From Walter Payton to Emmitt Smith to Adrian Peterson to Derrick Henry, the NFL has always had prominent names at running back, but the depth of the position is cyclical. When the league was experiencing a higher volume of 4,000-yard passers, the number of running backs exceeding 1,000 rushing yards fell. But the tide may be turning and embracing the feature back once again.
Over the last four years, the league has averaged 15 rushers exceeding 1,000 rushing yards each season. The previous five years saw just 9.6 rushers accomplish that feat each year. The numbers are obviously slightly boosted over the last four seasons due to the implementation of a 17-game schedule.
But there are 18 on pace for 1,000 rushing yards this season, with a handful of others, including Saquon Barkley, close. The usual suspects are among that group, but so too are the likes of Kyle Monangai, Bhayshul Tuten and Cam Skattebo. CBS Sports' Pete Prisco wrote a story in September about the passing game diminishing over the last decade.
Some of the reasoning applied in that article also translates to the run game. Before diving into the change and why it helps the run game flourish, let's look at the raw data. All data is from TruMedia and is based on the regular season Through Week 3 of the 2026 NFL regular season, teams are averaging 61.5 offensive plays per game.
The average had been 63.1 over the past decade. When slicing the pie, designed quarterback runs have dropped precipitously each of the past five years. Quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson are still effectively scrambling, but those opportunities and more are being funneled to running backs.
Last season's pass attempts per team (545.0) was the lowest over the last decade. With the exception of the 2023 season, the percentage of run plays has risen every year since 2019. As Prisco discussed, disciples of Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio have pervaded the league and spread the two high safety look, which limits explosive plays in the run game.
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