Previously, we took a look at the worst combination of quarterbacks in the NFL. Today, we move on to the sorriest situations at the running back position in the league.

Arizona Cardinals: This group is led by Edgerrin James, a possible Hall of Fame player and formerly great back. But he's going into his 10th season and has nearly 3,500 touches (rushing and receiving) and averaged less than 4.0 yards per carry last season. Behind him are run-of-the-mill types J.J. Arrington, Marcel Shipp, Steve Baylark and rookie Tim Hightower.

Chicago Bears: Thank God they drafted Matt Forte, because this bevy of players was a horrific assortment last year. Obviously, the main culprit is Cedric Benson, who is quite a dainty runner for such a big man. Chicago's running backs averaged a pukeable 3.1 yards per carry in 2008, and were one of three teams not to average at least 90 yards per game on the ground.

Detroit Lions: One of the other teams not to average 90 yards per game? The Lions. Although, to be fair, they had the fewest attempts in the league. Still, there's a reason Kevin Smith was drafted. Unless he chokes, he should start above any other back Detroit has on it's roster. Unless you think Tatum Bell will suddenly learn to run inside, or that Alan Ricard will challenge him.

Houston Texans: Chris Brown started off on fire last season, gaining 175 yards in week 1 for Tennessee. He never got more than 46 yards in a game after that, but he may be the man in H-Town. Unless Ahman Green is. Then again, Green only played 3 games after the third week of the season, so he's not exactly trustworthy. The rest of the lot includes an undrafted free agent, a 7th round pick and rookie Steve Slaton.

New Orleans Saints: Deuce McAllister has been a warrior for a long time on that team, but he is battling through serious injuries and he's almost 30 years old, the age running backs go to die. And I don't want to hear it about Reggie Bush. He's a slot receiver playing running back, period. The Saints had the fourth worst yards per carry at 3.7 last season, the same Bush has for his career. There are serviceable backs among the rest of the group, like Aaron Stecker and Pierre Thomas, but I'm not sure they're going to scare anybody into game planning against them.