Why is the running back position so undervalued recently?

[Big_D]

RBBC which this team should be doing.

 

[Flamma]

Running backs can be very important to a team, they're just a dime a dozen these days. No need to pay big money for them. Just like the air we breathe is very important to us, but we don't pay for it.

 

[DuncanIso]

That says a lot, the Titans are willing to part ways with a RB that just got 1500 yards, 4.4 ypc, and 13 tds. Yet Dallas puts the franchise tag on a RB that barely got over 1000 yards, and thinking of bringing the other RB back on this team after he had 800 yards and 3.8 ypc. Absolute joke this FO is

Jerry tagged TonyP because it benefits Dallas.

If the leg is still wrecked, Dallas is only out 10 million.

Dallas doesn’t even have to offer a long term deal.

 

[DuncanIso]

Running backs can be very important to a team, they're just a dime a dozen these days. No need to pay big money for them. Just like the air we breathe is very important to us, but we don't pay for it.

That doesn’t work.

Never has.

 

[DuncanIso]

A strong Oline can make a star out of an average RB, and you need a strong Oline for the passing game anyway. Allocating resources to the RB position is completely unnecessary unless it’s an offensive identity thing like Christian Mccaffrey’s versatility in SF or Tennessee’s entire offense in Derrick Henry.

There is a possibility that Tony Pollard isn’t nearly as effective outside Dallas, and you could bring in another quality player who could get close to replicating TP’s production for pennies on the dollar.

Scrub RB will never outplay an elite RB.

 

[kskboys]

Titans are shopping Henry as we speak.

It’s similar to guard and safety. You can get by with lesser cheaper talent than the big positions like LT, DE, CB

Are they really? Didn't know that, but not surprised. His slow start means they have to play a special type of O to get him going. Terrible at short yardage due to lack of burst.

 

[Silverz1972]

Seems they're getting no love these days, yet teams are supposed to be balanced on offense! I get that they don't have a long shelf life, and that the money they're asking for is outrageous for a position that is no longer valued.

Please give your thoughts. I know we need runners in this game, but once they get up in age, teams have to ask those tough questions!

Production drops of so fast in years 5-6. See zeke.

 

[Bullflop]

Production drops of so fast in years 5-6. See zeke.

Not only that, many are done after 2-3-4 years. They take such a beating with all these defensive monsters taking them down in every game.

 

[Flamma]

Production drops of so fast in years 5-6. See zeke.

Zeke's burst was gone after 3 years at age 23. Ridiculous.

 

[Flamma]

Not only that, many are done after 2-3-4 years. They take such a beating with all these defensive monsters taking them down in every game.

I'm not buying the reason. They hit harder years ago. The turf they played on was brutal. Hell, a lot of run plays end with the running back still standing in today's game.

It's just today's athlete. Look at baseball pitchers. Look at load management.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Supply and demand. RB have short careers so the demand is not high while the supply is sky high. We got Pollard in the 4th for example. The league is full of such examples.

 

[Londonboy]

We have 2 former RB's Who's records may never be broken.

Tony's 99 yard run can only be matched.
Emmitts's 18,355 yards (about 1200 with Arizona, the rest with Us) is looking unassailable in the modern era.
Go Cowboys.

 

[Bullflop]

I'm not buying the reason. They hit harder years ago. The turf they played on was brutal. Hell, a lot of run plays end with the running back still standing in today's game.

It's just today's athlete. Look at baseball pitchers. Look at load management.

Not buying your thinking either . . . defensive players are bigger than ever now and more athletic. Running backs are having shorter careers than ever now. This is common knowledge -- surprised you're not tuned into it.

 

[RonnieT24]

I'm not buying the reason. They hit harder years ago. The turf they played on was brutal. Hell, a lot of run plays end with the running back still standing in today's game.

It's just today's athlete. Look at baseball pitchers. Look at load management.

I do think there is something to the notion that today's athletes are not built as tough as guys from yesteryear. I think the move away from contact at all costs is the reason. Nobody hits until game day anymore as such bodies are not as conditioned to survive actual hits at game speed. But I think the main reason in general that guys are having ever shortening careers is $$$. Teams move on from guys who can still play because they can get what they feel is acceptable production from a younger, cheaper option. The more they keep paying these damn QBs the more other guys are going to get squeezed. I sincerely hope they figure that crap out soon because I think it's ruining the game.

 

[plasticman]

Constant changes to the rules by the NFL in order to increase excitement for the game have made it easier for passing offenses. This began in the late 70's within the grasp rules and harsher penalties for unnecessary roughness and passer interference. There were also changes to defensive contact in favor of receivers among others.

Pass defenses in the NFL have been seriously handicapped and the rule changes are the primary reason in the spike of passer ratings throughout the past five decades.

As a result, offenses can rely more on the potential of passing plays creating larger gains in yardage. Two running plays might gain 5-8 yards, perhaps even a first down but two passing plays typicallyt results in at least one completion for more.

 

[IceBowler]

Because of the passing game and the rules. Also running backs can be found in every draft in every round that are productive. Most don't last past 5 years now. The days of Emmitt, Sanders, Peterson ect. are long gone.

I don't disagree with you at all. My question to you (and others), is WHY do you think that is? Why would a back like Emmitt not fare well today for as long as he did? Given the outstanding OL No. 22 was blessed with, would not the same thing be said for a back today?

BTW - this is a very interesting point you bring up.

 

[Flamma]

Not buying your thinking either . . . defensive players are bigger than ever now and more athletic. Running backs are having shorter careers than ever now. This is common knowledge -- surprised you're not tuned into it.

Bigger doesn't mean you hit harder. It just means you could. Watch a few games from the late 80s, 90s. It's the one thing that stands out. Hitting, and the game in general was more brutal at the time.

 

[Bullflop]

I'm not buying the reason. They hit harder years ago. The turf they played on was brutal. Hell, a lot of run plays end with the running back still standing in today's game.

It's just today's athlete. Look at baseball pitchers. Look at load management.

There's a reason why pro teams have devalued the RBs in the present, saying not only has the size of the defenders are greater but their speed is considerably faster, as well, making contact more injury prone. We'll have to agree to disagree on this one. Today's RBs and WRs get injured more frequently than ever, these days. Pro teams are very aware of it. Many teams compete on artificial turf these days and the C'boys are one of them.

 

[buybuydandavis]

Seems they're getting no love these days, yet teams are supposed to be balanced on offense! I get that they don't have a long shelf life, and that the money they're asking for is outrageous for a position that is no longer valued.

Please give your thoughts. I know we need runners in this game, but once they get up in age, teams have to ask those tough questions!

They're valued low because they don't last long after their rookie contract.

That short lifespan justifiably lowers what teams will sign them to longer term, lowering the AAV of their contracts. But this lower average means you're getting a good deal when you franchise one for a year. It's likely the best year the back has left.

Watch how many teams franchise their RBs this year.

 

[EPL0c0]

Short NFL lifespan

DEEP dreafts and teams willing to do RB by committee

Teams use the savings to beef up the OLine.