Rushing dominates NFL in 2008

Arizona Cardinals running backs coach MAURICE CARTHON believes that the increase in rushing yardage comes from an influx of talent at the position.

"This last draft brought in a bunch of good, young running backs," says Carthon.  "Teams are giving the younger guys chances to run the ball.  They are being given opportunities."

NFL Network analyst STEVE MARIUCCI agrees. 

"The rookie running back class has been spectacular this season," says Mariucci.  "This class is a great addition to the NFL.  Mix that in with the veterans and this group of talent has made teams willing to spread out the defense to give these backs running room."

Atlanta Falcons head coach MIKE SMITH, who has the league's second-leading rusher in MICHAEL TURNER (597 yards), believes it is all one process.  "When you couple the talent at the running back position with detailed running schemes and offensive lines which have developed great chemistry, you are going to have success," says Smith.

Arizona offensive coordinator TODD HALEY has noticed that teams are implementing different schemes and systems to utilize their skill players. 

"Certain teams use a system with multiple backs," says Haley, noting that the Cardinals are one of those teams with veterans EDGERRIN JAMES and J.J. ARRINGTON and rookie TIM HIGHTOWER.  "If you have multiple backs with different styles, as we do here in Arizona, you can force defenses to prepare for more than one guy and that is where the advantage lies."

Carthon knows that finding each player's strength and finding the best way to utilize each back is a recipe for success. 

"There are good situations to give your running backs a chance to play," says Carthon.  "For us, Tim Hightower has shown he can do some things in short yardage.  Edgerrin is durable and can be counted on.  And J.J. has ability with his speed.  All three of these guys have specific talents and deserve an opportunity to play.  So we try to get them in the game and use them as much as we can.  They all go out and do whatever is asked of them - whether it is running, blocking or catching the ball."

Across the league, teams are also finding success by running the ball into - where else? - the end zone.  This season, there have been 159 rushing touchdowns, the most through the first six weeks since 1984 (167).