I’m neutral in the matter so I’m not posting to turn this into a big bashing thread. I just found it an interesting and fact filled article to shed some light on the current state of the NFL.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/vincen...-nfl-continues-to-devalue-running-backs/

Interesting read.

I think the folks in control of NFL teams realize that the one position on a team that does not require much seasoning is the RB. It's pretty much raw talent there. Just give him the ball and let his natural ability to find a hole and run take over. Use them up for a few years and then go find another. There will be an endless supply coming up from the minors, aka NCAA.

If you don't have to pay a fortune to the RB then you can pay a QB like Dak, who thinks that playing for 3 seasons, and participating in a total of 3 playoff games (winning just 1) makes him worth more than any QB in NFL history, many of who actually led their teams to Super Bowl victories.

Don't most of the teams that make it to the post season and win have a top running back?
If you don't have a running game, and someone that can help protect the QB on passing downs they you won't go very far in the season. Their value depends on what the owner feels is their value to the team.

Most don't. Top running backs can make a team go but how many top running backs led their team to the Superbowl, much less won a SB?
Last year the top running backs in order were Dallas, Rams, Bengals, Seahawks, Giants, Colts, Stealers, Chargers..........then the Patriots.

Don't recall NE ever having a great rb.

They have played with a RB committee for years. Last year NE had Sony Michael and James White, with Michael getting the most touches with just over 200 for the season. He was the 31st pick in last years' draft. White was a 4th round pick in 2014.

It is really pretty simple, if you have a great QB you do not have to have a great runner, if you have an average QB you better have a great runner along with some other great talents on offense.

Agreed but in either case you better have a great offensive line. That's where everything starts.

Yep. Most underrated players in sports are OL.

The best running back in the league rushes for zero yards per game behind a bad O-line. And a great O-line can make a very average RB look like a hero.

The team that controls the trenches wins the game. Holds true on both sides of the ball, and at all levels of the game.

Not a more correct statement. Win the LOS, win the game!!

I wish there was a stat measuring "yards after engagement" for a running back; something that measures yards gained from making a guy miss or breaking a tackle. That is probably a better metric than yards gained. For some offenses, the yards gained have a built in handicap just because of the line. They are going to rush for 80 yards no matter who is carrying the ball. But hand it to a great RB, and they may rush for 140.

there are advanced stats just like that....Zeke led the league in yards after contact

I would offer Barry Sanders and Walter Payton as examples of running backs that excelled without a good offensive line or a good passing game to reduce the pressure on them.

As would I!

Barry Sanders never had a decent O Line and should be considered by most as one of the best ever!

Take a certain #22 and put him behind one of the best O Lines ever and he rushed for quite a few yards.