Answer: Dramatically.
Explanation: Since 2006, the NFL has witnessed a steady decline in RB usage, as the number of running backs earning 300+, 250+, and even 200+ carries has dropped significantly. Conventional wisdom would suggest more RBs are compensating for this dip by getting more involved in the passing game. While that is true, the verdict is still out on whether passing-game usage will consistenly climb above levels observed more than two decades ago.
Why This Matters: Most NFL teams no longer have true bellcows--whether because of midseason injuries or split backfields. In the modern NFL era, the number of reliable high- or even middle-volume RBs has never been lower. High-volume backs are more valuable than ever, while most other low-pass-catching RBs are not worth reaching for, as their weekly volume is too unpredictable to safely bet on.
