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NFL 2016: Return of the Running Back, Ground Game

By Russell S. Baxter

Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs the ball against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Notice how a number of NFL teams have rebounded from a bad season or a shaky start in 2016 thanks to some old school football?

The last time we saw a player other than a quarterback win the NFL MVP award was in 2012. It was the year Minnesota Vikings’ running back Adrian Peterson was given the honor. Despite the reliance on and dominance of quarterbacks recently, we have seen several teams bounce back this year due in a large part to a renewed emphasis on the ground attack.

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These are fascinating numbers. Last season, a total of seven players ran for at least 1,000 yards. It was the lowest figure in the NFL since that same number of performers managed that feat back in 1991. With three weeks to play, six players have already reached the four-figure total. Only two to this point have over 1,000 yards and over 250 carries: Dallas Cowboys rookie Ezekiel Elliott (1,392) and Tennessee Titans veteran DeMarco Murray (1,135)

That should change this weekend with Arizona Cardinals back David Johnson (248), New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (248), and Houston Texans ball-acarrier Lamar Miller (246). All three of those players have already reached the 1,000-yard mark.  Pittsburgh Steelers resident powder-keg Le’Veon Bell (1,053) rounds out the ledger.

San Diego Chargers second-year pro, Melvin Gordon (997), ranks seventh in the league with 997 yards on the ground. He was injured last week and isn’t expected to play in Week 15 vs. the Oakland Raiders. But Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (976), Chicago Bears rookie Jordan Howard (969) and Miami Dolphins second-year sensation Jay Ajayi (956) are next on the list.

What’s more, there are 13 more players less than 300 yards away from the 1,000-yard mark. We are certainly not going to make any predictions on a final figure. But what it shows is that the running game is on the comeback trail.

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The Cowboys, Titans, Dolphins have seen big-time revivals as a whole this season. Sure, they have gotten steady play from the quarterback position, but they aren’t alone in that. It’s no coincidence that these three teams boast three of the league’s leading-rushers amidst the overall success. And as we continue to focus a lot of attention on the player throwing the ball, you had better start paying more attention to the performer who is getting those hand-offs.

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