Do you think the FB position has been lost in the NFL?

[Friendly Stranger..]

It seems the FB position is no longer talked about anymore it almost seems like it is less visible than compared to the 1990's. During that time FB's like Tony Richardson (Chiefs), Lorenzo Neil, Algae Crumpler, and John Ritchie (Raiders) were full backs that made that position what it was in the modern era. But now the FB position seems to be obselete or it is becoming that. I also notice, the position is now converted to a regular RB position. It is not listed as FB on football related websites as far as stats are concerned. Any thoughts on this position in the NFL?

Also for more proof, see this article:
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81...modern-nfl
I forgot about that, Algae Crumpler is a TE. Thanks for the correction.

[Bear Down™©®]

I think so. If you will notice in the 80's the NFL was centered around a strong runningback gaining most of the yards and now it is mainly oriented around the pass. Teams would much rather have a dominant QB than a dominant RB (although any team would still take both)

Because of this transistion the FB position has become obsolete. By removing the FB it gives you the oportunity to add in another WR or TE which can greatly help the passing game.

[Bear Down™©®]

I think that the slot receiver has almost deleted the FB.Teams go to a three wide set & defenses have to go into the nickel.That takes a linebacker out & usually backs one of the remaining two into pass coverage.A pulling guard or a trap blocking tight end,who's already on the field anyway,can take that responsibility for attacking the other one.

In theory anyway.

[brick]

The position of FB has changed because the way NFL teams run their offenses has changed drastically in the last 10-15 years. 15 years ago, you had to have a running game to compete and running games needed a lead blocker, the FB, to succeed against defenses designed to stop the run first. Today, offenses are mostly pass-first which forces defense to respect the pass more than the run. Without the defense stacking up to stop the run first you don't need a lead blocker quite as much so the FB as a lead blocker has mostly vanished from the NFL. Most FBs, at least on teams that still use them at all, are now pass catchers out of the backfield first and blockers a distant second.

[Muffolini]

For the moment, offensive schemes are placing an ever decreasing emphasis on the FB position. However, if you look at the success the Texans had running the ball last year behind Vonta Leach, it would certainly indicate that the position is no less important today than it was 15-20 years ago. In an increasingly pass-first league, where defenses are becoming increasingly better at stopping plays through the air, I believe the FB position will undoubtedly re-emerge, as coordinators look to gain any advantage over their opposition.

[802]

Blame your Committee Queen Bill Polian for turning the league into Arena Football. Nobody runs anymore, teams that do either rotate backfields or use RB's as hybrid pass catchers, making FB's the odd men out. Teams are only passing more because the last 10 years of rule changes were all aimed at limiting how a defense can counter.

FB's have diminished roles, eventually so will blocking TE's. Could you even name both probowl FB's from last year without looking it up? I sure can't..

ps Crumpler is a TE not a FB.

[078]

the running game itself has been lost. i remember when the running back was more important then the QB.

[Fixing the System]

Rule changes have hurt them. As soon as the spread fad is over, they will be back in style.

[Andrew]

yes its gone i cant even name my teams starting FB, or any other teams. i mean can anyone name an relavant FB in football