What NFL Teams Need a Running Back?
It’s time to take a look at which NFL teams might be in the market for a running back heading into the offseason.
The Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are a team that could really use a running back. They have one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL, and their offensive line isn’t great either. They need someone who can take the pressure off of Dak Prescott and help them move the ball down the field.
They have the worst running game in the NFL
The Dallas Cowboys have the worst running game in the NFL.
In 2019, they averaged just 3.8 yards per carry, which was last in the league. They also had the second-fewest rushing touchdowns, with just six.
Part of the problem is that they don’t have a true No. 1 running back. Ezekiel Elliott is their best runner, but he’s also their only real threat out of the backfield.
The Cowboys need to find a way to get more production out of their running game if they want to be a serious contender in 2020.
They need a running back that can catch the ball out of the backfield
The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the most successful teams in the NFL over the last two decades. They have won five Super Bowls and have been to eight NFC Championship games. The Cowboys have had a great deal of success with their running game, but they have lacked a consistent threat out of the backfield who can catch the ball. In recent years, they have tried to use players like Lance Dunbar and Joseph Randle, but neither player has been able to stay healthy or be productive when they are on the field. The Cowboys need to find a running back who can catch the ball out of the backfield and be a consistent threat in the passing game.
They need a running back that can run between the tackles
The Dallas Cowboys are in dire need of a running back that can run between the tackles. With DeMarco Murray gone, they lack a player that can take on a heavy workload and grind out yards. They need someone who is tough and physical, and who can handle a lot of carries.
The Cowboys have several options in the draft, but they will likely need to use a high pick to get their guy. Ezekiel Elliot looks like the best running back in the class, but he may not be available when the Cowboys pick at fourth overall. If they want him, they may have to trade up.
Other options include Derrick Henry, Devontae Booker, and Kenneth Dixon. All three are big backs with the ability to run between the tackles. Henry is the most physically imposing of the group, while Booker is more of a shifty runner. Dixon may be the most well-rounded back of the bunch.
Whichever running back the Cowboys choose, they need to make sure he is able to handle a heavy workload and pick up tough yards between the tackles. They cannot afford to waste another season without a reliable running game.
The New York Giants
The New York Giants are one of the teams that need a running back. They have not had a 100-yard rusher in over three years and their offense has been struggling as a result. Saquon Barkley is a talented young player, but he cannot do it all by himself. The Giants need to find a running back who can take some of the pressure off of Barkley and help the offense to be more balanced.
They have the second worst running game in the NFL
The New York Giants have the second worst running game in the NFL. They ran for just 1,089 yards last season, averaging 3.6 yards per carry. They also had only six rushing touchdowns.
They need a running back that can run between the tackles
The New York Giants are a team that is in dire need of a running back that can run between the tackles. This is a team that has been known for their defense, but they need to be able to run the ball when they have to. Running between the tackles is something that will allow them to do just that.
They need a running back that can catch the ball out of the backfield
The New York Giants have been a perennial powerhouse in the NFL for many years now, and part of the reason for their success has been their ability to run the ball effectively. However, with the retirement of veteran running back Rashad Jennings, the team is currently in need of a player who can not only run the ball well, but also catch it out of the backfield.
There are a number of running backs who fit this bill, but one player who stands out is former Dallas Cowboys running back Darren McFadden. McFadden is not only a good runner, but he also has excellent hands and is a threat to catch the ball out of the backfield. In addition, he has experience playing in a similar offense to what the Giants currently run under head coach Ben McAdoo.
With McFadden, the Giants would not only get a running back who can help them move the ball on the ground, but also one who can be a weapon in the passing game. This would make McFadden a valuable asset for an offense that is already very strong and could help them take it to another level.
The Green Bay Packers
The Packers have been struggling to run the ball lately and could really use a boost in that area. While they do have some good young talent at the position, they don’t have anyone who is a true game-changer. Adding a running back who can make an impact would take some of the pressure off of the passing game and make the Packers offense more well-rounded.
They have the third worst running game in the NFL
The Green Bay Packers have the third worst running game in the NFL, averaging just 70.5 yards per game on the ground. In their last five games, they’ve averaged a mere 3.8 yards per carry. And yet, despite all of this, they’re still in the hunt for a playoff spot.
Why is that?
Well, a big part of it has to do with their quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the league and he’s been carrying the Packers offense on his back this season. He’s thrown for 3,721 yards and 33 touchdowns with just eight interceptions, and he’s also run for 201 yards and two touchdowns.
In other words, if Rodgers wasn’t playing at an MVP level, the Packers would likely be one of the worst teams in the league. But he is playing at an MVP level, and that’s why they’re still in contention for a playoff spot despite their poor running game.
If the Packers want to make a serious run at a Super Bowl title, they’re going to need to improve their running game. That could mean making a move for a veteran running back like LeSean McCoy or Marshawn Lynch, or it could mean using a high draft pick on a talented runner like Saquon Barkley or Derrius Guice.
Either way, it’s clear that the Packers need to find some help for their running game if they want to be true contenders this season.
They need a running back that can run between the tackles
The Packers have been linked with a number of running backs in recent weeks, including Devontae Booker, Kenyan Drake and Carlos Hyde. All three are currently free agents, and all three would likely be upgrades over what the Packers currently have on their roster.
The Packers need a running back that can run between the tackles, something they haven’t had since Eddie Lacy left in free agency. Hyde would be a good fit in that role, as he’s shown he can be an effective runner between the tackles. Booker is more of a third-down back, but he could still see some carries in short-yardage situations.
Drake is probably the best all-around back of the three, as he’s shown he can be effective as a runner and receiver. The Packers may not want to invest too much money in a running back, however, as they have other needs on their roster that they need to address. Whichever back they end up signing, it’s clear that the Packers need to add a veteran presence to their backfield.
They need a running back that can catch the ball out of the backfield
The Packers are a team that likes to pass the ball a lot, and they have a quarterback in Aaron Rodgers who is one of the best in the league at doing that. But, they doesn’t necessarily mean that they don’t need a running back who can catch the ball out of the backfield. In fact, they might need one more than ever this season.
The Packers lost their starting running back from last season, Ty Montgomery, to a rib injury early in the year and never really replaced him. They did have a couple of running backs who caught the ball well out of the backfield in Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones, but neither of them is really a threat to run between the tackles.
So, if the Packers want to take some pressure off of Rodgers and open up their offense even more, they need to find a running back who can catch the ball out of the backfield.