AboutJason Webber Expertise I can answer most questions regarding the New England Patriots gameplay style, recent history (last ten years), roster questions, as well as other football knowledge. I know a great deal about penalties, different formations, and general history of the game, with a focus on the New England Patriots.
Experience I am a very devoted Patriots fan, and football is my favorite sport to watch. I know a great deal about the workings of football, on offense and defense.
Education/Credentials Graduated in the top 6% of my Engineering class at The Pennsylvania State University.
Expert: Jason Webber Date: 4/28/2005 Subject: running back
Question This is where it gets a tad confusing. You say that running backs = halfbacks. But aren't both fullbacks and halfbacks included within the "running backs" category?
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I've read about rushing offense strategies that involved fullbacks halfbacks. In the teams that have players labeled as "running backs" and "fullbacks" but no "halfbacks," is their rushing offense strategies much the same as the rushing offense strategies involving fullbacks and halfbacks? And for these teams that have no halfbacks, would the players simply labeled as "running backs" in the depth chart be running the same kind of hole assignments when they carry the ball during running plays as ball-carrying halfbacks would during running plays?
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Disclaimer: this isn't a question about NE, but a general football question.
I notice that in most NFL teams today there no longer exists in the depth chart the halfback position. Rather, we have a position simply labeled as "running back", while the other position is labeled "fullback." My question is, who usually carries the ball during running plays, the guy labeled "running back" or the guy labeled "fullback?"
Answer -
The term "running back" encompasses both the "halfback" and the "fullback." You are correct that many teams (and broadcasts) just use the term running back for the halfback now. The fullback is more of a blocking position (eg. Lorenzo Neal, of the San Diego Chargers) or a receiving position (eg. Larry Centers, now retired) than a ball carrying position. Many teams still use fullbacks to carry, mostly in short yardage or goalline situations. Mike Alstott of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is "usually" listed as a fullback and has a good amount of carries even when he does not start at the halfback position as he has been known to do in times of injuries. In conclusion, the "halfback" or "running back" is usually the person who will get the most carries in the game. Thanks Michael!
Answer -
Yes, they are the same thing. It's just a terminology issue really. How a team decides to use a player, no matter what their label, is different depending on the coach, coordinators, etc. Running backs and halfbacks are the same thing in essence, but a title doesn't necessarily define their role. Take, for example, the Patriots. They regularly use defensive players in offensive situations. Richard Seymour, a DE/DT is used in the TE slot on goal line or short yardage formations, and Mike Vrabel, a LB, has two TD catches in the past two Superbowls. The title doesn't truly define what they do, but running backs and halfbacks are really the same thing.
Answer Yes, but I feel that I've answered that in the previous two responses. Running backs encompass both full- and halfbacks. It all depends on how the team wants to utilize a player. If a "fullback" gets traded to another team that labels them a "running back" (under the broad term) they may use them in the same role (blocking, receiving), or choose to run more with them. It all depends on the coaching staff.
