Summary
Over the past few years, the running back position has quickly become an afterthought in an NFL offense. While teams still seek skillful running backs, they’re less inclined to invest in the position and look for cheaper options.
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Arguably, running backs represent even less of an overall impact inMadden 24, as the usage of wide receivers has grown immensely. But there are still a handful of running backs who are explosive in their own right and possess outstanding abilities to alter a game. We take a look at all of the X-Factor abilities for running backs and how they can use them to dominate the ground game.
4First One Free
Evading tackles is the name of the game for running backs. Whether it’s via spin or juke moves, evasive running backs deploy these moves to avoid defenders and slip between tacklers. Running backs who tend to be more elusive than others typically have high-speed ratings and are quick to get out to the open field.
Activating First One Free increases the fakeout rate on a running back’s next juke, spin, or hurdle. Halfbacks like Saquon Barkley build their game around their innate evasive skills and this X-Factor takes it to the next level.
Barkley is more effective running outside the pocket, so there is more room for him to perform evasive maneuvers and not get suffocated by linemen at the line of scrimmage.
3Wrecking Ball
While some running backs will look to avoid tacklers, other running backs have the ability to brush them off like flies. These halfbacks are massive forces of nature who have the strength to push tacklers away from them and barrel over them. The Wrecking Ball X-Factor amplifies these skills and makes these runners extremely difficult for defenses to bring down.
Nick Chubb has the most powerful truck move and the second-highest stiff arm in the game, so when he activates Wrecking Ball, he becomes exactly that. Wrecking Ball boosts the success rate on trucks and stiff arms, a running back’s main ability to deflect tacklers. An offensive player performing a truck move is equivalent to a defender attempting a hit-stick tackle, so when executed properly, a truck move can be extremely effective.
2Ankle Breaker
In the modern NFL, several running backs are developing pass-catching abilities to diversify their game and have a larger impact on offense. The position is no longer simply running up the middle; it’s evolved into a multi-dimensional position that can make defenses pay in a variety of ways, mainly through thepassing game.
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Christian McCaffrey is arguably the best receiving running back in the NFL and the fact that he can generate so many yards post-catch is all thanks to Ankle Breaker. This X-Factor grants a higher fakeout rate on skill moves after a catch has been made. Spin and juke moves following a catch will most likely leave a defender shaken, and you’ll be able to evade them for additional yards.
1Freight Train
A small number of running backs possess the force to break through walls if given the opportunity. These destructive halfbacks don’t care about flashy jukes or spins; they’re looking to run straight through defenders, not around them. When activated, Freight Train essentially transforms runners into a train. This X-Factor increases the chance for running backs to break the next tackle attempt and continue moving downfield.
Derrick Henry has been one of the toughest running backs in the league, and he channels that toughness by blowing through anyone in his path. Utilizing Freight Train could be the difference between a huge gain and a possible touchdown compared to getting tackled for a short gain.
Running backs with the Freight Train ability can also impact the passing game by keeping a defense on their toes with effective runs and not allowing them todouble cover receivers. The impact on the ground and passing game makes Freight Train the best X-Factor to have for running backs in Madden 24.
