Zack Moss has steadily evolved from an overlooked college recruit into one of the National Football League’s most dependable and resilient running backs. His journey — marked by perseverance, consistent growth, and adaptability — has made him a valuable asset to every team he’s played for. As of 2025, Moss continues to earn respect across the league, proving that traditional running styles can still thrive in an era dominated by passing offenses and dual-threat quarterbacks.
Zack Moss embodies the modern power back who combines durability with intelligence. His playing style, team transitions, and recent resurgence make him an important figure in the changing landscape of the NFL. This article explores Moss’s career progression, performance analytics, evolving trends in running back utilization, and what his story teaches about success in professional football.
Who is Zack Moss?
Zack Moss is an American football running back born on December 15, 1997, in Hialeah Gardens, Florida. He played college football at the University of Utah, where he became the school’s all-time leading rusher before entering the NFL. Moss was drafted in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills and later played for the Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals.
At Utah, Moss earned recognition for his exceptional balance, ability to break tackles, and consistency in short-yardage situations. His college record — 4,067 rushing yards and 41 touchdowns — remains one of the best in Pac-12 history. Scouts praised his vision, field awareness, and physicality, traits that have translated effectively to the professional level.
Early NFL Career: Buffalo Bills Beginnings
Moss’s rookie season with the Buffalo Bills in 2020 was promising but challenging. Sharing carries with Devin Singletary, he recorded 481 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns in 13 games. Despite a mid-season ankle injury, his physical running style earned him valuable red-zone snaps.
In 2021, Moss saw inconsistent usage as the Bills leaned heavily on quarterback Josh Allen for ground production. However, when given opportunities, Moss displayed improvement in blocking and pass-catching, finishing with 345 rushing yards, 197 receiving yards, and 5 total touchdowns.
By the end of 2022, it became clear that Moss’s power-running approach didn’t fully align with Buffalo’s pass-heavy offensive system, prompting a mid-season trade.
Breakthrough with the Indianapolis Colts
Moss’s trade to the Indianapolis Colts in late 2022 was the turning point in his NFL career. The Colts, dealing with injuries to star running back Jonathan Taylor, relied on Moss to stabilize their rushing attack. He delivered, finishing the 2023 season with 913 rushing yards, 5 touchdowns, and an impressive 4.6 yards per carry average.
His 2023 performance against the Tennessee Titans — 165 rushing yards and two touchdowns — marked one of the best games of his professional career. Analysts from ESPN and Pro Football Focus (PFF) highlighted his ability to read gaps, adjust footwork, and extend plays through contact.
PFF ranked Moss 6th among running backs in yards after contact per attempt (3.4), demonstrating his elite strength and balance. These metrics underscored that Moss wasn’t merely a depth player but a legitimate lead back capable of carrying an offense when required.
Zack Moss in 2025: The Bengals Era and Evolving Role
In early 2024, Moss signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, a move that placed him in a new offensive ecosystem. With Joe Burrow leading one of the most potent passing attacks in football, Moss found a complementary role as a short-yardage and goal-line specialist.
As of the 2025 season, Moss has 582 rushing yards, 6 touchdowns, and a receiving average of 7.3 yards per catch. Though not the primary offensive weapon, his consistency has proven crucial in balancing the Bengals’ play-action schemes and controlling the clock in close games.
Head coach Zac Taylor praised Moss’s professionalism and discipline, noting his film preparation and leadership as key contributions to the team’s locker room dynamic.
Playing Style: Power Meets Patience
Zack Moss’s playing style is often described as “controlled aggression.” Unlike pure speed backs, Moss relies on vision, footwork, and balance. His ability to absorb contact and stay upright through hits makes him one of the league’s more durable runners.
Analysts have compared his running technique to that of former NFL great Frank Gore — both are compact, efficient runners who prioritise ball security and situational awareness over flashy moves.
In modern football, where running backs are often evaluated for versatility, Moss stands out by mastering the fundamentals. He ranks among the top 15 backs in the league for broken tackles per carry (0.21) and red-zone efficiency, according to Next Gen Stats (2025).
Advanced Metrics and Statistical Profile
Rushing and Receiving Metrics (2025 so far)
| Category | Statistic | NFL Rank |
| Rushing Yards | 582 | 22nd |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 6 | 15th |
| Yards per Carry | 4.5 | 12th |
| Yards After Contact | 321 | 10th |
| Pass Blocking Efficiency | 97.3% | 9th |
| Fumbles | 0 | 1st (Tied) |
(Source: Pro Football Focus, NFL.com 2025 Season Stats)
These numbers confirm Moss’s efficiency and reliability. Even without elite top-end speed, he’s among the most secure and effective short-yardage runners in the league.
Fantasy Football Value
Fantasy analysts continue to view Moss as a dependable flex or RB2 option in 2025, particularly in touchdown-heavy leagues. His consistent red-zone usage and low turnover rate make him a valuable mid-round pick for fantasy managers seeking stability over volatility.
Lessons from Zack Moss’s Journey
Zack Moss’s story offers important lessons for aspiring athletes and fans alike. His persistence, adaptability, and professionalism highlight the value of continuous growth even when early opportunities are limited.
At Utah, Moss was not projected as a first-round talent, yet his dedication transformed him into a dependable NFL player. His resilience during trades and injuries also underscores the importance of mental toughness — a quality that separates successful professionals from fleeting stars.
The Changing Landscape for Running Backs in 2025
The NFL’s running back position has undergone significant change in recent years. With the rise of dual-threat quarterbacks and analytics-driven offenses, traditional feature backs have become less common. Instead, franchises are opting for committees that balance power, speed, and pass-catching versatility.
However, Zack Moss represents an important counterpoint to that trend. His traditional approach — grounded in power and patience — remains relevant, proving that physical backs still have a place in modern playbooks.
According to NFL.com analytics, teams that maintain a strong rushing identity average 11% higher time of possession and 8% fewer turnovers per game. Moss’s contributions directly align with those statistics, demonstrating how old-school football principles can still yield winning results.
Real-Life Examples and Impact on Teams
With the Colts
When Moss took over as starter in 2023 due to Jonathan Taylor’s injury, the Colts’ rushing efficiency improved by 17%. Offensive coordinator Shane Steichen credited Moss for sustaining drives and opening up play-action opportunities for the quarterback.
With the Bengals
In Cincinnati, Moss’s ability to manage short-yardage situations has helped the team convert 75% of third-and-short plays. His unselfish role within a pass-heavy system exemplifies what teams value most: reliability under pressure.
Expert Insights and Media Perspectives
NFL analysts across major outlets like ESPN, CBS Sports, and The Athletic have praised Moss for his disciplined playing style and consistency. ESPN’s Mina Kimes described him as “one of the few backs who never beats himself — he wins plays by staying composed and technical.”
Former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew, now an analyst on NFL Network, also highlighted Moss’s underrated blocking ability, stating that “Zack Moss keeps his quarterback clean and his offense on schedule.”
These endorsements reflect a growing appreciation for players who contribute in subtle but vital ways — something analytics-driven teams increasingly recognise.
Practical Tips for Players and Coaches
Zack Moss’s career provides valuable takeaways for players at all levels. Young running backs can learn from his focus on fundamentals:
Prioritising ball security over flash.
Mastering short-yardage vision and timing.
Understanding blocking schemes to create opportunities.
Adapting to system changes without losing identity.
Coaches can also draw lessons from Moss’s usage. Building game plans around a balanced running approach, even in a pass-first league, can help maintain offensive rhythm and reduce pressure on quarterbacks.
Recent Trends in 2025
According to NFL analytics from Next Gen Stats, the 2025 season has seen a renewed emphasis on physical runners like Moss. Teams that use power formations on at least 20% of plays have seen an increase in average yards per carry from 4.1 to 4.4 league-wide.
This aligns with the league’s evolving defensive structures — as more teams adopt lighter defensive fronts to counter passing attacks, power backs like Moss are exploiting smaller gaps with efficiency.
Moss’s 2025 numbers — especially his success rate in inside-zone runs (63%) — confirm his role as one of the most effective power runners in the league’s new tactical environment.
The Broader Significance of Moss’s Career
Zack Moss’s evolution represents more than just personal success. He is part of a new wave of players redefining how teams value running backs. Rather than focusing solely on speed or versatility, teams now appreciate balance, maturity, and situational awareness.
Moss’s career longevity, built on adaptability and toughness, serves as an example of how players can sustain relevance even amid systemic shifts in the NFL.
FAQs
What team does Zack Moss play for in 2025?
As of the 2025 NFL season, Zack Moss plays for the Cincinnati Bengals, contributing primarily as a rotational running back and short-yardage specialist.
What makes Zack Moss unique among NFL running backs?
Moss is known for his physical running style, balance through contact, and durability. Unlike many backs, he rarely fumbles and excels in red-zone efficiency.
How effective has Zack Moss been in fantasy football?
Moss is a reliable flex option in most fantasy leagues, offering steady production in touchdowns and rushing yards with minimal risk of turnovers.
What is Zack Moss’s best career performance?
His standout performance came in Week 5 of the 2023 season against the Tennessee Titans, where he rushed for 165 yards and two touchdowns.
How has Moss adapted to modern NFL offenses?
Moss has refined his pass-blocking, receiving skills, and situational awareness, allowing him to remain valuable even as teams shift toward pass-heavy strategies.
In Summary
Zack Moss’s journey through the NFL exemplifies the resilience, intelligence, and discipline required to succeed in today’s game. From his collegiate dominance at Utah to his steady growth across multiple NFL teams, Moss has proven that dedication and fundamentals still hold value in an ever-evolving sport.
As analytics and tactics continue to transform the league, Moss stands as a reminder that balance, vision, and patience are timeless qualities. His steady rise and continued impact in 2025 solidify his status as one of football’s most underrated yet essential players — a professional whose work ethic defines his legacy.
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