3 NFL Running Backs Set To Bounce Back In 2022
The running back position is one of the most vital positions for NFL teams behind the quarterback.
These players can either shoulder the team to victory or take heat off their quarterback.
There’s different running backs in the NFL, from elusive to power backs.
However, some of the best running backs in the NFL didn’t shine as brightly in 2021.
But 2022 is the season they can reclaim their glory.
There are three running backs set for a bounce-back in 2022.
3. Josh Jacobs
The Las Vegas Raiders got a steal with Josh Jacobs in the NFL Draft.
He showed in his rookie season how he can dominate the field.
In 13 games played during the 2019 season, Jacobs had 242 carry for 1,150 yards and seven touchdowns.
However, since that time, his rushing yards have declined.
But with Davante Adams in Las Vegas now, Jacobs can shine again as defenses will focus on Adams.
While NFL fans might believe Las Vegas will turn into a pass-first team with their new receiver, they’d be wrong to do this.
Jacobs has shown he can shoulder the burden of carrying the rock for Las Vegas.
Using him, along with the play-action pass, could benefit everyone on offense for the Raiders.
He can easily rack up yards if defenses focus too much on a Carr to Adams connection.
2. Christian McCaffrey
The Carolina Panthers have a great running back in Christian McCaffrey.
However, the running back has suffered injuries that have kept him off the field in back-to-back seasons.
But McCaffrey is primed to make his return to Carolina and help his team.
His underwater training was unique and could help him with recovering.
Anyone that’s done any underwater training knows the intensity of moving against the surrounding water.
This helps build strength that regular training wouldn’t.
That’s because of the water resistance against the motions of the person training underwater.
With McCaffrey training in the hardest conditions, he’s showing he’s hungry to return to his old self.
He’ll need to be at top-tier form to help his Carolina team who’s facing a tough season.
However, he’s ready for the call to be that top-tier running back in 2022.
1. Derrick Henry
One of the best running backs in the NFL today is Derrick Henry.
However, his 2021 season was cut short after a foot injury.
But 2022 is where Henry looks to return to dominating the football field.
His 2020 season saw him dominate with 2,027 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns over 16 games.
While he only played eight games in 2021, he still had 937 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.
That shows he is still a dominating force at running back, despite missing nine games.
With Henry back at 100%, expect him to return to that 2,000+ rushing yards for the season.
He’ll still be the most important piece of the Titans offense for 2022, as the Titans lost top receivers, Julio Jones and A.J. Brown.
With quarterback Ryan Tannehill having new receivers in 2022, you can expect a healthy dose of Henry each game.
That bodes well for Henry and his return as the best running back in the NFL.
