ball-carrier

Patriots 34 Broncos 23, 5:20 4th quarter Is it just me, or are there few things in football more exhilarating than a well-executed stiff-arm from a ball-carrier moving at top speed.

New England Patriots @ Denver Broncos - as it happened | Paolo Bandini 2011

They struggled to offload and the ball-carrier was often isolated.

Saracens ambition hands Heineken Cup victory to Clermont Auvergne Paul Rees at Stade Marcel-Michelin 2010

But nobody looked ready to assume the role of primary ball-carrier, and the Cardinal will head into the fall with four players (Stepfan Taylor, Jeremy Stewart, Tyler Gaffney and Usua Amanam) still hoping to land the job as the No. 1 back and all four probably getting playing time early in the season.

Around the Pac-10 Conference 2010

FB Le'Ron McClain (tendered at $2. 396M with first-round pick as compensation) has been a primary ball-carrier in 2008 and a lead blocker in 2009. — * CB Fabian Washington (tendered at $1. 809MM with second-round pick as compensation) was a two-year starter for the Ravens before tearing his ACL.

Baltimore Ravens Team Report 2010

That is hardly a surprise given the totemic influence of the club's former England captain, both as a No8 and as a leader, but in Andy Powell they have at least found a ball-carrier who provides a target for those around him.

Rejuvenated Andy Powell drives Wasps to victory over Glasgow Paul Rees at Adams Park 2010

One of the incidents, in which undue pressure is placed on the arms of the ball-carrier, was brought to the attention of the referee, Richard Silverwood, by the St Helens forward Jon Wilkin during the game while the RFL's match review panel also charged Lima with a similar offence on Sia Soliola.

Wigan's Jeff Lima banned from World Club Challenge for 'chicken wings' 2011

Three of his four tries against Italy a fortnight ago resulted from his ability to appear unexpectedly in close support of a receiver or ball-carrier, often in a position on the field far removed from the places you might expect to find a wing threequarter.

Six Nations 2011: Is Chris Ashton the new Jason Robinson? 2011

No country should be better suited to this shifting of the balance of advantage from tackler to ball-carrier than France, instinctively drawn to demonstrations of skill.

Six Nations 2011: No need to turn tank-stoppers into ballerinas | Eddie Butler 2011

Associated Press Shonn Greene, left, will be the Jets' primary ball-carrier this season.

Shonn Greene's Honeymoon Is Over Kevin Clark 2011

And so those nearest the ball-carrier position themselves to hit the breakdown.

Eddie Butler's verdict: five things England must improve 2011