Sunday, August 31, 2008
The RB Odometer: High Career Carry Red Flags
The biggest milestone that we seem to have set for running backs is for when they turn 30 years old. It’s not even a good milestone either, despite what the majority of the population will tell you. Our brains have been wired to signal alarm sounds in our minds and produce tunnel vision whenever a three-decades-old RB is even mentioned.
It’s always struck me as odd. There HAD to be a better way to accomplish the same goal, with the goal being a common point in time when it is a good idea to expect a RB’s decline. I’ve seen plenty of 27, 28, and 29 year old backs regress and never again return to form. Why is 30 years old so much different?
Because I wanted to do it correctly, and because the potential result may actually be useful, I thought for a while on how I could do this. Should I select a random middle grouping of RB’s? Filter out most of them with a minimum requirement? At first, I didn’t even consider using the Top 10 in career carries since I thought it would be a travesty to put such an upper-echelon of talent in with any lesser human beings. Then I realized that they were indeed, still human – and that meant that their bodies were just as susceptible to damage as the others were. So until we find out John Riggins was made of metal, which is a definite possibility, I’ve included them.
To give a brief, step-by-step account of how this went down, I started off with a massively gigantic list of the Top 200 RB’s for total career carries. A few seconds later, I realized how stupid it would be if I included most of them in the sample, so I whittled it down a bit. I was eventually left with a list of nearly 100 and a minimum entry requirement of 1,200 carries.
I then took out all active players, those who were smart enough to retire before their rushing average dipped into horrific territory, (See: Barry Sanders, Corey Dillon, Tiki Barber) and anyone who played the majority of their career before 1978 (schedule jump year). I then added everything together for the remaining list but got a rushing amount average that seemed a tad skewed. How would I ever solve such a road block of a problem?
The answer was simple: With a little help from our friend, the tier system.
Not the tier system as we usually know it, since I only broke the total group into two tiers, but still. The top group consisted of RB’s who had at least 1,800 carries. The bottom group were those who had at least 1,200 to 1,799 carries.
Next, I went through player by player and marked the year in which they had their final solid season. I didn’t have any specific mathematical criteria, just looking through their career stats and picking the year which would turn out to be the year BEFORE their decline began.
Next, I calculated the amount of carries the given players had at that point. If you haven’t noticed by now, this whole system would be applied to RB’s BEFORE the season starts. It’s a yearly way of tagging red flags. You could do it mid-season, but by then it wouldn’t be of much use.
Now before I give the estimates and incur the wrath from those who have RB’s with approaching limits on their fantasy rosters, let me just spell out how this could potentially be used. The bottom half amount could be applied to everyone approaching the number of carries but with the realization that many have surpassed the limit and went on to have longer and even more consistent careers. So the bottom half red flag amount isn’t really an end all be all. In fact, we shouldn’t even call them red flags – more like educated doubts.
The top half amount is a better indicator of possible red flags, even though those would likely already exist for someone who’d been in the league long enough to rack up such a high amount of carries.
Hey, at least its better then, “Uh, he’s thirty. Expect an imminent and automatic decline, because uh, well, he’s thirty!”
Or at least I hope it is.
Anyway, since I can’t explain or sugarcoat it anymore, here are the findings. And I know these are subject to a lot of outside factors and shouldn’t be taken TOO seriously, but you have to admit that it's intriguing.
The Bottom Tier: An average ‘educated doubt’ for 1,280+ carries.
Notable active players who are approaching or who have passed 1,280 carries:
1. Clinton Portis - 1,710
2. Thomas Jones - 1,659
3. Travis Henry - 1,488
4. Rudi Johnson - 1,441
5. Deuce McAllister - 1,322
6. Willis McGahee - 1,162
7. Larry Johnson - 1,050
8. Brian Westbrook - 1,014
9. Steven Jackson - 971
10. Willie Parker - 945
- Rudi Johnson may have been seen his last days as a starter who puts up big numbers, while Willis McGahee could begin regression due to injuries in 2008.
- Larry Johnson is speeding full speed ahead towards the 1,280 mark with little to no regard for anyone or thing in his way.
- Brian Westbrook has proven to be one of the best backs in the NFL, but with more years than the average player in his position, may be more affected the deeper he gets beyond 1,280 carries.
- Travis Henry could have seen his last solid year, but for reasons not related to actual football.
The Upper Tier: An average red flag for 2200+ carries.
Notable active players who are approaching or who have passed 2,200 carries:
1. Edgerrin James - 2,849
2. Warrick Dunn - 2,483
3. LaDainian Tomlinson - 2,365
4. Fred Taylor - 2,285
5. Shaun Alexander - 2,176
6. Jamal Lewis - 2,120
7. Ahman Green - 1,941
8. Priest Holmes - 1,780
9. Ricky Williams - 1,763
- Edge is a beast and could be classified as one of the rare backs who can take a beating for an infinite amount of time. He has to regress at some point, though.
- LaDainian Tomlinson is still going strong, but his body has recently showed signs of the wear and tear that always comes with 2350+ carries.
- Is this finally the year Fred Taylor plays like his age says he should?
- How effective can Ricky Williams be so far removed from football and with so much mileage on his odometer?
None of the players listed are a sure thing to regress this year, but it’s certainly worth taking a closer look at. Oh and some possible trade-ins, too.
Monday, August 4, 2008
A Fantasy Extravaganza: Top 30 Running Backs
With approximately 75 fantasy football magazines currently available at any given supermarket, it is safe to assume that the fantasy football season has officially begun. In order to get myself ready, and because I’m so nice I have ranked the top 30 skill position players and then provided the in-depth commentary on why I have done so. Will my rankings differ from yours or many of the other rankings out there? Uh, is an apple different than a stapler? YES! Opinions on all rankings will vary, but just remember that all of the rankings out there are just that, opinion and speculation. My intention is for these rankings to get your mental, fantasy-sports-related juices flowing if they haven't already. Also, due to possible fantasy league spies these rankings may be slightly different from my actual rankings. Or they may not. Only I will know and that’s just the way I’m going to keep it!
As always, enjoy and feel free to disagree vehemently while calling for my head in the comments.
WARNING: This whole thing is pretty long, so you better have some free time to read it or at least be bored at work. Either that or print it out -- it makes excellent bathroom reading, I've heard.
TOP 30 FANTASY RUNNING BACKS
30. Jonathan Stewart (CAR) - Although my support for DeAngelo Williams is well documented, even I can’t deny that the talented rookie Jonathan Stewart will win the Panthers starting job. He has power, he has speed and he apparently has the support of nearly every single person in the Panthers organization save for Williams himself. Barring a major setback in his recovery from a turf toe injury, Stewart should be the new rusher in town as well as provide your team with a decent amount of fantasy points.
29. Julius Jones (SEA) - Even though Jones never did stand out in the Cowboys offense, playing second fiddle to Marion “The Barbarian” Barber and all, a change of scenery and a new offense that will favor the running game might be just what Julius needs. T.J. Duckett will take much of the goal lines carries away, but Jones should be given the bulk of the overall workload. He’s definitely an upside pick, so don’t put too much stake in him or you may regret it when he puts up similar stats from when he was in Dallas.
28. Rashard Mendenhall (PIT) - Regardless of Willie Parker’s rankings free fall due to his broken leg and low 2007 TD total, he will still be the go to guy in Pittsburgh. Mendenhall on the other hand is an upside pick with not a lot of risk since he’s going to be getting most of the goal line carries and spelling an often fragile Parker, anyway.
27. LenDale White (TEN) - Despite playing in an offense with hardly any passing game, White sprung upon the scene last year with 1,108 yards and 7 TD’s. With this being Vince Young’s second year with his primary receivers, White should enjoy an increased amount of defenses dropping more people back to defend the pass. Or at least that’s what the Titans organization hopes. Regardless, even though rookie Chris Johnson may spell him, White should see the majority of carries and goal line attempts.
26. Thomas Jones (NYJ) - The fact that T.J. had a total of two TD’s last year has overshadowed that he managed to rack up 1,119 yards behind one of the worst lines in the league. The off-season signings of Alan Faneca and Damien Woody should ensure that he will at least have a competent offensive line. It’s a risky pick because he’s either going to excel with his improved blockers or flop and show everyone that he just doesn’t have what it takes to be a starter. That decision is up to you.
25. Darren McFadden (OAK) - Despite being touted as the best back in the NFL draft, McFadden is not the top back in most running back rankings. This is likely due to the fact that McFadden will be lining up behind JaMarcus Russell, who is still technically a rookie himself. Since it takes inexperienced quarterbacks a lot longer to get acquainted with the game than their running back counterparts, McFadden will get a plethora of carries and an official diploma from the NFL’s rookie running back university.
24. Fred Taylor (JAX) - The past couple years has seen Fred Taylor do the exact opposite of what everyone had predicted him to do, with that opposite being him producing. Taylor has had more than 1100 yards and at least 5 TD’s in each of his last two seasons. While it’s hard to imagine him just suddenly dropping off, he is 32 years old and it is going to happen eventually. The question is, when? With Maurice Jones Drew entering his third season and maturing all the while, Taylor may still be productive this year but not enough to warrant a key RB spot on your roster. Although he is a solid and safe late round pick. Do with it what you will.
23. Matt Forte (CHI) - With news of the release of team castoff and Ricky Williams-esque Cedric Benson, Forte’s stock has soared. Even before he was the unanimous number one back on the roster, Forte had created a buzz that was not heard during the Draft due to his emergence from Conference USA. Although the Bears themselves have proclaimed the rookie as their starter, he still finds himself on the Bears offense which has question marks at quarterback, wide receiver and pretty much ever single position except for running back. So despite him getting the majority of all the carries, don’t expect his rookie year to be Adrian Peterson-esque. Think more along the lines of a poor mans, rookie Marshawn Lynch.
22. Michael Turner (ATL) - How Michael Turner will turn out can likely be put in a better perspective when you take into account his performance last year when he filled in for an injured L.T. in the playoffs. Although 3.8 yards per carry isn’t necessarily bad, it was a bit worse than his career average that he’d racked up shredding fatigued defenses as Tomlinson’s backup until that point. That was then. Now, Turner finds himself on a Falcons team that is in the process of rebuilding with inexperience at many key parts of the offense. Although you wouldn’t know it by looking at his contract, Turner’s quarterback Matt Ryan is actually a rookie, who will go through the learning curves that plague all rookie signal callers.
21. Edgerrin James (ARI) - Edge has officially turned the magical yet dreadful age of 30, which is the benchmark age for when running backs will begin to decline. After a largely disappointing 2006 considering his success in Indianapolis, Edge improved slightly in 2007 in yards, average and TD’s. Although 1,224 yards and 7 TD’s isn’t necessarily bad, it is safe to say that it may be very close to his ceiling now that he’s turned the big three-oh. Even with promise of a more balanced attack, the Cardinals offensive line is still unfortunately the same and it is likely Edgerrin’s stats will stay that way as well.
20. Willie Parker (PIT) - With Parker’s 11 TD decline from 2006 into 2007, breaking his leg late in the season didn’t help his fantasy stock. The arrival of rookie Rashard Mendenhall also didn’t bode well for his future TD total either. What Parker does bring to the table is the yardage that he racks up. He is still an incredibly skilled rusher that can put up big numbers on the ground no matter how TD-less or injury prone his season may be.
19. Brandon Jacobs (N.Y.G.) - The heir to Tiki Barber’s throne after his retirement, Jacobs proved he could handle the job when healthy. Unfortunately for Jacobs, so did Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw. Bradshaw’s recent court troubles could get him suspended if the event in question happened post-draft. A Bradshaw suspension could be all Jacobs needs to claim the starters spot once and for all so it would behoove you to keep an eye on the situation.
18. Jamal Lewis (CLE) - Even though the Browns offense and more importantly offensive line have largely remained the same, many are still doubting Lewis can repeat his 2007 success. Without a suitable backup or a threat to steal some of his goal line carries, the only thing that could stop Lewis from continuing upon last year’s success is either injury or age. Lewis is approaching 30 and the enormous amount of carries he has on his odometer has to take it’s toll at some point. It’s hard to imagine his decline happening so quickly and suddenly without some type of injury, though.
17. Lawrence Maroney (N.E.) - Being the RB on one of the best passing games of all time doesn’t leave you in a position to get tons of carries. Nor does it help having a coach who likes to spell his backfield every two downs or so. Entering his 3rd season and with Kevin Faulk likely to see a decreased role, Maroney is a prime candidate to breakout this year. Unfortunately, “breaking out” for a running back on the Patriots offense means about 1,100 yards and 8 TD’s. On the bright side, that’s still better than Rudi Johnson who you targeted last year.
16. Reggie Bush (N.O.) - Reggie Bush is a classic case of too much hype due to college performance. Although Bush has proven he is a worthy complimentary rusher and a skilled receiving back, the Barry Sanders like expectations have left many disappointed after his first two seasons in the league. With his rushing skills likely to improve over time, it may just take him a few more years until he’s a suitable starter. Even in his current complimentary situation, his rushing yards and receiving yards combined equal enough points to make him a worthy target in your draft. Not to mention his ceiling would have him turning into a Brian Westbrook type back. Not bad. I we think we can finally chill out with comparing Hall of Fame players to rookies that are being drafted, though. No?
15. Earnest Graham (T.B.) - Graham proved to be one of the most valuable, out-of-the-blue waiver wire pickups of the 2008 season. The only option after injuries to Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman, Graham nearly rumbled himself to 1,000 yards, finishing instead with 898 and 10TD’s. With Warrick Dunn’s return to Tampa, Graham will likely lose some carries, but he can easily claim the starting spot if he can prove that last year wasn’t a fluke. 175 fantasy points if you can guess correctly!
14. Ronnie Brown (MIA) - Although his recovery from an ACL tear is a major concern, Brown benefits from sustaining the injury early in the season last year as well as returning to a vastly improved Dolphins offense. With Ricky Williams back in town, he likely won’t need to carry all of the load immediately as long as Williams stays away from the reefer. Brown is still a risky pick, but as 602 yards and 7 TD’s in 7 games last year showed, not one without a potential hefty reward.
13. Willis McGahee (BAL) - Even though the Ravens have major question marks on offense, the rushing game is not one of them. A top notch rusher and capable receiver, McGahee should top 300 carries for the first time since 2005 due to the sub-par and inexperienced options at quarterback. Although his new and improved ACL will be tested under such a workload, if he can handle the strain and put up his usual numbers than his fantasy numbers will be just fine. Even if he is in on one of the worst offensive units in the game.
12. Larry Johnson (K.C.) - A slow start, poor passing game and foot injury all contributed to Johnson’s worst season as a starter last year. Even if he can avoid the slow start and injuries this year, the Chiefs still have no passing attack and the shoddy offensive line remains the same. Although he‘ll get his carries, he will also be the focal point of every defense the team plays. Good thing we’ve seen what he can do before so you can educated decision on whether or not to take the gamble. The upside is high, although the downside is low. Take your pick.
11. Maurice Jones-Drew (JAX) - Even with Fred Taylor still going strong, Jones-Drew should slowly but surely take over primary back duties. With a rushing average of a bit more than 5 yards per carry average in his first two years, superb hands out of the backfield and game breaking ability, Jones-Drew’s low touches are overshadowed by his supreme upside. Whenever he takes over the reigns in Jacksonville and gets more time on the field, expect his value to skyrocket up the charts. Even if this year is not his year, he still pumps out a solid amount of fantasy points and presents upside that is hard to pass up on.
10. Ryan Grant (G.B.) - Grant won biggest out-of-the-blue honors in 2007 and helped many teams win championships had they had the clarity to pick him. I for one ended up taking Priest Holmes over Grant with my last waiver wire pick up in my keeper league. Suffice to say, I did not make the playoffs and will probably never forgive myself. Grant placed a firm hold on the starter position with his end of the season performances last year and isn’t realistically threatened by anyone as long as he can continue production and stay away from injuries. Therein lies the catch, however. The question is if Grant will be able to continue his break-out year last year and stay away from the injuries that can plague a starting RB. All aren’t huge concerns but worth taking into account should you find yourself about to draft him.
9. Marion Barber (DAL) - Anyone with the nickname “The Barbarian” had to have earned it somewhere down the line and it’s no surprise if you’ve seen Barber run. He is a powerful, agile back who doesn’t stop running until the whistle blows. He has a wreck less abandon for anything but positive yardage and ultimately the end zone. Even with Jerry Jones favorite Felix Jones being plugged into the offense and taking some carries away, Barber will be the goal line back and Barber will get the majority of the carries. You can’t be the best back on one of the best offenses in the league for nothing, you know.
8. Frank Gore (S.F.) - Gore’s 1,102 rushing yards, 436 receiving yards and 6 total TD’s isn’t very impressive at first glance, but take into account that he did it all on the worst offense and the league and you’ve got yourself a better picture. Gore was the only bright spot on an otherwise anemic 49ers offense last year. Having brought in Mike Martz to fix the offense has caused many people to declare Gore a sleeper for next year. Since I still don’t know the correct definition of sleeper, all I will say is that if Martz can turn Alex Smith into a competent QB than Gore has the talent to reap all of the rushing and receiving rewards a Martz system has to offer the starting RB. His rushing total may go down, but his receptions, receiving yards and total TD’s should all go up. Cha-ching!
7. Marshawn Lynch (BUF) - Lynch is another RB who put up impressive stats on a not-so-impressive offense. In 13 games last year he ran for 1,115 yards and 7 TD’s. With Trent Edwards looking to be everything J.P. Losman was not, Lynch at least has a suitable and blossoming passing game to take some attention away from him. Rumor has it that the Bills will also be utilizing Lynch’s pass catching skills a lot more this year which in layman‘s terms means he‘ll be on the field even more. An injury last year is a small concern as to his dependability, but a year through the gauntlet should have taught him what it takes to be a starter in the NFL.
6. Clinton Portis (DEN) - Portis returned to pre-2006 form last year, finishing in the Top 5 for fantasy points accrued. A new system has turned some people off as to Portis’ 2008 potential, but he is too talented a player not to utilize half of the offensive play calling on. Though he’ll likely see less carries, Portis should still fare just fine, especially considering his pass catching skills. Portis caught 47 balls for 389 yards last year and although he’ll get less carries, he’ll get more receptions. It all evens out. Trust me.
5. Joseph Addai (IND) - Although Addai didn’t get as many yards as the top RB’s last year, he more than compensated with his end zone trips. Addai had 15 total TD’s last year to pair with a solid 1,072 rushing yards and 364 reception yards. He’s the top back on one of the most prolific offenses in the game, but his total upside keeps him out of the upper-echelon. If your looking for a safe pick who will have plenty of opportunities to score TD’s than Addai is your guy. Although enjoying Peyton Manning’s commercials also helps.
4. Stephen Jackson (STL) - In only twelve games and behind one of the worst offensive lines in the game, Jackson still managed to amass just over 1,000 yards and tack on 6 total TD’s. With a healthy offensive line and a more run-heavy offense, Jackson could very well return to pre-2007 form, where he was in the conversation for top running back overall. He gives you rushing yards, he gives you reception yards and he scores TD’s. Injuries are a problem due to last year, but should his offensive line remain healthy, he should cruise through the season with little to no problems.
3. Adrian Peterson (MIN) - As fantastic as Peterson was last year and as much hype as he caused, I still find it hard to rank a back who’s had one fantastic year over a back who’s had them for his entire seven-year career. Peterson very well could prove that he’s the top running back in the game this year, however his quarterback is questionable and his backup running back proved he could do a suitable job if given spell-carries. If A.P. can have an equally impressive Year 2, he’ll not only win over just me, he’ll likely win over the entire game of professional football. We’ll be watching!
2. LaDainian Tomlinson (S.D.) - Tomlinson has basically been a machine until he showed us his mortality with an MCL injury in the playoffs. He has been the face of fantasy football since he stormed upon the league in 2001 and with good reason: He can run, he can catch, he can score and if you haven’t heard -- he’s awfully classy! With the birthday cake reading 29 this year, L.T. may finally see the decline we thought impossible for so many years. Even so, he’ll still likely put up top-notch numbers this year and many years down the road. His upside is way too high to not warrant him at least a number 2 ranking.
1. Brian Westbrook (PHI) - After gaining sole control of the Eagles RB spot sometime in 2005, Brian Westbrook has made a steady improvement in his game and more importantly, his fantasy points. The year 2006 saw the biggest jump while Westbrook showed us in 2007 then he can run for more yards as well as improve on his already ridiculous reception numbers. Going into 2008 he is the whole package. He does everything you could want from your featured fantasy running back and he does it while proving his injury critics incorrect. Having played in 15 games in each of the last two seasons, Westbrook is slated for perhaps the finest season of his career in 2008. At age 28, he could very well have his peak season this year. Even if he has peaked and he backpedals a bit, 240 fantasy points isn’t too bad for a RB’s low side is it? Is it? Hello? Is anyone still reading this?
Monday, May 12, 2008
NFL History 101: Top Running Backs
In yet another new feature, Sport Crack presents NFL History 101, in which I will discuss the history of the game… whether that be the top skill positions, top games, top anything. It’s my mission to bring you a history lesson that you most certainly will not fall asleep through. At least I hope not...
Anyway, first up: NFL History 101: Top Running Backs.
It’s gone by many names in it’s storied history. The running back. The tailback. The fullback. The halfback. Each one exhibit’s a certain mystique. Each one suggests that the player it is the title of is a game changer, a skilled athlete who can take punishment like no other position in sports.
To run the ball into a group of rabid behemoths 20-30 times a game takes a certain kind of player. Hell, it takes a certain kind of person. Many say that the quarterback is the heart of the team, but I say it’s the one who takes a beating play in and play out. I say it’s the one who is the target of a kill the man with the ball mentality of the opposing defense for about a third of the entire game.
There have been many men who have graced us with their athleticism and toughness in the storied history of the NFL. So many that it’s almost a travesty to try and classify each one into a list. It just doesn’t make any sense to try and rank them from best to almost best when each one had their own strengths and their own ways in which they entertained us through the various mediums we enjoyed them with.
How do you measure receiving yards versus career yards per game? What about the amount of touchdowns one scored? If you favor one, your limiting the other and it finally dawned on me that there was only one way to do this. To shit with rankings, let’s just take a look at the best running backs.
So in no particular order, here is a brief profile of the top running backs the NFL has ever seen. There’s no sense trying to rank them because it would do them an injustice. Until someone comes up with a formula to put all of their careers on a level playing field (which I‘m pretty sure will never happen…), it’s just no use. Stop trying to rank them! Just appreciate what they each did individually for the game of football!
As with everything I write, feel free to agree or disagree vehemently in the comments. It’s why I do it.
Jerome Bettis, or “The Bus” as he was formally known as will go down in NFL history as a touchdown machine. His running style exhibited the traits of a bus in more ways than one… he could either run through you like road kill, or he could turn on a higher gear and run right by you. In 13 years (3 of which were with the Rams [and 2 of which of those were when the Rams were still in L.A.]) he racked up 13,662 yards and bowled his way through the goal line for 91 touchdowns. Nearly half those years he was awarded a trip to the Pro Bowl and he is fifth all time in career rushing yards and tied for tenth for all time touchdowns. To think that all that time he had asthma… amazing.
Career highlights: 6-time Pro Bowler & 2-time first-team All-Pro (13 year NFL career)
Nicknamed “Sweetness” in college, Walter Payton would go on to have on of the finest careers the NFL had ever seen. Rushing for 16,726 yards and an astonishing 110 touchdown’s, Payton’s career is easily one of the best ever. Coach Mike Ditka even went so far as to say that Payton was the greatest football player he had ever seen, which is no small feat. Why the man was nicknamed Sweetness is up for debate. Some have said it was acronym for how he ran the ball (which was extremely aggressive). Others have said it stemmed from his easy going personality and still others have said it was because of the ease he played the game with. No matter what the case, The Sweetness will go down as one of the best rushers the game of football has ever seen.
Career highlights: 9-time Pro Bowler & 5-time first-team All-Pro (13 year NFL career)
Arguably one of the most thrilling, electric runners of all time, Barry Sanders was generally regarded as a human highlight reel. No matter where he touched the ball, or the situation of the defenders in his proximity, he was always a threat to bring it in for six. His 15,269 and 99 touchdowns is all the more impressive when you take into account that he never really had a capable offensive unit around him (not to mention his offensive lines…). Although his retirement before the 1999 season shocked the entire football world, his career stats and classy reputation put him into the conversation of best backs to have ever played the game.
Career highlights: 10-time Pro Bowler & 6-time first-team All-Pro (10 year NFL career)
Perhaps the best “complete” back of all time, Marshall Faulk brought an entirely different dynamic to the running back position. He could kill you by rushing the ball but he could also kill you catching the ball out of the backfield. Not only do his 12,279 career yards with 100 rushing touchdowns put him on the map for one of the best backs, his 6,875 receiving yards with 36 touchdown’s finish the conversation. While not the best running back of all time, a strong case can be put up for Faulk to have been the most complete all around running back the NFL has or ever will see.
Career highlights: 7-time Pro Bowler & 3-time first-team All-Pro (12 year NFL career)
Just nine years in the league and Jim Brown is proclaimed by many more knowledgeable than I as the best back to ever play the game. Sure, we can compare stats, but by pure athleticism and dominance, Brown makes a strong case as the best back to have played the professional game. In his mere nine years in the NFL, Brown rushed for 12,312 and 106 touchdowns. Not to mention, he was named to the Pro Bowl in all nine of his NFL seasons. His dominance, at a time when many NFL legends were born builds him a strong case for best ever. If he is or not is of no concern, because all that I need to know is that I was born 25 years too early, fore I never got to witness the force that was Jim Brown.
Career highlights: 9-time Pro Bowler & 8-time first-team All-Pro (9 year NFL career)
Curtis Martin’s career is often look at how he the player was looked at when he was playing. Sure, he was a great running back -- but look a little closer and you might just find a little more. 14,101 yards and 90 touchdowns are offset only by some of his inconsistent years. Not to mention he had perhaps one of the best rookie seasons of any running back in the history of the league. No matter what the case against Curtis Martin, he had himself a fantastic career and was a class act similar to Barry Sanders. He went about his business and did what he could to win. Because of this, he’s one of the best in my opinion.
Career highlights: 5-time Pro Bowler & 1-time first-team All-Pro (11 year NFL career)
Regardless of the comparisons between he and Barry Sanders, and his new position as wordsmith on ESPN, Emmitt Smith had a fantastic career. While some will say he had the best career ever, it was certainly in part to the talent he had around him. None the less, Smith had skills, and those skills, surrounded by supreme talent or not, rushed for 18,355 yards and 164 touchdowns (most all time in both categories). Both of these accomplishments will be the mark to beat in the NFL for many years to come.
Career highlights: 8-time Pro Bowler & 4-time first-team All-Pro (15 year NFL career)
Yes, he played 16 years, but instead of knocking him for it -- why not give him a hand? The man had less than 100 attempts only twice in his sixteen year career and took an absolute beating en route to 12,243 yards and 123 touchdowns (second all time). A Marshall Faulk before their was one, Marcus Allen caught 587passes for 5,411 yards and 21 touchdowns. In conjunction with his rushing stats (which may be a bit low in the yards per game category) expose Allen as one of the most skillful, tough players to have ever played the game.
Career highlights: 6-time Pro Bowler & 2-time first-team All-Pro (16 year NFL career)
A running back mercenary for hire if you will, Dickerson played for four different teams in his twelve year career. Not one to have scenery alter his play, Dickerson would rush for 13,259 yards and 90 touchdowns. When he retired, he was second all time in rushing yards behind Walter Payton. Unfortunately for him (but fortunately for us) the NFL was in an influx for talented all time rushers, with Jerome Bettis, Curtis Martin, Barry Sanders and Emmit Smith eventually passing him. Dickerson’s 90.8 yards per game remains one of the best all time averages in NFL history.
Career highlights: 6-time Pro Bowler & 5-time first-team All-Pro (12 year NFL career)
12,120 and 91 touchdowns? A nine time Pro Bowler in thirteen seasons? A focal point in one of the best offenses who have ever played? Franco Harris is a legend in the NFL, never mind his lore in Pittsburgh. I’m not even from Pittsburgh and I get jitters watching him tear it up in the old school games with the Steelers. Maybe he was overshadowed by a bunch of other players on the same team, but Franco Harris had one hell of a career.
Career highlights: 9-time Pro Bowler & 1-time first-team All-Pro
Known as “The Diesel” to teammates and fans, John Riggins is arguably the best Redskins running back of all time. His pure grit and toughness led him to a respectable 1,352 yards and 104 touchdowns (sixth all time). In his fourteen year career, Riggins carried the ball nearly 3,000 times -- an amazing accomplishment considering his reckless abandon running style.
Career highlights: 1-time Pro Bowler & 1-time first-team All-Pro (14 year NFL career)
About to enter his eighth NFL season, L.T. is in position to strike as perhaps the greatest running back we have every seen. Already third on the list of career rushing touchdowns (with 115), Tomlinson is equally as dangerous on the ground as well. He has a 4.5 rushing average for his career and if he can hold up a mere two more years, he could very well jump into the Top 10 rushing yards of all time. While it may strike some as surprising to already name someone still playing as one of the best of all time, L.T. has shown that even if he retires tomorrow, he could be put into the conversation with ease. The reason I included him is because he is my generations premier back -- we are going to be talking about him 10, 20 years from now. So boys and girls who are under the age of 25 like me -- enjoy this man make history while you still can.
Career highlights: 5-time Pro Bowler & 3-time first-team All-Pro (7 year NFL career… and still going!)
Other notable backs: O.J. Simpson, Tony Dorsett, Franco Harris, Thurman Thomas
Again, this is not the end all be all list. If you feel that someone was left off of my list, you’re probably right! But state why in the comments, it’s why this site exist! And who do you think is THE best all time? Let the debates begin!!
(And what kind of writer would I be if I didn’t source the absolutely amazing http://pro-football-reference.com -- if you’re at all interested in football history, than go there. You will not leave.)
