If you grew up in the 80s and even the 90s then you know the running back was key. Even in high school they always ran the power I or the wingback sets. Now it is all about the passing game. To this end will the running game ever start to make the impact that it did previously or not? Personally I think the running game is on its way out, but at the end of the game nothing is more exciting then the goal line fumbles.

What?! The running game is still a huge part of creating an effective offense. Just look at teams like the Ravens and the Eagles this year and then the Texans and Chiefs last year. Without a proper run game they most likely wouldn't have done all that well.

The only team to be remotely successful at a run heavy offense was the Broncos from last year and that may have just been a fluke haha.

Isabellas2007 wrote:If you grew up in the 80s and even the 90s then you know the running back was key. Even in high school they always ran the power I or the wingback sets. Now it is all about the passing game. To this end will the running game ever start to make the impact that it did previously or not? Personally I think the running game is on its way out, but at the end of the game nothing is more exciting then the goal line fumbles.

Not in the NFL but possibly in high school. I personally don't think so but everyone has their own opinion. One thought I have is that local high schools do use the passing game more to score and go long while running is used to move the chains and more often generally.

dmeagher wrote:
Not in the NFL but possibly in high school. I personally don't think so but everyone has their own opinion. One thought I have is that local high schools do use the passing game more to score and go long while running is used to move the chains and more often generally.

I also think that running is more common in high school because there are fewer QBs that actually can read a defense and throw effectively. Also, when they have the high school classic often times the higher ranked team in the US are those that can throw rather well.

Interesting points by all. I agree the Ravens have had a great running game. However, the running games are no longer making the strong impact they used to. I mean even Roger Craig of the first West Coast offense would say the same thing because the teams rarely run anymore!

The running game is going to make an impact in any of the games you watch. However, it depends on how adept the team is at running the ball versus the ineptness of the quarterback.

I think so, and look to the Patriots (who are bringing back fullbacks) to do it. They always change things up right when the rest of the league gets comfortable, and then it takes a year or two for everyone else to follow suit.