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Best RB Ever (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter JJ Evans
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Burning Sensation
Footballguy
I voted other, Lee Suggs 
Sinrman
Footballguy
I agree with everything, except even I must admit that Emmitt Smith, great O-line or not, MUST be in the top 10 at least. I mean come on, he does have the most career yards and other records. I'd put him at #5 on your list, and bump everyone down one. Terrell Davis was dominating for a few years, but I don't think he deserves a top 10 nod.Here is my top 10
1. Barry Sanders
2. Jim Brown
3. Walter Payton
4. Gale Sayers
5. Eric Dickerson
6. Earl Campbell
7. OJ Simpson
8. Tony Dorsett
9. Marcus Allen
10. Terrell Davis
And NO, Emmitt didn't make the cut because his O-line made him a better RB than he really ever was.
Burning Sensation
Footballguy
Didnt Terrell Davis have a great Oline? Why is he there and Emmitt is not?P.S. wow, it really hurts to stick up for Emmitt Smith
yetiknight
Footballguy
Every running back is subject to being better or worse based on the performance of his O-line. Emmitt Smith was possibly the best back in history at making a decision and getting to the hole quickly. He deserves some respect.PS - I must admit, it does sting a little when I stick up for Emmitt. I will try to avoid that from now on.
<seriously>LaDainian Tomlinson belongs somewhere on that list.</seriously>
yetiknight
Footballguy
How do you rank T. Davis ahead of Marshal Faulk. The Greatest Show on Turf existed in great part because of one of the greatest three year runs by a running back. While others have filled in effectively, no one has been as much of a weapon in that offense. So far three different running backs have had great success taking over for Davis.
Burning Sensation
Footballguy
After taking off Terrell Davis and put on Emmitt Smith, who would you take off for Tomlinson, the guy has only played 3 seasons?
Biabreakable
Footballguy
I think one day LT will be always mentioned as a top 10 RB all time.
Although I can understand leaving him out for now.
Notice how Barry Sanders and Sweetness also played for some pretty sorry teams?
It did not stop thier greatness from being recognised.
I also believe that Emmitt belongs on every list talking about the greatest ever no matter how much I may dislike him and the Cowgirls.
It was a fatal mistake for me in several of my early years of playing FF passing up on Emmitt because of personal bias. I learned to develop ways to try and overcome not having Emmitt which was good experience for me. But if I would have just taken him when I could have I would have won a lot more championships.
Just a tidbit of advice for those passing on LT now. Although offencive production has exploded to the point that LT does not make as HUGE of a difference as Emmitt did back in the day. They used to let teams play defense back then.
Although I can understand leaving him out for now.
Notice how Barry Sanders and Sweetness also played for some pretty sorry teams?
It did not stop thier greatness from being recognised.
I also believe that Emmitt belongs on every list talking about the greatest ever no matter how much I may dislike him and the Cowgirls.
It was a fatal mistake for me in several of my early years of playing FF passing up on Emmitt because of personal bias. I learned to develop ways to try and overcome not having Emmitt which was good experience for me. But if I would have just taken him when I could have I would have won a lot more championships.
Just a tidbit of advice for those passing on LT now. Although offencive production has exploded to the point that LT does not make as HUGE of a difference as Emmitt did back in the day. They used to let teams play defense back then.
Jason Wood
Zoo York
As an Eagles fan I don't particularly like Emmitt Smith, but to not have him in your top ten is a joke, honestly. And I'm so sick and tired of people using the "his o-line was too good" nonsense. Honestly, do you think some of the other backs on your list didn't have the best lines of their generation? Comparing Emmitt to his contemporaries in terms of O-line holds water, but if you're going to give him that much of a haircut you have to discount half your list too.Here is my top 101. Barry Sanders2. Jim Brown3. Walter Payton4. Gale Sayers5. Eric Dickerson6. Earl Campbell7. OJ Simpson8. Tony Dorsett9. Marcus Allen10. Terrell DavisAnd NO, Emmitt didn't make the cut because his O-line made him a better RB than he really ever was.
FLAVVED
jurb26
Footballguy
Two guys that I have always felt never got their proper respect in this debate are OJ and Dickerson. These were simply awsome players and RBs. Yet every time this debate surfaces the are seriously under represented IMO. Why is this? Are people sour on OJ becuase of the off-field stuff? What about Dickerson was he simply not flashy enough for peoples taste? What gives?
CerealKillerz
Footballguy
Definitely flawed without Emmitt 
jurb26
Footballguy
Wow, I just now realized that Emmit was not on the list! That really is an oversight if I've ever seen one. I am not a fan of his one bit, but seriously come on.As an Eagles fan I don't particularly like Emmitt Smith, but to not have him in your top ten is a joke, honestly. And I'm so sick and tired of people using the "his o-line was too good" nonsense. Honestly, do you think some of the other backs on your list didn't have the best lines of their generation? Comparing Emmitt to his contemporaries in terms of O-line holds water, but if you're going to give him that much of a haircut you have to discount half your list too.
Guess I should have put Emmitt on here cause people like his stats. He doesn't impress me as a top 10 of all time. It's not flawed though because I doubt anyone would have voted him as the best ever, I mean really who would have put him above Sanders, Payton or Jim Brown, ANYONE?
It's not flawed though because I doubt anyone would have voted him as the best ever, I mean really who would have put him above Sanders, Payton or Jim Brown, ANYONE?
jurb26
Footballguy
Wait till the Cowgirl fans get here and you'll find out who in bunches. I don't think he is, but others certainly will.Guess I should have put Emmitt on here cause people like his stats. He doesn't impress me as a top 10 of all time.
http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...showtopic=88522
Go vote there, down to the final 4 (Emmitt made cut)
Go vote there, down to the final 4 (Emmitt made cut)
Mr. Pink
Footballguy
While he may not have been the 'greatest,' the most dominant back I ever saw, albeit for too brief a period, was Earl Campbell.
A while back a friend asked me if I were to build an NFL team and could start with one player from all the greats in my lifetime, who would that player be? After some thought, I said Earl Campbell. Ironically, that was his choice as well. What was all the more ironic was that the person who originally posed the same question to him also chose Campbell.
Probably a poor example of validation for my choice, but man I loved watching him play.
A while back a friend asked me if I were to build an NFL team and could start with one player from all the greats in my lifetime, who would that player be? After some thought, I said Earl Campbell. Ironically, that was his choice as well. What was all the more ironic was that the person who originally posed the same question to him also chose Campbell.
Probably a poor example of validation for my choice, but man I loved watching him play.
Marcus AllenI like Allen, but Tomlinson already has 37% of Allen's career rushing yards, 40% of his receptions, 29% of his receiving yards, 29% of his touchdowns, and has matched Allen with three 1000-yard seasons.And this is after only three years of action with what is likely the worst franchise over that time frame.
Well, I happen to think that he might be one of the best RBs ever.Huh? How do you justify putting a guy on that list who only played 3 seasons thus far?
Koya
Footballguy
RB's1. J. Brown - was bigger, stronger, faster, meaner than any that had come up through his time. Then quit while he was ahead - WAY ahead - of anyone else. 2. Walter - Not the best runner. Not the most dominant. Not the greatest at any one thing - except being great at EVERYthing. If we were rating them as runners, he would switch spots with Sayers.3. Barry - Just did things no one else could do. Best Runner ever, might be second to Sayers. If they gave him more chances, his numbers would be even better. 4. Faulk - I almost put OJ here, but then I remembered Marshall. He is like Walter in that he does everything, and everything well - runs, blocks, CATCHES, leads, plays with unbelievable hurt. Yet, he ran better than Walter ever did. 5. OJ - Because he dominated. On horrible, horrible teams. But he could run. He was big. But graceful. And power. As a runner he was a monster. 6. Sayers - Sayers is tough. He should be higher and he should be lower. But might be the best pure runner the game has ever seen, better perhaps than Barry. With better speed. Ive seen film - he made a move on a guy who was BEHIND him. Wow. 7. Cambell. Was an animal. Dominated for a few years like few have. Just took games over. 8. Dickerson - top 5 Runner ever. A gazelle. His strides were unreal. Selfish and not great at all other aspects from what I recall, so not higher. But boy, could he run.9. Emmitt. Did everything very well. If he were not on that team, we might not be coming close to talking about him. But others on that team would not have been the force Emmitt was. It is all about the right guy, right place, right system - and to even be on this list, the guy HAS to be good. He was very good, at EVERYTHING. Maybe great at everything, but an ok runner. 10. Dorsett - Not sure where to put Tony. And not sure who deserves this spot. I will probably change my mind later, but he had a LOTTA yards. It doesnt matter, LT2 will soon be here... and perhaps up a few slots.
jurb26
Footballguy
The same could be said about Barry although not quite at the same level. Brown left after one of his most dominant seasons and Barry left just one year removed from is 2000+ season. Brown after 9 season, Barry after 10 and both with plenty of milage left in the tank. The records would look significantly different had both stuck around for at least 2 more years IMO. Both are the only 2 of the group to avg 5.0 a carry though which I think speaks for how great they really were.
I agree with you up until the last part. He was a physical freak for his time and that's what made him so dominant. Throw him in with today's RBs and he MAY still be the best, but he would not be "a man among boys." As much as I dislike the man there is no player in history that could make Ray Lewis look like a boy.
jurb26
Footballguy
OK then why not open the door for Green, Portis, Alexander, Holmes, or even Lewis. I'm sorry, but 3 years does not put you in the class of the guys on this list. LT has a very good shot at this in time, but don't you think that this is jumping the gun just a bit? Especially seeing that his rookie year wasn't even all that special: 1236 yds at 3.6 per carry with 10 tds.Well, I happen to think that he might be one of the best RBs ever.Huh? How do you justify putting a guy on that list who only played 3 seasons thus far?
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Iwannabeacowboybaby!
Footballguy
Then why is Terell Davis on your list? They have had one of the greatest schemes/lines. Emmitt Smith was a great running back. Not a good, decent or above average running back, but great. For those who don't think so, must have not seen him play.And for the original list, how the heck do you have Tony Dorsett on this list over Emmitt Smith. I love "The origianl TD," but he wasn't Emmitt Smith. Dallas in the early 90's did have a great line, but everyone uses that way too much, talk about overhyped. I'm getting to think that people don't think for themselves and they just repeat what they've heard, which is dangerous. It's hard to find the truth.BAcks like Jamal Lewis and Priest Holmes both have great lines. Just as good as those lines Dallas had. Those backs are great too.Now I'm not saying Emmitt Smith has had the greatest one year, or two years put together. I'm talking about looking at a career. I'm talking about longevity, leadership, Super Bowl Rings, Blocking, Running, speed, playing when injured. All the things rolled into one.When you do that, if he's not on your top 10 list because you're trying to be cute and leave him off, you're just showing your ignorance and lack of knowledge for the game.That's right, it's that much of a no brainer, it's not subjective to say the No.1 rusher of all time is in the top 10 running backs. If I said he's top 3, we could argue, 10 is big enough.So carry on, talk about the Terell DAvis's, Jerome Bettis, Erick Dickerson , Franco Harris's, all All Pro Backs, but everyone of them are looking up the leader No.22 baby! All the posts and negative comments can never and will never take that from him.Here is my top 101. Barry Sanders2. Jim Brown3. Walter Payton4. Gale Sayers5. Eric Dickerson6. Earl Campbell7. OJ Simpson8. Tony Dorsett9. Marcus Allen10. Terrell DavisAnd NO, Emmitt didn't make the cut because his O-line made him a better RB than he really ever was.
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What aThen why is Terell Davis on your list? They have had one of the greatest schemes/lines. Emmitt Smith was a great running back. Not a good, decent or above average running back, but great. For those who don't think so, must have not seen him play.And for the original list, how the heck do you have Tony Dorsett on this list over Emmitt Smith. I love "The origianl TD," but he wasn't Emmitt Smith. Dallas in the early 90's did have a great line, but everyone uses that way too much, talk about overhyped. I'm getting to think that people don't think for themselves and they just repeat what they've heard, which is a dangerous. It's hard to find the truth.BAcks like Jamal Lewis and Priest Holmes both have great lines. Just as good as those lines Dallas had. Those backs are great too.Now I'm not saying Emmitt Smith has had the greatest one year, or two years put together. I'm talking about looking at a career. I'm talking about longevity, leadership, Super Bowl Rings, Blocking, Running, speed, playing when injured. All the things rolled into one.When you do that, if he's not on your top 10 list because you're trying to be cute and leave him off, you're just showing your ignorance and lack of knowledge for the game.That's right, it's that much of a no brainer, it's not subjective to say the No.1 rusher of all time is in the top 10 running backs. If I said he's top 3, we could argue, 10 is big enough.So carry on, talk about the Terell DAvis's, Jerome Bettis, Erick Dickerson , Franco Harris's, all All Pro Backs, but everyone of them are looking up the leader No.22 baby! All the posts and negative comments can never and will never take that from him.Here is my top 101. Barry Sanders2. Jim Brown3. Walter Payton4. Gale Sayers5. Eric Dickerson6. Earl Campbell7. OJ Simpson8. Tony Dorsett9. Marcus Allen10. Terrell DavisAnd NO, Emmitt didn't make the cut because his O-line made him a better RB than he really ever was.
Cowboy fan. Yes, I've seen him play, I remember watching him in the playoffs many times and several games a year (you know America's team is on TV a lot) and I also remember the comments in the room, made by everyone. What were those comments? Something to the effect of "A truck could drive through that hole" and "Woody Allen could be a great RB with those holes". Don't say the O-line is overhyped? The had the best offensive line ever. They had ALL 5 OL in the PRO BOWL and even their TE and FB, How can you say that's overhyped, only 7 of the guys blocking for him make the Pro Bowl, You my friend are naive. That's the whole freaking team that blocks for him going to the pro bowl. Seriously we used to watch emmitt and it was so freaking common to hear "A truck could drive through that hole" you wouldn't believe it. Did I say Emmitt stunk, no. I don't consider him top 10 personally, he might just be some peoples #1 or #2 or #3 of all time, and we all have opinions. He really wasn't that good, and it's a disgrace what he's doing right now, stat whoring. 
Air Coryell
Footballguy
I can understand leaving LT off for now, but on a pure talent level he's the best I've ever seen.
Iwannabeacowboybaby!
Footballguy
LT played defense. However, he was the best linebacker I've ever seen too.And there is only 1 LT. IF you ever saw him play, you'd know why I say that.Look at Ray Lewis and multiply him by 1.5 and that equals Lawrence Taylor. Nobody on offense or defense could dominate a game like him.Not Joe Montanta, Barry Sanders, Jerry Rice, or Ray Lewis.
Red Hot Tamales
Footballguy
Except for a few highlights, I never watched Jim Brown play. That said, Earl Campbell impressed me the most
That is your opinion, so don't preach like it's gospel. While I will 100% agree that LT is the best linebacker I've ever seen play, others will argue that point with you. Saying LT was more dominant than Jerry Rice is just plain crap. Rice was the best football player ever at any position. :gang:
Iwannabeacowboybaby!
Footballguy
See, I can enjoy reading this because I can believe it. For a few years, Earl Campbell was absolutely tremendous.I can remember one play where Campbell had like a 10 yard start and Mel Blunt from the Steelers tried to tackle him and Campbell picked him up and carried him 8 yards straight back. It was very impressive.Now, even Campbell supporters couldn't say he was the best ever as he never won a ring and he just didn't play long enough. But in a short period of time that man was awesome and fun to watch.
Air Coryell
Footballguy
I grew up in NJ and saw Taylor play many times and I'm quite comfortable calling Tomlinson LT also. Both are talented players. And if given the choice of having to pick which player I'd rather have on my team I'd take Tomlinson every day of the week and twice on Sunday.
Red Hot Tamales
Footballguy
I was careful not label Earl the Greatest Ever, and I think you acknowledged that. In the back of my mind, what I really meant to say was that Earl Campbell is the running back I respect the most, for the sacrifices he made on his body.
Jason Wood
Zoo York
I would put Jim Brown first, based mostly on reputation since I never saw him play. I would put Emmitt 2nd, followed closely by Sweetness. Barry and Dickerson would round out my top 5.
Because Tomlinson is a better RB than those guys.OK then why not open the door for Green, Portis, Alexander, Holmes, or even Lewis.Well, I happen to think that he might be one of the best RBs ever.Huh? How do you justify putting a guy on that list who only played 3 seasons thus far?
Do you remember how horrid that offensive line was (and still is) in 2001? Also, consider that in 2000 San Diego's leading rusher was Terrell Fletcher with 384 yards (with a 3.3 ypc). Their second leading rusher was Jermaine Fazande with 368 yards (with a 3.1 ypc).Besides, we aren't discussing "Best NFL Career". We talking about "Best RB Ever". Tomlinson deserves consideration. If you disagree, then please list his areas of deficiency.
I smell a CATFIGHT!!!Because Tomlinson is a better RB than those guys.OK then why not open the door for Green, Portis, Alexander, Holmes, or even Lewis.Well, I happen to think that he might be one of the best RBs ever.Huh? How do you justify putting a guy on that list who only played 3 seasons thus far?Do you remember how horrid that offensive line was (and still is) in 2001? Also, consider that in 2000 San Diego's leading rusher was Terrell Fletcher with 384 yards (with a 3.3 ypc). Their second leading rusher was Jermaine Fazande with 368 yards (with a 3.1 ypc).Besides, we aren't discussing "Best NFL Career". We talking about "Best RB Ever". Tomlinson deserves consideration. If you disagree, then please list his areas of deficiency.
H.K.
Footballguy
"Best RB Ever" should encompass all facets of the game: speed, agility, elusiveness, run blocking, pass protection, receiving, break away runs, short yardage, goal line, play action, heart, longevity, team player, team success, etc, etc.Walter Payton was the most complete RB based on this criteria, period. While his stats speak for him on many levels, the way he played every play 100% and excelled at all elements of the game make him the clear cut choice. Emmitt Smith and Jim Brown deserve consideration, too.Sanders would win the "most elusive RB", but he is not deserving of being considered the best ever. IIRC he holds the record for most carries for losses or most yardage lost as an RB in his career. His running style was as much at fault as his O-line for his lost yardage.
