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All the so called analysts are the the position of FB "extinct." I was just wondering whether people on this board thought the same way.
I will admit that fullbacks are used in very different ways than in the past. It is definetly a modified position, but I don't think it is one that will dissapear from the NFL. I look at guys like Lorenzo Neal and Tony Richardson and I just not so quick to say that FBs are "dying."
It is a trend, it is not Dead.
The idea (the roster position) of the FB is becoming extinct, but they still have lead blockers in the backfield. We have seen DL and OL lined up back there doing the same thing in short yardage situations. We shift the TE back there.
I think teams are just leaving that specialty position off of their roster because they are compensating for it with other guys on the team.
I think they are right for the most part. With the way the pass has evolved and the way the rules continue to pamper the pass to make the games exciting so people will give the NFL more money; teams are converting their FB's into quasi TE's.
There are a handful of teams that love to run the ball, they run it hard and run it often. Chances are you look on those teams and you will find a true FB.
Most teams now only use a FB for goaline situations or max pro. Other then that they are hybrid pass catchers.
FB are not extinct but they are a rare breed in the NFL. FB's are however still living strong and having a hayday in Highschools and Colleges throught all of football. I love to see the ball aired out as much as the next guy but there is something very gratifying about seeing your FB smash a linebacker in a 1-2 yard gain. They will never be gone so long as teams need a max protect for a passing play.
"snowinapril" wrote:
Hit it right on the head ... the roster spot is disappearing because there are plenty of other people who can do the job without sucking up a spot. People like Richardson and Neal are definitely in the minority these days ... and even Kleinsasser for that matter (though he is listed as a TE isn't he?) ... FB has evolved into a scatback/receiving threat that is listed as RB on most rosters, leaving the FB duties to lineman.Quote:
It is a trend, it is not Dead.
The idea (the roster position) of the FB is becoming extinct, but they still have lead blockers in the backfield. We have seen DL and OL lined up back there doing the same thing in short yardage situations. We shift the TE back there.
I think teams are just leaving that specialty position off of their roster because they are compensating for it with other guys on the team.
Dallas had Ware in as a goaline FB last night.
"cyviking" wrote:
Exactly FB's are still strong in any football below the professional level. The NFL has been changing the rules of the game to promote the high flying, high scoring, passing game to keep people entertained.Quote:
FB are not extinct but they are a rare breed in the NFL. FB's are however still living strong and having a hayday in Highschools and Colleges throught all of football. I love to see the ball aired out as much as the next guy but there is something very gratifying about seeing your FB smash a linebacker in a 1-2 yard gain. They will never be gone so long as teams need a max protect for a passing play.
The result has been a trade off from a big hard hitting, hard running, sure blocking FB to a good blocking, great hands and speed guy to line up in the split or on the end offset.
we should have Pat Williams play FB!
"Ok pat, its going straight up the gut, get behind fowler and fontoi and fall forwards, mewelde, you'll have a hole. on two on two, BREAK"
My take is that generally speaking, anybody with the size and mobility to lead the runner can be a FB... Sapp, Vrabel etc. Therefore it's kind of a waste of space if you have a FB on your roster that does just that.
To get more for your money teams are making sure that the FB can do more than just block by integrating them in the passing game. Who better than the TE's to fill this role?
The FB role is not extinct... it's just been expanded.
I don't think it should be dead. Look at what Lorenzo Neal does for Ladanian Tomlinson. Tomlinson campaigned incredibly hard in the offseason to get Neal back because of what he does for him week in and week out. A good fullback can be very valuable.