Backs Against The Wall

Poor starts? We've seen a few—and we're not even counting the suspended likes of Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson

LESEAN MCCOY

EAGLES

It's easy to scapegoat a depleted O-line, but McCoy's big-play potential has vanished. In 2013 he had nine runs of 20-plus yards and gained 5.1 yards per carry; through four games this year he has a lone 21-yard run and a 2.7-yard average.

EDDIE LACY

PACKERS

Blame another banged-up line. But there's that schedule, too: Seahawks, Jets, Lions—three top rush defenses. A 48-yard day against the Bears was more troubling. Still, Lacy's yards after contact are up. His other numbers ought to follow.

MONTEE BALL

BRONCOS

While Denver (and fantasy owners) want more out of Ball, expectations must be tempered by this everyone-gets-a-piece offense. With 94 yards in Week 5, the second-year back would match Knowshon Moreno's pace from 2013.

REGGIE BUSH

LIONS

Ignore Bush's paltry 37.0 rushing yards per game. The real cause for concern is his 6.2 yards per catch. Bush's value isn't as a downhill, between-the-tackles runner, and Detroit has struggled to get him into open space, where he thrives.

PHOTO

DAVID E. KLUTHO/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (LACY)

TWO PHOTOS

AL TIELEMANS/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (MCCOY, BUSH)

PHOTO

JOHN W. MCDONOUGH/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (BALL)