It's not gone... but today a RB better be all time great to get any notice at all. Didn't used to be that way... even when passing had taken over RB's were very nearly as highly regarded as QB's.
I guess it's the 'position' that has not fallen 'out of favor' but the role is seen as quite diminished.
The NFL has done everything possible to help QB's and Receivers... and continue to do so.. in the hopes of getting scores VERY high... so if that's their goal why not start handicapping D's when it comes to defending RB's? I hate that idea... but I think most fans today and even the NFL would love it. - JamesJM
