Despite the downfall of the running back, there are teams that still use two or more running backs in a committee. Here are the five best.
Running backs seem to becoming a thing of the past or of the future. Teams are refusing to pay running backs long-term due to the average longevity of their career. Star running backs like Ezekiel Elliot, Dalvin Cook, Kareem Hunt and Leonard Fournette all sat for most of the offseason on the free-agency list while no team was willing to pay them. Eventually, most of them signed for one-year, minimal-money deals. With the running back not being a big deal, more teams are in positions to deploy committees to help the longevity of careers and be able to play younger, more specialized backs. Here are the top five running back committees in the NFL.
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5. Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allegier, Atlanta Falcons
Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier came out in week one and both dominated the field with Allgeier going over 75 yards on 15 rushes and two touchdowns. Since then, Robinson has 318 yards and without a rushing touchdown. Robinson also has 19 receptions for 134 yards and a touchdown. Allgeier had only six receptions for 32 yards. This team started out with one of the best committees and still has one despite deploying Bijan in a more unilateral role.
4. De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins
De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert is just an example of a committee that incorporates two running backs with the same skillset. Typically this combination does not last long in the NFL, but Achane and Mostert are working it in right now. In his last two games, Achane has run for 304 yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, Mostert has had 187 all-purpose yards in his last two games with 10 receptions and four touchdowns.
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3. Derrick Henry and Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans
Another way that running back committees can be split is a running back that can run and one that can catch. Derrick Henry is one of the best running backs in the NFL. He has been the NFL rushing leader multiple times and is already up to another good start. Last week against Cincinnati, Henry ran for 122 yards. However, his biggest limitation is the passing game. That is where Tyjae Spears comes in. The rookie from Tulane is averaging four targets per game and caught three passes in their last game.
2. Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks
Kenneth Walker is a power running back while Zach Charbonnet’s role is still being developed. The team used a top three-round pick on the UCLA product for a reason and will incorporate Charbonnet more and more. Walker has run for over 60 yards in three of four games with five touchdowns this season. Charbonnet has averaged over five yards per carry in his last two games while commanding seven targets.
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1. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs embody both aspects of the duality of running back committees. Montgomery is the better power rusher and power back while Gibbs is the better pass catcher and bounce-outside back. Montgomery has run 48 times for 188 yards and four touchdowns in his last two games while only seeing three targets. Gibbs has ran 25 times for 120 yards averaging five yards per carry in both games. He has also pulled in five of seven targets.
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