Q: What was with all the running back injuries this season? Steven Jackson, Frank Gore, Brandon Jacobs, Ronnie Brown, Larry Johnson, all of ‘em were really banged up. Bad luck or what? — Danny, San Francisco

A: Running backs typically take more forceful collisions than players at any other positions. Runners tend to get banged up every year, and it shouldn't be a surprise. That's why players like LaDainian Tomlinson, who rarely miss games, are so rare. It's also why more and more teams are going with a two-back approach. Even the Chargers don't give the ball to Tomlinson when they are protecting leads in the fourth quarter. They give it to Michael Turner and let the defenses tee off on him. Any team that believes it is going to get through a season with one back is taking an unwise gamble. The more coaches can spread the running load throughout the season, the better off their primary runner will be. The Jaguars provide a god model for spreading the carries. Fred Taylor may not get as many yards as he would if Maurice Jones-Drew wasn't in the picture, but he is a fresher back who gets more quality runs because of Jones-Drew. He also has been a more durable back since Jones-Drew has been around. It is not coincidental.

Q: Is it just me or is the Chargers’ defense incredibly underrated? I think they’ll give the Colts a run for their money. — R.H., Santee, Calif.

A: The Chargers defense has the potential to be very, very good. But it hasn't always played as well as it can. It probably took the team awhile to adjust to the subtle scheme changes of new defensive coordinator Ted Cotrell. The defense also has four first time starters in Stephen Cooper, Matt Wilhem, Clinton Hart and Antonio Cromartie. But if you looked at the defense and asked which players are among the best in the league at their position, you'd list Cromartie, linebackers Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips, nose tackle Jamal Williams and defensive end Luis Castillo. There aren't many other teams you would say have five of the best players in the league at their positions.

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Q: If T.O. isn’t 100%, can the Cowboys beat the Giants? — Melinda, Dallas

A: Sure they can. In eight of the Cowboys' games this season, Owens had fewer than 70 receiving yards. But they might not be able to beat the Giants if Tony Romo does not play well. And Romo has not played well in his last three games. The Cowboys were able to beat the Bills earlier in the season when Romo was off, but beating the Giants in the playoffs is a taller order.

Q: What assistants are teams looking at for head coaching jobs? — Scott, Stuart, Fla.

A: Here is a list of some of the assistants who are drawing attention in the head coaching job market: Tony Sparano, Cowboys offensive line coach, Jason Garrett, Cowboys offensive coordinator, Rex Ryan, Ravens defensive coordinator, Jim Caldwell, Colts quarterbacks coach, Jim Schwartz, Titans defensive coordinator, Rob Chudzinski, Browns offensive coordinator, Jim Mora, Seahawks defensive backs coach, John Harbaugh, Eagles special teams coach, Brian Schottenheimer, Jets offensive coordinator and Les Frazier, Vikings defensive coordinator.

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