“Running back by committee”, this is a term we have grown accustomed to as NFL fans. We have heard it from a number of teams, such as the Bills, the Chiefs, the Patriots, and in past years the Dolphins. This is a scheme where the offense employs 3 (and in some cases 4) running backs to do the job of one. They have a small quick back, a big power-runner type of back and the proverbial third down back, the back who is the best out of the backfield receiver. These three backs split the workload and are brought in during certain situations throughout the game, and in some cases simply go in after a set number of plays, but rarely do you see one back for more than one series at a time.

Those four teams I listed above have another thing in common, other than the fact that they have employed the running back by committee scheme in the past. These four teams have also enjoyed very little playoff success; in fact three of those team did not even make the playoffs. Coincidence? I think not. Actually, the Dolphins did not employ the RBC scheme this past season, and they did make the playoffs and even won a playoff game. Coincidence? Again, I think not.

The RBC (runningback by scheme is, in my opinion, one of the worst offensive schemes in the history of this fine game. I mean, why use three backs in place of one? Granted, some teams who are strapped by the cap will not have the money to sign or retain top-notch running backs, but the way I see it, if you are even remotely confident in a running back, why not let him get into the flow of the game? Let that back take those 1st and 10 carries, those 2nd and 3 carries and leave him in on that 3rd and 13 passing down, because if you don’t, then you are hampering the development of that back. How is a back supposed to develop, if he is relegated to 3rd plays or short yardage situations? But then again, maybe that is the plan of the coach’s, they want to keep those three backs and have them specialize in certain situations so that when free agency comes around, other teams will not be willing to pay truckloads of money to a “role player” type of back? Hmmm? But seriously, do you think Lamar Smith would have had the year he had with the Dolphins if they were still using the RBC scheme?

So now you ask yourself, “Why is SuperZim ranting about running backs?” Well my friends, the reason I am bringing this up is because I have a bad feeling that our beloved 49ers are heading down that same road. I have the feeling that we will see a number of running backs in our backfield this season (at least early on) and, honestly, that scares me. It scares me because if history repeats itself, then we will have little or no shot at making the playoffs (as the Pats, Chiefs and Bills did in Y2K).

The reason I think that the 49ers are going to be using a lot of RB’s early in the season is obviously because of the departure of one Charlie Garner. When “Greedy” Garner flew the coop, he left the cash strapped 49ers with no starting RB to speak of, and a WCO without a decent RB will be awfully one dimensional.

Here are the RB’s (for the most part) that are on the 49ers roster now:

Garrison Hearst – Everyone who is a 49er fan knows this guy’s story. He broke (sorry GH fans, bad choice of words) in with the 9ers in 1997, he started 13 games carried the ball 224 times for a team-high 1,019 yards and 4 TD’s. Then in 1998, he rushed a career high 310 times for 1,570 yards and was selected to the ProBowl for the first time in his career. But in a 1998 playoff game Garrison severely broke his ankle and has yet to play a down since then. With reported nerve damage to that ankle, it is unclear if Hearst will ever play again, and whether he can regain his old form, is another story.

Paul Smith – This player is somewhat of an enigma to the 9ers, he has yet to be given the opportunity to show what he can do. As a rookie last year, Smith carried the ball a paltry 18 times for 72 yards, he caught 2 passes for 55 yards and he fumbled twice (although he did recover those fumbles). With Smith’s unproven ability and untapped potential, he makes a great candidate for a team who will use the RBC scheme.

Terry Jackson – This 4th year back out of Florida also say very little action during the 2000 season his stats were as meager as Smith’s. He carried the ball 5 times for a whopping 6 yards and 1 TD, but he did snag 5 receptions for 48 yards and 1 TD. Many have noted Jackson’s versatility over his short career, which would make him and ideal third down back.

Jonas Lewis – Who? This guy had 1 carry for 6 yards and 1 reception for 0 yards, last season. And with the drafting of two RB’s just recently, can you say “expendable”, or “special teams”?

Kevan Barlow – Rookie just drafted out of Pitt, carried the ball 197 times for 1,053 yards in his final collegiate campaign and at 6-1/235 runs a 4.55 40. This rook will be a work in progress for the 9ers’ coaching staff and I bet he will be used sparingly this season.

Jared McGrath – 5-10/193, just drafted out of Vanderbilt. A powerful runner who gained 518 yards on 132 carries last year with 5 TD’s. He will have to work hard to make the team but if he does, I can see him being used a short yardage type of back. Plus, he bears an eerie resemblance to one Tom Rathman.

So, you can see what I am saying here. With the RB’s the 9ers have on their roster right now, I can see them going to the RBC scheme. I honestly hope they do not, because it will stunt these young RB’s growth as players and as professionals. I would be willing to see them stick with one young guy back there and go through the growing pains. Because I am sure that the growing pains of a few fumbles and missed assignments would be A LOT less painful than another missed opportunity to get into the playoffs.

Until next time...