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Getbig Misc Discussion Boards => Sports Discussion Boards => Topic started by: daddy8ball on November 30, 2012, 09:23:29 PM

Title: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: daddy8ball on November 30, 2012, 09:23:29 PM
Tough call.

Payton? Sanders? Somebody else?
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Jadeveon Clowney on November 30, 2012, 09:25:01 PM
adrain peterson

jim brown is a distant second

Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: The_Iron_Disciple on November 30, 2012, 09:26:37 PM
Jim Brown.  Next question please.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Coach is Back! on November 30, 2012, 09:31:31 PM
Sweetness!!
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Palpatine Q on November 30, 2012, 09:32:13 PM
Barry Sanders.

Thanksgiving isn't the same without him
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Coach is Back! on November 30, 2012, 09:33:29 PM
On a side note, that run from.Marshawn Lynch against NO a couple.of.seasons.ago.wa s one of the.best ever!
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: garebear on November 30, 2012, 09:33:41 PM
Ozzie Smith.

End of thread.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: BIG DUB on November 30, 2012, 09:34:39 PM
no question..

Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Coach is Back! on November 30, 2012, 09:36:43 PM
Ozzie Smith.

End of thread.

Quite dummy
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: CARTEL on November 30, 2012, 09:37:33 PM
It depends on what your looking for.

Sanders was an awesome runner but couldn't pick up a blitz like Emmit.

That being said off the top of my head...

1 Payton
2 Sanders
3 Brown
4 Smith
5 Dickerson

AP will be passing at least a few of these though.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: daddy8ball on November 30, 2012, 09:38:24 PM
Watching the highlight reels of the contenders...

Payton and Sanders....

Give the edge to Sanders
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: BIG DUB on November 30, 2012, 09:40:20 PM
Watching the highlight reels of the contenders...

Payton and Sanders....

Give the edge to Sanders

Walt would lay that fukin' shoulder into you to get the extra yards but barry had those cat reflexes.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Nicademus on November 30, 2012, 09:43:07 PM
Barry Sanders and then Eric Dickerson.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Palpatine Q on November 30, 2012, 09:47:14 PM
Walt would lay that fukin' shoulder into you to get the extra yards but barry had those cat reflexes.


Barry could do it every way. blow right by you, do something retarded and run around you, or on occasion go right through you. best pure runner ever.

You watch his highlights and you see guys literally not knowing what the fuck to do as he's coming their way
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: BIG DUB on November 30, 2012, 09:50:51 PM
there's a thread about this very topic on pm and one of the members played with or against Barry can't remember but sais he was the truth..
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: 240 is Back on November 30, 2012, 09:55:01 PM
barry sanders.... looked like he wasn't even trying.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: CARTEL on November 30, 2012, 09:57:38 PM
barry sanders.... looked like he wasn't even trying.


Until the playoffs came and he looked average.

The problem with Sanders was too many negative runs because of dancing around in the hole looking for the homerun. Of course I'm knitpicking.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Palpatine Q on November 30, 2012, 10:03:25 PM

Until the playoffs came and he looked average.

The problem with Sanders was too many negative runs because of dancing around in the hole looking for the homerun. Of course I'm knitpicking.


that's because he played on a shit team.

come playoff time, if you only have one option the great teams and coaches will take it away
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: 240 is Back on November 30, 2012, 10:04:18 PM
which nfl RB woudl have made the best pro BBer?


What current IFBB pro would make it as an NFL running back?
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: polychronopolous on November 30, 2012, 10:07:04 PM

Until the playoffs came and he looked average.

The problem with Sanders was too many negative runs because of dancing around in the hole looking for the homerun. Of course I'm knitpicking.

Yep, emmitt blows away Barry in big games that mattered.

Still would have to give the number one spot to Sanders, though.

Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: CARTEL on November 30, 2012, 10:08:13 PM

that's because he played on a shit team.

come playoff time, if you only have one option the great teams and coaches will take it away

Oh really? I remember them going 12 and 4 one year and 10 and 6 another year. Those sound like pretty good teams.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: polychronopolous on November 30, 2012, 10:11:05 PM

that's because he played on a shit team.

come playoff time, if you only have one option the great teams and coaches will take it away

Lol Brett Perriman/Herman Moore weren't options??

Put down the crack pipe and rose colored glasses bro.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: CARTEL on November 30, 2012, 10:12:30 PM
Lol Brett Perriman/Herman Moore weren't options??

Put down the crack pipe and rose colored glasses bro.

Didn't Scott Mitchell go off for a few years also?
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Nicademus on November 30, 2012, 10:13:11 PM
Yep, emmitt blows away Barry in big games that mattered.



And Terrell Davis blew away Smith in games that mattered.  Terrell was the best playoff running back in history so where does that put him?
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: polychronopolous on November 30, 2012, 10:15:38 PM
Didn't Scott Mitchell go off for a few years also?

I can remember one season where Moore/Perriman both had around 100 catches plus they had a decent tight end plus Sanders catching balls out of the backfield as well so I am sure he did.

Sanders also had a couple pro bowl caliber players on the offensive line as well.

People want to look back to his teammates like they were a bunch of nobodies which was certainly not the case.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: polychronopolous on November 30, 2012, 10:17:25 PM
And Terrell Davis blew away Smith in games that mattered.  Terrell was the best playoff running back in history so where does that put him?

Definitely out of the top 5.

He's just one of those guys who had a handful of good years but he was definitely unstoppable in the playoffs, no question.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Nicademus on November 30, 2012, 10:23:30 PM
Definitely out of the top 5.

He's just one of those guys who had a handful of good years but he was definitely unstoppable in the playoffs, no question.

He was better than just "one of those guys".  TD was better than all of his contemporaries that are in the Hall of Fame right now(Bettis(soon to be), Martin, and Faulk) at the time of his career ending knee injury.  He did more in less time than anybody.

NFL MVP, SuperBowl MVP, 2x SB winner, NFL rushing leader, 2000 yard rusher, most 100 yard rushing playoff games in history.  
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Palpatine Q on November 30, 2012, 10:26:08 PM
I can remember one season where Moore/Perriman both had around 100 catches plus they had a decent tight end plus Sanders catching balls out of the backfield as well so I am sure he did.

Sanders also had a couple pro bowl caliber players on the offensive line as well.

People want to look back to his teammates like they were a bunch of nobodies which was certainly not the case.

so you are going to compare Barry Sanders, Herman Moore and Scott Mitchell...  to Emmit Smith, Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin?...oh and throw Jay Novacek in there too....


Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: 240 is Back on November 30, 2012, 10:26:17 PM
NFL MVP, SuperBowl MVP, 2x SB winner, NFL rushing leader, 2000 yard rusher, most 100 yard rushing playoff games in history.  

sick resume.   How many years was his career?
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Palpatine Q on November 30, 2012, 10:28:59 PM
He was better than just "one of those guys".  TD was better than all of his contemporaries that are in the Hall of Fame right now(Bettis(soon to be), Martin, and Faulk) at the time of his career ending knee injury.  He did more in less time than anybody.

NFL MVP, SuperBowl MVP, 2x SB winner, NFL rushing leader, 2000 yard rusher, most 100 yard rushing playoff games in history.  

Terrell Davis was fucking bad ass. I remember a player saying if felt like he was made out of concrete when you tried to tackle him.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Nicademus on November 30, 2012, 10:29:22 PM
Like 5 years but he blew his knee out after his 2000 yard season.  Tried to come back the year after and just couldn't it anymore.

There were only 3 guys that were considered as Barry's equal during Barry's run.  Thurman Thomas, Emmitt, and TD.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: polychronopolous on November 30, 2012, 10:30:27 PM
He was better than just "one of those guys".  TD was better than all of his contemporaries that are in the Hall of Fame right now(Bettis(soon to be), Martin, and Faulk) at the time of his career ending knee injury.  He did more in less time than anybody.

NFL MVP, SuperBowl MVP, 2x SB winner, NFL rushing leader, 2000 yard rusher, most 100 yard rushing playoff games in history.  

C'mon you REALLY want me to compare Terrell Davis to Sanders, Jim Brown, Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton??

That top 5 group is extremely exclusive and while Terrell Davis was great for a few years who would YOU put him in over those guys?
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Palpatine Q on November 30, 2012, 10:32:47 PM
C'mon you REALLY want me to compare Terrell Davis to Sanders, Jim Brown, Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton??

That top 5 group is extremely exclusive and while Terrell Davis was great for a couple years who would YOU put him in over those guys?

I wouldn't...but if he stayed healthy (big BUT)...he would be one of those guys.  Like Gayle Sayers.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Nicademus on November 30, 2012, 10:32:51 PM
Terrell Davis was fucking bad ass. I remember a player saying if felt like he was made out of concrete when you tried to tackle him.

Terrell Davis was legit.  I am a huge Broncos fan though so I'm bias.  TD wasn't the best running back ever but he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame I feel.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: 240 is Back on November 30, 2012, 10:33:18 PM
what's the criteria?

1) Who would you start for a single Super Bowl game, in their prime, for your team?

or

2) Whose career body of work was the best?

or

3) Who achieved the most in the shortest amount of time?  Accomplishment per game?
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Nicademus on November 30, 2012, 10:34:25 PM
C'mon you REALLY want me to compare Terrell Davis to Sanders, Jim Brown, Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton??

That top 5 group is extremely exclusive and while Terrell Davis was great for a few years who would YOU put him in over those guys?

No-but like I said he deserves HOF recognition.  Which he may never get because of his short career span.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Nicademus on November 30, 2012, 10:37:31 PM
what's the criteria?

1) Who would you start for a single Super Bowl game, in their prime, for your team?

or

2) Whose career body of work was the best?

or

3) Who achieved the most in the shortest amount of time?  Accomplishment per game?



1) Terrell Davis

2) Emmitt Smith. 

3) Terrell Davis
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: polychronopolous on November 30, 2012, 10:37:38 PM
so you are going to compare Barry Sanders, Herman Moore and Scott Mitchell...  to Emmit Smith, Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin?...oh and throw Jay Novacek in there too....




Of course not. From 1992 to 1995 Dallas had some of the greatest teams of all time. Stacked offensive line including future Hall of Famer Larry Allen. Hall of famers Aikman, Irvin, Smith and pro bowler Novacek.

As far as my list of all time running backs I'd probably have Sanders pretty clear number 1 then that group of Brown, Payton and Smith just below him and pretty comparable amongst themselves.


Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: outby43 on November 30, 2012, 10:59:24 PM

Marshall Faulk

Had over 1000 receiving and over 1300 rushing yards in 1999
Pro Bowl (1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002)
NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1999, 2000, 2001)
Pro Bowl MVP (1994)

The guy could catch, run, and block very efficiently.  Most of these running backs listed were only rushers.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Parker on November 30, 2012, 11:09:21 PM
Yet no mention of Jamal Lewis
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LewiJa00.htm (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LewiJa00.htm)
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Pray_4_War on November 30, 2012, 11:11:02 PM
I think Barry Sanders was the best runner of all time.  He did the most with the least help.  There are other guys that might have been more versatile or played on better teams but Barry was in God mode on Sundays. 

Jim Brown would be the best ever but I don't think the guys he played against were anywhere near as fast as the modern guys.  5.2 yds per carry 104.3 yds per game.  12,312 yds and 106 tds in just 9 years. 
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: CARTEL on November 30, 2012, 11:11:44 PM
I always forget about Faulk but he is definitely up there. Great player.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Nicademus on November 30, 2012, 11:13:33 PM
Yet no mention of Jamal Lewis
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LewiJa00.htm (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LewiJa00.htm)


Hell no.  He played the Browns twice a year in his heyday and had like 500 yards against just them in his 2000 yd season.

Players that should be mentioned though.

Oj Simpson

Earl Campbell

Eric Dickerson

Thurman Thomas


Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Palpatine Q on November 30, 2012, 11:25:04 PM
I think Barry Sanders was the best runner of all time.  He did the most with the least help.  There are other guys that might have been more versatile or played on better teams but Barry was in God mode on Sundays. 

Jim Brown would be the best ever but I don't think the guys he played against were anywhere near as fast as the modern guys.  5.2 yds per carry 104.3 yds per game.  12,312 yds and 106 tds in just 9 years. 

this.

The reason you see so many insane highlight reels of Sanders, is because half the time the dude had 3 D linemen in his face 5 yards behind the line of scrimmage.

averaged 1500 yards a season and 300 receiving on top of it. that's ridiculous
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Emmortal on December 01, 2012, 12:58:51 AM


Sanders was an awesome runner but couldn't pick up a blitz like Emmit.


People forget that the Lions had one of the worst offensive lines at the time, so it's not like he had as many options in the blitz compared to Smith who had one of the best offensive lines at the time.

Without a doubt, overall, Sanders wins it, there's simply no question.  If Sanders played for the Cowboys this wouldn't even be a debate whatsoever, but considering how horrible the Lions were overall, Sanders made magic out of turds.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: polychronopolous on December 01, 2012, 01:26:24 AM
People forget that the Lions had one of the worst offensive lines at the time, so it's not like he had as many options in the blitz compared to Smith who had one of the best offensive lines at the time.

Without a doubt, overall, Sanders wins it, there's simply no question.  If Sanders played for the Cowboys this wouldn't even be a debate whatsoever, but considering how horrible the Lions were overall, Sanders made magic out of turds.

One of the worst offensive lines at the time with 2 multi year pro bowlers in Kevin Glover and Lomas Brown ?

No other options yet Perriman and Moore both had a 100 catch season in the same year?

It's understood that Sanders is one of the very best of all time but some of you guys are just suffering from revisionist history.


Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: diamondcut on December 01, 2012, 01:36:20 AM
Adrian Peterson is certainly up there... I'm not saying he's the best but... a lot of the guys who are mentioned in this thread were playing in an era of scrubs

Today's athletes are faster, stronger, tougher than the old days.

For Adrian to be as dominant as he is as a pure rusher is incredible in today's game.


Jim Brown was a great RB for his time but come on, a lot of the defensive players back then are not at the physical caliber of today's athletes.

And to be a RB it is a very physical position, your success that is dependent on how big and fast all the other guys are on the field.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Pray_4_War on December 01, 2012, 03:26:00 AM
One of the worst offensive lines at the time with 2 multi year pro bowlers in Kevin Glover and Lomas Brown ?

No other options yet Perriman and Moore both had a 100 catch season in the same year?

It's understood that Sanders is one of the very best of all time but some of you guys are just suffering from revisionist history.




Sanders played 9 years with the Lions and almost the whole time he was there the team was total ass.  They might have had a couple good linemen for a while.  They might have had a couple receivers do well for a while.  They might have had a QB well for a brief period, but the Lions sucked ass.  It's not revisionist history.  I watched the games and I can tell you with certainty that he was practically a one man team running for his life with defensive linemen in the backfield.  This is the main reason he retired early.  He couldn't stomach losing and taking a beating like that anymore. To compare the players that Barry played with to what Emmitt, Faulk, Payton, Terrell Davis, or even Jim Brown had is laughable.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: polychronopolous on December 01, 2012, 03:57:29 AM
Sanders played 9 years with the Lions and almost the whole time he was there the team was total ass.  They might have had a couple good linemen for a while.  They might have had a couple receivers do well for a while.  They might have had a QB well for a brief period, but the Lions sucked ass.  It's not revisionist history.  I watched the games and I can tell you with certainty that he was practically a one man team running for his life with defensive linemen in the backfield.  This is the main reason he retired early.  He couldn't stomach losing and taking a beating like that anymore. To compare the players that Barry played with to what Emmitt, Faulk, Payton, Terrell Davis, or even Jim Brown had is laughable.

So a team that goes to the playoffs in  91, 93, 94, 95, 97 and 99 in a stacked conference like the 90s NFC is "complete ass"?

And if Barry Sanders was such a one man show capable of taking a helpless, destitute team full of garbage to the post season then explain to me how they made the playoffs in 1999, a year after he retired?

Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: G_Thang on December 01, 2012, 04:20:52 AM
He was better than just "one of those guys".  TD was better than all of his contemporaries that are in the Hall of Fame right now(Bettis(soon to be), Martin, and Faulk) at the time of his career ending knee injury.  He did more in less time than anybody.

NFL MVP, SuperBowl MVP, 2x SB winner, NFL rushing leader, 2000 yard rusher, most 100 yard rushing playoff games in history.  

He stayed injury FREE longer than the other 2 or 3 Denver backs, who also posted 1200-1600 yd rushing season.  It was Mike's zone blocking system, not his 4.6 40 or no moves, downhill running style.  Actually, he was able to make one cut and get into the wholes.  Oh, go look at Bobby Humphies and see the stats he put up in Mile's system before he got hurt after 2 or 3 seasons.  Then, there was Clinton Portis, who put of freakish numbers in Mike's system, but he left because they didn't want to pay him after a 1600 yd season, when he was making around the minimum.  Davis talent wise is no better than those other two, just happen to have Elway under center during his 7 year run, before injuries killed his career.  I remember him playing and would fight with a friend that I never induct him in the hall of fame because it was all system.  Put him in Detroit and he would have averaged 3 yds per carry.  Sanderson would have had multiple 2000 yd seasons in that system.   Faulk and Dickerson would have been beyond legend, if they were running through the wholes Mike's zone blocking system created. 1

NFL people have pretty good memories, not to vote him in.  Not a great back, but one of the greatest systems in a 10-12 yr stretch Shanahan put together.    
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Jadeveon Clowney on December 01, 2012, 05:24:44 AM
He was better than just "one of those guys".  TD was better than all of his contemporaries that are in the Hall of Fame right now(Bettis(soon to be), Martin, and Faulk) at the time of his career ending knee injury.  He did more in less time than anybody.

NFL MVP, SuperBowl MVP, 2x SB winner, NFL rushing leader, 2000 yard rusher, most 100 yard rushing playoff games in history.  

part of the reason he was so good is because opposing teams had to defend the passing game
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Pray_4_War on December 01, 2012, 05:33:44 AM
So a team that goes to the playoffs in  91, 93, 94, 95, 97 and 99 in a stacked conference like the 90s NFC is "complete ass"?

And if Barry Sanders was such a one man show capable of taking a helpless, destitute team full of garbage to the post season then explain to me how they made the playoffs in 1999, a year after he retired?



The never put anything together when they were decent and much of the time they were total ass.  Especially when you compare them to the teams that these other backs had.  The difference is night and day.  If you won't aknowledge that then you must have something up your ass about Barry Sanders.  Anyone with two eyes should be able to see the difference in teams.  You disagree?  Fine.  I could give a fuck.  Have a nice day.   
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: andreisdaman on December 01, 2012, 05:44:21 AM
Jim Brown.  Next question please.

agreed,,,,,Jim Brown and Gale Sayers...

Believe it or not O.J. was pretty good as well
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: MB on December 01, 2012, 05:54:47 AM
So a team that goes to the playoffs in  91, 93, 94, 95, 97 and 99 in a stacked conference like the 90s NFC is "complete ass"?

And if Barry Sanders was such a one man show capable of taking a helpless, destitute team full of garbage to the post season then explain to me how they made the playoffs in 1999, a year after he retired?
'91 was their year, lost in the NFC championship game to the Redskins.  They were built for the dome with the run and shoot and couldn't get it done on the road. 
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: polychronopolous on December 01, 2012, 06:11:01 AM
The never put anything together when they were decent and much of the time they were total ass.  Especially when you compare them to the teams that these other backs had.  The difference is night and day.  If you won't aknowledge that then you must have something up your ass about Barry Sanders.  Anyone with two eyes should be able to see the difference in teams.  You disagree?  Fine.  I could give a fuck.  Have a nice day.   

Maybe if Sanders ever showed up in the post season they would have "put something together"

NFL postseason record of futility 13 carries for - 1 yards. Guess who it was?

Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: polychronopolous on December 01, 2012, 06:13:29 AM
'91 was their year, lost in the NFC championship game to the Redskins.  They were built for the dome with the run and shoot and couldn't get it done on the road. 

Yep. Once Sanders got out of that climate controlled 72 degrees and turf where he could turn on a dime he was significantly less effective in the postseason.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: MB on December 01, 2012, 06:27:32 AM
Yep. Once Sanders got out of that climate controlled 72 degrees and turf where he could turn on a dime he was significantly less effective in the postseason.

Barry could play in any offense on any surface, that wasn't the problem.  He was the greatest pure runner of all time (as in hardest to tackle). 
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: 240 is Back on December 01, 2012, 06:29:02 AM
it'd be cool if video games like madden would allow you to replay great games from years past - like show you actual video of the game using their cool graphics -

Only you could punch in new players for different outcomes.  You could see Barry Sanders rushing for 300 yards in a super bowl against the Bills, playing for the cowboys, for example.  You could build all-star teams with different players from different eras.

then you could sit back and watch the game unfold with different results.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: daddy8ball on December 01, 2012, 07:10:51 AM
it'd be cool if video games like madden would allow you to replay great games from years past - like show you actual video of the game using their cool graphics -

Only you could punch in new players for different outcomes.  You could see Barry Sanders rushing for 300 yards in a super bowl against the Bills, playing for the cowboys, for example.  You could build all-star teams with different players from different eras.

then you could sit back and watch the game unfold with different results.

They should do this. That would be awesome. Put together your own fantasy team from years past and play others online. I'd never leave the house -- I'd be too busy crushing fools with my high powered offense. Payton an Sanders in the backfield? hahaha!
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Voice of Doom on December 01, 2012, 07:38:58 AM
1:51 and the one handed palm  ;D

3:09 for just pure sweetness.

Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: mdn250 on December 01, 2012, 08:24:12 AM

Barry could do it every way. blow right by you, do something retarded and run around you, or on occasion go right through you. best pure runner ever.

You watch his highlights and you see guys literally not knowing what the fuck to do as he's coming their way

Barry Sanders, did everything like Groink said above..but his most impressive factor of his game was that he did ALL THAT, his whole career, without a great offensive line. They had their stars for some time but I still believe that they were great pass blockers and not run blockers..doesn't matter cause Sanders never complained once about the line because he didn't have to. That is some serious fucking talent there.

How badass would that Lions team be with Stafford at QB, CJ at WR, and Barry in the backfield :)
That would be fun to watch, like the 90's Cowboys triplets.

MDN
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: mdn250 on December 01, 2012, 08:29:33 AM
C'mon you REALLY want me to compare Terrell Davis to Sanders, Jim Brown, Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton??

That top 5 group is extremely exclusive and while Terrell Davis was great for a few years who would YOU put him in over those guys?

This.
TD was amazing but your right he did not have a long enough career to belong in there. Of course it wasn't his fault, but thats life. He did just fine in his :) I don't think he has to worry much.

And I think all the 2k club guys get mentioned because of that. Jamall Lewis was a great back who belongs to an elite club (the 2000plus club) but would never be on those lists either.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Irongrip400 on December 01, 2012, 08:47:08 AM
Marshall Faulk

Had over 1000 receiving and over 1300 rushing yards in 1999
Pro Bowl (1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002)
NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1999, 2000, 2001)
Pro Bowl MVP (1994)

The guy could catch, run, and block very efficiently.  Most of these running backs listed were only rushers.

Ray Rice is the second coming of Faulk.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: mdn250 on December 01, 2012, 08:47:22 AM

Hell no.  He played the Browns twice a year in his heyday and had like 500 yards against just them in his 2000 yd season.

Players that should be mentioned though.

Oj Simpson

Earl Campbell

Eric Dickerson

Thurman Thomas




Earl Campbell was a bad man. That style of play was my favorite. Of course you know it leads to a short career and a walker later in life but damn that was one bad mutherfucker. Made Jerome Bettis look like CJ Spiller :)

Honestly, I am gonna get ripped here....but I still believe Ricky Williams had the potential to be one of the best of all time. If you watched his game in college and the whole NFL timeline...you see a player who just had the power, quickness, agility, and just overall "IT" factor from time to time. Its just a sad thing he never was able to display that. I would like to thank Master P for negotiating his first contract though :)


MDN
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: mdn250 on December 01, 2012, 08:59:44 AM
BTW for those with NFL Network. This Wednesday 12/5 is Barry Sanders on The Football Life. Really good show.

MDN
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Trapper_Slapper on December 01, 2012, 09:57:13 AM
Have you guys forgot that a running back who kept breaking NFL records left and right retired this past off season? Ladainian Tomlinson ring a bell?


This guy was an agile, yet north and south runner like Walter Payton, had vision and reflexes like Barry Sanders, and had the athleticism of Emmit Smith...oh yeah a stiff arm like Jim Brown too.

With all of that being said, he's still #2 behind Barry...They are both "the best to have never won the big one."
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Nicademus on December 01, 2012, 10:24:32 AM
He stayed injury FREE longer than the other 2 or 3 Denver backs, who also posted 1200-1600 yd rushing season.  It was Mike's zone blocking system, not his 4.6 40 or no moves, downhill running style.  Actually, he was able to make one cut and get into the wholes.  Oh, go look at Bobby Humphies and see the stats he put up in Mile's system before he got hurt after 2 or 3 seasons.  Then, there was Clinton Portis, who put of freakish numbers in Mike's system, but he left because they didn't want to pay him after a 1600 yd season, when he was making around the minimum.  Davis talent wise is no better than those other two, just happen to have Elway under center during his 7 year run, before injuries killed his career.  I remember him playing and would fight with a friend that I never induct him in the hall of fame because it was all system.  Put him in Detroit and he would have averaged 3 yds per carry.  Sanderson would have had multiple 2000 yd seasons in that system.   Faulk and Dickerson would have been beyond legend, if they were running through the wholes Mike's zone blocking system created. 1

NFL people have pretty good memories, not to vote him in.  Not a great back, but one of the greatest systems in a 10-12 yr stretch Shanahan put together.    


First thing-Bobby Humphrey never played under Mike Shannahan and he never got injured in Denver. He held out then got traded.  The other Denver running backs after him have failed to reach his numbers not to mention havn't even sniffed a Super Bowl.  Sure, he had Elway but John never won a Super Bowl until TD game along as well.

As for the system-yeah it's a great system.  Arian Foster is playing in it right now and is considered a top 2 or 3 running back in the NFL.  Drew Breese benefits from playing in a pass happy system and in a pass happy era, but he's not going to be denied entry into the HOF for it.

You mention Faulk?  TD was everything Faulk was supposed to be during Davis's run.  While Davis was getting SuperBowl rings Faulk was toiling in Indy and being viewed as a player not living to his full potential.  It wasn't until Faulk got traded to the Rams that Marshall blew up.  Why?  Because of St. Louis's "system" the Greatest Show on Turf.  Surely your not gonna downgrade Faulk for playing in a system that produced a HOF quarterback when 2 or 3 years before he was stocking shelves at a supermarket.  Meanwhile, breaking offensive team records that existed for decades prior are you?

Sanders and Dickerson-they would have a HOF career playing in your system or anyone's system.  That's why, in my view, they are 1 and 2 as all-time greats.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Trapper_Slapper on December 01, 2012, 10:38:33 AM
(http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m8vet0QKFU1rnzh87o4_1280.jpg)
Go to the 1:10 mark to see his gym/drill specific training.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: G_Thang on December 01, 2012, 10:42:36 AM

First thing-Bobby Humphrey never played under Mike Shannahan and he never got injured in Denver. He held out then got traded.  The other Denver running backs after him have failed to reach his numbers not to mention havn't even sniffed a Super Bowl.  Sure, he had Elway but John never won a Super Bowl until TD game along as well.

As for the system-yeah it's a great system.  Arian Foster is playing in it right now and is considered a top 2 or 3 running back in the NFL.  Drew Breese benefits from playing in a pass happy system and in a pass happy era, but he's not going to be denied entry into the HOF for it.

You mention Faulk?  TD was everything Faulk was supposed to be during Davis's run.  While Davis was getting SuperBowl rings Faulk was toiling in Indy and being viewed as a player not living to his full potential.  It wasn't until Faulk got traded to the Rams that Marshall blew up.  Why?  Because of St. Louis's "system" the Greatest Show on Turf.  Surely your not gonna downgrade Faulk for playing in a system that produced a HOF quarterback when 2 or 3 years before he was stocking shelves at a supermarket.  Meanwhile, breaking offensive team records that existed for decades prior are you?

Sanders and Dickerson-they would have a HOF career playing in your system or anyone's system.  That's why, in my view, they are 1 and 2 as all-time greats.

i'm not reading all that.  ok, i missed (i may have been thinking of olandis gary since he was SEC too) the BH years, but Mike had a shit load 1000 yd backs.  Davis doesn't belong in the HofF.

 Examples of this phenomenon are Terrell Davis, Mike Anderson, Olandis Gary, Clinton Portis, Reuben Droughns and Tatum Bell, all of whom have had at least one 1,000-yard season in a Denver uniform over the past 10 years
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: HockeyFightFan on December 01, 2012, 11:03:51 AM
Sanders played 9 years with the Lions and almost the whole time he was there the team was total ass.  They might have had a couple good linemen for a while.  They might have had a couple receivers do well for a while.  They might have had a QB well for a brief period, but the Lions sucked ass.  It's not revisionist history.  I watched the games and I can tell you with certainty that he was practically a one man team running for his life with defensive linemen in the backfield.  This is the main reason he retired early.  He couldn't stomach losing and taking a beating like that anymore. To compare the players that Barry played with to what Emmitt, Faulk, Payton, Terrell Davis, or even Jim Brown had is laughable.

Although I agree Sanders was the best ever, the Lions teams he played on were as good or better than the Bears teams Payton played on.

Sanders
Brown
Payton
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Dr.J on December 01, 2012, 11:07:20 AM
bo jackson
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: HockeyFightFan on December 01, 2012, 11:14:33 AM
what's the criteria?

1) Who would you start for a single Super Bowl game, in their prime, for your team?

or

2) Whose career body of work was the best?

or

3) Who achieved the most in the shortest amount of time?  Accomplishment per game?

One single Super Bowl game, winner take all?

I'd suit up John Riggins, Marcus Allen, or Franco Harris before anyone else who has been mentioned.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: tu_holmes on December 01, 2012, 11:48:12 AM
bo jackson

This would be the truth... too bad his career was cut so short.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: vascsurgeon on December 01, 2012, 12:03:39 PM
1- Jim Brown
2- Jim Brown
3- All of the above.

Football wasn't even his best sport yet he was the best who ever played.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: funk51 on December 01, 2012, 01:23:45 PM
Jim Brown.  Next question please.
without a doubt he played when football was a sport for real men. not this sissified game they play now..... this is how you treated a quarterback when brown played.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Voice of Doom on December 01, 2012, 02:17:10 PM
Have you guys forgot that a running back who kept breaking NFL records left and right retired this past off season? Ladainian Tomlinson ring a bell?


This guy was an agile, yet north and south runner like Walter Payton, had vision and reflexes like Barry Sanders, and had the athleticism of Emmit Smith...oh yeah a stiff arm like Jim Brown too.

With all of that being said, he's still #2 behind Barry...They are both "the best to have never won the big one."

But that kind of goes to the heart of it.  You can't really call out the 'best of all time' if they didn't win the big one.  That goes for any sport.  Lot of great soccer players...but the best brought home the WC.  Lots of great quarterbacks...but the bet brought home the SB.  It's not necessarilly fair but it's what separates the best from the legends.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: funk51 on December 01, 2012, 02:26:19 PM
back in the day these guys took no prisoners.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: daddy8ball on December 01, 2012, 03:04:36 PM
Although I agree Sanders was the best ever, the Lions teams he played on were as good or better than the Bears teams Payton played on.

Sanders
Brown
Payton

85 Bears were one of the greatest teams of all time. No Lions team...probably ever...come close to that team.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Nails on December 01, 2012, 03:14:51 PM
Give me Los Angeles Raider Marcus TD Allen



Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Nails on December 01, 2012, 03:19:12 PM
1. Marcus Allen
2. Barry Sanders
3. Walter Payton
4. Oj Simpson
5. Eric Dickerson.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Nicademus on December 01, 2012, 03:20:44 PM
But that kind of goes to the heart of it.  You can't really call out the 'best of all time' if they didn't win the big one.  That goes for any sport.  Lot of great soccer players...but the best brought home the WC.  Lots of great quarterbacks...but the bet brought home the SB.  It's not necessarilly fair but it's what separates the best from the legends.

Some players transcend that:  Barry Sanders is one of those.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Ronnie Rep on December 01, 2012, 04:31:43 PM
If Bo Jackson would have chosen just Football and stayed healthy I thinf we would have been calling him the best ever! Certainly the best athlete!
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: K-1 on December 01, 2012, 05:45:05 PM
Pure runner...Barry Sanders (college and pro)...only dude even close was Gale Sayers IMO.

Overall Walter Payton

Jim Brown running over 180lb nonathletic dudes...good...but not jaw dropping.

Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: polychronopolous on December 01, 2012, 06:02:52 PM
without a doubt he played when football was a sport for real men. not this sissified game they play now..... this is how you treated a quarterback when brown played.

Haha yeah back in the days when a quarterback was essentially cooked meat by the time he was 30 years old because of all the dirty hits he took! :)
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: HockeyFightFan on December 01, 2012, 07:28:04 PM
All due respect to Bo Jackson, but a few Monday night heroics and a Nike commercial or two don't make for the greatest NFL running back of all time. Best athlete, maybe, best RB, no.

Bo played 38 NFL games and rushed for 27XX yards. If you want to talk about guys cut down early by injury, excluding the great Gale Sayers, even Billy Sims (58 games 51XX yards) was a better back than Bo.

A lot of "what ifs" with Bo, but the NFL is full of guys like that (Marcus Dupree).
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: tbombz on December 01, 2012, 09:11:27 PM
in my opinion the statistic which gives the most weight to a players abilities are the qualitative statistics which measure average performance per effort. for example, average yards per carry. earned run average (era). pass completion %. batting average. 3 point %. sacks per season. etc.

that being said, other considerations should also weigh in. for example, performance under pressure. quality of competitors and team mates.


i do not think that total yards, total completions, total touchdowns, total hits, total strikeouts, etc.. mean much in terms of quality.  they do speak on quantity however.


now, as for my pick for best running back of all time....   barry sanders.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Pray_4_War on December 02, 2012, 12:22:28 AM
I look at yards per carry and career yards per game when I rate running backs.  Total career rushing yards is great but it can favor toward guys who played past their primes.  I like guys like Jim Brown and Barry Sanders that played like Superman and retired before they started to slip.

Barry Sanders

Career yards per carry = 5.0
Career yards per game = 99.8

The dude got it done every year, no excuses.  Staying healthy helps too.  Bo Jackson could have been one of the greats but unfortunatley we will never know.  I like LT but in my eyes he is second tier.   
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: polychronopolous on December 02, 2012, 12:29:23 AM
I look at yards per carry and career yards per game when I rate running backs.  Total career rushing yards is great but it can favor toward guys who played past their primes.  I like guys like Jim Brown and Barry Sanders that played like Superman and retired before they started to slip.

Barry Sanders

Career yards per carry = 5.0
Career yards per game = 99.8

The dude got it done every year, no excuses.  Staying healthy helps too.  Bo Jackson could have been one of the greats but unfortunatley we will never know.  I like LT but in my eyes he is second tier.   

Until the playoffs came and he shit the bed with his numbers taking a nose dive.

Look up the post season stats and then come back and give me your best excuse.

Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Pray_4_War on December 02, 2012, 03:15:47 AM
Football is a team sport and an outstanding back can not raise the level of play of the guys around him.  Barry Sanders was not drafted by the Redskins, 49ers, or Giants.  Detroit was and is one of the worst franchises in the NFL. 

Emmitt Smith was great in the playoffs running behind Nate Newton, Stepnoski, and Tuinei.  They had Aikman, Michael Irvin, Harper and Daryl Johnston.  What does it really prove?   Timmy Smith ran for 204 yards in Superbowl XXII.  Does that make him an elite back?  No, he was playing on a superior team against an overmatched defense.  Walter Payton fumbled on the opening possesion of Superbowl XX and didn't score in the game.  So what?
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: WOOO on December 02, 2012, 06:55:21 AM
bronco legursky

Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: polychronopolous on December 02, 2012, 06:59:34 AM
Football is a team sport and an outstanding back can not raise the level of play of the guys around him.  Barry Sanders was not drafted by the Redskins, 49ers, or Giants.  Detroit was and is one of the worst franchises in the NFL. 

Emmitt Smith was great in the playoffs running behind Nate Newton, Stepnoski, and Tuinei.  They had Aikman, Michael Irvin, Harper and Daryl Johnston.  What does it really prove?   Timmy Smith ran for 204 yards in Superbowl XXII.  Does that make him an elite back?  No, he was playing on a superior team against an overmatched defense.  Walter Payton fumbled on the opening possesion of Superbowl XX and didn't score in the game.  So what?

Care to guess how many of those "ultra badass" offensive linemen you named blocking for Emmitt had pro bowls before he arrived? A big fat zero. And they were both pros for almost 10 years each before him!

It's amazing how much better a gritty running back consistently moving the chains without fumbling can make an offensive line look and how bad an offensive line can also look when a guy is dancing around for losses trying to hit the homerun and by doing so putting his team in second/third and longs.

Mark Tuinei?? Nate Newton?? Haha okay man!! Those guys NOBODIES before Emmitt. Loving that revisionist history and total disregard for stats that you keep putting out!

And quit with the nonsense with Detroit was one of the worst franchises back in the 1990s, that's just total nonsense and I can't put it any simpler than that. "Worst franchises" are like what the Chiefs or Jaguars have now. Not a Detroit defense that was middle of the road, 2 pro bowl offensive lineman, 1 definite badass receiver and another who had a 100 catch season and maybe the best running back of all time. Yeah a real shit group they had there in Detroit  ::)  
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Pray_4_War on December 02, 2012, 07:06:02 AM
Care to guess how many of those "ultra badass" offensive linemen you named blocking for Emmitt had pro bowls before he arrived? A big fat zero. And they were both pros for almost 10 years each before him!

It's amazing how much better a gritty running back consistently moving the chains without fumbling can make an offensive line look and how bad an offensive line can also look when a guy is dancing around for losses trying to hit the homerun and by doing so putting his team in second/third and longs.

Mark Tuinei?? Nate Newton?? Haha okay man!! Those guys NOBODIES before Emmitt. Loving that revisionist history and total disregard for stats that you keep putting out!

And quit with the nonsense with Detroit was one of the worst franchises back in the 1990s, that's just total nonsense and I can't put it any simpler than that. "Worst franchises" are like what the Chiefs or Jaguars have now. Not a Detroit defense that was middle of the road, 2 pro bowl offensive lineman, 1 definite badass receiver and another who had a 100 catch season and maybe the best running back of all time. Yeah a real shit group they had there in Detroit  ::)  

Yeah, they were right up there with Dallas as far as talent is concerned.   ::)
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: polychronopolous on December 02, 2012, 07:20:59 AM
Yeah, they were right up there with Dallas as far as talent is concerned.   ::)

Just pointing out that Detroit wasn't some terrible franchise without Sanders that you seem to be alluding to. They proved it by going to the playoffs the year after he retired.

And on the subject of Emmitt, he was the centerpiece to one of the greatest dynasty's ever and consistently put his team in a position to win huge games with his running style. Rather than bounce back and lose 5 yards he'd push through and gain a couple yards. That leads to more 2nd/3rd and shorts rather than 2nd/3rd and longs plus the occasional home run, 60 yard touchdown. One style is good for winning playoff games and one is good for the highlight reel.

Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: mdn250 on December 02, 2012, 07:29:29 AM
Care to guess how many of those "ultra badass" offensive linemen you named blocking for Emmitt had pro bowls before he arrived? A big fat zero. And they were both pros for almost 10 years each before him!

It's amazing how much better a gritty running back consistently moving the chains without fumbling can make an offensive line look and how bad an offensive line can also look when a guy is dancing around for losses trying to hit the homerun and by doing so putting his team in second/third and longs.

Mark Tuinei?? Nate Newton?? Haha okay man!! Those guys NOBODIES before Emmitt. Loving that revisionist history and total disregard for stats that you keep putting out!

And quit with the nonsense with Detroit was one of the worst franchises back in the 1990s, that's just total nonsense and I can't put it any simpler than that. "Worst franchises" are like what the Chiefs or Jaguars have now. Not a Detroit defense that was middle of the road, 2 pro bowl offensive lineman, 1 definite badass receiver and another who had a 100 catch season and maybe the best running back of all time. Yeah a real shit group they had there in Detroit  ::)  

You are right about the Cowboys oline...people forget Larry Allen wasn't there until 95 also...but anyway, your point about the offensive line...do you remember the name of the back who filled in for Emmit during his 2 game holdout during their SuperBowl run? I can't off the top of my head but I remember the offensive line did NOT make that guy look good :)

MDN
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Hulkotron on December 02, 2012, 07:30:54 AM
(http://www.co-optimus.com/images/upload/image/classic/rush-n-attack.jpg)
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: polychronopolous on December 02, 2012, 07:43:37 AM
You are right about the Cowboys oline...people forget Larry Allen wasn't there until 95 also...but anyway, your point about the offensive line...do you remember the name of the back who filled in for Emmit during his 2 game holdout during their SuperBowl run? I can't off the top of my head but I remember the offensive line did NOT make that guy look good :)

MDN


Yep. In fact they lost both games and the running back did jack shit. Then when he came back they went something like 15 and 2 with Emmitt basically willing them to victory with a separated shoulder in a playoff game I believe.  Kinda shoots down that theory that ALWAYS comes up in a Barry vs. Emmitt debate when these guys say "Hell, even my fat ass could have averaged 100 yards a game rushing under THAT offensive line!!" Really?? Did ya see the running game BEFORE Emmitt got there and Newton/Tuinei were blocking?? I thought they were capable of turning dogshit into gold!

Of course when discussing Barry Sanders the obligatory outright lie that he was playing with the equivalency of a small town JV football team much be thrown out there as well.  8)


Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: mdn250 on December 02, 2012, 09:03:46 AM
Yep. In fact they lost both games and the running back did jack shit. Then when he came back they went something like 15 and 2 with Emmitt basically willing them to victory with a separated shoulder in a playoff game I believe.  Kinda shoots down that theory that ALWAYS comes up in a Barry vs. Emmitt debate when these guys say "Hell, even my fat ass could have averaged 100 yards a game rushing under THAT offensive line!!" Really?? Did ya see the running game BEFORE Emmitt got there and Newton/Tuinei were blocking?? I thought they were capable of turning dogshit into gold!

Of course when discussing Barry Sanders the obligatory outright lie that he was playing with the equivalency of a small town JV football team much be thrown out there as well.  8)




Thats right. I forgot about that they did win out. One of the Cowboy players in an interview said how everyone was pissed about Jerry not matching the Barry Sanders deal money wise. When they lost the 2nd game Jerry came down into the locker room as usual and Charles Hailey through his helmet as hard as he could against the wall right next to Jerry and said " You need to sign this mutherfuka right now!"

Would have loved to see Jerry's face :)

Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: polychronopolous on December 02, 2012, 09:58:26 AM
Thats right. I forgot about that they did win out. One of the Cowboy players in an interview said how everyone was pissed about Jerry not matching the Barry Sanders deal money wise. When they lost the 2nd game Jerry came down into the locker room as usual and Charles Hailey through his helmet as hard as he could against the wall right next to Jerry and said " You need to sign this mutherfuka right now!"

Would have loved to see Jerry's face :)



Emmitt Smith was the perfect runningback for that dynasty style of play. "We are gonna line up and our running back is gonna shove it down your throat and there is nothing you can do about"

Always picking up positive yards, zero dancing in the backfield for loses, superb pass protection by standing linebackers straight up on blitzes, rarely ever fumbled and was way above average catching the ball out of the backfield, durable and automatic at the goal line.

I'll take that as my running back for THAT SYSTEM over anyone.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Ronnie Rep on December 02, 2012, 11:06:44 AM
All due respect to Bo Jackson, but a few Monday night heroics and a Nike commercial or two don't make for the greatest NFL running back of all time. Best athlete, maybe, best RB, no.

Bo played 38 NFL games and rushed for 27XX yards. If you want to talk about guys cut down early by injury, excluding the great Gale Sayers, even Billy Sims (58 games 51XX yards) was a better back than Bo.

A lot of "what ifs" with Bo, but the NFL is full of guys like that (Marcus Dupree).
We will never know, Bo had size and speed! Agree with Billy Simms his highlights are great!
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: tbombz on December 02, 2012, 02:12:03 PM
poly bringing some strong arguments in favor of emmit smith.  not sure i agree though. i wonder if emmit had the ability to be a highlight reel running back the caliber of sanders? and is barry had the ability to be a ground and pound , up the middle running back the caliber of smith? 
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Irongrip400 on December 30, 2012, 04:54:15 PM
Adrian Peterson almost had it. It must sting to get that close and not have any control over it. I think he will be the best when all is said and done.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Hugo Chavez on January 01, 2013, 05:50:16 AM
Adrian Peterson almost had it. It must sting to get that close and not have any control over it. I think he will be the best when all is said and done.
He's a freak for sure.  To be challenging the running record in a year people were unsure he could even come back from an acl tear?  Holy fucking shit is all I can say.  Injury wise, same thing goes for Peyton Manning.  A whole year off, multiple surgeries and this is what he does his first year back?  fucking wow.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Oldschool Flip on January 26, 2013, 03:35:53 PM
I personally know Rob Brown (starting DE for Packers from 82-92) and when I asked him how many times he personally tackled (or even assisted in tackling) Barry Sanders, he said ZERO. I asked how many times he touched him, he said once when he grabbed for his jersey.
He stated that Sanders was so small and fast, it was very hard trying to square up to tackle him. IMO, that says something because 10 years is a long time to play against a team 20 times and only touch the guy once.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Option D on January 28, 2013, 08:27:17 AM
1- Jim Brown
2- Jim Brown
3- All of the above.

Football wasn't even his best sport yet he was the best who ever played.
thank you..

Jim Brown was before his time
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: UPINTHEMGUTS on January 28, 2013, 11:05:41 AM
Brown wouldn't be as dominant in today's NFL. Jim Brown was the best of his ERA, not of all time.


The athletes today are way faster, stronger, and more intelligent then when Jim Brown played.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Option D on January 28, 2013, 12:16:16 PM
Brown wouldn't be as dominant in today's NFL. Jim Brown was the best of his ERA, not of all time.


The athletes today are way faster, stronger, and more intelligent then when Jim Brown played.

brown was big and fast for his and our time..
6'2 232 is a big back right now

Lynch is 5'11 215 and runs tough

Do the math
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Mr Nobody on January 29, 2013, 06:56:29 PM
Hershel Walker
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: vascsurgeon on January 30, 2013, 10:24:32 AM
Brown wouldn't be as dominant in today's NFL. Jim Brown was the best of his ERA, not of all time.


The athletes today are way faster, stronger, and more intelligent then when Jim Brown played.

How much better would he be with todays training methods?
How long could he have played?
One will never know, we all have our opinion I guess.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: UPINTHEMGUTS on January 30, 2013, 12:53:02 PM
brown was big and fast for his and our time..
6'2 232 is a big back right now

Lynch is 5'11 215 and runs tough

Do the math

The athletes today are still bigger and stronger. Brown is not as fast as the present day NFL rb's on average. Brown would still likely be good, but not dominant.

Not trying to be a hater....but the encouragment and constant search for bigger, faster, stronger players every year accelerates the physical evolution process.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: vascsurgeon on January 30, 2013, 01:12:49 PM
The athletes today are still bigger and stronger. Brown is not as fast as the present day NFL rb's on average. Brown would still likely be good, but not dominant.
[/quote

Did you ever see him play?
These debates are fun, he played over 50 yrs ago and he is still in the conversation, thats says it all.
Would Payton, Simpson, Dickerson,Sayers,Harris be as dominant? How about Earl Campbell. Ever hear of Marion Motley. I am not old enough to have seen Motley but have heard plenty, check out his stats, very impressive.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: UPINTHEMGUTS on January 30, 2013, 01:33:59 PM
The athletes today are still bigger and stronger. Brown is not as fast as the present day NFL rb's on average. Brown would still likely be good, but not dominant.
[/quote

Did you ever see him play?
These debates are fun, he played over 50 yrs ago and he is still in the conversation, thats says it all.
Would Payton, Simpson, Dickerson,Sayers,Harris be as dominant? How about Earl Campbell. Ever hear of Marion Motley. I am not old enough to have seen Motley but have heard plenty, check out his stats, very impressive.

Yeah I saw Jim Brown play.......mainly against inferior competition...he was juking and plowing over mostly shay whiteys.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: vascsurgeon on January 31, 2013, 08:24:27 AM
Yeah I saw Jim Brown play.......mainly against inferior competition...he was juking and plowing over mostly shay whiteys.

Brilliant  ::)
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: UPINTHEMGUTS on January 31, 2013, 09:50:49 AM
Brilliant  ::)

Just stating the facts dude...
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Option D on January 31, 2013, 10:29:22 AM
Just stating the facts dude...

You might have a point. I think its more fair to rate players by era.. Because we will keep running into this same issue when crossing eras
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: vascsurgeon on January 31, 2013, 10:49:52 AM
You might have a point. I think its more fair to rate players by era.. Because we will keep running into this same issue when crossing eras

True, but, some athletes transcend their era, Brown, Ruth, Ali there are many.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: UPINTHEMGUTS on January 31, 2013, 11:06:12 AM
You might have a point. I think its more fair to rate players by era.. Because we will keep running into this same issue when crossing eras

I totally agree. You should always rate NFL players by era. Jim was king of the mountain during his time. But best all time? I don't think that's fair to say given the way the game and its players have evolved.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: vascsurgeon on January 31, 2013, 02:43:35 PM
I totally agree. You should always rate NFL players by era. Jim was king of the mountain during his time. But best all time? I don't think that's fair to say given the way the game and its players have evolved.

So big Ben is better than Bradshaw?
Aikman was better than Stabauch?
Kapernick(spelling) is better than Young and Montana?

I think Montana was better than all but maybe Unitas, Stabauch was much better than Aikman and Bradshaw was better than Ben.

Eras have something to do with the equation but not very much with the best players.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: UPINTHEMGUTS on February 01, 2013, 08:00:37 AM
So big Ben is better than Bradshaw?
Aikman was better than Stabauch?
Kapernick(spelling) is better than Young and Montana?

I think Montana was better than all but maybe Unitas, Stabauch was much better than Aikman and Bradshaw was better than Ben.

Eras have something to do with the equation but not very much with the best players.

Yes.
Yes.
Fuck no. But time will tell.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: vascsurgeon on February 01, 2013, 11:11:32 AM
Yes.
Yes.
Fuck no. But time will tell.

Wrong
Wrong
Never
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: tu_holmes on February 01, 2013, 11:23:22 AM
Yes.
Yes.
Fuck no. But time will tell.

I think this post may highlight some insanity on your part.

Football is not a game of "Eras"... Players cycle in and out over time... They span decades at times.

Sure... comparing today against the 50s may be silly, but today against the 80s seems fair enough.
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: UPINTHEMGUTS on February 01, 2013, 11:28:47 AM
Wrong
Wrong
Never

I disagree
I disagree
we agree
Title: Re: NFL Rushing Attack..Who best running back..ever?
Post by: Option D on February 01, 2013, 01:14:06 PM
So big Ben is better than Bradshaw?
Aikman was better than Stabauch?
Kapernick(spelling) is better than Young and Montana?

I think Montana was better than all but maybe Unitas, Stabauch was much better than Aikman and Bradshaw was better than Ben.

Eras have something to do with the equation but not very much with the best players.

Yes
Yes
Fuck no