Running Back by Committee: The New Standard?

More and more NFL teams are abandoning the “workhorse” 3 down running back in favor of Running Back by Committee. Is it going to become the standard for the NFL?

Throughout the history of the NFL, we have seen different strategies and schemes come and go. They catch on like wildfire, and somewhere along the line, die out like an old car. Now-a-days it’s the Running Back by Committee.

We saw the Triple Option back in the beginning of the NFL. I-Formation run games. More recently the Spread, and Dual Threat quarterbacks. However, a new trend may seem like one that is here to stay.

Running Back by Committee is not a completely new idea. To think that NFL Teams of the past only had one running back they wanted to use is ridiculous.

Just look at the Bears in 1978 with Walter Payton and Roland Harper. The Jaguars in 2006 with Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew. And most recently DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart rushing for 1,000+ yards each in 2009.

For the few examples we’ve seen in the past, in comes up pale in comparison to the running back duos and trios we see today. The following teams are utilizing a Running Back by Committee this season:

49ers, Patriots, Browns, Dolphins, Bengals, Raiders, Falcons, Jets, Buccaneers, Eagles, Chiefs, Chargers, Lions, Bears, Saints, Giants, Jaguars, Redskins

That is over half of the teams in the NFL that are using a form of running back tandems I am defining this as utilizing multiple running backs in high percentages when all are healthy. (i.e. Melvin Gordon & Danny Woodhead)

Whether teams are using multiple running backs across all downs, or using different running backs for running plays vs. passing downs, we are seeing a massive uptick in committees.

More from With the First Pick

Why are we seeing this come about? Is it a result of not having enough talented running backs in the league? Or is is more related to teams wanting to utilize each players talents accordingly? I for one, would have to go with the latter.

Teams have plenty of incredibly talented running backs, but the idea that they need to play all 3 downs and take 90% of snaps has gone out the window. The idea behind this I think has three main reasons.

Teams are realizing that some players are good to have as a change of pace, or are better pass catchers. Take Gio Bernard with Cincinnati. To some, he is a little too small to run between the tackles on early downs. But, he is an incredible weapon in the passing game out of the backfield, and can run stretch plays effectively to get the defensive front seven moving.
The running back position is one that is very grueling. They often are taking at least 20, sometimes 30-40 hits per game. That kind of wear and tear adds up. For a position as important as the running back, taking precautionary measures to extend the shelf life is a smart one. By utilizing more running backs, teams can cut down on usage, and in turn alleviate possible injuries and reduce hits on their players.
This can be seen as an insurance policy. By having multiple running backs on the roster that can carry the load, if one goes down, you have players experienced and ready to go so that you don’t lose a beat.

Of course some teams still use their 3 down workhorse running backs. Le’Veon Bell, Todd Gurley, Ezekiel Elliott, and David Johnson are being those players for their respective teams. But they are currently in the minority.

Teams are always looking for a competitive advantage that helps them on the field, as well as bettering the future of the franchise. Who knows, maybe in 10 years we’ll see the 3 down back be commonplace again, but I think running back committees aren’t leaving anytime soon.