NFL Trends Through Week 12: Receiving Backs,Struggling Offenses,and Defensive Vulnerabilities
san Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is on pace to perhaps shatter Marshall Faulk‘s NFL record for receiving yards by a running back in a single season,a mark of 1,048 set in 1999. Through Week 12,McCaffrey has accumulated 785 receiving yards,requiring an average of 52.8 yards per game over the remaining five contests to surpass Faulk’s longstanding achievement. This pursuit highlights a growing trend in the NFL: the increasing utilization of running backs as receiving threats, and the defensive challenges that presents.
The evolving role of the running back is reshaping offensive strategies across the league, while together exposing vulnerabilities in conventional defensive coverage schemes. Several players have demonstrated significant receiving production this season, including Austin Ekeler (718 yards in 2019), David Johnson (704 yards in 2016), and Charlie Garner (761 yards in 2002). McCaffrey’s unique usage, however, distinguishes him from these predecessors, as the 49ers frequently target him in the passing game, mirroring the Seahawks, who currently face the most passes directed toward their running backs.
A look at recent performances reveals a mixed bag for several teams. McCaffrey’s receiving yardage has dipped slightly in recent weeks, with 40 yards against Arizona in Week 11 and 53 yards against Carolina on Monday night. Despite this minor slowdown, three of San Francisco’s remaining opponents – Seattle, Chicago, and Tennessee - rank below average in DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average) against running backs as receivers. Tennessee, however, generally limits the total receiving yardage allowed to the position.
The data underscores a broader pattern of offensive struggles and defensive adjustments. Teams are increasingly recognizing the need to adapt to the dual-threat running back, and the success of players like McCaffrey is forcing defenses to rethink their strategies.The final five games of the season will be crucial in determining whether McCaffrey can rewrite the record books and further solidify the trend of the receiving running back as a cornerstone of modern NFL offenses.
