Ranking AFC South Units: Running Backs

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Yesterday we ranked the AFC South quarterbacks, today our rankings continue with the running backs:

4. Colts

Who is their running back again? Frank Gore? Isn’t he like 55 years old?

Jan 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans in the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Tennessee Titans, 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore (23) runs the ball against the Tennessee Titans in the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Tennessee Titans, 30-24. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

Okay, he’s not that old–he’s 33. The funny part is that he was the leading rusher in the AFC South last season with 967. However, he rushed for just 3.7 per carry, so he is clearly on the downside of his career.

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I shouldn’t be this negative about Gore, who has been on the most underrated backs of the last decade. If not for missing five games in 2010 he would have had a streak of nine straight thousand yard seasons. His 3.7 yards per carry average last season was a career low, and behind the line in Indianapolis I doubt it will improve next season.

Beyond Gore they have journeymen in Robert Turbin, Jordan Todman and others. Their second leading rusher last season was Andrew Luck, who ran for 196 yards in seven games and averaged 5.9 yards per carry. Considering the rate he throws interceptions, maybe he’s playing the wrong position (just kidding).

Turbin has bounced between Seattle, Cleveland and Dallas, not impressing at any stop. He has one hundred yard game—with Seattle in 2012. Todman is interesting because he has averaged over five yards per carry the last two years. Granted, it was on just 36 carries for the Jaguars and Steelers, but you almost get the feeling he could be a decent #2 back—but for now he and Turbin are journeymen at best.

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