What is the definition of a 3rd down running back? And why do they call them that?

Answer 1

This has already been said, I just wanted to clarify one more time. A 3rd down back is used for his pass-catching or blocking ability. A short yardage back is your Jerome Bettis type of back to pick up 3rd and short or in goaline situations.

One of the more famous uses of a 3rd down back was Marcus Allen in Oakland (he should have been an everydown back, but Art Shell/Al Davis are both idiots) and nobody would consider him a bruising running back.

Marshall Faulk was also used as a 3rd down back last year.

Patrick Pass.

Chester Taylor.

Thats also how Larry Johnson started.

The list goes on and on of non-bruising, pass catching 3rd down backs.

Answer 2

My definition of a third down back is a back who isn't a great ball carrier but is a decent to good pass catcher, who can catch a ball out in the flats and get the 8-9 yards needed to make the first down. Usually a smaller back. The prototypical back in this role, at least in the '70s, would have been Joe Washington.

Most of the time, you're looking to throw on third down, so you want the pass-catching receiver. A better description of a big bruising guy who will come in and get the 1-3 yards is a short-yardage back, like a Pete Banaszak.

Answer 3

An ideal 3rd down back is great at pass blocking and receiving. Most 3rd down situations are 3rd and long so defenses expect pass and many offenses dismiss rush in that situation. They usually put the rb best suited for passing which isn't always the starting rb. They prefer to have this way so that the starting rb would get rest on the plays where his presence wouldnt matter as much.

Answer 4

a 3rd down running back is typically a backup running back that is used for primarly in passing situations, pass blocking, or short yardage situations (typically on 3rd down). A starting running back will handle most of the workload, your third down will come in with a fresh set of legs and allow your starter to get some much needed rest.

Answer 5

I think most of the answerers are confusing a "goal line" or "short yardage" back with a "3rd down" back. 3rd down backs are not utilized for their running skills as much as for their ability to catch passes out of the backfield or help block against the blitz. (3rd downs are usually more of a passing situation than a running situation in the NFL.)

Answer 6

Unlike soccer (football to the rest of the world), American football allows unlimited substitutions, including bringing back a player who was subbed out earlier.

On third down, normally the team only needs 2-3 yards to get a first down (if you're familiar with rugby league, "first down" is similar to "a new set of six")

The third down running back is someone who can come in, get the 3 yards, then get subbed out again for a big rest. Usually it's an older player who's lost a step or two.

Answer 7

A third down running back is usuall a big, strong back who may not be very fast, but is hard to tackle. You use him to convert on 3rd down and short situations. He isn't the guy you want to hand the ball to 20 times, and he's not going to outrun the secondary, but he can get 3 yards every time.

Answer 8

Definitely a hard to bring down running back. They are the go to back for must have short yardage to get the first doen or score. Not generally the fastest backs, but remember Bettis on the Steelers? He was not called the "Bus" for nothing. Looks at his size!

Answer 9

that is a short yardage running. they call them that because they are the power runners that gain the short yards. the regular running back is a finesse runner. they use the regular ones for the first 2 downs

Answer 10

3rd down back is normally bigger and stronger but slower he comes in to get 1 or 2 yards thats it.