What do running backs do

He should remain in most lineups this week as the Panthers travel north to face the Giants. Their defense has surrendered the seventh-most fantasy points per game to running backs, and six different players at the position have scored at last Damien Harris vs. Jets 1 p. Next on the schedule is a matchup against the Jets, who have surrendered the most fantasy points to running backs on a per-game basis this season.

That includes a Elijah Mitchell vs. Colts p. ET, NFL : Mitchell dominated both the snaps and touches in the Niners backfield before their bye week, so he's going to be on the flex radar for countless fantasy managers. However, the matchup isn't great as the Colts have allowed the fifth-fewest points per game to runners.

In fact, Derrick Henry and Darrell Henderson are the lone runners to score more than 13 points against them. Alex Collins vs. Saints Mon. Collins, who is also dealing with multiple injuries, is a major fantasy risk. Devontae Booker vs. Panthers 1 p. Just keep in mind that he was held to a modest Their defense has given up just two touchdowns and the fewest points per game to enemy runners in Devonta Freeman vs.

Football Recruiting Stats: 40yd: 4. Squat: lbs. Coach Keys: Runs with both power, speed and balance and can pull away from second level defenders.

Coach Keys: Tough and fast runner with ability to break multiple tackles and most second level defenders. Coach Keys: Durable runner with power and speed. Coach Keys: Must be a tough and instinctive runner with adequate speed.

While scoring on every play isn't likely, of course, he should try to gain as many yards as he can on every run. This means avoiding tacklers for as long as possible, finding holes and cutting to different parts of the field to do so, and fighting for extra yardage after first contact. Even one extra yard gained can make a huge difference for an offense trying to march downfield. Therefore, a running back needs to learn how to run these passing routes effectively to avoid defenders and get open before they even have the ball in their hands.

This also means a running back must use his vision to find openings in the defense and must have great hands to catch passes from the quarterback at times. A running back won't touch the ball on every offensive play, but on some, he'll serve as a decoy. Play-action passes involve the quarterback faking a hand-off or a pitch to the running back, and then either running the ball himself, handing it off to another runner, or attempting a pass.

In order for these misdirection plays to be successful, a running back must do a good job of "selling" the play to the defense.

He can't be lazy and go through the motions just because he knows he won't be carrying or catching the ball on that particular play. He must run and act on these plays exactly as he does when he knows he's going to carry the ball. That's the only way he'll be successful at tricking the defense into thinking the play is a run, only to find out it's a pass. On certain passing plays where it looks like the defense will blitz, a play might call for the running back to stay in and help block.

On these plays, the running back will have a primary blocking responsibility or at least an area of the field that he's responsible for watching. He must be able to identify any defenders that break free from offensive linemen and pick them up with a solid block. A good block from a running back is often the difference between a disastrous play like a sack or turnover and a good one like a completed pass. You might think that the first thing a running back should do is work on their speed, but speed is a tough thing to teach and acquire.

You can do this by working out and building muscle in your upper body, lower body, and core. This will build up your body's tolerance for movement and keep you from getting too winded in games. A key for running backs as they burst through holes in the line, find openings on the field as a receiver, and pick up defenders on blocks is to stay low to the ground.

If he doesn't start the playoff right, in the proper two-point stance, then he'll have a hard time getting low. But it's not a natural skill, especially when done at a high rate of speed during a game.

Then, have someone place the ball in between your arms and transition it from that position into a carry position in one of your arms. Once you can get that motion down while standing still, then you can learn how to do it while approaching the quarterback straight on and from an angle -- and then at real game speed.

To be a running back, you have to have a multi-faceted skillset and some traits that are simply innate and hard to learn. But starting young and working hard can result in you becoming a great running back, too. If so, you'll love my daily "Football Coaching" emails. I'll teach you the tips, tricks, and secrets used by some of the best football coaches at the youth, HS, and pro level. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Enter your email below to get access for free:. Your email address is safe with me. Running back is one of the most high-profile offensive positions on a football team. But why do running backs not last that long at the NFL level?