By Alex Al-Kazzaz
It's often said that running backs do not last in the NFL. And it's further argued that they're not meant to last long in the league. In addition, some football experts believe that the running back position is the hardest in the sport, which is arguable. But as of late, there's been a few mysteries involving the running back position. Or perhaps controversy is the proper word?
At the moment, Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliott remain unsigned. Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs has not signed the franchise tag and has insisted that they won't. In Barkley's case, reports are indicating he may hold back and sit out. It's pretty much the same with Josh Jacobs, who was the leading rusher in the NFL last season with the Las Vegas Raiders. But as far as Cook goes, it's very interesting that he has not found a new home yet. Elliott has not exceeded expectations since 2019 and he was reportedly linked with the LA Chargers, but nothing has materialized.
Many feel that over the years, many running backs have been neglected and disrespected by the NFL. Is this a true statement or merely a misunderstanding or a flat-out exaggeration?
Lately, the likes of Derrick Henry and Austin Ekeler have expressed their disappointment with the treatment of running backs. There's no denying that the running back position is very brutal. A running back is expected to carry an overwhelming heavy workload. The position is so tough that injuries can happen in a heartbeat. Frankly, that goes for any position, but many strongly insist that the running back has the highest probability of getting seriously hurt.
Interestingly enough, former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant expressed his disappointment with how a running back gets treated. Honestly, Henry, Ekeler, and Bryant are not wrong in their claims. That being said, no doubt running backs are being disrespected. Many have insisted that the league is turning into a heavy-passing play-style environment. Okay, but if that's the case, even in heavy passing a running back can still be of good use. Regardless of a team's style of play, there's never a reason to not use a running back. Never.
Paying a running back a lot of money is a serious gamble. But isn't taking a colossal risk part of the game? Yes, definitely, because if a running back gets paid and is constantly hurt, then what good is that? A solid point, indeed. But running backs go through a lot to help a team achieve success. It's not a position that is easy to succeed in as a running back's body can quickly deteriorate because of the brutal nature of the sport and position. But that goes for any position in any sport.
Коментарі