A good running back in the NFL is a rare breed. The Los Angeles Rams have a heck of a tailback in Todd Gurley III, the 10th overall pick in the 2015 draft. In fact, in just 13 games this year, he has 1,637 yards from scrimmage. A true threat out of the backfield for the surging Rams.
How does 2,334 yards from scrimmage in one season sound? Or 1,738 and 1,624? Steven Jackson, the former bell-cow for the St. Louis Rams, posted over 1,500 scrimmage yards in three seasons in a 12-year playing career. His 2006 season is one of the top seven best running back performances of all time and second in Rams history behind only Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk.
The NFL has evolved into a passing league and in 2006, Steven Jackson posted 90 receptions for 806 yards at a 9-yard per reception clip. Those are historic numbers that some Hall of Famers have never accomplished. The 2006 NFL MVP was LaDainian Tomlinson of the San Diego Chargers, but Steven Jackson still led the league in scrimmage yards. Jackson has had seasons up there with the all time greats and it is only fair to mention him amongst them.
The dual-threat running back will forever be mentioned as one of the most hard-working, hard-hitting backs of the 2000s and the St. Louis Rams were fortunate to have such a stable backfield for nine straight seasons.
The highlight video above is from Steven Jackson’s 2006 season, during which he placed sixth all time in yards from scrimmage in a single season.