There is no question that the NFL has become a passing league. Gone are the days you see teams with workhorse running backs carrying the ball 20 times a game around the NFL. Teams have become not only more willing to throw the ball, but they also have started to see the benefits to keeping your best running backs healthy towards the end of the season.
That has made having a 1,000 yard rusher even that much more impressive. It is a feat that Bengals’ running back Joe Mixon reached last season with 1,168 yards to lead the AFC while playing in 14 games.