In 1999 and 2000, no team in NFL history relied on one running back quite like the Indianapolis Colts. During those two seasons, Edgerrin James was responsible for 98% of all carries given to Colts running backs, 99% of all rushing yards from Indianapolis running backs, and 98% of all yards from scrimmage and 97% of all touchdowns scored by Colts running backs. The table below shows the stats from the nine running backs to play for the Colts during these two seasons: [continue reading…]
Peyton Manning’s time in Indianapolis was peppered with record-breaking moments that have been very well-publicized. But a relatively unknown record occurred during the nascent days of the Manning Era. In 1999, Edgerrin James rushed for 1,553 yards, an impressive accomplishment in any era. But here’s what’s really crazy: Manning was second in the team in rushing yards with 73! Keith Elias was the only other running back to record a carry, and he finished with 28 yards (Marvin Harrison and Terrence Wilkins added six total rushing yards). This means James recorded 93.6% of all Indianapolis rushing yards that season, still an NFL record, and one that is in no danger of being broken in the near future.
Second on the list of “largest percentage of the rushing pie” is … Edgerrin James for the Colts the following season. In 2000, he was responsible for 91.9% of all Indianpolis rushing yards. Only three other players have ever gained 90% of all team rushing yards: Emmitt Smith, Barry Sanders, and … Travis Henry. The table below shows the top 100 seasons as far as percentage of team rushing yards: [continue reading…]