Most years, the NFL is a league that is tough on rookies. The veterans are bigger, tougher, stronger and are able to impose their will. However, the 2008 NFL season has seen a number of rookie running backs flourish. In Week 9, the headlines were doinated by these rookie running backs.

Matt Forte, who has been the starting running back for the Chicago Bears all season long, finished with 126 yards as the Bears beat the Detroit Lions. With starting quarterback Kyle Orton leaving in the first half with an apparent serious injury, the Bears leaned even more on their rookie ball carrier and he helped lead Chicago to a very important win.

In Tennessee, the Titans have used a dynamic duo at running back with second year bruiser LenDale White joined by rookie speedster Chris Johnson. In Week 9, Johnson played amazingly well as he finished with 89 rushing yards and 72 receiving yards. Johnson was the first running back chosen in the 2008 NFL Draft and he’s shown a huge amount of potential. He’s one of the fastest players in the league and he’s also a very tough player to bring down.

Tim Hightower has garnered attention all season long for his high number of touchdowns. However, in Week 9, Hightower was keys to the car for the first time. Starting and playing ahead of veteran Edgerrin James, Hightower had 109 yards and a touchdown as his Arizona Cardinals beat the St. Louis Rams.

Three other rookie running backs, Steve Slaton, Jamaal Charles and Ray Rice, also had impressive showings. Slaton had 62 yards rushing and 56 yards receiving for the Houston Texans. Jamaal Charles, who appears to be starting for the foreseeable future for the Kansas City Chiefs, had 108 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last but certainly not least, rookie Ray Rice had 154 yards rushing and 22 yards receiving for the Baltimore Ravens as they defeated the Cleveland Browns.

Tags: 2008 nfl season, chicago bears, chris brown, Football, matt forte, NFL, nfl week 9, rookie running backs, tennessee titans
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