NFL
Running Back By Committee
Goodbye Shaun Alexander, hello LeGarrette Blount (and Jay Ajayi—and any other back that Philadelphia can find). The era of the “workhorse” back is over; the running back by committee is here, and it’s here to stay.
When analyzing the last four Super Bowl champions, each of these teams implemented a running back by committee, and they benefitted drastically. Don’t take my word for it, let’s take a closer look.
2014 New England Patriots
An irony in a nutshell; this team wouldn’t even be recognized if the Seattle Seahawks decided to use their workhorse when the time came—however, this New England Patriots team kept the game close enough that one play mattered so much.
The 2014 Patriots team started the streak of “running back by committee” Super Bowl champions. This 2014 team was also one of the more balanced committees that we’ve seen. With four players with over 64 touches (including 3 with 90+ touches), this team depended on a multitude of backs to carry the mail.
It worked out well for them, and they controversially defeated the Seahawks to secure their fourth championship.
2015 Denver Broncos
The 2015 Broncos team was unique for many reasons. Peyton Manning went out on top—even after putting together statistically the worst season of his career and Brock Osweiler played well enough to convince Houston to spend Astrodome money to get the QB to sign with them.
It seems that everything was noteworthy except for how well this team rushed the football. Denver is the only committee here that did not include former Oregon back LeGarrette Blount; this is also the only committee that went with the two-headed monster approach. Ronnie Hillman handled the lion share of touches (231) with upstart C.J. Anderson close behind (177).
While Anderson pulled away in the postseason, these two backs both provided a spark to the Broncos offense week in and week out—and Manning has them to thank for that second Super Bowl ring (we said it, Vonn).
2016 New England Patriots
This was a talented Patriots team that put itself in a situation to take out the explosive Atlanta Falcons offense. Calling this team a running back by committee is slightly controversial as Blount had 300 carries himself. Furthermore, it is understood that Blount isn’t a 3rd down back, and the Patriots had two backs that could fill that role nicely.
Dion Lewis and James White each had 80+ touches. James White was a mismatch as such an efficient pass catcher from the running back position. White would also proceed to score the game-winning TD in Super Bowl LI. Another committee, another championship.
2017 Philadelphia Eagles
Few teams embraced the running back by committee system to the effect of the Philadelphia Eagles. Including Carson Wentz, the Eagles had six players with 58+ touches in the 2017 season.
From Corey Clement to Jay Ajayi to LeGarrette Blount, Coach Pederson made it a priority to get all of these dynamic ball-carriers involved in his offense. As a result, this offense exploded onto the scene—exploiting mismatches and putting up video game numbers.
Each back filled their role perfectly and helped to make this “RPO” offense so explosive. As Philly approaches the 2018 season, they will “trust the process” and proceed to use the running back by committee system once again in 2018.
