Most dangerous open-field runner in the NFL? (1 Viewer)

[Lash]

DeAngelo

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

If I could pick in their prime, I'd pick Westbrook.

Best RB in the NFL in his prime.

 

[Tau837]

Great question. I was worried that everyone was out-thinking themselves, but the poll looks like I think it should. While Chris Johnson and Percy Harvin and DeSean Jackson probably have the best "football speed" in the league right now, Peterson's capable of making plays that no other human being on the planet could even imagine. Witness his run in week 1 where he did a behind-the-back stiff arm, came to a full stop, and then restarted and managed to accelerate away from everyone again.My second choice would have to be Hester, who again isn't quite as fast as Harvin/Jackson/CJ, but who is really only good at one thing, and that one thing is making people look ridiculous in the open field. How many NFL coaches have ever said "man, this guy is SO GOOD at making people look ridiculous in the open field that we're going to actually change his position"? And more importantly, how many times has it actually worked?

Someone posted about straight line speed, but "most dangerous open field runner" to me implies the ability to make people miss, not just run away from the defense. I'd rank the top three as AP, Hester, Sproles.

 

[Chiwawa]

Barry wouldn't get stung if he were stuck in a porta potty with a swarm of angry bees.

Very true

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I voted CJ.

How about ever?

I'd go Barry.

Barry would be correct and Barry was hardly the fastest or even one of the fastest guys in the league. For that reason, guys like Chris Johnson and Desean Jackson are hard to catch or tackle because of their elite speed, it does not make them THE most dangerous open field runner.

If you had two cones 5 yards apart and you were standing in the middle of it. You had Chris Johnson, or Desean Jackson or Sproles coming at you, Sproles would be much more difficult to bring down than those guys because of his ability to make you miss, not just run away from you.

 

[sinatravolta]

Another couple of interesting-related questions:

1. Who do you want returning an interception in the open field?

- all-time I guess I'd say Deion Sanders (even though I don't like him), currently I'd say Ed Reed

2. Who do you want on D trying to run down the RB/WR on the offense who has broken loose and headed for a long TD run?

- all-time there's no doubt it's Darrell Green (actually he was extremely good in the open field himself - not just fast), I don't really know who it would be now.

 

[switz]

If I could pick in their prime, I'd pick Westbrook.

Best RB in the NFL in his prime.

No... there were many better in their prime - Barry, OJ, Jim Brown, Dickerson, Faulk, Dorsett, Bo Jackson, TD, Tiki Barber, the list could go on

 

[Instinctive]

DeAngelo Williams must be on this list!!!!!

 

[switz]

I can't believe people are voting Felix Jones.

I can't believe you've never seen him play.

 

[Raider Nation]

1. Who do you want returning an interception in the open field?

- all-time I guess I'd say Deion Sanders (even though I don't like him), currently I'd say Ed Reed

Can't imagine there would be another rational answer.

 

[David Dodds]

De-Sean Jack-Son <clap, clap, clap clap clap>

I think for the Pac-10 faithful here who saw this so many times at Cal, we are slanted pretty heavily toward Desean here. I still remember Desean's punt return against Tennessee a few years ago where they pinned him completely against the sideline. Just watch this clip and ask yourself who else could have done this?

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Can I wait until next year and then vote for Noel Devine?

 

[Raider Nation]

Can I wait until next year and then vote for Noel Devine?

Ehhhhh... he's explosive, but he goes down when you breathe on him. McFadden v2.0.

 

[VaTerp]

I put ADP at the top because his combination of power, speed, and elusiveness is unmatched IMO.

Chris Johnson is 2nd due to pure speed. The guy simply blows up angles.

And a guy who I dont think has got enough love here is Cribbs. Hands down the best returner in the game right now. Great vision and elusiveness with somewhat deceptive speed.

 

[switz]

Just watch this clip and ask yourself who else could have done this?

Not bad at all.Watch the cut at 3:31-3:35 or the run at 5:51of this video. There are a few players who have great open field moves, but rarely do I see a guy juke people off their feet like Felix does. Watch some highlight film of him, and you'll see defenders falling all over trying to get a hand on him.

This is a really good list though.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Can I wait until next year and then vote for Noel Devine?

Ehhhhh... he's explosive, but he goes down when you breathe on him. McFadden v2.0.

Eh, I thought he looked tougher than he used to against Colorado last night. He seemed to have more fight and power in him. But sure, he's no power back. Won't matter when they can't touch him though.

 

[bjabrad]

Just watch this clip and ask yourself who else could have done this?

The clip at 3:31 he goes out of bounds. The clip at 5:51 he gets run down from behind after making a good but typical cut in the open field. Last but not least, all of these clips were against college competition. Not impressed.

 

[Jewell]

1. Who do you want returning an interception in the open field?

- all-time I guess I'd say Deion Sanders (even though I don't like him), currently I'd say Ed Reed

Can't imagine there would be another rational answer.

.

 

[switz]

Just watch this clip and ask yourself who else could have done this?

So was the Desean Jackson punt return. I guess that wasn't impressive because it was in college. As for not impressed? M'eh to each their own. There are a lot of great open field runners in the NFL, we all have different preferences.

 

[Truman]

 

[Mainevent]

All time... I can't put anyone ahead of Barry.

But my fav, the X-factor. Surprised he hasn't even been mentioned.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9whgU9JuZ9Q&NR=1 (about 1 min in where the good stuff starts...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vemGEI9Iexw (this is just fun to watch...)

 

[bonesman]

Just watch this clip and ask yourself who else could have done this?

DeAngelo Hallhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vemGEI9Iexw

 

[GoBigRed]

I'd say Adrian Peterson and Mo Drew (and then DeSean Jackson in there, too). In 587 career carries + another 86 returns + 161 receptions, Mo Drew has 9 TDs that have gone for 40 yards or more, including 7 of 50 or more yards.In 660 career carries + another 17 returns + 47 receptions, Peterson has 8 TDs that have gone for 40 yards or more, including 7 of 50 or more yards.I voted Mo Drew simply because he seems to take most of the runs where he gets to the open field for a TD. But, if you told me I had to have Peterson instead, I certainly wouldn't be shedding any tears. Peterson's 40 and 50 yards + TD per touch is actually better.It's very close to me.

Apologies if I'm just splitting hairs here, but based on what you said above:MJD has a 50+ yard TD every 93 touchesAP has a 50+ yard TD every 91 touchesChris Johnson has a 50+ yard TD every 72 touches (5 TD's on 359 touches)Just sayin...

What are you just saying?

You were picking either MJD or AP for this hypothetical, and based on the information you presented, you were looking at 50+ yard TD's per touch as the basis for your choice. I was only pointing out that Chris Johnson has a better ratio than either of them.

Ok, I didn't actually see you say that other than just adding Chris Johnson's stats without saying anything. I used it as only part of the basis. Heck, I admitted that I was picking the guy who had a slightly lower ratio (Drew over Peterson).That being said, I think I'd need to see Chris Johnson do this a little more. As of two weeks ago, Johnson's ratio of 50+ yard TD's per touch was one every 155 touches. He got three in one game a little more than a week ago that really ramped up his ratio. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that he's not excellent in the open field, but I'm going with the more proven and powerful commodities of Mo Drew (who is one of a very few that I have seen listed to have 50+ yard TDs through all three of rushes, receptions and returns) and Peterson.

Looks like we can add 2 more each to both MJD & CJ. Those guys are fun to watch.

 

[KnowledgeReignsSupreme]

I voted CJ.

How about ever?

I'd go Barry.

Barry would be correct and Barry was hardly the fastest or even one of the fastest guys in the league.

Didn't be run a 4.4 40 in a pair of cut-off jeans?

 

[GDogg]

Apologies if I'm just splitting hairs here, but based on what you said above:MJD has a 50+ yard TD every 93 touchesAP has a 50+ yard TD every 91 touchesChris Johnson has a 50+ yard TD every 72 touches (5 TD's on 359 touches)Just sayin...

What are you just saying?

You were picking either MJD or AP for this hypothetical, and based on the information you presented, you were looking at 50+ yard TD's per touch as the basis for your choice. I was only pointing out that Chris Johnson has a better ratio than either of them.

Ok, I didn't actually see you say that other than just adding Chris Johnson's stats without saying anything. I used it as only part of the basis. Heck, I admitted that I was picking the guy who had a slightly lower ratio (Drew over Peterson).That being said, I think I'd need to see Chris Johnson do this a little more. As of two weeks ago, Johnson's ratio of 50+ yard TD's per touch was one every 155 touches. He got three in one game a little more than a week ago that really ramped up his ratio. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that he's not excellent in the open field, but I'm going with the more proven and powerful commodities of Mo Drew (who is one of a very few that I have seen listed to have 50+ yard TDs through all three of rushes, receptions and returns) and Peterson.

Looks like we can add 2 more each to both MJD & CJ. Those guys are fun to watch.

Completely agree!

 

[Steady Mooobin]

I voted CJ.

How about ever?

I'd go Barry.

Barry would be correct and Barry was hardly the fastest or even one of the fastest guys in the league.

Didn't be run a 4.4 40 in a pair of cut-off jeans?

Maybe, but he sure got caught from behind a lot. A LOT.

 

[CalBear]

Just watch this clip and ask yourself who else could have done this?

That's Dante, not Deangelo.Dante Hall had a couple of great years returning kicks, but really hasn't managed much since then, and never did much as a WR or RB. The long run of his career is 21 yards (on 54 carries).

 

[kaa]

Here's how you settle this in your mind.Rules:1) 10' wide alleyway.2) One defender.3) The defender is playing 2-hand touch to win.4) The offensive player can only make one cut.Which one of these guys gets past the defender the most in 100 tries?

This is not how to settle the argument because a not every player believes in just making one cut. I strongly believe it is most effective method, and if you forced everyone on this list to do this, they would all dramatically improve their game. But its not reality.

 

[Uncle Humuna]

Frank Gore should at least be on the list.

He's similar to AP, in that he's got the combination of moves, speed and power.

Take a look at the SEA game, and also at his long run from yesterday.

Going back to his breakout year, he gets so many long runs because if he can get

past the LBs, DBs bounce off him like pinballs.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Here's how you settle this in your mind.Rules:1) 10' wide alleyway.2) One defender.3) The defender is playing 2-hand touch to win.4) The offensive player can only make one cut.Which one of these guys gets past the defender the most in 100 tries?

This is not how to settle the argument because a not every player believes in just making one cut. I strongly believe it is most effective method, and if you forced everyone on this list to do this, they would all dramatically improve their game. But its not reality.

And, unless I'm missing the beginning of this argument, why the hell would it be 2-hand touch?

 

[switz]

Here's how you settle this in your mind.Rules:1) 10' wide alleyway.2) One defender.3) The defender is playing 2-hand touch to win.4) The offensive player can only make one cut.Which one of these guys gets past the defender the most in 100 tries?

This is not how to settle the argument because a not every player believes in just making one cut. I strongly believe it is most effective method, and if you forced everyone on this list to do this, they would all dramatically improve their game. But its not reality.

And, unless I'm missing the beginning of this argument, why the hell would it be 2-hand touch?

I think the argument that running over someone (Jacobs, Barber, Turner) makes you a great open field runner goes contrary to what the OP is looking for... Two hand touch eliminates guys who run over people, instead of out maneuvering them. Look at the list of guys in the poll and you can see the OP was looking for the most elusive guys.

 

[Rovers]

After watching AP yesterday, I am even more convinced he is the guy. His acceleration down the sidelines on that reception was nearly unbelievable. It took defenders another 5 yards to get to full speed. Peterson may not be the shiftiest of them, but his combination of speed, elusiveness and abilty to break tackles gets my vote.

 

[thehornet]

not sure why gore doesnt get even a mention here. Guy has 3 or 4 Touchdowns of 75+ this year. Dangerous if you ask me.

 

[switz]

not sure why gore doesnt get even a mention here. Guy has 3 or 4 Touchdowns of 75+ this year. Dangerous if you ask me.

You're missing the point of the OP.
isn't an elusive running back, nary a real move, just hard to tackle or bring down.I think the OP should have used a better term than "dangerous"... but IMO he's asking which player will juke someone else out of their cleats... not run them over.

 

[basher]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHNRoHqhR0Q

 

[CalBear]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHNRoHqhR0Q

Nice game, but there's not much in the open field there except Johnson outrunning people.

 

[switz]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHNRoHqhR0Q

Nice game, but there's not much in the open field there except Johnson outrunning people.

Same thing here

 

[basher]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHNRoHqhR0Q

Nice game, but there's not much in the open field there except Johnson outrunning people.

lol you have got to be kidding

 

[CalBear]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHNRoHqhR0Q

Nice game, but there's not much in the open field there except Johnson outrunning people.

lol you have got to be kidding

How are you defining "open-field running"? The Dante Hall clips are good examples of open-field running; the ball-carrier is in space, the defense is broken down, and the runner can isolate defenders and beat them with moves. The Chris Johnson clips have very little of that; the first TD, he eludes/breaks a tackle at the second level on a sweep, and then runs into the end zone. The second TD, he breaks a tackle just past the line of scrimmage, and then runs downfield with a blocker and one defender ahead of him. He makes some adjustments but it's not like they're impressive.That's not to say that Johnson doesn't make some great open-field moves, just that this particular clip doesn't show many of them.

 

[CalBear]

I don't think this guy is any part of the answer to this question, but this particular run is one of the best open-field runs I can think of.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BmrWTiGhrs

 

[switz]

I don't think this guy is any part of the answer to this question, but this particular run is one of the best open-field runs I can think of.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BmrWTiGhrs

Oh what could have been had he not had all those injuries. Seriously underrated by the FBG community. I still remember the Kevan Barlow chants on RSFF and Ol' Yeller LOL!

 

[Uncle Humuna]

not sure why gore doesnt get even a mention here. Guy has 3 or 4 Touchdowns of 75+ this year. Dangerous if you ask me.

You're missing the point of the OP.

Watch the replay of yesterday's INDY game.Gore's not just about speed and strength.

He made some great moves to gain extra yards on more than a few plays.

eta -> Watched the vid and what really stands out for sure is his ability to break tackles, but there are some awesome, awesome moves in some of those clips - juking dbs right out of their jocks.

eta2-> Really. Watch the vid again. He's not just running over people ala Brandon Jacobs. He's breaking tackles because they're arm tackles, and they're arm tackles because of his moves - 0:56, 1:06, 1:38, 2:25, 2:40, 3:00, 3:09/3:14, 3:31, 3:54/4:00, 4:17, 4:20/4:26, 4:57, 5:04, 5:13

 

[jeremyx13]

After watching Sunday's games, I would think MJD's votes will go up. Amazing runs of over 75 yards not only once but twice. He was juking this way and that way. Brandon Marshall should get some consideration since he has a knack for making people miss repeatedly while running in open field without much blocking. Think about it.

 

[jurb26]

After watching Sunday's games, I would think MJD's votes will go up. Amazing runs of over 75 yards not only once but twice. He was juking this way and that way. Brandon Marshall should get some consideration since he has a knack for making people miss repeatedly while running in open field without much blocking. Think about it.

MJD is a beast. Amazingly, I think they guy is still underrated as to how good he really is.

 

[wiersface]

This was a tough one. I really like Sproles, C. Johnson and F. Jones. I voted other for Felix.

Its gotta be C.J.4.24 baby hes got gettin away from the cops speed. Only the pure at heart can find the holy grail ooo flash

 

[Instinctive]

This was a tough one. I really like Sproles, C. Johnson and F. Jones. I voted other for Felix.

Its gotta be C.J.4.24 baby hes got gettin away from the cops speed. Only the pure at heart can find the holy grail ooo flash

Yep. And I'd put AD in 2nd...CJ4.24 will run around and away for sure, but Peterson will run through you and then still has speed to get away. Both extremely electrifying to watch.