Ranking the running back position is tricky. There is a big difference between the best rushing teams in the NFL and the best running backs. An offense’s ability to run has a lot to do with the quality of the back, but also the offensive line, the scheme they run, the opponents they face, and the ability of the defense to keep their team in the game so the opportunity to run stays available.
If the rankings went squarely by the best rushing attack statistically, without context, then the Philadelphia Eagles would have the best running backs in football as they ended the season with the league’s top rush attack. Their running back wasn’t even their top rusher on the team though; the running quarterback was.
Being able to control the game with an ability to run the ball can demoralize the opponent, it can wear them down and put them away. Running the ball efficiently is a key to winning in the NFL. This series is a position-by-position breakdown of what each organization is bringing to the competition and the key for this article will be running back.