Hall of Fame running back Terrell Davis discusses the possibility of a running back reaching 2,000 rushing yards in a season again.
In the annals of NFL history, only eight players have surpassed the hallowed mark of 2,000 rushing yards in a single season. Among them is Hall of Fame running back Terrell Davis, who etched his name into the record books with an unforgettable performance in 1998.
However, in recent years, the 2,000-yard milestone has become an elusive achievement. The last player to reach that threshold was Derrick Henry in 2020, and before him, it was Chris Johnson in 2009.
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In an exclusive interview with Keyshawn Johnson, Davis shared his insights on whether we will ever witness another running back reach the 2,000-yard plateau.
"It's becoming increasingly difficult," Davis said. "The way the game is played today, the reliance on passing and the emphasis on keeping the quarterback healthy, it's not as conducive to a running back carrying the ball 30-40 times a game."
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Davis pointed to the proliferation of spread offenses, which often feature multiple wide receivers and slot receivers, as a factor that limits the opportunities for running backs to accumulate yardage.
"Teams are spreading the ball out more, which means fewer carries for running backs," he explained. "It's a different era now, and it's hard to see a running back getting enough touches to reach 2,000 yards."
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Davis also highlighted the increased focus on ball security as a deterrent to running backs pursuing the milestone.
"Coaches are less likely to let a running back take risks and go for big gains if they're close to the 2,000-yard mark," he said. "They're not going to want to fumble the ball and jeopardize the team's chances of winning."
While Davis acknowledges the challenges, he remains hopeful that a running back can break through and reach the 2,000-yard milestone again.
"It's not impossible," he said. "It just needs to be the right player in the right system. A player who is durable, talented, and has a great supporting cast."
Davis believes that the running back position is still vital to NFL teams, but its role has evolved.
"Running backs are now more versatile and are expected to do more than just run the ball," he said. "They have to be able to catch passes out of the backfield, block, and even line up as wide receivers."
The quest for 2,000 rushing yards may become a thing of the past, but the running back position will continue to be an integral part of the NFL, showcasing the athleticism, power, and resilience that are synonymous with the sport.
