"Explosive" RBs (1 Viewer)

[Aardvarks]

Explosive is such an overused term when describing RBs. Let's pick out which backs are/were truly explosive over the last 20 years.

Obviously, Chris Johnson is the true definition.

Adrian Peterson too, except for this year. Though I know a guy in the business who said Adrian hid a nagging injury for months, likely his lower back.

Tomlinson was explosive x2 for a 4-yr stretch.

Ahman Green was an animal in his prime, startling burst.

 

[DesmondBishop]

DWill is very explosive

Felix Jones

Jamaal Charles

 

[Tornacl]

Can't have a discussion about explosive running backs without Barry Sanders.

 

[Blackjacks]

In his early early years Clinton Portis was "crazy" explosive

 

[travdogg]

In his early early years Clinton Portis was "crazy" explosive

Along those same lines, early Fred Taylor was a TD threat on every play.

 

[Deuceman]

Bo Jackson

 

[PitbullTD]

I dont see Jaamal Charles as explosive. When I think explosive I think of guys who just knock through guys an blow them up. That is not Charles. Not sure if thats Sanders either. Though have only seen a couple of his games, his size doesnt exactly say explosive, more quick and shifty

Agree on Portis, Jackson, Peterson, Tomlinson. I'd even add Steven Jackson to that list. He can mow down some defenders

 

[got_nugs]

Najeh Davenport

 

[PitbullTD]

Najeh Davenport

Super Beast in Madden 06 or 07 I forget

 

[top dog]

Not sure if thats Sanders either. Though have only seen a couple of his games, his size doesnt exactly say explosive, more quick and shifty

Sanders was a threat to leave you shoeless as he sprinted 90 yards for a TD...

 

[PitbullTD]

Not sure if thats Sanders either. Though have only seen a couple of his games, his size doesnt exactly say explosive, more quick and shifty

Sanders was a threat to leave you shoeless as he sprinted 90 yards for a TD...

yes...that would be shiftiness. But im not so sure he would leave you shoeless because he mowed over you, more like he left you shoeless because he cut and juked on a dime.

 

[Lott's Fingertip]

When I think explosive I think of guys who just knock through guys an blow them up.

This would be an atypical definition of explosive regarding RBs. Explosive typically refers to acceleration and top speed in RBs.

 

[PitbullTD]

When I think explosive I think of guys who just knock through guys an blow them up.

This would be an atypical definition of explosive regarding RBs. Explosive typically refers to acceleration and top speed in RBs.

I suppose, I guess when I think of explosive I think of blowing things up, destruction etc...I'm trying to think of a word I would call these other runningbacks, because shifty and quick doesnt do them justice, they are amazing in their own right. The only thing I can come up with is the old Titans RBBC of 2008 Thunder and Lightning. these other guys are lightning. Thats the closest I can come. meh

 

[DesmondBishop]

I was thinking "explosive" as reaching top end speed quickly "supreme acceleration", a guy who can make one move and is most likely gone.

 

[Matt Waldman]

Eric Dickerson

Bo Jackson

Robert Smith (like Dickerson, looked like he was going much slower than he was)

DeAngelo Williams

You didn't say only "Very good, explosive RBs"

LeShon Johnson (although he couldn't figure out what direction to point that rocket half the time)

Byron Hanspaard

Jerious Norwood

Willie Parker

Reggie Bush

 

[Blackjacks]

I was thinking "explosive" as reaching top end speed quickly "supreme acceleration", a guy who can make one move and is most likely gone.

This is what I think of as well

 

[H.K.]

Najeh Davenport

Always a threat to break off a long one, anytime, anywhere.

 

[Tornacl]

Not sure if thats Sanders either. Though have only seen a couple of his games, his size doesnt exactly say explosive, more quick and shifty

Sanders was a threat to leave you shoeless as he sprinted 90 yards for a TD...

yes...that would be shiftiness. But im not so sure he would leave you shoeless because he mowed over you, more like he left you shoeless because he cut and juked on a dime.

Normally, when they are talking about guys that run you over, they will describe them as "bruising", "powerful", or something like that. "Explosive" is used to imply that they could go off (or explode) for a huge gain at any time. Every once in a while, there's a stud RB that is both bruising and explosive - Bo Jackson was probably the best combination of this (its a shame we couldn't watch him longer), Earl Campbell was another one. ADP is the best combination in the league now.From your comments, I question whether you ever saw Sanders play. Sanders was so explosive that they actually changed the way they showed his stats later in his career. They would often show his yardage for each carry as a bar graph to show how he would consistently get huge gains - and the announcers were always waiting for it to happen. They would talk about his "spikes" - meaning the big carries.

 

[Captain Placeholder]

I was thinking "explosive" as reaching top end speed quickly "supreme acceleration", a guy who can make one move and is most likely gone.

I needs to be more of a combination of speed, power and vision. Michael Bennett was a deep threat, if you will, but all too often could be brought down with arm tackles or simple hits. Ditto Reggie Bush. Guys like (younger) Portis or Fred Taylor had those extra ingredients that made safeties sweat even more. Frank Gore's another example. It isn't just speed, it's the ability to hit the right hole and to break the key tackle at the second level to get free and then outrun everyone. Many otherwise fast guys seem most often to lack the vision and/or the power.

 

[Tornacl]

Terrell Davis was pretty good, too.

 

[top dog]

Not sure if thats Sanders either. Though have only seen a couple of his games, his size doesnt exactly say explosive, more quick and shifty

Sanders was a threat to leave you shoeless as he sprinted 90 yards for a TD...

yes...that would be shiftiness. But im not so sure he would leave you shoeless because he mowed over you, more like he left you shoeless because he cut and juked on a dime.

Normally, when they are talking about guys that run you over, they will describe them as "bruising", "powerful", or something like that. "Explosive" is used to imply that they could go off (or explode) for a huge gain at any time. Every once in a while, there's a stud RB that is both bruising and explosive - Bo Jackson was probably the best combination of this (its a shame we couldn't watch him longer), Earl Campbell was another one. ADP is the best combination in the league now.From your comments, I question whether you ever saw Sanders play. Sanders was so explosive that they actually changed the way they showed his stats later in his career. They would often show his yardage for each carry as a bar graph to show how he would consistently get huge gains - and the announcers were always waiting for it to happen. They would talk about his "spikes" - meaning the big carries.

Sanders was absolutely amazing. I loved watching him more than any else... Then AND now..

 

[DesmondBishop]

Sanders was absolutely amazing. I loved watching him more than any else... Then AND now..

My opinion is no better or worse than anyone else's and in MHO Barry was the GOAT, he had the whole package, he was tough, he rarely fumbled, he could catch and block, maybe the greatest vision ever, he definitely had explosion and insane shiftiness and power. Again, MHO if he had played behind a good line at any point in his career he would have destroyed all the rushing marks and set the bar so high it would look like the wr'er numbers and everyone else just racing for #2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUVFZYYzHPU...feature=related

One of my personal favorites is at the 3:32 mark when he spins around #42 of the Pats and then drags the other guy into the end zone.

Edited to add this clip I found on Barry Jr, who sounds like he is a good kid and working hard to become a good football player.

 

[Aardvarks]

Did I see Byron Hanspard named earlier????

Anyway, I think the true definition of explosive - for RBs - is the initial burst through the line, with lower body strength, and revving into top speed instantly. The top speed must be sinister.

Portis and Taylor, early years... Yes. In fact Taylor was kinda like Chris Johnson with 25 more lbs- a real monster. I remember Taylor kicking up grass when he ripped that 90-yd TD vs Miami in the playoffs.

Bush, to me, doesn't bring 'explosive' to the table- more like 'if he has space he's gone' -- which is a little different.

Napoleon Kaufman flashed it one year, I'm sure of it.

 

[Spartans346]

Sanders was absolutely amazing. I loved watching him more than any else... Then AND now..

My opinion is no better or worse than anyone else's and in MHO Barry was the GOAT, he had the whole package, he was tough, he rarely fumbled, he could catch and block, maybe the greatest vision ever, he definitely had explosion and insane shiftiness and power. Again, MHO if he had played behind a good line at any point in his career he would have destroyed all the rushing marks and set the bar so high it would look like the wr'er numbers and everyone else just racing for #2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUVFZYYzHPU...feature=related

One of my personal favorites is at the 3:32 mark when he spins around #42 of the Pats and then drags the other guy into the end zone.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Just for the record, Chris Johnson is the most explosive player I have ever seen and I would say I go back to about the Tony Dorsett era or thereabouts.

Johnson simply is gone if he gets a crease and I understand Sanders did it for longer but Johnson is pure raw speed. barry's vision was a notch ahead so far...but Johnson is closing that gap fast.

Exhibit A

Other than being lucky to have LT in 2006, I have never screamed at the TV in the sports bar as often as Chris Johnson down the stretch this year..."Run you S.O.B. RUN!!!" Before I could get to the GO! GO!! GO!!! he usually scored already

 

[DesmondBishop]

Just for the record, Chris Johnson is the most explosive player I have ever seen and I would say I go back to about the Tony Dorsett era or thereabouts.

Johnson simply is gone if he gets a crease and I understand Sanders did it for longer but Johnson is pure raw speed. barry's vision was a notch ahead so far...but Johnson is closing that gap fast.

Exhibit A

I totally agree MOP, CJ is ridiculously explosive, I would say more so than Barry just for pure exploding through a hole. I was just stating Barry had that on top of everything else which is why in MHO he is the GOAT.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Just for the record, Chris Johnson is the most explosive player I have ever seen and I would say I go back to about the Tony Dorsett era or thereabouts.

Johnson simply is gone if he gets a crease and I understand Sanders did it for longer but Johnson is pure raw speed. barry's vision was a notch ahead so far...but Johnson is closing that gap fast.

Exhibit A

Barry was amazing, shame he was on the Detroit Lions and played a bit before the Sunday Ticket days so a lot of America saw very little of Barry other than an amazing highlight.

 

[inzanitee]

Just for the record, Chris Johnson is the most explosive player I have ever seen and I would say I go back to about the Tony Dorsett era or thereabouts.

Johnson simply is gone if he gets a crease and I understand Sanders did it for longer but Johnson is pure raw speed. barry's vision was a notch ahead so far...but Johnson is closing that gap fast.

Exhibit A

Agree on CJ, we are witnessing something special.If I had to pick a guy who next year we'll be talking about as being one of the most explosive players at RB, I may go with Felix Jones. I think he just scratched the surface of what he's capable of at the end of this season and there is more to come. He's not as fast as CJ obviously, but he is going to have many a big play.

 

[Eminence]

DeAngelo Williams = Winner.

 

[TheWheel]

Here is what makes an "explosive" runner IMO:

1)Blocking

2)Vision

3)Agility and/or Strength

4)Speed

You can never just run straight and get the explosive play. You need the blocking to get to the second level, the vision to see the hole, the agility or strength to lose a guy or two, and the speed to pull away.

That's best case scenario. While an explosive back is a kind of ambiguous term, any running play that is say 30 yards would be explosive.

In no order:

Darren Sproles

Michael Turner

Chris Johnson

Adrian Peterson

Shonn Green (you shall see)

Josh Cribbs

 

[PitbullTD]

From your comments, I question whether you ever saw Sanders play. Sanders was so explosive that they actually changed the way they showed his stats later in his career. They would often show his yardage for each carry as a bar graph to show how he would consistently get huge gains - and the announcers were always waiting for it to happen. They would talk about his "spikes" - meaning the big carries.

I don't know what hit you wrong about my comments based on my view of explosive. Sanders may very well be the greatest RB of all time, im not saying he wasnt amazing, just that he wasnt explosive in my idea of explosive. He was incredibly shifty, and fast as hell. but you rarely saw him run anyone over. Maybe its cause he didnt need to, he could just juke or spin and leave a defender in his tracks. I think anyone could agree with me on that.

 

[switz]

From your comments, I question whether you ever saw Sanders play. Sanders was so explosive that they actually changed the way they showed his stats later in his career. They would often show his yardage for each carry as a bar graph to show how he would consistently get huge gains - and the announcers were always waiting for it to happen. They would talk about his "spikes" - meaning the big carries.

I don't know what hit you wrong about my comments based on my view of explosive. Sanders may very well be the greatest RB of all time, im not saying he wasnt amazing, just that he wasnt explosive in my idea of explosive. He was incredibly shifty, and fast as hell. but you rarely saw him run anyone over. Maybe its cause he didnt need to, he could just juke or spin and leave a defender in his tracks. I think anyone could agree with me on that.

I don't think you know what an 'explosive' RB. If an RB is 'running someone over' they probably are NOT explosive. Dickerson, Dorsett, OJ, Sayers, Portis, Chris Johnson, and Felix Jones are all 'explosive' RBs.John Riggins, Craig Heyward, guys like that can be good RBs... But they aren't 'explosive.' You're using the wring term, you're talking about 'power backs.'

 

[Garts]

Tatum Bell

 

[PitbullTD]

From your comments, I question whether you ever saw Sanders play. Sanders was so explosive that they actually changed the way they showed his stats later in his career. They would often show his yardage for each carry as a bar graph to show how he would consistently get huge gains - and the announcers were always waiting for it to happen. They would talk about his "spikes" - meaning the big carries.

I don't know what hit you wrong about my comments based on my view of explosive. Sanders may very well be the greatest RB of all time, im not saying he wasnt amazing, just that he wasnt explosive in my idea of explosive. He was incredibly shifty, and fast as hell. but you rarely saw him run anyone over. Maybe its cause he didnt need to, he could just juke or spin and leave a defender in his tracks. I think anyone could agree with me on that.

I don't think you know what an 'explosive' RB. If an RB is 'running someone over' they probably are NOT explosive. Dickerson, Dorsett, OJ, Sayers, Portis, Chris Johnson, and Felix Jones are all 'explosive' RBs.John Riggins, Craig Heyward, guys like that can be good RBs... But they aren't 'explosive.' You're using the wring term, you're talking about 'power backs.'

Thanks, thats been established previously and though I still think explosive should mean more than uber fast I will resign to the fact that my view of explosive is not the same as the majority.Frankly if I took the majority pov Usain Bolt verywell could be an "explosive" back provided he had a good FB blocking for him. one cut and who in the world could catch him? Who cares what his size is, hes so fast nobody could touch him. Right?Not trying to start any arguments, and for the record I dont think Usain Bolt would have a chance in hell to make it in the NFL but im just using it as an example of why explosive should mean more than uber fast.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

DeAngelo Williams = Winner.

Also I'd like to be on record that I believe right after CJ that DWill is the 2nd most explosive player int he NFL. Yes yes yes, he can do amazing things but John Fox's inept offensive strategy plus Jake D really hold this guy back. I so want them to trade him anywhere, even the Detroit Lions would be fine with me. You can have MJdropitathe1D and ADP but I'll stick with the talent of DWill.

 

[DesmondBishop]

From your comments, I question whether you ever saw Sanders play. Sanders was so explosive that they actually changed the way they showed his stats later in his career. They would often show his yardage for each carry as a bar graph to show how he would consistently get huge gains - and the announcers were always waiting for it to happen. They would talk about his "spikes" - meaning the big carries.

I don't know what hit you wrong about my comments based on my view of explosive. Sanders may very well be the greatest RB of all time, im not saying he wasnt amazing, just that he wasnt explosive in my idea of explosive. He was incredibly shifty, and fast as hell. but you rarely saw him run anyone over. Maybe its cause he didnt need to, he could just juke or spin and leave a defender in his tracks. I think anyone could agree with me on that.

I don't think you know what an 'explosive' RB. If an RB is 'running someone over' they probably are NOT explosive. Dickerson, Dorsett, OJ, Sayers, Portis, Chris Johnson, and Felix Jones are all 'explosive' RBs.John Riggins, Craig Heyward, guys like that can be good RBs... But they aren't 'explosive.' You're using the wring term, you're talking about 'power backs.'

Thanks, thats been established previously and though I still think explosive should mean more than uber fast I will resign to the fact that my view of explosive is not the same as the majority.Frankly if I took the majority pov Usain Bolt verywell could be an "explosive" back provided he had a good FB blocking for him. one cut and who in the world could catch him? Who cares what his size is, hes so fast nobody could touch him. Right?Not trying to start any arguments, and for the record I dont think Usain Bolt would have a chance in hell to make it in the NFL but im just using it as an example of why explosive should mean more than uber fast.

You make a valid point, but I think explosive is more the acceleration speed then the top end speed, usually they go together, but not always. A guy can be explosive and fast or he may just be explosive. There have been hundreds of fast guys that sucked, so it is definitely important to be more than just fast. CJ and Dwill are great examples of todays most explosive and fast backs and I think of someone like Brian Westbrook who was explosive through the hole, but he did not have elite top end speed.

 

[the spanker]

 

[PitbullTD]

You make a valid point, but I think explosive is more the acceleration speed then the top end speed, usually they go together, but not always. A guy can be explosive and fast or he may just be explosive. There have been hundreds of fast guys that sucked, so it is definitely important to be more than just fast. CJ and Dwill are great examples of todays most explosive and fast backs and I think of someone like Brian Westbrook who was explosive through the hole, but he did not have elite top end speed.

Well I think what separates the sucky fast guys from the successful ones is vision. Brian Westbrook is a great example of my view of explosive.I think the main difference between my view of explosive and the majority view of explosive is not only do you have to be fast, but you also have to have power.You never saw Barry Sanders knock someones lights out, Adrian Peterson? On a regular basis. MJD? Regular Basis. Portis? Check. Gale Sayers? Not really, guy was crazy elusive though, like Barry. And on and on.The guys in my book that are explosive will explode through you, and past you as Bishop stated either in acceleration and/or top end. And not just powerback style, ala John Riggins/Lendale White/McClain. Those guys are powerbacks. Not explosive.

 

[greggorymac]

Najeh Davenport

Always a threat to break off a long one, anytime, anywhere.

Nice...

 

[switz]

You make a valid point, but I think explosive is more the acceleration speed then the top end speed, usually they go together, but not always. A guy can be explosive and fast or he may just be explosive. There have been hundreds of fast guys that sucked, so it is definitely important to be more than just fast. CJ and Dwill are great examples of todays most explosive and fast backs and I think of someone like Brian Westbrook who was explosive through the hole, but he did not have elite top end speed.

Well I think what separates the sucky fast guys from the successful ones is vision. Brian Westbrook is a great example of my view of explosive.I think the main difference between my view of explosive and the majority view of explosive is not only do you have to be fast, but you also have to have power.You never saw Barry Sanders knock someones lights out, Adrian Peterson? On a regular basis. MJD? Regular Basis. Portis? Check. Gale Sayers? Not really, guy was crazy elusive though, like Barry. And on and on.The guys in my book that are explosive will explode through you, and past you as Bishop stated either in acceleration and/or top end. And not just powerback style, ala John Riggins/Lendale White/McClain. Those guys are powerbacks. Not explosive.

I still think you're too hung up on the "explode through you" mindset. I just can't think of any RB that runs through people that is explosive. I know you cite AP and MJD, but rarely do I see them take on tacklers intentionally. Portis never took on tacklers until he lost his explosiveness, so I think citing him goes against your argument.Brian Westbrook, who you say is a great example of your view of explosiveness never takes on tacklers. He evades them.IMO an explosive RB is one who explodes in and out of cuts, accelerates to their top speed quickly, and can break of a long run at any moment. Rarely do those types of RBs "explode through" players. I guess we're wordsmithing now... IMO in today's NFL the most "explosive" RBs are Chris Johnson, Felix Jones, Jones-Drew, Norwood and Jamal Charles... there are other players who may have big play ability (a la Reggie Bush) but can't seem to put it all together, so I don't view them as explosive.Marion Barber is a guy who takes on tacklers, but he's not explosive IMO.

 

[Lash]

Bo Jackson

/threador rename thread: "other than Bo who are next level of backs you think of who are/were explosive"

 

[switz]

Bo Jackson

/threador rename thread: "other than Bo who are next level of backs you think of who are/were explosive"

Hardly.... LOL.... Look at the list below, look at Y/A and Y/GLook at Barry Sanders, OJ Simpson, and Jim Brown... then you have Portis... then Dickerson, Chris Johnson, and Bo Jackson can argue about #5 on the list of most explosive RBs....

Games		RushingPlayer		Year	Age	Tm	Lg	G	GS	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	Y/GGale Sayers*	1968	25	CHI	NFL	9	0	138	856	6.20	2	95.1Barry Sanders*	1997	29	DET	NFL	16	16	335	2053	6.13	11	128.3O.J. Simpson*	1973	26	BUF	NFL	14	0	332	2003	6.03	12	143.1Jim Brown*	1958	22	CLE	NFL	12	12	257	1527	5.94	17	127.3Felix Jones	2009	22	DAL	NFL	14		116	685	5.91	3	48.9Jim Brown*	1960	24	CLE	NFL	12	12	215	1257	5.85	9	104.8Barry Sanders*	1994	26	DET	NFL	16	16	331	1883	5.69	7	117.7Chris Johnson	2009	24	TEN	NFL	16		358	2006	5.60	14	125.4Bo Jackson	1990	28	RAI	NFL	10	0	125	698	5.58	5	69.8Eric Dickerson*	1984	24	RAM	NFL	16	16	379	2105	5.55	14	131.6Clinton Portis	2002	21	DEN	NFL	16	12	273	1508	5.52	15	94.3O.J. Simpson*	1975	28	BUF	NFL	14	0	329	1817	5.52	16	129.8Bo Jackson	1989	27	RAI	NFL	11	9	173	950	5.49	4	86.4Clinton Portis	2003	22	DEN	NFL	13	13	290	1591	5.49	14	122.4

 

[DesmondBishop]

Bo Jackson

/threador rename thread: "other than Bo who are next level of backs you think of who are/were explosive"

Hardly.... LOL.... Look at the list below, look at Y/A and Y/GLook at Barry Sanders, OJ Simpson, and Jim Brown... then you have Portis... then Dickerson, Chris Johnson, and Bo Jackson can argue about #5 on the list of most explosive RBs....

Games		RushingPlayer		Year	Age	Tm	Lg	G	GS	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	Y/GGale Sayers*	1968	25	CHI	NFL	9	0	138	856	6.20	2	95.1Barry Sanders*	1997	29	DET	NFL	16	16	335	2053	6.13	11	128.3O.J. Simpson*	1973	26	BUF	NFL	14	0	332	2003	6.03	12	143.1Jim Brown*	1958	22	CLE	NFL	12	12	257	1527	5.94	17	127.3Felix Jones	2009	22	DAL	NFL	14		116	685	5.91	3	48.9Jim Brown*	1960	24	CLE	NFL	12	12	215	1257	5.85	9	104.8Barry Sanders*	1994	26	DET	NFL	16	16	331	1883	5.69	7	117.7Chris Johnson	2009	24	TEN	NFL	16		358	2006	5.60	14	125.4Bo Jackson	1990	28	RAI	NFL	10	0	125	698	5.58	5	69.8Eric Dickerson*	1984	24	RAM	NFL	16	16	379	2105	5.55	14	131.6Clinton Portis	2002	21	DEN	NFL	16	12	273	1508	5.52	15	94.3O.J. Simpson*	1975	28	BUF	NFL	14	0	329	1817	5.52	16	129.8Bo Jackson	1989	27	RAI	NFL	11	9	173	950	5.49	4	86.4Clinton Portis	2003	22	DEN	NFL	13	13	290	1591	5.49	14	122.4

Not arguing for or against Bo, but I do not think stats tell the entire story of how explosive a player was. I would say for his size there was no RB more explosive then Bo, but I would not say (In MHO) he was the "most" explosive RB ever in the NFL. That is a winless debate as we all have our own opinions on that and there could be no real way to prove it.

 

[got_nugs]

Najeh Davenport

Always a threat to break off a long one, anytime, anywhere.

Nice...

He ended up stinking more than I thought he would....especially after all that build up.

 

[Tornacl]

Bo Jackson

/threador rename thread: "other than Bo who are next level of backs you think of who are/were explosive"

Hardly.... LOL.... Look at the list below, look at Y/A and Y/GLook at Barry Sanders, OJ Simpson, and Jim Brown... then you have Portis... then Dickerson, Chris Johnson, and Bo Jackson can argue about #5 on the list of most explosive RBs....

Games		RushingPlayer		Year	Age	Tm	Lg	G	GS	Att	Yds	Y/A	TD	Y/GGale Sayers*	1968	25	CHI	NFL	9	0	138	856	6.20	2	95.1Barry Sanders*	1997	29	DET	NFL	16	16	335	2053	6.13	11	128.3O.J. Simpson*	1973	26	BUF	NFL	14	0	332	2003	6.03	12	143.1Jim Brown*	1958	22	CLE	NFL	12	12	257	1527	5.94	17	127.3Felix Jones	2009	22	DAL	NFL	14		116	685	5.91	3	48.9Jim Brown*	1960	24	CLE	NFL	12	12	215	1257	5.85	9	104.8Barry Sanders*	1994	26	DET	NFL	16	16	331	1883	5.69	7	117.7Chris Johnson	2009	24	TEN	NFL	16		358	2006	5.60	14	125.4Bo Jackson	1990	28	RAI	NFL	10	0	125	698	5.58	5	69.8Eric Dickerson*	1984	24	RAM	NFL	16	16	379	2105	5.55	14	131.6Clinton Portis	2002	21	DEN	NFL	16	12	273	1508	5.52	15	94.3O.J. Simpson*	1975	28	BUF	NFL	14	0	329	1817	5.52	16	129.8Bo Jackson	1989	27	RAI	NFL	11	9	173	950	5.49	4	86.4Clinton Portis	2003	22	DEN	NFL	13	13	290	1591	5.49	14	122.4

Not arguing for or against Bo, but I do not think stats tell the entire story of how explosive a player was. I would say for his size there was no RB more explosive then Bo, but I would not say (In MHO) he was the "most" explosive RB ever in the NFL. That is a winless debate as we all have our own opinions on that and there could be no real way to prove it.

Bo was the best combination of explosive and power, IMHO. Or at least since the '70s. I never saw Jim Brown play, so I can't comment on him.

 

[bonesman]

Najeh Davenport

Always a threat to break off a long one, anytime, anywhere.

Nice...

He ended up stinking more than I thought he would....especially after all that build up.

he's SHlTTY

 

[Captain Placeholder]

Najeh Davenport

Always a threat to break off a long one, anytime, anywhere.

Nice...

He ended up stinking more than I thought he would....especially after all that build up.

There wasn't a game he played in that wasn't impacted by him.

 

[Matt Waldman]

DeAngelo Williams = Winner.

Also I'd like to be on record that I believe right after CJ that DWill is the 2nd most explosive player int he NFL. Yes yes yes, he can do amazing things but John Fox's inept offensive strategy plus Jake D really hold this guy back. I so want them to trade him anywhere, even the Detroit Lions would be fine with me. You can have MJdropitathe1D and ADP but I'll stick with the talent of DWill.

He could easily be the Marshall Faulk of this new decade if he landed on a team that used him to his potential. I'm right there with you on this one, MOP.

 

[Fullback Fro]

Would be interesting to see who has the highest avg of yard per TD carry (Min 10 TD's). Although its not perfect it could be a good indicator of explosiveness.

 

[Please See Mine]

Would be interesting to see who has the highest avg of yard per TD carry (Min 10 TD's). Although its not perfect it could be a good indicator of explosiveness.

Don't have that, but here are the top 100 players in terms of most rush TD of 20 yds or more. Rk Scorer From To Tm Count1 Barry Sanders* 1989 1998 DET 302 Emmitt Smith* 1990 2004 DAL/ARI 223 Jim Brown* 1957 1963 CLE 214 Tony Dorsett* 1977 1988 DAL/DEN 215 O.J. Simpson* 1969 1976 BUF 206 Lenny Moore* 1956 1965 BAL 197 Fred Taylor 1998 2007 JAX 188 Paul Lowe 1960 1965 SDG 179 LaDainian Tomlinson 2002 2009 SDG 1710 Shaun Alexander 2001 2006 SEA 1611 Robert Smith 1993 2000 MIN 1612 Steve Van Buren* 1944 1951 PHI 1613 Warrick Dunn 1997 2007 TAM/ATL 1514 Walter Payton* 1975 1985 CHI 1515 Ahman Green 2000 2006 GNB 1416 Joe Perry* 1948 1959 SFO 1417 James Brooks 1981 1990 SDG/CIN 1318 Adrian Peterson 2007 2009 MIN 1319 Jim Taylor* 1960 1964 GNB 1320 Chris Warren 1992 2000 SEA/DAL 13Rk Scorer From To Tm Count21 Tiki Barber 2000 2006 NYG 1222 Terrell Davis 1995 1998 DEN 1223 Eric Dickerson* 1983 1992 RAM/IND/RAI 1224 Corey Dillon 1997 2006 CIN/NWE 1225 Willie Galimore 1957 1963 CHI 1226 Chris Johnson 2008 2009 TEN 1227 Leroy Kelly* 1966 1970 CLE 1228 Marion Motley* 1946 1950 CLE 1229 Clinton Portis 2002 2007 DEN/WAS 1230 Ricky Williams 2000 2009 NOR/MIA 1231 Neal Anderson 1987 1992 CHI 1132 Abner Haynes 1960 1967 KAN/MIA 1133 Priest Holmes 1998 2005 BAL/KAN 1134 Steven Jackson 2004 2009 STL 1135 Gale Sayers* 1965 1969 CHI 1136 Delvin Williams 1974 1978 SFO/MIA 1137 Frank Gore 2005 2009 SFO 1038 John Henry Johnson* 1954 1966 SFO/DET/PIT/HOU 1039 Maurice Jones-Drew 2006 2009 JAX 1040 Jamal Lewis 2000 2007 BAL/CLE 10Rk Scorer From To Tm Count41 Curtis Martin 1995 2004 NWE/NYJ 1042 Hugh McElhenny* 1952 1961 SFO/MIN 1043 Bobby Mitchell* 1958 1966 CLE/WAS 1044 Brian Westbrook 2003 2008 PHI 1045 DeAngelo Williams 2007 2009 CAR 1046 Marshall Faulk 1994 2001 IND/STL 947 Ollie Matson* 1954 1964 STL/RAM/PHI 948 Dan Towler 1950 1954 RAM 949 Mike Alstott 1997 2001 TAM 850 Ottis Anderson 1979 1989 PHO/NYG 851 Jerome Bettis 1993 2002 STL/PIT 852 Timmy Brown 1961 1966 PHI 853 Curtis Dickey 1980 1983 BAL 854 Eddie George 1996 2001 TEN 855 Franco Harris* 1972 1979 PIT 856 Larry Johnson 2004 2005 KAN 857 Thomas Jones 2002 2009 ARI/CHI/NYJ 858 Deuce McAllister 2001 2006 NOR 859 George Rogers 1981 1986 NOR/WAS 860 Spec Sanders 1946 1948 NYY 8Rk Scorer From To Tm Count61 Antowain Smith 1997 2005 BUF/NWE/NOR 862 Duce Staley 1998 2004 PHI/PIT 863 Herschel Walker 1986 1996 DAL/MIN/PHI 864 Terry Allen 1991 1999 MIN/WAS/NWE 765 **** Bass 1961 1967 RAM 766 Steve Broussard 1990 1997 ATL/CIN/SEA 767 Earl Campbell* 1978 1980 HOU 768 Clem Daniels 1961 1966 OAK 769 Charlie Garner 1994 2003 PHI/OAK 770 Mike Garrett 1966 1972 KAN/SDG 771 Fred Gehrke 1945 1948 RAM 772 Cookie Gilchrist 1962 1965 BUF/DEN 773 Ryan Grant 2007 2009 GNB 774 Garrison Hearst 1997 2001 SFO 775 Bo Jackson 1987 1990 RAI 776 Edgerrin James 1999 2007 IND/ARI 777 Essex Johnson 1968 1973 CIN 778 Julius Jones 2004 2009 DAL/SEA 779 Napoleon Kaufman 1997 1999 OAK 780 Floyd Little* 1968 1972 DEN 7Rk Scorer From To Tm Count81 Willis McGahee 2004 2009 BUF/BAL 782 Wilbert Montgomery 1977 1982 PHI 783 Mercury Morris 1971 1973 MIA 784 Bosh Pritchard 1946 1949 PHI 785 Marcus Allen* 1982 1994 RAI/KAN 686 Jamal Anderson 1996 2000 ATL 687 Mike Anderson 2000 2006 DEN/BAL 688 Elmer Angsman 1946 1951 CRD 689 Rick Casares 1955 1960 CHI 690 John David Crow 1958 1967 STL/SFO 691 Stephen Davis 1996 2003 WAS/CAR 692 Barry Foster 1991 1994 PIT 693 Bob Hoernschemeyer 1947 1953 /DET 694 Dub Jones 1950 1951 CLE 695 Amos Marsh 1962 1965 DAL/DET 696 Wilbur Moore 1940 1945 WAS 697 Chuck Muncie 1977 1983 NOR/SDG 698 Nick Pietrosante 1960 1962 DET 699 Mike Pruitt 1978 1980 CLE 6100 Kordell Stewart 1995 2002 PIT 6Next page