What does a running back do in the NFL?

Running backs are some of the busiest players on an NFL offense. And while carrying the ball might look simple, there’s a lot more to the job.

DAZN NFL news explains everything fans need to know about an NFL running back.

What is a running back in the NFL? 

A running back is a member of the offense who, as the name of the position implies, carries the ball when the offense calls a running play.

But there is much more to the job than that. To really thrive at the position, a running back has to be versatile and ready to handle all kinds of responsibilities.

What are the responsibilities of a running back? 

The responsibilities of a running back can vary as a result of the play design.

Running Plays 

On a running play, the RB will receive the ball in a handoff from the quarterback and will run downfield in an attempt to gain as many yards as possible.

Passing Plays

During a passing play, a RB will be looking to get open for a pass thrown by the quarterback.

They are often the safety valve for a quarterback who cannot find an open wide receiver or tight end to throw to, but are also increasingly the first read in passing play designs.

A RB may also be used to block on passing plays to give the quarterback extra time to throw a pass.

What skills does a good running back need?

The best RBs combine excellent vision, agility, speed, and acceleration with strength, contact balance, and the ability to be able to catch the ball effectively.

Durability is key, as a RB can be tackled as many as 25 times or more per game.

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