The 5 Most Valuable NFL Rushing Seasons Since 2000
Priest Holmes, 2003
Season: 2003
Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Rushing NEP: 52.18
Success Rate: 54.06%
| G | ATT | YDS | Y/G | AVG | TD | FUML |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 320 | 1,420 | 88.8 | 4.4 | 27 | 1 |
“It doesn’t matter matter how many yards you ran for last year. You’ve got to do it again.”
--Priest Holmes
Making his second appearance on this list, Priest Holmes might own the two most impressive consecutive rushing performances of this century.
Playing for head coach Dick Vermeil in the same 'Air Coryell' system he installed with the St. Louis Rams, Holmes would flourish, becoming the only running back since Emmitt Smith to record back-to-back seasons of 20-plus touchdowns in 2003. Holmes did most of his damage on the field using a punishing and determined running style, and was fond of saying "if you aren't breaking tackles, you aren't doing anything."
This hard-nosed style allowed him to run over defenders on his way to a Rushing NEP of 52.18 in 2003, where he would lead his team to a franchise-best nine straight wins to start the season, and an eventual 13-3 record. His 27 rushing scores also broke the total touchdown record previously held by Marshall Faulk.
For his contributions to the Chiefs' success that season Holmes was recognized with an AP First-Team All-Pro selection and a third-straight trip to the Pro Bowl. And on the back of all the offensive records set by Holmes this season, the AFC West-leading Chiefs quickly became the heavy favorites to bring Vermeil his third Super Bowl title in five years.
Following a first-round bye, the Chiefs found themselves facing Peyton Manning and the Colts in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. This match would become an offensive shootout and the first game in NFL playoff history without a single punt. But despite 208 total yards (176 rushing, 32 receiving) and 2 touchdowns from Priest, the Colts handed the Chiefs their first loss at Arrowhead Stadium that season with a final score of 38-31, abruptly ending their Super Bowl run.
While 2003 would be Priest Holmes last truly great season in the NFL -- injuries in 2004 and 2005 would cut both of these seasons short and opened the door for back up Larry Johnson to 'Wally Pipp' his starting job -- it was actually not his best season in the NFL.
