The running backs for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not expected to be heavily relied upon during Super Bowl LV, which may allow the single-game rushing touchdown record to stand.
Chiefs running back Damien Williams, who had a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown in last year’s game, opted-out of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus. The Chiefs will have to rely on Clyde Edwards-Helaire if he’s healthy, Darrell Williams and Le’Veon Bell.
The Buccaneers are going with Ronald Jones II and Leonard Fournette with the possibility of LeSean McCoy being available for the game.
It doesn’t appear that the running game will be used a ton, but you never know when a running back will get hot and take the ball in from near the goal line. You can never count out multiple Tom Brady quarterback sneaks or a Patrick Mahomes bootleg keeper.
There are several players who have rushed for two touchdowns in the Super Bowl. Some of those players include Larry Csonka, Pete Banaszak, Franco Harris, Marcus Allen, Timmy Smith, Tom Rathman, Gerald Riggs and Eddie George.
Here’s who Chiefs and Bucs players will be chasing.
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2). JIM MCMAHON, SUPER BOWL XX
Jim McMahon could have let the overwhelming ’85 Chicago Bears' defense take control of the game against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX. But he had a helping hand in the win, running for two touchdowns. He scored in the second quarter and the third quarter.
McMahon was 12-for-20 with 256 passing yards and the two scores on the ground. Richard Dent was the MVP of the game. Chicago defeated New England, 46-10.
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2). ELIJAH PITTS, SUPER BOWL I
Green Bay Packers running back Elijah Pitts is among those who rushed for two touchdowns in a Super Bowl and he completed the feat in the first game. The Packers won the game, 35-10, over the Kansas City Chiefs and Bart Starr was named the game’s first-ever MVP.
However, Pitts had two late rushing touchdowns which helped put the game out of reach for the Packers. Pitts scored on a 5-yard rush in the third quarter and a 1-yard rush in the fourth. He finished with 45 yards on 11 carries.
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2). JAMES WHITE, SUPER BOWL LI
James White played a major part in the New England Patriots’ virtually improbable comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. White missed out on the Super Bowl MVP, but his two touchdowns in the latter part of the game were all the difference.
White had a 1-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter with under a minute remaining to bring New England within two. The Patriots made the two-point conversion to tie the game and force overtime. White then had the game-winning touchdown to give New England another Super Bowl title.
Remarkably, White only had six carries and 29 rushing yards in the game. He had a touchdown reception in the third quarter to kick off the Patriots’ comeback.
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2). EMMITT SMITH, SUPER BOWL XXX & XXVII
Emmitt Smith was a part of the Dallas Cowboys’ run through the Super Bowl in the 1990s and performed exceptionally well in both games to help the team to their titles.
In Super Bowl XXVIII, Smith put the Cowboys up six points in the third quarter with a 15-yard touchdown run and then followed it up with a touchdown-run from the goal line. Those two plays helped Dallas rid of the Buffalo Bills, 30-13. Smith had 132 rushing yards on 30 carries and was named Super Bowl MVP.
In Super Bowl XXX, Smith added to Dallas’ lead over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter with a goal-line rushing touchdown. He then put the game out of reach with a 4-yard rushing touchdown in the final frame. Dallas won the game, 27-17. Smith finished with 49 rushing yards on 18 carries.
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1). TERRELL DAVIS, SUPER BOWL XXXII
Terrell Davis was called upon in Super Bowl XXXII against the Green Bay Packers and the Denver Broncos running back delivered. Davis ran for a Super Bowl-record three touchdowns, including the game-winner with under two minutes to play.
Davis ran for 157 rushing yards on 30 carries to go along with the three touchdowns. The win helped John Elway achieve his first Super Bowl ring and it was the first title of their back-to-back wins.
Davis was awarded Super Bowl MVP for his efforts.