For NFL fans

by jamesmahon 22 Replies latest social physical

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  daringhart13

  There is NOTHING I'm more passionate about in life than FOOTBALL. ITS LIFE!

  Greatest thread in weeks.

  NFL running backs....particularly the franchise 'feature' back began to decline in the late 90's and throughout the 2000's. There are a couple of factors that have contributed:

  • Average lifespan of a runningback is 3 years. No longer were teams willing to draft and pay big $$'s for one player....especially one that would be gone in a few years. Many teams adopted the strategy of taking a couple of 'good' backs in later rounds...with the emphasis on one that could catch the ball (a 3rd down back type: Darren Sproles) or a goal line pile mover (Michael Turner, Jermoe Bettis, LaGarrette Blount) ........it saved money..... and you got the best of both worlds.
  • Decline in feature back talent: When is the last time you saw a really dominant back come out of college. Reggie Bush? He didn't translate well at the next level (see 3rd down back). Trent Richardson has a "Jamal Lewis" feel to him....he will be good....but great? Enh.
  • Spread Offenses: You can thank my 1999 St. Louis Rams for that trend. Martz instituted pieces of the Air Coryell offense into his.....teams were spreading out.....3-5 receiver sets.......teams needs WR's....not RBs. Marshall Faulk was almost another WR.....who could also run the ball. The Patriots, Colts, etc. have all gone to spread type offenses. The trend continues, leaving little need for a feature back.

  I think those three factors have played a huge role. Gone are the days of Earl Campbell, Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith. The latest trends is to get a BIG tight end that can out run linebackers.
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  jamesmahon

  Daringhart - do you think there is going to be a growing trend for quarterbacks that have a dual threat as well? I think Tebow doesn't count because he can't actually pass but RGIII seems to be in this class. Will be interesting to see how his career compared to Luck's pans out.

  And what about the lateral pass? Why don't teams use it more? Is it any more high risk than a normal pass?
• 

  rather be in hades

  the increase in pass interference comes with the newer rules regarding it. kinda takes away from the game in my opinion.

  the rnning game will never go away. teams will always need that sure fire 3-4 yards. eventually, when defenses get to small, old school running backs will come back. i'm a chargers fan and the 3/4 defense that we, and now whalf the league ;), is using is vulnerable to inside runs. that's a big back's job.

  what teams do yo all root for?
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  sooner7nc

  College is real football.

  BOOMER SOONER!!!
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  Low-Key Lysmith

  I really miss this guy:

  

  Terell Davis was one of the best running backs to ever play the game. His Hall Of Fame induction was well-deserved.
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  poppers

  Once defences learn how to stop the pass there will be a shift back to running the ball more. Who knows when that will happen.

  By the way, here is a great website where you can submit questions and get an answer from Vic Ketchman, who currently works for the Green Bay Packers (just so you know, he doesn't respond to every question, but he does read each one). He's been covering pro football for about 40 years. He has also worked for the Steelers and the Jaguars, so he's got a following from a wide area. http://www.packers.com/news-and-events/ask-vic.html
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  poppers

  And what about the lateral pass? Why don't teams use it more? Is it any more high risk than a normal pass?

  There is a risk involved with it because there could be a turnover if it isn't completed. Today it's called a backward pass, not a lateral. It's usually used as a trick play now.
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  elderelite

  Bum bum ba bum! Badum! Badum! Badum dadadada da dum! Dum dum dum! Dunda da danduduh!!

  Thor i cant wait!!!!!!!
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  Magwitch

  Sooner7NC. .College is real football
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  jamesmahon

  But when they allowed a forward pass they thought it would be so risky no one would bother using it. I think I can see teams using lateral/backward passing as in rugby at some point. Someone will try it, it will work and then everyone will be doing it. I think it will need a significant change of formation though. Is it used in college football more?

  By the way, I know I will be hated for this but I am a Patriots fan. In my defence I did used to live in New England for a time. And yes I know they have no running game to speak of.