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One scout's take

Sporting News, The, Oct 25, 2004

Will Lewis, the Seahawks' director of pro personnel analyzes the top short-yardage runners:

I think it takes a special trait to be able to be that guy who'll get you that first down on third-and-1 or fourth-and-1 and who will get in the end zone on third-and-goal or fourth-and-goal. Physically, you have to have the God-given ability to get from Point A to Point B. But the mental approach makes more of a difference: 'You're not going to stop me. I'm always good for 1 or 2 yards, and I'm always going to get that.' To me, that's determination and attitude and toughness.

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When it comes down to getting the necessary real estate, I think Priest Holmes has a willingness to do whatever it takes, whether it's using power, using speed to get outside or going airborne. And I think he's got the greatest attitude for a goal-line runner. He's a guy who's not going to be denied. I don't know how many times we've seen him go airborne to get in there.

Even at this stage of his career, Jerome Bettis is still pretty tough when it comes to the short-yardage and goal-line stuff. It's a power thing with him. The other guy I think is pretty tough down there is Jamal Lewis. He's got power and all sorts of ability to bounce outside and outrun you. And he'll go airborne.

Our guy (Shaun Alexander) has done a pretty remarkable job of getting in the end zone, but he hasn't been that successful on short-yardage plays.

Mike Alstott, Buccaneers. Alstott has the power and strength to move a pile of would-be tacklers and hasn't lost the explosiveness needed to get through a hole quickly. He runs low to the ground and keeps his legs churning, so he often gains extra yards after contact.

Jerome Bettis, Steelers, The team's designated goal-line specialist, Bettis has six touchdowns in the first six games from inside 2 yards. He's effective because he runs low to the ground and does a good job of hitting the designated hole. At 255 pounds, he's hard to stop.

Stephen Davis, Panthers. Davis is a between-the-tackles runner who almost never loses yardage and is powerful enough to keep moving forward as he's going down. His running style means the team doesn't have to make big changes in short-yardage situations.

Corey Dillon, Patriots. Dillon is most comfortable when he runs downhill between the tackles, making him a natural short-yardage runner. He also fits the role because of his size (6-1, 225), power and physical style.

Ahman Green, Packers. Lacking the size to move the pile on his own, Green gets low, picks a spot and drives forward with his powerful legs. Because he has such a low center of gravity, he is difficult to stop unless the defense gets penetration into the backfield.

Thomas Jones, Bears, Jones isn't a pile mover or an over-the-top leaper, but he's a shifty cutback runner with great vision and the patience to wait for holes to open. He runs with a low center of gravity and has converted all five of his third/fourth-and-1 attempts this year.

Jamal Lewis, Ravens. It's hard to get underneath Lewis because of his excellent pad level. He also has the athleticism to leap over the pile and extend for the first down or goal line. He can pound it inside or run stretch plays because of his ability to turn the corner.

Curtis Martin, Jets. Only 5-11 and 210, Martin breaks the short-yardage mold. But he's effective because of his decisiveness. He's a north-south runner who doesn't waste steps and hits holes quickly. Martin has converted all six of his third-and-1 runs this year.

Deuce McAlisster, Saints. McAllister has a knack for reading creases, finding cutback lanes and sliding away from the defense's strength. His greatest asset in short-yardage is his leaping ability. He's proficient at launching himself over a weak spot in the line.

Tyrone Wheatley, Raiders. Wheatley has emerged as Oakland's primary short-yardage rusher, converting all six of his attempts this season. Even when met head-on, he uses his 235-pound body and hard-nosed approach to push the pile and run over defenders.

One scout's take

Sporting News, The, Oct 25, 2004

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