Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, and Josh Jacobs currently stand as the top three leading rushers in the NFL. These star running backs have made significant impacts on their respective teams, showcasing their talent and skill on the field. Notably, several other starting running backs, including J.K. Dobbins, Tony Pollard, Aaron Jones, De’Andre Swift, and Joe Mixon, have also been instrumental in leading their teams in rushing this season.
Following a trend of running backs seeking fair compensation for their contributions, many of these players secured improved contracts this season. While their salaries still fall short of those received by quarterbacks and wide receivers, the success of Henry, Barkley, and others may pave the way for increased recognition and financial rewards for top running backs in the future.
Henry signed a lucrative two-year, $16 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens, amassing an impressive 1,185 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns. Barkley secured a substantial $37.5 million, three-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, leading the NFL with 1,347 scrimmage yards and excelling in both rushing and receiving categories. Mixon, who was traded to Houston, received a $25.5 million, three-year deal and has contributed significantly to his new team's success.
Mike Tomlin's Coaching Success with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike Tomlin, the long-standing head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is on the verge of achieving his 18th winning season in 18 years. Tomlin's leadership has been instrumental in guiding the Steelers to an impressive 8-2 record and establishing them as unexpected contenders for the Super Bowl this season. Despite initial doubts and criticisms, Tomlin's strategic decisions, including a quarterback change, have proven successful and garnered praise from respected figures in the football community.
Recent Coaching Changes and Team Performances
Recent coaching changes have yielded mixed results for NFL teams. The Saints have seen improvement under interim coach Darren Rizzi, winning two consecutive games since his appointment. In contrast, the Jets have struggled under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, experiencing a decline in performance and defensive lapses leading to critical game losses.
Furthermore, the Dallas Cowboys faced adversity both on and off the field, with a stadium incident adding to their on-field challenges. The team's performance without star quarterback Dak Prescott has been lackluster, raising questions about the team's future and potential coaching changes.
As the NFL season progresses, these developments highlight the dynamic nature of the league and the impact of coaching decisions on team performance and player success.
