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November-5th-2007, 09:52 PM
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/2007-11-05-veteranrbs_N.htm
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Veteran running backs get in on act
By Bob Velin, USA TODAY
Sunday will be remembered as the day a rookie running back ran wild.
The Minnesota Vikings' Adrian Peterson set an NFL single-game record with 296 yards rushing and three touchdowns in a 35-17 victory against the San Diego Chargers.
Another rookie, the Buffalo Bills' Marshawn Lynch, ran for 153 yards.
Yet Sunday was also memorable for veteran backs who have become an afterthought. The Houston Texans' Ron Dayne, the Oakland Raiders' Justin Fargas, the Washington Redskins' Clinton Portis and the Atlanta Falcons' Warrick Dunn had eye-opening performances.
•Dayne, starting for injured Ahman Green, rushed for a season-high 122 yards on 22 carries and a TD in the Texans' 24-17 victory against the Raiders. It was Dayne's fourth 100-yard rushing game in eight years.
"Just when you think maybe not, Ronnie steps up and says, 'Get on my back. I can still do this.' " Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. "He's a warrior. He knew we needed him, and he stepped up big."
•In the same game, Fargas, a fifth-year backup, rushed for 104 yards on 23 carries and scored a TD. He ran for 179 yards in Week 4 but since had gained 72 yards with no TDs before Sunday.
•Portis, who hadn't topped 72 yards since Week 1, said Thursday, after the Redskins were punished by the New England Patriots, that he was ready to put the team on his shoulders and carry the offense vs. the New York Jets.
So coach Joe Gibbs gave Portis the ball early and often, and he broke loose for 196 yards on 36 carries and scored the only touchdown in the Redskins' 23-20 overtime victory against the Jets.
"I'm ready to carry this team," Portis, who has been plagued by knee tendinitis this season, said afterward. "I've been telling coach to put it on me and if I can't do it, I could understand that."
click link for full article
Veteran running backs get in on act
By Bob Velin, USA TODAY
Sunday will be remembered as the day a rookie running back ran wild.
The Minnesota Vikings' Adrian Peterson set an NFL single-game record with 296 yards rushing and three touchdowns in a 35-17 victory against the San Diego Chargers.
Another rookie, the Buffalo Bills' Marshawn Lynch, ran for 153 yards.
Yet Sunday was also memorable for veteran backs who have become an afterthought. The Houston Texans' Ron Dayne, the Oakland Raiders' Justin Fargas, the Washington Redskins' Clinton Portis and the Atlanta Falcons' Warrick Dunn had eye-opening performances.
•Dayne, starting for injured Ahman Green, rushed for a season-high 122 yards on 22 carries and a TD in the Texans' 24-17 victory against the Raiders. It was Dayne's fourth 100-yard rushing game in eight years.
"Just when you think maybe not, Ronnie steps up and says, 'Get on my back. I can still do this.' " Texans coach Gary Kubiak said. "He's a warrior. He knew we needed him, and he stepped up big."
•In the same game, Fargas, a fifth-year backup, rushed for 104 yards on 23 carries and scored a TD. He ran for 179 yards in Week 4 but since had gained 72 yards with no TDs before Sunday.
•Portis, who hadn't topped 72 yards since Week 1, said Thursday, after the Redskins were punished by the New England Patriots, that he was ready to put the team on his shoulders and carry the offense vs. the New York Jets.
So coach Joe Gibbs gave Portis the ball early and often, and he broke loose for 196 yards on 36 carries and scored the only touchdown in the Redskins' 23-20 overtime victory against the Jets.
"I'm ready to carry this team," Portis, who has been plagued by knee tendinitis this season, said afterward. "I've been telling coach to put it on me and if I can't do it, I could understand that."