One Helluva RB! (1 Viewer)

[kremenull]

Man, I was just watching NFL Network's re-airing of "NFL's BEST EVER RUNNERS"......Yeah, I've seen it a hundred times before probably, but I can never get enough of watching legendary ballcarriers tote the rock........Some of these guys are the yard-stick for measuring these new guys against.......and frankly, very few today come close to the all-time greats.

And one of the more forgotten greats, as in most people don't realize how great of a runner O.J. Simpson was, especially you "newbies".......Have your own stance on the double-homi all you want, but this is strictly ..........and without a doubt, The "Juice" was phenomenal........in needing 197 yds in the final game of 1973 to break 2,000 in a single-season (only 14 gm seasons back then, I might add), Simpson rumbled his way for 203 yds on a frozen field in frigid Buffalo.......and ended the season with six 200 yd rushing gms, inlcuding one on the road against the World Champion, and feared Steel Curtain Dee, Pittsburgh Steelers....Gotta love the history of the greatest sport in the world, the N-F-L....as Howard Cosell would say

D-Mac sure runs a lot like O.J........

 

[KoolKat]

In other news...the ocean is wet.

 

[Steady Mooobin]

In other news...the ocean is wet.

I know you've been dying to use this line, but you need to work on your timing. 0.8/10. He is hardly mentioned in the top 5 of NFL backs on this board.Most people under the age of 30 have no idea how great OJ was. He was size, speed, and power. Top 3 College back of all time. ( Campbell and Walker )

 

[Chase Stuart]

As incredible as O.J.'s 2000 yard season was, his 1975 season was the greatest fantasy season of all time, just eeking out LT's 2007.

I charted the progress here -- http://www.pro-football-reference.com/blog/?p=214 -- back when LT was on pace to beat him, but his late season "slump" cost him the title of "greatest fantasy season ever".

 

[jurb26]

In other news...the ocean is wet.

I know you've been dying to use this line, but you need to work on your timing. 0.8/10. He is hardly mentioned in the top 5 of NFL backs on this board.Most people under the age of 30 have no idea how great OJ was. He was size, speed, and power. Top 3 College back of all time. ( Campbell and Walker )

I'd say OJ is the RB who get the least respect when the topic of greatest RBs is brought up. Maybe his off-field issues has something to do with that. All I know is that it seems he is a pretty convenient guy to omit on a lot of lists.

 

[nightmare]

Eric Dickerson is another guy left out/under rated.

Seemed to make those runs look easy-fluid is the word I'd use to describe his runs.

 

[KoolKat]

In other news...the ocean is wet.

I know you've been dying to use this line, but you need to work on your timing. 0.8/10. He is hardly mentioned in the top 5 of NFL backs on this board.Most people under the age of 30 have no idea how great OJ was. He was size, speed, and power. Top 3 College back of all time. ( Campbell and Walker )

Although he may not get enough, I think OJ gets plenty of respect. The entire reason his trial was so big was because he was such a great player. The reason he is not talked about as one of the Top 5 Backs of all time is because he was not. OJ was great, don't get me wrong, but I would put Payton, Brown, Sanders, Faulk, Smith, and Sayers ahead of him off the top of my head. And as was stated earlier, it is easier to omit him from lists due to his fondness of murdering people. College may be a different story. I'd put him behind Bo Jackson, Archie Griffin, and Ricky Williams too.

 

[jurb26]

In other news...the ocean is wet.

I know you've been dying to use this line, but you need to work on your timing. 0.8/10. He is hardly mentioned in the top 5 of NFL backs on this board.Most people under the age of 30 have no idea how great OJ was. He was size, speed, and power. Top 3 College back of all time. ( Campbell and Walker )

Although he may not get enough, I think OJ gets plenty of respect. The entire reason his trial was so big was because he was such a great player. The reason he is not talked about as one of the Top 5 Backs of all time is because he was not. OJ was great, don't get me wrong, but I would put Payton, Brown, Sanders, Faulk, Smith, and Sayers ahead of him off the top of my head. And as was stated earlier, it is easier to omit him from lists due to his fondness of murdering people. College may be a different story. I'd put him behind Bo Jackson, Archie Griffin, and Ricky Williams too.

When you start talking college I think Sanders has to be in that debate as well. Even though he only started for 1 season, that season is widely known as the best single season of any player ever.

 

[kremenull]

In other news...the ocean is wet.

I know you've been dying to use this line, but you need to work on your timing. 0.8/10. He is hardly mentioned in the top 5 of NFL backs on this board.

Most people under the age of 30 have no idea how great OJ was. He was size, speed, and power. Top 3 College back of all time. ( Campbell and Walker )

Although he may not get enough, I think OJ gets plenty of respect. The entire reason his trial was so big was because he was such a great player. The reason he is not talked about as one of the Top 5 Backs of all time is because he was not. OJ was great, don't get me wrong, but I would put Payton, Brown, Sanders, Faulk, Smith, and Sayers ahead of him off the top of my head. And as was stated earlier, it is easier to omit him from lists due to his fondness of murdering people. College may be a different story. I'd put him behind Bo Jackson, Archie Griffin, and Ricky Williams too.

Faulk nor Emmitt could hold a candle next to OJ.....You must be biased, 'cause for pure running ability OJ is Top 3 without a doubt......Remember, many of his teams weren't that good and there were no other stars on the team to take the pressure (and bulls-eye) off of him.....something Faulk and Emmitt had the luxury of in spades......Not even close KK!!!!!

 

[Wadsworth]

OJ is interesting because he had 2 amazing seasons, another pretty good season and the rest of his career wasn't overly impressive. His career stats are basically the same as Fred Taylor's, but of course Fred isn't seen as an all time great. Different eras and the those 2 amazing season can account for the difference in perception and rightly so.

As far being somewhat forgotten, I would agree and add Eric Dickerson and Earl Campbell that list.

 

[Chase Stuart]

OJ is interesting because he had 2 amazing seasons, another pretty good season and the rest of his career wasn't overly impressive. His career stats are basically the same as Fred Taylor's, but of course Fred isn't seen as an all time great. Different eras and the those 2 amazing season can account for the difference in perception and rightly so. As far being somewhat forgotten, I would agree and add Eric Dickerson and Earl Campbell that list.

Leading the league in rushing in 1972 wasn't overly impressive?

 

[jurb26]

OJ is interesting because he had 2 amazing seasons, another pretty good season and the rest of his career wasn't overly impressive. His career stats are basically the same as Fred Taylor's, but of course Fred isn't seen as an all time great. Different eras and the those 2 amazing season can account for the difference in perception and rightly so. As far being somewhat forgotten, I would agree and add Eric Dickerson and Earl Campbell that list.

Sure, they have similar career stats, but OJ played in 14 game seasons and separated himself from the crowd of his era far more. The easiest way to put these 2 in perspective is thisro Bowls: Taylor 1, OJ 6All Pros: Taylor 0, OJ 5The separation between OJ and Taylor is rather large IMO.

 

[Andy Herron]

Man, I was just watching NFL Network's re-airing of "NFL's BEST EVER RUNNERS"......Yeah, I've seen it a hundred times before probably, but I can never get enough of watching legendary ballcarriers tote the rock........Some of these guys are the yard-stick for measuring these new guys against.......and frankly, very few today come close to the all-time greats.And one of the more forgotten greats, as in most people don't realize how great of a runner O.J. Simpson was, especially you "newbies".......Have your own stance on the double-homi all you want, but this is strictly ..........and without a doubt, The "Juice" was phenomenal........in needing 197 yds in the final game of 1973 to break 2,000 in a single-season (only 14 gm seasons back then, I might add), Simpson rumbled his way for 203 yds on a frozen field in frigid Buffalo.......and ended the season with six 200 yd rushing gms, inlcuding one on the road against the World Champion, and feared Steel Curtain Dee, Pittsburgh Steelers....Gotta love the history of the greatest sport in the world, the N-F-L....as Howard Cosell would say D-Mac sure runs a lot like O.J........

I hear ya, on all counts. I actually watched that game when he broke the record. It was nationally televised, obviously, with anticipating him breaking the 2000 yard barrier. He was something else, indeed.And if you want to compare his running style, go back and watch Robert Smith(OSU/Vikings). The resemblence is uncanny!

 

[The Man with the Plan]

Brown

Payton

Dickerson

Sanders

Tomlinson

Smith

Faulk

Campbell

Simpson

 

[KoolKat]

In other news...the ocean is wet.

I know you've been dying to use this line, but you need to work on your timing. 0.8/10. He is hardly mentioned in the top 5 of NFL backs on this board.

Most people under the age of 30 have no idea how great OJ was. He was size, speed, and power. Top 3 College back of all time. ( Campbell and Walker )

Although he may not get enough, I think OJ gets plenty of respect. The entire reason his trial was so big was because he was such a great player. The reason he is not talked about as one of the Top 5 Backs of all time is because he was not. OJ was great, don't get me wrong, but I would put Payton, Brown, Sanders, Faulk, Smith, and Sayers ahead of him off the top of my head. And as was stated earlier, it is easier to omit him from lists due to his fondness of murdering people. College may be a different story. I'd put him behind Bo Jackson, Archie Griffin, and Ricky Williams too.

Faulk nor Emmitt could hold a candle next to OJ.....You must be biased, 'cause for pure running ability OJ is Top 3 without a doubt......Remember, many of his teams weren't that good and there were no other stars on the team to take the pressure (and bulls-eye) off of him.....something Faulk and Emmitt had the luxury of in spades......Not even close KK!!!!!

This is a truism for which you have no proof. What you should have written is that OJ is a Top 3 as far as pure running in your opinion. You cannot say a subjective opinion like it is an accepted fact. Most people will have a different opinion on who are Top 3 anyhting so saying someone is Top 3 "without a doubt" is a wrothless statement.Secondly, Marshall Faulk was a beast on the Colts, where he too had little support. Marshall Faulk revolutionized the RB position. Also, Emmitt Smith is the most productive RB of all time. The Cowboys were only at their peak for 5 years max. Assuming Emmitt should have gotten at least 1500 yards each of those seasons, that only adds up to 7500 yards. Emmitt had over 18000. You cannot account for the other 10000 yards Emmitt produced. You cannot sell someone short just because they were on good teams.

 

[DoubleG]

BrownPaytonDickersonSandersTomlinson SmithFaulkCampbellSimpson

Put Dickserson down with the Faulk and bump Simpson up to the middle group (at the top of it) then your list is solid. Dickerson wasn't even one of the top RBs of his time + he put the ball on the ground too often. Sanders and OJ could be right there at the top of the 2nd "tier". I actually think Emmitt get's too much credit when his offensive line was a large reason for much of his yardage. Payton and Sanders racked up yards on terrible teams with few other options - teams KNEW Payton/Sanders were going to be given the ball. Heck, the joke about the Bears in the late 70's was their offensive game plan - "Payton, Payton, Payton, Punt". I'd even consider putting Payton ahead of Brown, simply because Payton was one of the most complete RBs ever. He could run, block, catch, juke, run through guys, stiff arm, even throw the ball - and was willing to do all of it.

 

[Koya]

Eric Dickerson is another guy left out/under rated. Seemed to make those runs look easy-fluid is the word I'd use to describe his runs.

Dickerson is the most underated back imo. As a runner, only Jim Brown because of his size, power and speed compared to his peers is in a tier above.RB is easily my favorite position and the one I am most "versed" in as I have always followed RBs, historically as Sunday to Sunday. Dickerson is just overlooked and as noted, the guy made it look easy. It isn't. He's the most graceful runner I've ever seen.That said, OJ IS overlooked. Unreal combo of speed and power. He WAS what Herschel Walker was hyped to be.

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

I think most view Dickerson and OJ as what they are top 10 running backs

 

[alg]

BrownPaytonDickersonSandersTomlinson SmithFaulkCampbellSimpson

BrownSimpsonPaytonDickersonSayersCampbellSandersTomlinson FaulkSmithToo many young guys with FFB in mind. Sanders and Smith couldn't carry OJ's jock. OJs Bills' were terrible and still he was a legend that dwarfed Payton until the end of his career.

 

[KoolKat]

Anyone saying that OJ had no help apparently did not watch him play. Although the entire team was not great(they did make the playoffs in 74), he did benefit from one of the best O-Lines in football history. They even had a nickname, "The Electric Company." You know, because they created electricity for the Juice. Funny how you "old timers" cannot seem to remember that. I watched OJ play, and in my opinion he is no more than a Top 10 back. Which is saying a lot considering how many RBs have come and gone.

 

[bcr8f]

OJ was an amazing athlete playing for a bad team most of his career. At the end they got better.

So were Jim Brown, Eric Dickerson, Payton and others that didn't commit gruesome crimes.

 

[delusional]

Bo Jackson.

 

[kethnaab]

Dickerson wasn't even one of the top RBs of his time

really? That's very interesting that you would say that consideringHe still holds the rookie record for yards rushing in a season and he still holds the single-season record for yards rushing in a seasonHow many RBs in NFL history have broken 1800 yards rushing 3x like Dickerson? Only 1. Barry SandersHow many RBs in NFL history have broken 2000 YFS 4x like Dickerson? Only 1. Marshall FaulkHow many RBs in NFL history had 1200+ yards rushing in each of their first 7 years, like Dickerson? Anyone? Not Jim Brown. Not Barry Sanders. Not Walter Payton nor Emmitt Smith. As for the "top RBs of his time", let's compare who Dickerson beat out to win his rushing titles1) Rookie season - William Andrews was 250 yards behind, Curt Warner was 350 yards behind, Sweetness, Riggins, Dorsett and Campbell were all 400-500 yards behind him2) 2nd season - Sweetness was 425 yards behind, Wilder was 550 yards behind, Rigs was 625 yards behind. No one else was within 750 yards of Dickerson3) 3rd season - injuries slowed him this season, but he was still 5th in rushing YPG and finished #8 in rushing that season.4) 4th season - oh look, Dickerson is back on top. No one was within 300 yards of him. He had > double the rushing yards as compared to the #9 ranked RB. Sweetness was about 500 yards behind him.5) 5th season - was over 20 YPG ahead of his nearest competitor, one of 2 players to break 1000 yards that season. Curt Warner was 300 yards behind him, and he trailed Charles White that season by < 100 yards despite missing 3 games due to injury. In 12 games in 87, Dickerson had more yards rushing than Indy's top 3 RBs had the entire season previous, so it wasn't like he got traded to a powerhouse.6) 6th season - once again, it seems that Dickerson led the NFL in rushing. He was almost 105 yards ahead of Hershel Walker, was over 150 yards ahead of Roger Craig, and was over 400 yards ahead of #4so, he led the NFL in rushing 4 times in his first 6 seasons and was 2nd a 5th season that was shortened by injury. Barry had 4 rushing titles to his name. Same with Emmitt Smith, and OJ. Walter Payton only led the NFL once in his entire career. Only Jim Brown had more.So, although you may not "like" Eric Dickerson, to say that "Dickerson wasn't even one of the top RBs of his time" is simply not backed by reality. In fact, quite the opposite is true.

 

[Wadsworth]

OJ is interesting because he had 2 amazing seasons, another pretty good season and the rest of his career wasn't overly impressive. His career stats are basically the same as Fred Taylor's, but of course Fred isn't seen as an all time great. Different eras and the those 2 amazing season can account for the difference in perception and rightly so. As far being somewhat forgotten, I would agree and add Eric Dickerson and Earl Campbell that list.

Leading the league in rushing in 1972 wasn't overly impressive?

Sure, '72 was a good year for the Juice, but nothing that sparked HoF talk. OJ led the league with 1251 rushing yards, but 10 RBs went over 1,000 yards that season. Just to pick one guy, in 1972 Larry Brown had 35 fewer rushing yards, but well over twice as many receiving yards and twice as many TDs. And Brown played in 12 games to OJ Simpson's 14. Larry Brown is actually a decent comparison because both he and OJ entered the league in 1969. After 4 seasons Brown was clearly the more productive RB. It wasn't until 1973 that OJ really stood out in terms of production(he was always an exciting runner). So no, leading the league in rushing in 1972 was not overly impressive.

 

[Koya]

BTW, anyone who doesnt think Dickerson is not one of the all time best RBs has rendered their opinion moot on this subject in my eyes.

That's a simply unjustifiable position. I mean, even if you never actually SAW the guy play (and if you saw him play, back in the ram days, and think he's not an all time great, then I contend you don't understand football, and that is no hyperbole), just check out the statistics. And they dont even show how good he was.

 

[massraider]

BTW, anyone who doesnt think Dickerson is not one of the all time best RBs has rendered their opinion moot on this subject in my eyes.That's a simply unjustifiable position. I mean, even if you never actually SAW the guy play (and if you saw him play, back in the ram days, and think he's not an all time great, then I contend you don't understand football, and that is no hyperbole), just check out the statistics. And they dont even show how good he was.

Exactly. Dickerson was Adrian Peterson circa 1983.

 

[On The Rocks]

OJ is the reason I became a fan of the NFL. I don't think you can compare hime with Brown or Payton because they were all different....great in their own way...but anyone that puts OJ lower than a top 5 in any "Greatest RB" list either never saw him play or just has a bad memory. I personally would put him in a tie for second with Walter and just behind Jim Brown, but after that, there isn't anyone else I would put above him.

 

[Wadsworth]

BTW, anyone who doesnt think Dickerson is not one of the all time best RBs has rendered their opinion moot on this subject in my eyes.That's a simply unjustifiable position. I mean, even if you never actually SAW the guy play (and if you saw him play, back in the ram days, and think he's not an all time great, then I contend you don't understand football, and that is no hyperbole), just check out the statistics. And they dont even show how good he was.

I agree. The guy had 7,000 rushing yards and 55 rushing TDs in his first 4 seasons. In his first 7 seasons he averaged easily over 100 yards a game. Eric was a hyper-productive runner and too often dismissed when the all-time greats conversation starts up.

 

[Steady Mooobin]

Another guy is is VERY underrated imho is Marcus Allen. He wasted a lot of years in Oakland/LA. And I'm not even talking about his goal line hogging days in KC. He could have had an even more impressive HoF career had he not had the ire of Al Davis.

 

[Thorpe]

Although he may not get enough, I think OJ gets plenty of respect. The entire reason his trial was so big was because he was such a great player. ...

This isn't true. OJ had a ton of charisma, and was (one of) the first black athletes to be used in commercials (Hertz) to sell stuff to white people. He also was one of the first black athletes (along with Jim Brown) to appear in movies. I think in his prime, he was the face of the league, a lot like Peyton Manning is now. Also, even if he was a nobody, the gruesome nature of the crime, the slow-moving car chase, the "Dream Team" of lawyers, and the location of the crime in the rich part of town would have been enough to garner plenty of pub.

 

[Getinthemix]

The problem with putting Dickerson in the top 5 was his propensity to fumble. He had 78 career fumbles in 146 games or a fumble more than every other game (.53 fumbles per game). To compare, Emmit had 61 fumbles in 226 games (.27 fumbles per game).

Other notables for fumbles:

Payton 86/190 .45 FPG

Brown 57/118 .48 FPG

Tomlinson 24/111 .22 FPG

Sanders 41/153 .27 FPG

Sayers 34/68 .50 FPG

Campbell 43/115 .37 FPG

Emmitt 61/226 .27 FPG

Dickerson 78/146 .53 FPG

That is a lot of fumbles and it also needs to be factored in when talking about "the greatest". It would be like ignoring INT's wen talking about QB's.

 

[KoolKat]

Although he may not get enough, I think OJ gets plenty of respect. The entire reason his trial was so big was because he was such a great player. ...

This isn't true. OJ had a ton of charisma, and was (one of) the first black athletes to be used in commercials (Hertz) to sell stuff to white people. He also was one of the first black athletes (along with Jim Brown) to appear in movies. I think in his prime, he was the face of the league, a lot like Peyton Manning is now. Also, even if he was a nobody, the gruesome nature of the crime, the slow-moving car chase, the "Dream Team" of lawyers, and the location of the crime in the rich part of town would have been enough to garner plenty of pub.

While it is true that OJ was charismatic, all of that charisma would have been worth nothing if he had not been such a great player. My close friend Isaiah is one of the most charismatic black people I know, and he is not going to get to be in movies or commercials, because he was not a great football player. OJ got those commercials and movies first because he was a great ball player and second b/c he had so much charisma. Not the other way around. All of his fame was first dependent on his success as a player.

 

[KoolKat]

OJ is interesting because he had 2 amazing seasons, another pretty good season and the rest of his career wasn't overly impressive. His career stats are basically the same as Fred Taylor's, but of course Fred isn't seen as an all time great. Different eras and the those 2 amazing season can account for the difference in perception and rightly so.

As far being somewhat forgotten, I would agree and add Eric Dickerson and Earl Campbell that list.

Leading the league in rushing in 1972 wasn't overly impressive?

Sure, '72 was a good year for the Juice, but nothing that sparked HoF talk. OJ led the league with 1251 rushing yards, but 10 RBs went over 1,000 yards that season. Just to pick one guy, in 1972 Larry Brown had 35 fewer rushing yards, but well over twice as many receiving yards and twice as many TDs. And Brown played in 12 games to OJ Simpson's 14. Larry Brown is actually a decent comparison because both he and OJ entered the league in 1969. After 4 seasons Brown was clearly the more productive RB. It wasn't until 1973 that OJ really stood out in terms of production(he was always an exciting runner). So no, leading the league in rushing in 1972 was not overly impressive.

What a coincidence, 1973 was the same year they added HoF guard Joe DeLamielleure.OJ was a great player, but it is not like he did it all by himself. He had a very good O-Line. It is similar to ADP today. Although the majority of the Vikings are not good, their O-Line is one of the best in the league. This was also the case with Double Homi.

 

[Thorpe]

Although he may not get enough, I think OJ gets plenty of respect. The entire reason his trial was so big was because he was such a great player. ...

This isn't true. OJ had a ton of charisma, and was (one of) the first black athletes to be used in commercials (Hertz) to sell stuff to white people. He also was one of the first black athletes (along with Jim Brown) to appear in movies. I think in his prime, he was the face of the league, a lot like Peyton Manning is now. Also, even if he was a nobody, the gruesome nature of the crime, the slow-moving car chase, the "Dream Team" of lawyers, and the location of the crime in the rich part of town would have been enough to garner plenty of pub.

While it is true that OJ was charismatic, all of that charisma would have been worth nothing if he had not been such a great player. My close friend Isaiah is one of the most charismatic black people I know, and he is not going to get to be in movies or commercials, because he was not a great football player. OJ got those commercials and movies first because he was a great ball player and second b/c he had so much charisma. Not the other way around. All of his fame was first dependent on his success as a player.

I still disagree. There were plenty of great football players before OJ that did not have the wide appeal that he had. So to say the "entire reason his trial was so big as because he was such a great player" is wrong. If Earl Campbell or Eric Dickerson or Walter Payton had committed those murders, the trial would not have been as big, even though those three are comparable as football players to OJ.

 

[KoolKat]

Although he may not get enough, I think OJ gets plenty of respect. The entire reason his trial was so big was because he was such a great player. ...

This isn't true. OJ had a ton of charisma, and was (one of) the first black athletes to be used in commercials (Hertz) to sell stuff to white people. He also was one of the first black athletes (along with Jim Brown) to appear in movies. I think in his prime, he was the face of the league, a lot like Peyton Manning is now. Also, even if he was a nobody, the gruesome nature of the crime, the slow-moving car chase, the "Dream Team" of lawyers, and the location of the crime in the rich part of town would have been enough to garner plenty of pub.

While it is true that OJ was charismatic, all of that charisma would have been worth nothing if he had not been such a great player. My close friend Isaiah is one of the most charismatic black people I know, and he is not going to get to be in movies or commercials, because he was not a great football player. OJ got those commercials and movies first because he was a great ball player and second b/c he had so much charisma. Not the other way around. All of his fame was first dependent on his success as a player.

I still disagree. There were plenty of great football players before OJ that did not have the wide appeal that he had. So to say the "entire reason his trial was so big as because he was such a great player" is wrong. If Earl Campbell or Eric Dickerson or Walter Payton had committed those murders, the trial would not have been as big, even though those three are comparable as football players to OJ.

You're missing my point. OJ's trial WAS bigger because of his commercial appeal, but he would have never got that famous had he not been a great football player in the first place. Therefore, all of his fame (and therefore the "size" of his trial) was first dependant on how great a football player he was.Also, part of the "size" of his trial was due to the bizarreness of the case itself. The White Bronco chase, the high-powered lawyers, and the media coverage, all of which were rootly dependant on OJ's career as a football player. I say the chase is rootly caused by his football career, because the only reason a PIT maneuver was not made was b/c OJ was so famous. He would have not been able to afford the lawyers had his football career and resulting media career been so lucrative. The media would not have cared if he was not famous, which I have already shown is rootly dependant on his greatness as a football player. Thus, although the OJ trial was "big" b/c of a variety of reasons, all those reasons are moot if he is not a great football player in the first place.

 

[Routilla]

In other news...the ocean is wet.

I know you've been dying to use this line, but you need to work on your timing. 0.8/10. He is hardly mentioned in the top 5 of NFL backs on this board.

Most people under the age of 30 have no idea how great OJ was. He was size, speed, and power. Top 3 College back of all time. ( Campbell and Walker )

Although he may not get enough, I think OJ gets plenty of respect. The entire reason his trial was so big was because he was such a great player. The reason he is not talked about as one of the Top 5 Backs of all time is because he was not. OJ was great, don't get me wrong, but I would put Payton, Brown, Sanders, Faulk, Smith, and Sayers ahead of him off the top of my head. And as was stated earlier, it is easier to omit him from lists due to his fondness of murdering people. College may be a different story. I'd put him behind Bo Jackson, Archie Griffin, and Ricky Williams too.

Faulk nor Emmitt could hold a candle next to OJ.....You must be biased, 'cause for pure running ability OJ is Top 3 without a doubt......Remember, many of his teams weren't that good and there were no other stars on the team to take the pressure (and bulls-eye) off of him.....something Faulk and Emmitt had the luxury of in spades......Not even close KK!!!!!

This is a truism for which you have no proof. What you should have written is that OJ is a Top 3 as far as pure running in your opinion. You cannot say a subjective opinion like it is an accepted fact. Most people will have a different opinion on who are Top 3 anyhting so saying someone is Top 3 "without a doubt" is a wrothless statement.Secondly, Marshall Faulk was a beast on the Colts, where he too had little support. Marshall Faulk revolutionized the RB position. Also, Emmitt Smith is the most productive RB of all time. The Cowboys were only at their peak for 5 years max. Assuming Emmitt should have gotten at least 1500 yards each of those seasons, that only adds up to 7500 yards. Emmitt had over 18000. You cannot account for the other 10000 yards Emmitt produced. You cannot sell someone short just because they were on good teams.

Nicely done.

 

[DoubleG]

The problem with putting Dickerson in the top 5 was his propensity to fumble. He had 78 career fumbles in 146 games or a fumble more than every other game (.53 fumbles per game). To compare, Emmit had 61 fumbles in 226 games (.27 fumbles per game).Other notables for fumblesayton 86/190 .45 FPGBrown 57/118 .48 FPGTomlinson 24/111 .22 FPGSanders 41/153 .27 FPGSayers 34/68 .50 FPGCampbell 43/115 .37 FPGEmmitt 61/226 .27 FPGDickerson 78/146 .53 FPGThat is a lot of fumbles and it also needs to be factored in when talking about "the greatest". It would be like ignoring INT's wen talking about QB's.

Dickerson was a very good to great back, but it's hard to say he was top 3 or even top 5 when Payton and Sanders, who played during the same era were better.

 

[heidbrink]

I am old enough to remember watching the Juice run. His dominance at the position seems often forgotten (or overshadowed by his MURDER TRIAL!!!).

Everybody in the stadium knew they were going to run but, nevertheless, the opposing defense just could not stop him. Media hoopla aside, he was one phenomenal football player and a thrill to watch.

 

[Raider Nation]

Man, I was just watching NFL Network's re-airing of "NFL's BEST EVER RUNNERS"......Yeah, I've seen it a hundred times before probably, but I can never get enough of watching legendary ballcarriers tote the rock........

O.J. had one run on those highlight films which is mind-blowing. If you haven't seen it, my description won't do much for you. It was against the Dolphins. He broke a run down the right sideline, and when the defenders had the angle on him, he stopped on a dime and cut back sharply two or three times until he galloped into the end zone, breaking a few ankles in the process. Absolutely amazing.That's the way I'll always remember his playing career.

I'll try to forget this portion of his career.

 

[kremenull]

In other news...the ocean is wet.

I know you've been dying to use this line, but you need to work on your timing. 0.8/10. He is hardly mentioned in the top 5 of NFL backs on this board.

Most people under the age of 30 have no idea how great OJ was. He was size, speed, and power. Top 3 College back of all time. ( Campbell and Walker )

Although he may not get enough, I think OJ gets plenty of respect. The entire reason his trial was so big was because he was such a great player. The reason he is not talked about as one of the Top 5 Backs of all time is because he was not. OJ was great, don't get me wrong, but I would put Payton, Brown, Sanders, Faulk, Smith, and Sayers ahead of him off the top of my head. And as was stated earlier, it is easier to omit him from lists due to his fondness of murdering people. College may be a different story. I'd put him behind Bo Jackson, Archie Griffin, and Ricky Williams too.

Faulk nor Emmitt could hold a candle next to OJ.....You must be biased, 'cause for pure running ability OJ is Top 3 without a doubt......Remember, many of his teams weren't that good and there were no other stars on the team to take the pressure (and bulls-eye) off of him.....something Faulk and Emmitt had the luxury of in spades......Not even close KK!!!!!

This is a truism for which you have no proof. What you should have written is that OJ is a Top 3 as far as pure running in your opinion. You cannot say a subjective opinion like it is an accepted fact. Most people will have a different opinion on who are Top 3 anyhting so saying someone is Top 3 "without a doubt" is a wrothless statement.Secondly, Marshall Faulk was a beast on the Colts, where he too had little support. Marshall Faulk revolutionized the RB position. Also, Emmitt Smith is the most productive RB of all time. The Cowboys were only at their peak for 5 years max. Assuming Emmitt should have gotten at least 1500 yards each of those seasons, that only adds up to 7500 yards. Emmitt had over 18000. You cannot account for the other 10000 yards Emmitt produced. You cannot sell someone short just because they were on good teams.

Well, there's two things here......1) great NFL RB, and 2) great runner who is also a great NFL RB......and the argument that most pundits make when discussing the greatest runners of all-time, they, as I do here, mean pure runners who are also great in the NFL......otherwise, Gale Sayers would not make anyone's list if you went strictly on production. Emmitt Smith would fall into category 1) above as an all-time great RB, no doubt, but IMO, he isn't in the Top 10 or 12 of the greatest pure runners. And that's not to diminish anything that he accomplished, hats off to him for his great work ethic and longevity....but my goodness, running behind that o-line with that trio (triplets) sure made his job much easier.....If you put better pure runners, like Barry Sanders, OJ, Dickerson, and several others, in a similar situation as Emmitt and they would have outdid about everything he ever did.....I believe that without a doubt......It's analogous to the situation in Minny, where Chester was very nice in '06, had a very productive year.....but you bring in a superior runner in '07 and with the same situation, he absolutely explodes on the scene and quite possibly would have threatened 2k had it not been for the injury and time-share.......I'm not saying that Emmitt is a Chester Taylor, Emmitt is much better, but then, Barry, OJ, Dickerson, and I'll throw out another all-time pure runner, Bo Jackson, were far superior runners than Emmitt, IMO....

Sure, it's all subjective, but running is something that either you can see or you can't......The key to me is to distinguish between whether it is the situation.......or is it the player......

 

[kethnaab]

Dickerson fumbled 4/100'ths of a game more often than Jim Brown. Let's not dismiss the guy who still holds several records simply because he put the ball on the ground a fraction more often

Might want to check it and compare it to carries as well as it is a far more accurate statistic

Eric Dickerson - 78 fumbles, 3277 touches, 1 fumble per 42 touches

Jim Brown - 57 fumbles, 2621 touches, 1 fumble per 45 touches

So Brown would go 3 more touches before fumbling. Doesn't sound too damning to me considering you are comparing Dickerson to who many consider to be the greatest RB of all time.

As for comparing him to Walter Payton and Barry Sanders who played at the same time, that is somewhat misleading. Barry's first NFL season was Eric Dickerson's last where he played any period of time (1311 yards). After piling up 4 seasons > 370 carries (Something no other RB in NFL history has done...nor even come close to doing), he was simply too beat upon to be worthwhile in an Indy offense that was led otherwise by Jack Trudeau and Bill Brooks.

Sweetness and Dickerson played simultaneously from 1983 through 1987. Dickerson led Payton in rushing yards 4 of those 5 seasons and outscored Payton 63 to 46. Note that they were not "down" years for Payton, as 3 of Payton's 5 greatest seasons were during that span.

Also might want to consider that Dickerson averaged > 100 YPG rushing in 5 of his first 6 seasons. No one in NFL history other than Jim Brown has as many seasons > 100 YPG rushing. Not Barry, not Emmit, not Sweetness.

Not saying he's the best ever, but give him his due. He was beyond dominant during the early-mid 80s. If you think he wasn't, then you simply weren't paying attention.

Of interest...during Dickerson's rookie season, he scored 20 TDs. The rest of the team scored 23 combined. In fact, he had more TDs than any 5 other players combined, and he also had more YFS than any 5 other Rams combined.

 

[Chase Stuart]

After piling up 4 seasons > 370 carries (Something no other RB in NFL history has done...nor even come close to doing)

Curtis Martin and Emmitt both had 4 seasons of >364 carries.

 

[carlos1984]

In other news...the ocean is wet.

I know you've been dying to use this line, but you need to work on your timing. 0.8/10. He is hardly mentioned in the top 5 of NFL backs on this board.

Most people under the age of 30 have no idea how great OJ was. He was size, speed, and power. Top 3 College back of all time. ( Campbell and Walker )

Although he may not get enough, I think OJ gets plenty of respect. The entire reason his trial was so big was because he was such a great player. The reason he is not talked about as one of the Top 5 Backs of all time is because he was not. OJ was great, don't get me wrong, but I would put Payton, Brown, Sanders, Faulk, Smith, and Sayers ahead of him off the top of my head. And as was stated earlier, it is easier to omit him from lists due to his fondness of murdering people. College may be a different story. I'd put him behind Bo Jackson, Archie Griffin, and Ricky Williams too.

Faulk nor Emmitt could hold a candle next to OJ.....You must be biased, 'cause for pure running ability OJ is Top 3 without a doubt......Remember, many of his teams weren't that good and there were no other stars on the team to take the pressure (and bulls-eye) off of him.....something Faulk and Emmitt had the luxury of in spades......Not even close KK!!!!!

This is a truism for which you have no proof. What you should have written is that OJ is a Top 3 as far as pure running in your opinion. You cannot say a subjective opinion like it is an accepted fact. Most people will have a different opinion on who are Top 3 anyhting so saying someone is Top 3 "without a doubt" is a wrothless statement.Secondly, Marshall Faulk was a beast on the Colts, where he too had little support. Marshall Faulk revolutionized the RB position. Also, Emmitt Smith is the most productive RB of all time. The Cowboys were only at their peak for 5 years max. Assuming Emmitt should have gotten at least 1500 yards each of those seasons, that only adds up to 7500 yards. Emmitt had over 18000. You cannot account for the other 10000 yards Emmitt produced. You cannot sell someone short just because they were on good teams.

 

[hotboyz]

I agree Oj is toatally overlooked, but you guys want to bring up offensive lines Eric Dickerson ( who is 1 of my all time favs) had one of the greatest olines of all times. Go look at his hightlights the holes he ran through as a Ram were as big as a truck

 

[Tanner9919]

Man, I was just watching NFL Network's re-airing of "NFL's BEST EVER RUNNERS"......Yeah, I've seen it a hundred times before probably, but I can never get enough of watching legendary ballcarriers tote the rock........Some of these guys are the yard-stick for measuring these new guys against.......and frankly, very few today come close to the all-time greats.And one of the more forgotten greats, as in most people don't realize how great of a runner O.J. Simpson was, especially you "newbies".......Have your own stance on the double-homi all you want, but this is strictly ..........and without a doubt, The "Juice" was phenomenal........in needing 197 yds in the final game of 1973 to break 2,000 in a single-season (only 14 gm seasons back then, I might add), Simpson rumbled his way for 203 yds on a frozen field in frigid Buffalo.......and ended the season with six 200 yd rushing gms, inlcuding one on the road against the World Champion, and feared Steel Curtain Dee, Pittsburgh Steelers....Gotta love the history of the greatest sport in the world, the N-F-L....as Howard Cosell would say D-Mac sure runs a lot like O.J........

another obvious attempt to motivate Tatum Bell..

 

[KoolKat]

I agree Oj is toatally overlooked, but you guys want to bring up offensive lines Eric Dickerson ( who is 1 of my all time favs) had one of the greatest olines of all times. Go look at his hightlights the holes he ran through as a Ram were as big as a truck

The only person who can use the "lack of a line" argument is Barry Sanders in my opinion.

 

[Koya]

The problem with putting Dickerson in the top 5 was his propensity to fumble. He had 78 career fumbles in 146 games or a fumble more than every other game (.53 fumbles per game). To compare, Emmit had 61 fumbles in 226 games (.27 fumbles per game).Other notables for fumblesayton 86/190 .45 FPGBrown 57/118 .48 FPGTomlinson 24/111 .22 FPGSanders 41/153 .27 FPGSayers 34/68 .50 FPGCampbell 43/115 .37 FPGEmmitt 61/226 .27 FPGDickerson 78/146 .53 FPGThat is a lot of fumbles and it also needs to be factored in when talking about "the greatest". It would be like ignoring INT's wen talking about QB's.

Dickerson was a very good to great back, but it's hard to say he was top 3 or even top 5 when Payton and Sanders, who played during the same era were better.

If you wish to argue Dickerson over either Sanders or Payton, you could certainly do so. Personally, I find Payton the best back out of those three, but both Dickerson and Sanders were better runners (meaning, Payton was far more of a complete package in terms of blocking, receiving, etc).

 

[fun-b]

I'm a cut-throat balla like O.J. Simpson.

Anybody?

 

[alg]

Anyone saying that OJ had no help apparently did not watch him play. Although the entire team was not great(they did make the playoffs in 74), he did benefit from one of the best O-Lines in football history. They even had a nickname, "The Electric Company." You know, because they created electricity for the Juice. Funny how you "old timers" cannot seem to remember that. I watched OJ play, and in my opinion he is no more than a Top 10 back. Which is saying a lot considering how many RBs have come and gone.

You are correct - one of OJ's greatest contributions to the game was his insistance on giving credit to his OL. He helped put the big guys on the map for the casual fan.But you error in thinking that this was all there was to it. His 2000 yard season (in 14 games) was done with Joe Fergusen at QB.........IN HIS ROOKIE YEAR!!!! I do not think even LT2 and Sanders compared to him and his unique size/spead/power combination. People put Payton and Smith at the top. Not even close IMHO. Especially Smith. And compared to OJ Sanders was a scat back like Murcury Morris.Someone may be temped to think he was a finesse guy, but he took some serious pounding in the manner of the 'old timers'. Time and crime have diminished his standing in the RB 'greatest' lists, but for those who watched him no one compared.

 

[Delusions Of Adequacy]

Brown

Payton

Dickerson

Sanders

Tomlinson

Smith

Faulk

Campbell

Simpson

Put Dickserson down with the Faulk and bump Simpson up to the middle group (at the top of it) then your list is solid. Dickerson wasn't even one of the top RBs of his time + he put the ball on the ground too often. Sanders and OJ could be right there at the top of the 2nd "tier". I actually think Emmitt get's too much credit when his offensive line was a large reason for much of his yardage. Payton and Sanders racked up yards on terrible teams with few other options - teams KNEW Payton/Sanders were going to be given the ball. Heck, the joke about the Bears in the late 70's was their offensive game plan - "Payton, Payton, Payton, Punt". I'd even consider putting Payton ahead of Brown, simply because Payton was one of the most complete RBs ever. He could run, block, catch, juke, run through guys, stiff arm, even throw the ball - and was willing to do all of it.

This is a complete falsehood