During a recent debate about NFL running backs, the topic shifted to the Dallas Cowboys offensive lines. Where should the credit for a successful running game go? As soon as I mentioned Hall of Fame and NFL all-time leading rusher Emmitt Smith, I heard three things. First, Smith had the luxury of running behind one of the NFL’s greatest offensive lines.
With the Cowboys from 1990 – 2004, Emmitt Smith averaged 4.2 yard per carry and 5.3 in his best year (1993). In 1995, Smith led the NFL with 1,773 rushing yards. It’s one of the few years that the team with the leading rusher won the Super Bowl.