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Can/Will power back's ever make a comeback?

Discussion in 'Steelers Talk' started by Jball, Feb 16, 2021.

  1. Jball

    Jball Well-Known Member

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    With defenses getting smaller and smaller, will/could the power back make a comeback?

    The MIKE linebackers in the league are becoming basically slightly heavier SS's. Massive DT's are going away. It's all about pass rush specialist's and coverage LB'ers now.

    I think the time may be right to even out the game a bit and bring the big boys back. Look at what Henry is doing.

    Problem is, college football isn't really cultivating big guys anymore. I'm talking about guys that are 245-250+ lbs. Big guys. That can still move obviously. Picture Bud Dupree as a rb. 270 lbs and can run like a deer.

    I think it's time.
     
  2. Steel Hog

    Steel Hog Well-Known Member

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    How about JJ?
     
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  3. Disco1981

    Disco1981 Well-Known Member

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    Derrick Henry
     
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  4. Jball

    Jball Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, I mentioned Henry.
     
  5. Steel Hog

    Steel Hog Well-Known Member

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    I think it would great to get power running back into our offense. I know the NFL wants splash plays and high scoring but to me, I think this will make the NFL regret they changed the rules and the game like they did. Do we really know what a catch is still and what constitutes a PI penalty? I don't because it seems to change with each game I watch. But back to your point, Titan seem to be trending that way and made some progress and I believe it should be looked at for inclusion here. We are so far from doing this with our personnel and coaching staff and our QB's desires. Lot of things work in cycles and maybe this will cycle back in the future.
     
  6. Andy Russell

    Andy Russell Active Member

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    Adrian Peterson is an available power back who made less than a million last season. I just read an article where he thinks he can play at a top level until he’s forty (he’s 36 now). I wouldn’t mind the Steelers giving him a look.
     
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  7. blackandgoldpatrol

    blackandgoldpatrol Well-Known Member

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    someone will cash in on Najee Harris, after watching derek henry's exploits (hope it's us)……. keep an eye on the big kid from Oklahoma Rhamondre Stevenson who is a 6'0" 245 lb battering ram with breakaway speed...….. and every yr someone will look for another
     
    Last edited: Feb 16, 2021
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  8. S.T.D

    S.T.D Well-Known Member

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    I hate 2 be the debbie Downer, but its rare, even back in the so called day , for backs 2 be great over 240 LB. Be4 anyone mentions players. Remember I said rare. I've been watching since the 70s. Like a lot of you( some on here even longer) , and I can give you about a little over a hand full.
     
  9. BURGH43STEL

    BURGH43STEL Well-Known Member

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    The NFL is a passing league. There are a few reasons for this philosophy. The league isn't going to go back to a power back philosophy.
     
  10. KnoxVegasSteel

    KnoxVegasSteel Well-Known Member

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    Only if they have big hands and can beat off defenders. :lolol:
     
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  11. Marvology

    Marvology Well-Known Member

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    With the collisions in the modern NFL, there are fewer and fewer backs who are genetically blessed enough to heal quickly enough to be useful. Honestly, I wish teams would stop burning through RBs and assuming the next quality back is a 3rd round pick away. Seen way too many guys who should be hall-of-famers used up in 5 years then discarded.
     
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  12. Vox Ferrum

    Vox Ferrum Well-Known Member

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    As the RB position has seemingly taken on less importance, there is no HC that would not enjoy an Earl Campbell destroying defenses.
     
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  13. Vox Ferrum

    Vox Ferrum Well-Known Member

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    No doubt, there have been very good big backs, but few elite.
     
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  14. THREE RIVER SHIVER

    THREE RIVER SHIVER Well-Known Member

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    There is something to be said for a physical o-line and a 250 pound back closing out games in the second half!...I fondly remember those days!!
     
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  15. Chinchilla

    Chinchilla Well-Known Member

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    I loved watching John Riggins, Eric Dickerson, Eddie George, Bam Morris, Otis Anderson.....do they fall in this category you describe?
     
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  16. FootballAnalyst98

    FootballAnalyst98 Well-Known Member

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    He do got speed though and can hit his head on the goalpost. Zeke is more of that power guy he can't break anything over 15 yards lol
     
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  17. Disco1981

    Disco1981 Well-Known Member

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    Remember Christian Okoye...He didn't play long, But damn he was big and fast
     
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  18. Rel

    Rel Well-Known Member

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    Power running with a feature back may win you games in the regular season but you won't win a super bowl with just that. You need an elite or close to elite QB with a solid passing game. When you have that it's unlikely you have a high investment in a stud RB.

    Henry is fun to watch but he'll probably never win a Super Bowl carrying the ball 30 times game.
     
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  19. Rel

    Rel Well-Known Member

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    Runningbacks are a consumable cog in the machine. Use them until their rookie deal is up and move on. Invest in quarterbacks, receivers, and lineman.
     
  20. Rel

    Rel Well-Known Member

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    How many championships do you think a team will win building an offense around a Derick Henry or a Najee Harris? I'd put money on 0.
     
  21. Da Stellars

    Da Stellars Well-Known Member

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    Steelers success for years has been running the ball and stopping the run. Sad to see this team lose it's way.
     
  22. Lizard72

    Lizard72

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    except against the Steelers....
     
  23. Lizard72

    Lizard72

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    The best are ones with hands and route running ability. You really have to be above average in all things.

    Bettis would do well in todays NFL because he could pick up a rusher and he had quick feet for a big back.

    Helped that he was shorter than most as well. You either had to get really low to take his legs out (still getting 2+ yards on you) or try to tackle his huge mass and take a ride while doing it.
     
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  24. Jball

    Jball Well-Known Member

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    Yes
     
  25. blackandgoldpatrol

    blackandgoldpatrol Well-Known Member

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    seattle won one with an offense built around beast mode and defense
     
    • Agree Agree x 1

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