What is it with run defenses so far? (1 Viewer)

[Badgers Fan]

I get it, it's early. But in 2009-2011, 2 defenses held opponents to 3.4 ypc or less. This year, a ridiculous 8 teams have done that so far. 1/4 of the league right now seems to be fantasy kryptonite for your rb. Shouldn't ypc's be HIGHER considering how pass happy the nfl is (theoretically leaving less defenders in the box and more running lanes)? Any ides to why so many run D's are playing shut-down defense so far?

 

[Run It Up]

Complete speculation, but I think its a combination of the NFL constantly demoralizing the position as a whole on top of most teams insistence on forcing a committee approach that leads to two or more average backs. No momentum, no motivation to do better, I dont think defenses are getting better, I think RBs are getting worse.