punishment Johnson did last season. That is why the Chiefs have a trio of backup running back options on the roster. The real question: If Johnson does go down who has the best chance of replacing him in the starting lineup, and possibly as the franchise's featured back of the future?

Michael Bennett

When he was healthy, Bennett was Johnson's primary backup last year. His stats -- 39 touches for 277 total yards -- weren't jaw-dropping, but there wasn't much sharing going on in Kansas City a season ago. Head coach Herm Edwards' offense was pretty much a Larry Johnson-Tony Gonzalez one-two combo, something that Edwards himself has vowed to change. A good starting point might be with Bennett, who once ran a 4.13 40, the fastest time an NFL player has ever officially recorded. At worst, his speed is a different look to give opposing defenses. At best, Bennett's a home-run hitter who gives the offense another look.

The problem with Bennett is his health, or lack thereof. The guy is constantly getting injured, and it's hard to believe that he can even make it to 100 carries right now, let alone assume Johnson's monster 350-plus-rush role.

Kolby Smith

Smith doesn't possess the brute force of Johnson or the breakneck speed of Bennett, but he may be the most versatile back on Kansas City's roster. He's a fantastic receiver, evidenced by his 24 receptions for 217 yards at Louisville last season. Despite not having elite speed, Smith also does boast some big-play ability. Smith's career-high plays of 56 yards rushing and 57 yards receiving demonstrate that attribute.

What really sets Smith apart, however, is that he does whatever is needed of him, and he does it well. He started at fullback and running back in college, also serving as a backup. As a rookie he's already the Chiefs' best blocking halfback, and he has already stated that he is committed to doing anything that will help the team win games. Smith likely can't quite fill Johnson's shoes, but if Johnson did go down Smith could be a drama-free, Kimble Anders-like force out of the backfield.

Derrick Ross

Chances are that if you've heard of Ross you're either a die-hard Chiefs fan, or you live in Europe. As the star player of the Cologne Centurions, Ross leads NFL Europa in rushing attempts, rushing yards and total yards. His play has also led the Centurions to a tie for the best overall record in the league. He's dominated like this before as well -- in two years at Division II Tarleton State, he racked up well over 3,000 yards rushing and 400 yards receiving.

The drawback about Ross is the level of competition he has faced up to this point. AFC West rival defenders like cornerback Champ Bailey, defensive end Derrick Burgess and linebacker Shawne Merriman trump the talent Ross has seen thus far. Is he prepared to play against a higher level of competition, especially on a full-time basis? Probably not, but Ross is a fantastic fourth-string option and would be for any team in the NFL.

Outlook

Johnson is arguably one of the top five or six best offensive players in the NFL. It will be extremely difficult for any one of the above-mentioned players to adequately fill in for him alone should he go down. As a committee, Bennett, Ross and Smith have a much better chance. If Johnson does get injured, the Chiefs' backup running back trio should be able to hold the position down and help Kansas City make at least a strong push for the playoffs.

Adam Best, a regular RealFootball365.com contributor for the Kansas City Chiefs , also covers the Chiefs for ArrowheadAddict.com, where he serves as the site's lead writer.
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