The Running Back Renaissance: Have Barkley and Henry Changed the Game?
The NFL landscape this season has been marked by unexpected triumphs and enduring gridiron debates. While struggling teams grapple with their missteps, two franchises stand apart – the Philadelphia Eagles and the Baltimore Ravens. Their secret weapon? Elite running backs Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry, respectively.
Both giants of the rushing game, Barkley and Henry found themselves coveted free agents last offseason. Their previous teams, the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans, made the controversial decision to let their star rushers walk, overlooking the undeniable impact running backs can have on a team’s success. The Eagles and Ravens, recognizing the value these players brought, swooped in and secured their services, setting the stage for a compelling narrative unfolding on the field.
Now, as week 13 approaches, Barkley and Henry are both leading the league in rushing yards, defying the notion that running backs are a fading force in the modern NFL. Their explosive performances have reignited the debate: Will these triumphs shake up the market for running backs?
While many analysts believe this might be a signal of a wider shift, experts from The Athletic suggest a more nuanced picture. They argue that while Barkley and Henry’s success highlights the undeniable impact of elite running backs, the overall market won’t experience a dramatic upheaval.
"Running back salaries at the top of the market already rebounded some after declining. I think those salaries at the top should continue to rebound partly because of the success these players have enjoyed," says Mike Sando of The Athletic. "The running game in general has made a comeback and that will likely benefit running backs in the market."
However, Jeff Howe cautions against overstating the impact, "No, they’re viewed as exceptions because they’re elite talents who joined strong organizations with solid rosters. It would be just as easy to look at Christian McCaffrey and point out how quickly a running back could go from the best in the league to someone with potentially career-altering injury issues. That’s why teams are so reluctant to go all in on a running back."
Zak Keefer adds, "Not really. The running back market as a whole won’t shift all that much, but what Barkley and Henry are doing this season is reminding personnel execs how much an elite one truly matters. There’s only one or two on the market each year, but the game-changers at running back still matter. Imagine where the Eagles would be without Barkley this season? His three-year, $37.8 million contract was a steal."
The Eagles’ and Ravens’ success stories with Barkley and Henry, respectively, highlight an age-old debate: Does a game-changing running back truly make the difference? This season’s answer seems to be a resounding yes, but whether these success stories translate into a significant value reassessment for the running back position across the league remains to be seen.
It’s safe to say that the running back renaissance led by Barkley and Henry is a compelling story to watch, with potential ramifications for the future of the NFL.
## The Running Back Renaissance: Have Barkley and Henry Changed the Game?
**An Expert Interview with Pro Football hall of Fame Running Back, Jerome Bettis**
**By: World today news Senior Editor**
The 2023 NFL season has seen a resurgence of the running back position. Stars like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry are rewriting the narrative, reminding everyone of the crucial role these athletes play in shaping the game. Is this a temporary blip, or are we witnessing a legitimate “Running Back Renaissance”?
To gain insight into this phenomenon, we sat down with pro Football Hall of Fame running back, Jerome Bettis, affectionately known as “the Bus.” Known for his bruising style and impact on the Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty, Bettis offers a unique outlook on this evolving landscape.
**WTN:** Jerome, what are your thoughts on the resurgence of running backs like Barkley and Henry?
**Bettis:** It’s fantastic to see! For years, there was this narrative that running backs were becoming obsolete. The league seemed to be shifting towards more pass-heavy offenses. But Barkley and Henry are proving that when you have a truly elite back, a game-changer, they can still dominate and swing the balance of power.
**WTN:** You mentioned game-changers.
What distinguishes Barkley and Henry from other talented running backs?
**Bettis:** It’s more than just talent. It’s the combination of power, speed, vision, and that intangible factor—the will to win.Barkley is elusive and explosive, capable of making defenders miss in the open field. Henry,on the other hand,is a physical force. He wears down defenses with his relentless power and can break tackles like it’s nothing.
**WTN:** Do you think this resurgence challenges the notion that running backs are dispensable in today’s NFL?
**Bettis:** Absolutely. We’ve seen teams build offenses around these backs, and it’s paying off. When you have a dominant runner, it opens up the play-action pass, keeps defenses honest, and controls the clock. It’s a valuable asset that contributes to winning football.
**WTN**: Looking ahead, do you see this trend continuing? Is this a sustained “Renaissance” for running backs?
**Bettis:** It’s hard to say for sure.Youthful talent like Bijan Robinson entering the league suggests the future of running backs is bright. However, the NFL is a cyclical beast. What’s trending today might change tomorrow. The key for these backs is to continue performing at a high level, proving their value, and inspiring the next generation.
**WTN:** Jerome, thank you for sharing your insights. We’re eager to see how this “Running Back Renaissance” continues to unfold.
**Bettis:** It’s my pleasure. It’s an exciting time to be a fan of the game.
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The conversation with Bettis highlights the crucial role running backs still play in the NFL, and how outstanding players like Barkley and Henry are redefining their position. While the future remains uncertain, their dominance serves as a reminder that a powerful running game can still be a formidable force in today’s gridiron landscape.
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**What are your thoughts on the “Running Back Renaissance”? Share your opinions in the comments below!**
