Emmitt Smith Calls Out NFL Teams for Neglecting Running Backs and Their Impact

NFL teams have a lesson to learn from Emmitt Smith, the all-time leading rusher in NFL history. Smith, who amassed an incredible 18,355 rushing yards throughout his 15-year career primarily with the Dallas Cowboys, understands the significance of the running back position.

Holding records for the most rushing attempts, touchdowns, and overall touches, Smith dominated during an era when football was a ground-and-pound game. However, the landscape of the NFL has changed significantly in the two decades since his retirement.

Today, teams have shifted their focus to spotlighting quarterbacks as the key players in the league. This change raises concerns, particularly for the running back position, which has seen diminishing returns in terms of usage and contracts in recent years. Analytics and evolving strategies have led many general managers to prioritize other positions over running backs.

Yet, the offseason has brought a wave of change. With several high-profile running backs, such as Saquon Barkley, switching teams, there may be a renewed appreciation for the position. Barkley, for example, recently took the Eagles to a pivotal point in their journey toward a Lombardi Trophy after rushing for over 2,000 yards in the regular season.

Shifting Focus Back to Running Backs

In a recent interview, Smith commented on the evolving dynamics of the NFL, stating, “There’s been a commitment to the running game from those guys. Prior to that, they were still doing quality work, but the emphasis from the league was all about the quarterback play and how they want the quarterback to be the face of the league.”

Smith pointed to notable players like Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs, who have experienced major shifts in their careers. According to him, the quarterback play in some organizations has been mediocre at best. This reality complicates the narrative around the running back’s value in today’s game.

“I would call it the underutilization of the running back versus devaluing that position. And that’s on the offensive coordinators and the league pushing this narrative that the running back position is not valuable enough,” he remarked.

Reflections on Super Bowl Snacking

While discussing the state of running backs in the NFL, Smith also shared his anticipation for the Super Bowl festivities. During a promotion for Pepsi Co’s and Frito-Lay’s “Chips and Sips” campaign, he emphasized the importance of snacks during the big game.

“Every time you have an event like the Super Bowl, you have to have your favorite chips with your favorite soda. Everyone has a chance to celebrate something and enjoy themselves with some great quality snacks for the big game,” Smith said, noting his preference for ranch-flavored chips.

Hypocrisy Within NFL Coaching Strategies

Smith further elaborated on what he perceives as a contradiction in coaching philosophies. As teams focus on the running game when their starting quarterbacks face challenges, he questions the consistent undervaluation of running backs.

“Here’s how I look at it. Teams talk about the undervalued running back, but yet when teams cannot throw the football, or the No. 1 quarterback goes down, they don’t throw the ball the same way when Cooper Rush is in the game,” Smith explained.

He continued, “They lower his attempts, and guess what they do? They lean on Rico Dowdle and the running back corps of the Dallas Cowboys. If you can run the ball effectively without Dak Prescott in the game, then surely you can do it with him as well. That should make you a better football team.”

Illustrating the Importance of the Running Game

Smith’s comments underscore the vital role that running backs play in the overall success of a team. He highlighted the situation with rookie Bijan Robinson in Atlanta, stating, “He’s the best thing they have. And Michael Penix became a better quarterback all because he had a solid running back behind him. But people don’t want to talk about that no more. They want to talk about what Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes are doing.”

This past season showcased the significance of running backs in the league, as five players rushed for at least 1,400 yards, the highest number since 2012. In contrast, the previous year only saw one player exceed this mark, Christian McCaffrey, who led the league with 1,459 rushing yards. Comparatively, Barkley and Henry both surpassed McCaffrey’s performance in the current season.

Looking Forward: The Future of Running Backs in the NFL

As the NFL continues to evolve, the conversation surrounding the running back position remains critical. Emmitt Smith’s insights echo the sentiments of many who believe that recognizing and utilizing the unique skills of running backs is essential for a balanced offensive strategy.

In an era where analytics and quarterback play dominate discussions, the call for teams to remember the value of the running game may grow louder. It is crucial for coaches and general managers to reassess their strategies and appreciate the impact that running backs can have on a team’s success.

Ultimately, as football fans prepare for the Super Bowl, the snack recommendations from one of the greatest players in history remind everyone of the joy that comes with the game, while also encouraging a deeper reflection on how the sport is played on the field.