Why there are so many high rushing totals this year...

[The Dude_ffc]

because everyone wants to strip the ball instead of wrapping up the runner. I have seen more missed tackles this year than ever before. There are a lot of talented backs but can players return to old school tactics when they put their helmet on the ball rather than arm tackling and pulling at the ball? It's the baseball equivilent of trying to hit a homerun on every pitch. I suppose this is happening because the turnover ratio has become such an important stat. However, If teams wouldn't allow 200 yards rushing they wouldn't have to worry so much about the ratio. Call me crazy but if you are the best of the best and a starting player on an NFL defense you should be able to tackle.

[Free Bagel]

There's nothing that irks me more than watching my team miss tackles.

[moochman]

I wonder if in this pass crazy era the Ds are not as concerned with giving up a few extra yards, because it amounts to a pass play's gain. There has been a premium set by most Ds to create turnovers. Techniques for dislodging the football are practiced in training camp, so it should come as no surprise that we see so much of it. Notice, though how many of the really good Ds tend to be great tacklers. They understand the value of stopping a runner in his tracks, thus creating the most deflating turnover; the 3-and out punt!

[Guttpuppy]

I posted an article early in the year about players trying to tackle the ball instead of the ballcarrier...it might work on the known "fumblers" but that's not the way they're taught to tackle.These guys want the big turnover and a spot on the highlight reel.This isn't the only reason for the higher totals but I think it does contribute.

[TTTBone]

I posted an article early in the year about players trying to tackle the ball instead of the ballcarrier...it might work on the known "fumblers" but that's not the way they're taught to tackle.These guys want the big turnover and a spot on the highlight reel.This isn't the only reason for the higher totals but I think it does contribute.

Yes it does contribute, in fact I've percieved a definate downward trend in tackling ability the last few years in the league. Maybe too much of an emphasis is being put on turnovers, or maybe it's part of the "I'm gonna get on Sports Center" mentality of today's players, but far too many players are concentrating on stripping the ball well before they secure the tackle. I find myself shaking my head in dismay when I see players taking a swing at the ball when they could be using that arm to wrap up the runner. OOPS! Another 12 yd. Gain.
However, as I've stated before, there is probably more overall running back talent in the league right now than ever before. Look for the BIG RB #'s to continue. Enjoy the talent, these RB's are good.

[CKY_ROX]

if guys juck hit as hard as they could the ball will pop out soetimes and the missed tackles would greatly decrease, they gotta go back to basics

[VHawk15]

I think it's less about creating turnovers and more about wanting to be on the SportsCenter "Jacked Up" segment. Guys want to knock someone out and be on TV more than they want to make solid(and sometimes boring) tackles. And when the players are unable to make the big hit, the RB runs for more yardage.

But hey, it makes good fantasy football.

[KingGhidra]

I love jacked up and Tom Jackson.

It's a combination of things. Most of you mentioned the poor tackling, which seems to be at a premium nowadays. Also, the influx of top, healthy RB talent. The other thing, which is going unmentioned, is the transition at the QB spot. A lot of young QBs made the rounds this year and teams were forced to rely on the run. Combined with the previous two factors and you get lots of good rushing totals.