There's an expression in football that if you have two quarterbacks, you have none. Finding a quarterback is hard; when you find a great one, you commit to him and build your offense around him.
That same adage does not apply to the running back position, however, as the days of a team relying almost exclusively on one back are seemingly gone. Just five running backs had more than 250 carries during the 2015 season, while there were 19 in 2002. Multiple running backs splitting time isn't the exception -- it's a rule, which means a dynamic one-two punch out of the backfield is an integral ingredient to success.
With Le'Veon Bell returning from suspension in Week 4, we thought it was the perfect time to see where the backfield partnership of Bell-DeAngelo Williams ranks in the league. Here's my 1-32 ranking:
1. Atlanta Falcons
Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman: Freeman burst onto the scene in 2015, totaling 14 touchdowns in a memorable campaign. Coleman, a 2015 second-round pick, has flourished early on this season, as both players are seamless fits in Atlanta's offense. They're decisive, one-cut runners.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Le'Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams: There's an easy case for Bell, who returns this weekend after a three-game suspension, as the best running back in football; he's an outstanding rusher and just as capable a receiver. He's a uniquely talented back, but the excellent Williams is no slouch either. Few players can make defenders miss in the hole as easily as Williams, who has three touchdowns in Bell's absence.