11-06-2021, 12:03 PM
(11-06-2021, 11:56 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: Absolutely. The Rams and Pats used to call their short passes to the RBs as "an extension of the running game". Whatever. The point is, you can't blow through 8 defenders when you have five or six blockers. Get the RBs in space (see Jets, NY, against Bengals) and let them make plays instead of trying to turn everyone in to Derrick Henry.
Yep, I agree. I won't be surprised to see more types of these plays as the years come. You will be able to get more value and longevity out of your RBs by using them as receivers. Short, high-percentage plays that keep the clock churning (major benefit of the running game) but overall more efficient than the running game. Running becomes more situational and balancing than anything else.
The problem with the Derrick Henry's is the short shelf life and the amount of attempts it takes to get him doing what he is doing. He has an insane amount of yardage and TDs for this point in the season, but he also had 220 carries. By and large, he wasn't very efficient AND he broke down.
On the flip side, look at Austin Ekeler (one of my favorite RBs). He is a very notable receiving RB for the Chargers. This season, he has 117 touches for 723 yards (6.17 yards per touch) and eight touchdowns. He's having a better season than Henry, imo, he just doesn't have the volume that Henry has.
