My running back is better than yours!

Honolulu Blue · 02-11-2003, 09:24 AM

I think there's a consensus that James Brown was the greatest running back that ever lived. But #2, in my view, is wide open, with several guys who can make arguments.

I voted for Sweetness, BTW. He could run, catch, and block with the best of them. I don't expect this to be the final word on the subject.

Easy Mac · 02-11-2003, 09:28 AM

Yeah man, James Brown had amazing feet on stage. That man made moves I've never seen.

sachmo71 · 02-11-2003, 09:28 AM

I disagree with the opening statement.

cthomer5000 · 02-11-2003, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Honolulu Blue
I think there's a consensus that James Brown was the greatest running back that ever lived.

and he could really get on the scene like a sex machine.

Fritz · 02-11-2003, 09:43 AM

red grange!

fantastic flying froggies · 02-11-2003, 09:44 AM

My vote goes to Payton, but OJ 's gotta be the best running back in the Naked Gun movies...

PilotMan · 02-11-2003, 09:59 AM

Barry Sanders is the best..he had to play in Detroit!!

What if Barry and Emmit switch......hmm....I say Emmit is out of football and Barry clears 20,000 yds.

BishopMVP · 02-11-2003, 01:06 PM

I don't think Emmitt could have done nearly as well as Barry in Detroit, but I'm not sure that Barry Sanders would have worked in the Dallas offense either. He seems like the best RB ever for a bad team, where he could rip off 80 yards like that. On a good team that wanted to pound the ball, I am not sure if Sanders would have worked though. I still voted him #2, but it would have been interesting to see him play for a good team.

rkmsuf · 02-11-2003, 01:10 PM

It's simple...Emmitt has the most yards and the most rings. He's clearly 2.

I think Sanders was somewhat blessed to be playing for a crappy team. A good team doesn't put up with the -5 bullshit even if he could take it to the house. He has to be help somewhat accountable for his team pretty much always sucking.

You have to put Payton at 3.

Kodos · 02-11-2003, 02:02 PM

I put Payton first, Sanders second. I can't help but feel Terrell Davis would be in there too if not for that one fateful knee injury that sent him into oblivion. It's a shame his career was destroyed while he was trying to tackle an opponent after a turnover. No chance of Randy Moss ever getting hurt that way...

Ryche · 02-11-2003, 02:49 PM

It would have been fun to watch Nagurski play in the day. May have been the best power runner ever.

In a game at Wrigley Field, Nagurski once broke a defensive player's shoulder, knocked another out, then ran into the brick wall and cracked it on a game winning touchdown run.

3ric · 02-11-2003, 03:02 PM

Terrell Davis and Bo Jackson both could have been up for consideration as "coulda-been-best-ever". Damn shame.

Tarkus · 02-11-2003, 03:10 PM

Gayle Sayers and I've got the APBA board game to prove it!

Tarkus

WebEwbank · 02-11-2003, 03:12 PM

Earl Campbell at his peak.

AgPete · 02-11-2003, 03:34 PM

I'm a Cowboys fan but I'm the first to admit Barry Sanders would have 20,000 yards if he had run behind the Cowboys offensive line in the 90's. That was one of the greatest if not the best offensive line of all time. If Sanders could make due with what he had in Detroit, he would have been a god in Dallas behind those giants.

moriarty · 02-11-2003, 03:53 PM

MY vote is for Walter Payton.

I never saw Jim Brown or Gale Sayers play, and OJ was past his prime before I really started watching him. Emmit is the career leader, Emmit had a potential hall of fame receiver/QB to reduce the pressure. Walter had Jim McMahon & Willie Gault at best, Bob Avellini and god knows who receiving at worst.

Narrowing down between Walter and Barry is tough, but I give Walter the nod for all around contributions (Barry for shear enjoyment). Walter was the best runner, receiver and pass blocker on his team during his prime. He threw several touchdown passes, and he was also the backup kicker and punter. He still stands out as the best I've ever seen.

Marmel · 02-11-2003, 03:59 PM

Ernie Davis

mckerney · 02-11-2003, 04:48 PM

Troy Hambrick

Noop · 02-11-2003, 05:41 PM

#34 Walter Payton I watch some of his old games....and man he was just so.....I dont have words for him he's that good.

noop

Blackadar · 02-11-2003, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Honolulu Blue
I think there's a consensus that James Brown was the greatest running back that ever lived. But #2, in my view, is wide open, with several guys who can make arguments.

Who came up with this consensus? I disagree.

Qwikshot · 02-11-2003, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cthomer5000
and he could really get on the scene like a sex machine.

Getonup, getup, getonup...stay in the scene, like a sex machine...

Walter Payton, though I'm sure there are runningbacks of yore that were just as good, I just can't remember that far back...(besides Jim Brown).

Honolulu Blue · 02-11-2003, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Blackadar
Who came up with this consensus? I disagree.

No one and everyone. I did a quick search and came up with this site, this site, this site, and this site declaring such. It's kind of like saying Babe Ruth is baseball's greatest hitter or Michael Jordan is basketball's greatest player - lots of people say such things, and you can show through statistics that those assertations are true, but you can show also they aren't.

Anyway, if I had done this poll including Jim Brown, he would most likely win, and probably get over half the vote. Maybe I'll set up that poll someday - "Jim Brown, NFL's best running back ever?" - and find out for sure.

tucker342 · 02-11-2003, 08:22 PM

It was a tough choice between Payton and Sanders. But I decided to go with Sanders, I remember watching him play, he was a fun running back to watch. He was the only reason I would ever even think about watching a Lions game.

Jets80 · 02-11-2003, 08:35 PM

Other then Curtis Martin, Who was the greatest runnig back of all time ? and its not Jim Brown.

sterlingice · 02-11-2003, 08:48 PM

We all know the best double murderer on the list is OJ. Wait, oh, running back (sorry, couldn't resist)

SI

cmp · 02-11-2003, 09:53 PM

Barry Sanders is the best there ever was. No one comes close.

JeeberD · 02-11-2003, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jets80
Other then Curtis Martin, Who was the greatest runnig back of all time ? and its not Jim Brown.

Freeman McNeil?

kcchief19 · 02-11-2003, 10:16 PM

I voted for Emmitt, partly out of being a homer for the 'Boys and partly because I think the yardage, the touchdowns and the rings give him the edge over Sweetness.

Granted, Payton never had the supporting cast Emmitt did in Dallas, but Emmitt was simply the best "big game" running back ever. Whether it was the Super Bowl, the playoffs or a big regular season game, Emmitt always rose to the occassion.

Sanders was a highlight show, but he never showed up in a big game. When the Lions had to win, too often Barry disappear. It had nothing to do with Barry's line -- it was Barry. He got by on pure athleticism. Whereas Payton and Emmitt knew how to follow a block and break a run, Barry didn't. He could make people miss, but there's more to being a great RB than that.

Allen was great to watch, particularly in short-yardage. Put the ball on the two-yard line and Marcus would get it in one-way or another. Too bad Davis screwed him all those years in Raider land.

I like Marshall and he's got mad numbers, but he needs more time and more rings to catch Emmitt.

PilotMan · 02-12-2003, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rkmsuf
I think Sanders was somewhat blessed to be playing for a crappy team.

Yeah, he woke up on monday morning and said " Damn, Praise God, the Lions suck, I am SO blessed."

Does anyone remember that they ran the Run & Shoot?

No Tightends........No Blockingback.......No Fullback......4 WR and

The Best.

Rich1033 · 02-12-2003, 03:44 AM

I think Barry is the best of all time. However I am suprised to see how few votes Emmitt Smith has. I would have thought the man with a couple rings and those rushing records would have more than 12%.

fantastic flying froggies · 02-12-2003, 04:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rich1033
However I am suprised to see how few votes Emmitt Smith has. I would have thought the man with a couple rings and those rushing records would have more than 12%.

He DOES ! He 's got 12.16 %...

condors · 02-12-2003, 06:21 AM

I didn't vote for sanders as sweetness is still the best of all time in my eyes but take a look at barry sanders in college he had a good offensive line and he pounded the ball and was everything a championship team would want. If the defensive line is getting penetration and barry sanders breaks off an 80 yard TD this is held against him? He could and would pound the ball when the holes where there

oykib · 02-12-2003, 07:18 AM

Hey, I went to college in Buffalo during Thurman's prime. He was an amazing back.

But how the hell did he get a vote?

WSUCougar · 02-12-2003, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by moriarty
MY vote is for Walter Payton.

Narrowing down between Walter and Barry is tough, but I give Walter the nod for all around contributions (Barry for shear enjoyment). Walter was the best runner, receiver and pass blocker on his team during his prime. He threw several touchdown passes, and he was also the backup kicker and punter. He still stands out as the best I've ever seen.

I agree with moriarty. Barry Sanders was far and away the most incredible runner I've ever seen, but Sweetness was the best all-around package. The guy used to destroy the Vikings on a regular basis.

Marshall Faulk still has aways to go before he gets into this discussion, but at his peak in terms of health, he's worthy. The guy is an offensive juggernaut.

wishbone · 02-12-2003, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sterlingice
We all know the best double murderer on the list is OJ. Wait, oh, running back (sorry, couldn't resist)

SI

I think having that white Bronco blocking for him could have added a couple years to his career.

cthomer5000 · 02-12-2003, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oykib
Hey, I went to college in Buffalo during Thurman's prime. He was an amazing back.

But how the hell did he get a vote?

I gave it to him just for his Super Bowl XXV performance. The man was unstoppable on that day. too bad he wasn't quite so crisp in other super bowls. Also, he was one of the best post-season runners ever.

View Poll Results: Other than Jim Brown, who was the greatest running back ever?
Barry Sanders	28	31.46%
Walter Payton	36	40.45%
Emmitt Smith	9	10.11%
Eric Dickerson	0	0%
Marcus Allen	0	0%
Gayle Sayers	5	5.62%
Marshall Faulk	3	3.37%
O.J. Simpson	2	2.25%
Thurman Thomas	1	1.12%
other	5	5.62%
Voters: 89. You may not vote on this poll

02-11-2003, 09:43 AM	#5
Fritz Lethargic Hooligan Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: hello kitty found my wallet at a big tent revival and returned it with all the cash missing	red grange! __________________ donkey, donkey, walk a little faster

02-11-2003, 09:44 AM	#6
fantastic flying froggies Pro Rookie Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Sunny South of France	My vote goes to Payton, but OJ 's gotta be the best running back in the Naked Gun movies... __________________ Detroit Vampires (CFL) : Ve 're coming for your blood! Camargue Flamingos (WOOF): pretty in Pink

02-11-2003, 09:59 AM	#7
PilotMan Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Seven miles up	Barry Sanders is the best..he had to play in Detroit!! What if Barry and Emmit switch......hmm....I say Emmit is out of football and Barry clears 20,000 yds. __________________ He's just like if Snow White was competitive, horny, and capable of beating the shit out of anyone that called her Pops. Like Steam? Join the FOFC Steam group here: http://steamcommunity.com/groups/FOFConSteam

02-11-2003, 01:10 PM	#9
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	It's simple...Emmitt has the most yards and the most rings. He's clearly 2. I think Sanders was somewhat blessed to be playing for a crappy team. A good team doesn't put up with the -5 bullshit even if he could take it to the house. He has to be help somewhat accountable for his team pretty much always sucking. You have to put Payton at 3. __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales

02-11-2003, 09:28 AM	#2
Easy Mac Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Here	Yeah man, James Brown had amazing feet on stage. That man made moves I've never seen.

02-11-2003, 09:28 AM	#3
sachmo71 The boy who cried Trout Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: TX	I disagree with the opening statement.

02-11-2003, 01:06 PM	#8
BishopMVP Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Concord, MA/UMass	I don't think Emmitt could have done nearly as well as Barry in Detroit, but I'm not sure that Barry Sanders would have worked in the Dallas offense either. He seems like the best RB ever for a bad team, where he could rip off 80 yards like that. On a good team that wanted to pound the ball, I am not sure if Sanders would have worked though. I still voted him #2, but it would have been interesting to see him play for a good team.

02-11-2003, 02:02 PM	#10
Kodos Resident Alien Join Date: Jun 2001	I put Payton first, Sanders second. I can't help but feel Terrell Davis would be in there too if not for that one fateful knee injury that sent him into oblivion. It's a shame his career was destroyed while he was trying to tackle an opponent after a turnover. No chance of Randy Moss ever getting hurt that way...

02-11-2003, 02:49 PM	#11
Ryche College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Highlands Ranch, CO, USA	It would have been fun to watch Nagurski play in the day. May have been the best power runner ever. In a game at Wrigley Field, Nagurski once broke a defensive player's shoulder, knocked another out, then ran into the brick wall and cracked it on a game winning touchdown run. __________________ Some knots are better left untied.

02-11-2003, 03:02 PM	#12
3ric College Starter Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Sweden	Terrell Davis and Bo Jackson both could have been up for consideration as "coulda-been-best-ever". Damn shame. __________________ San Diego Chargers (HFL) - Lappland Reindeers (WOOF) - Gothenburg Giants (IHOF) Indiana: A TCY VC - year 2044 - the longest running dynasty ever on FOFC!

02-11-2003, 03:10 PM	#13
Tarkus High School Varsity Join Date: Jun 2001	Gayle Sayers and I've got the APBA board game to prove it! Tarkus

02-11-2003, 03:12 PM	#14
WebEwbank High School JV Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Natick, MA	Earl Campbell at his peak.

02-11-2003, 03:34 PM	#15
AgPete College Prospect Join Date: Jan 2001	I'm a Cowboys fan but I'm the first to admit Barry Sanders would have 20,000 yards if he had run behind the Cowboys offensive line in the 90's. That was one of the greatest if not the best offensive line of all time. If Sanders could make due with what he had in Detroit, he would have been a god in Dallas behind those giants. __________________ Click here for the FOF2004 World Football League Dynasty (WFL) - Football Goes Global! OOTP5 Psychology Experiment (Incomplete but fun read for MLB fans.) The FOFC All-Time NFL Team - Voted on by FOFC members.

02-11-2003, 03:53 PM	#16
moriarty College Starter Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: A negative place	MY vote is for Walter Payton. I never saw Jim Brown or Gale Sayers play, and OJ was past his prime before I really started watching him. Emmit is the career leader, Emmit had a potential hall of fame receiver/QB to reduce the pressure. Walter had Jim McMahon & Willie Gault at best, Bob Avellini and god knows who receiving at worst. Narrowing down between Walter and Barry is tough, but I give Walter the nod for all around contributions (Barry for shear enjoyment). Walter was the best runner, receiver and pass blocker on his team during his prime. He threw several touchdown passes, and he was also the backup kicker and punter. He still stands out as the best I've ever seen.

02-11-2003, 03:59 PM	#17
Marmel Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Manchester, CT	Ernie Davis __________________ 81-78 Cincinnati basketball writer P. Daugherty, "Connor Barwin playing several minutes against Syracuse is like kids with slingshots taking down Caesar's legions."

02-11-2003, 04:48 PM	#18
mckerney Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000	Troy Hambrick

02-11-2003, 05:41 PM	#19
Noop Bonafide Seminole Fan Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Miami	#34 Walter Payton I watch some of his old games....and man he was just so.....I dont have words for him he's that good. noop __________________ Subby's favorite woman hater.

02-11-2003, 08:22 PM	#23
tucker342 Pro Starter Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Iowa City, IA	It was a tough choice between Payton and Sanders. But I decided to go with Sanders, I remember watching him play, he was a fun running back to watch. He was the only reason I would ever even think about watching a Lions game.

02-11-2003, 08:35 PM	#24
Jets80 High School Varsity Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Charlotte, NC	Other then Curtis Martin, Who was the greatest runnig back of all time ? and its not Jim Brown.

02-11-2003, 08:48 PM	#25
sterlingice Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Back in Houston!	We all know the best double murderer on the list is OJ. Wait, oh, running back (sorry, couldn't resist) SI __________________ Houston Hippopotami, III.3: 20th Anniversary Thread - All former HT players are encouraged to check it out! Janos: "Only America could produce an imbecile of your caliber!" Freakazoid: "That's because we make lots of things better than other people!"

02-11-2003, 09:53 PM	#26
cmp Pro Rookie Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Grand Rapids, MI	Barry Sanders is the best there ever was. No one comes close.

02-11-2003, 10:16 PM	#28
kcchief19 Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Kansas City, MO	I voted for Emmitt, partly out of being a homer for the 'Boys and partly because I think the yardage, the touchdowns and the rings give him the edge over Sweetness. Granted, Payton never had the supporting cast Emmitt did in Dallas, but Emmitt was simply the best "big game" running back ever. Whether it was the Super Bowl, the playoffs or a big regular season game, Emmitt always rose to the occassion. Sanders was a highlight show, but he never showed up in a big game. When the Lions had to win, too often Barry disappear. It had nothing to do with Barry's line -- it was Barry. He got by on pure athleticism. Whereas Payton and Emmitt knew how to follow a block and break a run, Barry didn't. He could make people miss, but there's more to being a great RB than that. Allen was great to watch, particularly in short-yardage. Put the ball on the two-yard line and Marcus would get it in one-way or another. Too bad Davis screwed him all those years in Raider land. I like Marshall and he's got mad numbers, but he needs more time and more rings to catch Emmitt.

02-12-2003, 03:44 AM	#30
Rich1033 High School Varsity Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Sylvania, Ohio	I think Barry is the best of all time. However I am suprised to see how few votes Emmitt Smith has. I would have thought the man with a couple rings and those rushing records would have more than 12%.

02-12-2003, 06:21 AM	#32
condors College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000	I didn't vote for sanders as sweetness is still the best of all time in my eyes but take a look at barry sanders in college he had a good offensive line and he pounded the ball and was everything a championship team would want. If the defensive line is getting penetration and barry sanders breaks off an 80 yard TD this is held against him? He could and would pound the ball when the holes where there

02-12-2003, 07:18 AM	#33
oykib College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000	Hey, I went to college in Buffalo during Thurman's prime. He was an amazing back. But how the hell did he get a vote?

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