Running Back by Committee

[Jack of Arcades]

With so many teams enjoying success last year with multiple running backs, why are so many teams (CHI, MIA, NO) concerned with expensive franchise backs?

[The Armchair]

I wonder the same. The Cheifs, for example, have both Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson, who gained 4.6 and 4.8 yards per carry, respectively, last year. And they used to have Derrick Blaylock, who gained 4.6 yards per carry last year.

Isn't it clear that as good as their backs may be, the results are mostly a function of the offensive line? Yet these teams -- well, not KC, but there are many -- F-tag their running back, blowing $6-8m in cap space in the process. I just don't get it. The Seahawks would probably have been better off with Derrick Mason and Maurice Morris than having Shaun Alexander, no?