Friday 5 January 2018 13:22, UK
Before the season, we suggested that running backs were making a resurgent return in the NFL.
Along with an already-growing group of young runners in the league, the incoming rookie class was as highly-regarded as we have seen in a long time. It has lived up to the hype.
Kareem Hunt. Leonard Fournette. Alvin Kamara. These backs have had tremendous success this season, and been a huge part of why their teams are in the playoffs. Christian McCaffrey, too, has been instrumental in his offense’s success, providing a spark to a team that needed some electricity.
It’s not just the rookies. If Tom Brady doesn’t win the MVP title this season, Todd Gurley is well worthy of the crown with over 2,000 scrimmage yards and 19 touchdowns. Le’Veon Bell has yet again handled a huge load - a league-leading 406 touches - and is almost impossible to scheme against.
We're set to see all of them in the playoffs, which you can watch exclusively live on Sky Sports...
Overall, it was an outstanding year for the rookie crop. Let’s recap what we expected from this ‘special’ 2017 class, and then see what actually happened - starting with those heading to the playoffs...
What we said: "One of the most highly-anticipated running backs entering the league in recent years. Hailed as the 'next Adrian Peterson' for his powerful, upright running style, the Jaguars will build around the athletic specimen."
What we saw: Jacksonville’s new offensive centerpiece did not disappoint. In Week 17, Fournette reached 1,000 rushing yards on the season, and ended up with 1,342 total yards and 10 touchdowns, in just 13 games. His influence on the team’s offense can’t be overstated. Last season, they were 23rd in total yards and 22nd in rushing yards. This season, they finished sixth in total yards, and had the best rushing attack in the league.
What we said: "One of the most productive college stars ever. He combines outstanding athleticism, nimble feet and NFL-ready receiving ability to offer an all-round skill set."
What we saw: While McCaffrey stumbled a little in the running game (just 435 yards on 117 carries), he was a true star as a receiver. His 80 receptions were 14th in the league, and third among running backs - behind only Bell and Alvin Kamara. His 36 grabs for first downs trailed only the Saints' rookie...
What we said: "A springy pass-catcher" and one of many players who “will carve out specialist roles at the next level, and could even do more."
What we saw: Kamara was certainly more than just a pass-catcher, as he powered his way to 1,554 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns. He was used as more of a receiver and had no more than 12 carries in any game, but his running efficiency was off the charts. He averaged over six yards per carry (which topped all running backs), and had over 10 yards per catch. Among running backs, he was first in receiving yards and second in receptions.
What we said: "He can do it all."
What we saw: Despite a dip after a blazing start, Hunt came away with the NFL rushing title with 1,327 yards on the ground. His 1,782 total yards were the third most in the league - he really did do it all. The best part of his rushing title win? Andy Reid wanted to rest his starters in Week 17, but Hunt convinced his head coach to allow him to play to claim top spot. He took his first (and only) carry 35 yards to take over the title from Gurley and Bell.
A whole host of first-year runners proved their worth. Dalvin Cook started his career with 444 yards from scrimmage in just four games with the Minnesota Vikings before he suffering a devastating ACL injury. And, in any other year, 913 yards from scrimmage season would be impressive for 20-year-old Cincinnati Bengals draftee Joe Mixon.
We could keep going. Tarik Cohen made electrifying plays in all three phases of the game for the Chicago Bears, while Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams each showed starter-level talent with the Green Bay Packers, as did Samaje Perine (Washington Redskins) and D’Onta Foreman (Houston Texans). The 2017 class was fantastic!
Even though the rookies have taken centre stage, two veterans also mentioned in the preseason piece have stolen the show. Gurley was the only back to go over 2,000 total yards this season. Bell held the record for most yards per scrimmage per game of all time before the season with 128.5, and he added to it with 129.7 per game this season. Both will be leading the charge for the Los Angeles Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively, this postseason.
In the AFC, LeSean McCoy is a veteran playing like he’s young again for the Buffalo Bills. Currently troubled by an ankle injury, they need him fit to stand a chance in their Wild Card game in Jacksonville. Dion Lewis is the full-time feature back the New England Patriots have been looking for. In the last two weeks of the season, he had 286 total yards and four touchdowns. Tennessee Titans’ now-starter Derrick Henry is the only player in the NFL to have had three 65-yard plus touchdowns, and as the 2015 Heisman Trophy winner, it's clear he has the talent.
In the NFC, there's also the formidable duo of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman for the Atlanta Falcons, excelling both on the ground and through the air. Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon have impressed in Minnesota, despite operating without star rookie Cook alongside them. Philadelphia Eagles’ rushing attack, meanwhile, was the best among NFC playoff teams with 132.2 yards per game, and they are expected to rely heavily on British back Jay Ajayi.
Next year, outside of welcoming back 2016’s two scrimmage yard leaders David Johnson (Arizona Cardinals) and Ezekiel Elliott (Dallas Cowboys), who missed a large part of the 2017 season through injury and suspension, respectively, new stars will be born from the 2018 draft class.
Penn State’s Saquon Barkley didn’t disappoint in his final college season, accumulating 1,903 total yards and 21 scores. He finished his career with a bang, and will be in contention for the No 1 overall pick after the NFL Scouting Combine.
LSU’s Derrius Guice will be a first round pick, and a group of others are already in the conversation. As those on the outside look to emulate the success of this year’s playoff teams, running backs will be very much in demand. Heisman runner-up Bryce Love ran for a whopping 2,151 and 19 touchdowns on the ground for Stanford. USC's Ronald Jones II is another Jamaal Charles wannabe, while Georgia’s duo of Nick Chubb and Sony Michel have bell cow potential.
Throwing things back to the NFL, we can certainly look forward to watching some superstar backs over the next month as the postseason reaches its climax with the Super Bowl in Minnesota in February, but many of these young players are only just getting started... Watch out, NFL, because running backs are taking over!
Watch Wild Card Weekend in the NFL playoffs, live on Sky Sports, starting with Tennessee Titans @ Kansas City Chiefs, on Saturday from 9pm, live on Sky Sports Action.
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