With just one week until Super Bowl 56, the NFL season is nearing its end. On Sunday, February 2, the Pro Bowl will be held during the off-season. a) This year's event will take place at Elegant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders, and will feature both AFC and NFC teams.
Expect a lot of talent on the field, no matter where it is played. Both teams have elites in their respective rosters. But what should you keep an eye on? Here's how each of the 2022 Pro Bowl running backs compare.
Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills. Joshua Bessex/Getty Images6; Dalvin Cook of the Minnesota Vikings in action against the Green Bay Packers | David Birding/Getty Images Pittsburgh Steelers' Nazi Harris (who will take over for Joe Mixon)
The show begins with Nazi Harris. The rookie who ran back for the Pittsburgh Steelers was not selected for the Pro Bowl. However, he serves as a backup for Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Mixon, who will play in the Super Bowl.
Harris had a strong rookie year, running for seven touchdowns for 1,200 yards and 307 attempts. The Alabama product overtook Franco Harris (1,055 yards) as the Steelers' rookie rushing leader. He also had three touchdowns and 74 receptions for 467 yards.
In his first year, the 23-year-old saw a lot of traffic. His emergence took some of the pressure off Ben Roethlisberger, who is now aging. Their production was hampered by inconsistencies on the offensive line. Despite this, the rookie showed why he has the potential to become a special player in the future.
5. James Conner, Arizona Cardinals
In the year 2021, James Conner has been quite the character. During his final two seasons with the Steelers, he struggled with injuries and saw his production decline. Conner was contracted as a free agent by the Arizona Cardinals, and in the offense of Cliff Kingsbury, he has revived his career.
In 15 games, the former Pittsburgh Panthers star ran for 752 yards and 15 touchdowns on 202 attempts. Connor's touchdown total was second in the NFL with Damien Harris, ahead of only Jonathan Taylor. Arizona found a way to include him in the passing game as well. He had 375 yards and three touchdowns on 37 receptions.
Conner made an early and lasting impression with his physical running style. He was heavily used in the red zone by the Cardinals, allowing Kyler Murray to relieve some of the pressure in the scoring positions. This is a well deserved Pro Bowl nod.
4. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
Nick Chubb continues to show why he is one of the best running backs in the NFL. It's hard to bring down the star of the Cleveland Browns in a face-to-face situation, with one of the most injured backs in the league.
On 228 carries, Chub accumulated 1,259 yards and eight touchdowns. Because passing is not his strong suit, he was not heavily involved in the passing game. Still, behind a talented Brown offensive line, he can establish his dominance on the ground.
This would be the fourth straight Pro Bowl appearance for the race for the fourth year running. Chub can continue to win awards year after year, as long as he's in front of those big guys.
3. Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
Despite the fact that Dalvin Cook took a step back in 2021, his talent is undeniable. The Minnesota Vikings' tailback sets the tone for the offense. His energy is shared by the whole entity.
Cook scored 1,159 yards and six touchdowns on 249 carries. He also did a 224-yard receiving touchdown on 34 receptions. Due to a shoulder injury, the Florida State product missed the time, but made the delivery while he was on the field.
In terms of statistics count, few other names on this list fared better. On the other hand, the box score doesn't reveal everything. Right now, Cook is unquestionably likely to slip back into the top five. When he is on the field, the Vikings' offense runs more smoothly. He made the Pro Bowl, which is no surprise.
2. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
On the football field, there aren't many players who can do Alvin Kamra of the New Orleans Saints. Kamra is a complete backfield player who can run in or out, catch the ball on a consistent basis, and even provide pass protection. With the ball in his hands, he is a dynamic player owing to his elite combination of speed and athletic ability.
When he was on the field, those abilities were on full display. A knee injury forced Kamra to play four games. With 898 rushing yards, 439 receiving yards, and a total of nine touchdowns, he finished the season with a total of 998 yards.
By Kamra's standards, the 2021 season was disappointing. Injuries played a part, but without Drew Brees and Michael Thomas, the Saints' offense was far less effective. This resulted in teams being able to focus on Kamra.