Despite the NFL being a passing league, teams still need to run the ball effectively to have a balanced offense.
The NFL is full of very good running backs and each year there is a new name that vaults himself into that top-tier.
But after Week 2 there are some big-name RBs that have had rough performances.
Here are three running backs that need a bounce-back game in Week 3.
Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
The Colts had an abysmal showing in Week 2 which saw them lose 24-0 to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
But the biggest issue for the Colts’ offense was that running back Jonathan Taylor only had nine carries.
Facing a defense that allowed the 10th most rushing yards per game in 2021, the Colts decided not to feed Taylor.
For the game, Taylor turned his nine carries into 54 yards and also added one catch for nine yards.
At no point should the league’s reigning rushing champion get only nine carries in a game.
This has more to do with the play-calling and game script than Taylor’s ability.
Who but Jonathan Taylor for our first TD of the year?
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/oJJMnRWXRv
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 11, 2022
With Matt Ryan struggling to start the season, Taylor must be relied on to carry the Colts’ offense.
After starting the season 0-1-1, this Week 3 game against the Chiefs could be season-altering.
Indianapolis’ offense will need Taylor to rush for at least 100 yards and a touchdown on Sunday if they want any chance of pulling off the upset.
Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
The Titans have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL to start the season.
Not only are they 0-2, but their star running back Derrick Henry has yet to get going.
Henry was a non-factor in their Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The former rushing champion was held to 25 yards on 13 carries.
Also, Tennessee got blown out in this game losing 41-7.
The Titans’ offense has always been carried by Henry.
Derrick Henry over the last 5 seasons:
1,149 CAR (1st)
5,670 YDS (1st)
56 TD (1st)Best RB over the past 5 years? pic.twitter.com/MaOsajwOq1
— StatMuse (@statmuse) September 21, 2022
Now they must rely on him again to lead them to their first win in Week 3.
The Titans have been one of the best teams in the AFC the past few years thanks to the legs of Henry.
But, if he does not get going soon Tennessee will be in serious trouble.
Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys pulled off the upset in Week 2 behind their great defense and the arm of Cooper Rush.
But, expecting Rush to win games with his arm is something the Cowboys should not rely on.
Instead, expect them to get back to running the ball with Ezekiel Elliott.
In Week 2, Elliott had 15 carries for 53 yards and struggled to rip off any big runs.
Facing the Giants in Week 3, expect Elliott to get more work on the ground.
He and Tony Pollard have presented a good one-two punch for Dallas and they must continue to produce until Dak Prescott gets back.
No matter how some people feel about Elliott’s ability, he will continue to get the ball in Dallas.
Hopefully, for the Cowboys’ sake, he can turn back the clock and have a bounce-back performance on the ground in Week 3.
