Moving the ball downfield has become the primary means of scoring for offenses in the NFL. Which running backs will have the best performances on the ground this season?
The days of watching running backs carry the ball 25 carries or more are long gone. Talents like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Justin Herbert have changed the dynamic of NFL offense – shifting the focus to passing the pig skin.
Fans who enjoy watching the grind of powerhouse rushing franchises hope for a glimpse of the past this upcoming season.
As defenses catch on to the new passing style of offenses, rushers across the league prepare to shift the narrative in 2022.
So which rushers are set to have a productive season this year?
NFL running back no. 5: Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Tomlin and his Steelers have an important season coming their way. While the Cincinnati Bengals continue to groom their young quarterback, Pittsburgh has focused on teaching their new gunslingers the playbook.
Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky will be tasked with keeping the Steelers a winning franchise.
Losing a leader like Ben Roethlisberger will force Matt Canada to rely on different players on the offensive side, including their second-year rusher.
Najee Harris’ contributions last season make him a favorite to be a top rusher in the upcoming season. His 307 carries finished second last season among his collogues – demonstrating his dependability on the gridiron.
Harris’ 3.9 yards per carry average will increase this season because he is simply the most reliable player on the offensive side of the ball. If the Steelers plan on making the playoffs, Najee’s productivity is a must.
NFL running back no. 4: Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
Deshaun Watson’s arrival will change how opposing defenses will prepare to face the Browns in 2022.
Before adding one of the best quarterbacks in the league, the Browns found their identity in running the football. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt’s two-back combination has elevated Kevin Stefanski’s offense.
Cleveland’s 5,791 yards rushing ranked fourth-best in the league last season. While linebackers prepare to defend against Watson’s passing abilities, Nick Chubb’s offensive line has begun working on opening more running lanes.
Stefanski and the Browns are excited to have a quarterback whose presence can create opportunities for others.
Chubb has been the offense’s most productive player during the last few years and plans to keep his streak going.
In 2021, Cleveland’s fourth-year rusher finished with 1,259 yards rushing – ranking second behind Jonathan Taylor. Incorporating Watson’s playmaking ability into Cleveland’s offense will only help Chubb remain dominant this upcoming season.
NFL running back no. 3: Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings
A jersey number change has given the Vikings’ leading rusher motivation for the upcoming regular season.
Reuniting with his collegiate No.4, Dalvin Cook is excited to enter his sixth season in the NFL. An impressive stat line from the previous season has increased notoriety among analysts and reporters.
His 1,159 yards rushing and 249 attempts finished fifth in both categories. As the season draws closer, opposing defenses must make time to devise a plan for one of the most elusive rushers.
Last season served as a bounce-back year for Cook. A torn labrum caused the All-Pro rusher to miss a few games in 2021 but he is ready for the new task ahead.
With the help of Justin Jefferson and Kirk Cousin, Dalvin Cook could have his best season as a professional if he remains healthy.
NFL running back no. 2: Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
Missing the playoffs after an impressive season will act as a method of motivation for the most productive rushers.
Taylor’s 1,811 yards rushing helped the Colts compete for a playoff spot in 2021. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, the team missed their chance to compete for the Lombardi trophy.
His 5.5 yards per game average called for a quarterback who could compliment Taylor’s abilities.
While the Cincinnati Bengals and Las Angeles Rams battled in the big dance, the Colts worked on adjusting their roster to best fit their talent.
Finding a quarterback who could lead the offense was the goal of the off-season for Indianapolis. Their decision to sign Matt Ryan will help the offense become a two-dimensional.
If his play can keep opposing defenses on their toes, Jonathan Taylor will have more opportunities to accumulate yards on the ground.
NFL running back no. 1: Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
It is no secret that Derrick Henry is one of the most dominant rushers in the league. His six-foot-three-inch – 250-pound frame can change directions in a second.
When deciding how to bring Henry down, defenders brace for impact – making him one of the best bruisers at his position.
After a disappointing end to 2021, the Tennessee Titans are excited to play behind their All-Pro tailback. His 937 yards rushing in eight games last season finished in the top 10 rankings in 2021.
A mid-season foot injury kept the leading rusher sidelined for half of the 2021 season – raising the anticipation of his return in 2022.
Henry has accumulated 5,563 yards rushing in the last four seasons. If the Titans can keep their bruiser healthy, the team will be positioned to have a great year on the ground.
Rushing the football has become a lost art in the National Football League. Becoming one-dimensional would be a detriment for any team looking to compete for a championship.
Franchises looking to separate themselves from the pack, incorporating a running game will lead to more success. If these backs have successful seasons, their teams will be closer to championship hardware.