Best current NFL running backs

Craig S. · 08-10-2002, 12:32 PM

This is a tough one for me. There are so many good backs in so many different kinds of offenses. I'm interested in what others think.

Here's my list:

1) Marshall Faulk - the total package
2) Curtis Marting - still awesome and still doesn't get enough credit
3) Edgerrin James - most improved coming out of the backfield, great weapon
4) Corey Dillon - best pure runner, and he would have a couple of rushing titles if the Bengals weren't always so far behind that they have to spend the whole second half passing
4) Shaun Alexander - my pick as the best of the young guys
5) Fred Taylor - would be higher if he ever stayed healthy

Other lists?

LeGrandOrange · 08-10-2002, 12:40 PM

Ooh, you're giving Corey Dillon love...he deserves it. It takes great skill to set the single-game running record with the O-line the Bengals had and the rush D that the Broncos had. Only thing wrong with him is that he's a Husky.

One name you did miss was Jerome Bettis. He's this generation's...hmm, I can't figure out if he's Riggins or Campbell. Or if he is at all. Never the less, he's pretty good too.

Skip · 08-10-2002, 01:12 PM

Faulk, Dillon, Bettis. Faulk the most versatile, Dillon the best pure runner, Bettis the best pounder.

Career merit award to Emmitt. Breakout year prediction for Ricky Williams.

tortured angel · 08-10-2002, 01:17 PM

Give me the now 4-headed Bronco of Davis, Anderson, Gary and Portis!

Skip · 08-10-2002, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tortured angel
Give me the now 4-headed Bronco of Davis, Anderson, Gary and Portis!

So long as they have at least 4 legs between them too.

LeGrandOrange · 08-10-2002, 01:40 PM

I'll be amazed if Terrell Davis and the GAP Pack get through 16 games without an internal blowup.

I'm rooting for Ricky Williams this season too. Always liked him. Must be something about the dreadlocks.

Skip · 08-10-2002, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LeGrandOrange
I'll be amazed if Terrell Davis and the GAP Pack get through 16 games without an internal blowup.

You mean attitudes and egos, or muscles and tendons? Or both? I really like Shanahan and his management of the team, but my answer to my own question in this case is both.

tortured angel · 08-10-2002, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LeGrandOrange
I'll be amazed if Terrell Davis and the GAP Pack get through 16 games without an internal blowup.

I'm rooting for Ricky Williams this season too. Always liked him. Must be something about the dreadlocks.

Winning cures everything and it is an established fact that everytime the Patriots go to the Super Bowl the Broncos go to the next 2.

I too like Ricky Williams and almost have enough hair for a dreadlock(singular).

moose · 08-10-2002, 03:48 PM

could curtis martin be the most underpublicized superstar-quality ny athlete in a major sport?

that is, i think he's only very slightly underpublicized overall, but ny players tend to get way overhyped.

just an observation.

in addition to those mentioned, dont forget about emmitt smith. sure, he's a bit old now, but he is (and was, obviously) pretty darn good

LeGrandOrange · 08-10-2002, 04:03 PM

Skip,iInternal meaning the attitudes of the 4 players. You've got 3 1,000 yard rushers, and considering the Broncos' recent history, Portis is CERTAINLY capable of one, Shanahan is a solid coach but I'm not positive that, if all 4 are available, that everyone is going to be happy. Of course, if they get Super Bowl rings, it'll be all peachy keen.

That said, someone is going to get hurt before it's over, someone always does.

So maybe it'll be a non-issue. Then again...

Angel, I've always wanted to see Ricky Williams be in the right situation, as I've vouched for earlier in this thread, and I'm hopeful he is. Just has that kind of coolness to him.

BTW, you know what's ironic? The Saints still have a Ricky Williams on their roster...they signed the Texas Techster as an undrafted rookie. Small world.

VNV Nation · 08-10-2002, 05:19 PM

I think Ricky Williams is always going to have a fumble problem, and that will keep him from being a great back.

Craig S. · 08-10-2002, 05:50 PM

I think Bettis is one of the best of his generation, but I think he's too far on the downhill slope to be considered among the current best. That running style tends to be tough on the body.

08-11-2002, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Craig S.
This is a tough one for me. There are so many good backs in so many different kinds of offenses. I'm interested in what others think.

Here's my list:

1) Marshall Faulk - the total package
2) Curtis Marting - still awesome and still doesn't get enough credit
3) Edgerrin James - most improved coming out of the backfield, great weapon
4) Corey Dillon - best pure runner, and he would have a couple of rushing titles if the Bengals weren't always so far behind that they have to spend the whole second half passing
4) Shaun Alexander - my pick as the best of the young guys

Other lists?

I agree with you here.

Go Shaun!

Gosfgiants · 08-11-2002, 01:59 AM

Running Backs are probably the least durable of any of the skill positions. A few years ago I would've pointed at Terrell Davis as the best back in the league. Another among that group would be Garrison Hearst. Injuries have definetly brought both of these guys down. Look for another good year from Hearst.

I agree that the guys being mentioned in this thread are among the better backs in the league. I'll add Stephen Davis and Ahmet Green to the list.

08-11-2002, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by moose
in addition to those mentioned, dont forget about emmitt smith. sure, he's a bit old now, but he is (and was, obviously) pretty darn good

Really? Don't misunderstand I think Emmitt was/is a fine football player and person, but I really don't think he's as great as some would like to make him out to be.

08-10-2002, 12:32 PM	#1
Craig S. Guest Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,330	Best current NFL running backs This is a tough one for me. There are so many good backs in so many different kinds of offenses. I'm interested in what others think. Here's my list: 1) Marshall Faulk - the total package 2) Curtis Marting - still awesome and still doesn't get enough credit 3) Edgerrin James - most improved coming out of the backfield, great weapon 4) Corey Dillon - best pure runner, and he would have a couple of rushing titles if the Bengals weren't always so far behind that they have to spend the whole second half passing 4) Shaun Alexander - my pick as the best of the young guys 5) Fred Taylor - would be higher if he ever stayed healthy Other lists?

08-11-2002, 01:59 AM	#14
Gosfgiants NetShrine All-Century Team Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 1,136	Running Backs are probably the least durable of any of the skill positions. A few years ago I would've pointed at Terrell Davis as the best back in the league. Another among that group would be Garrison Hearst. Injuries have definetly brought both of these guys down. Look for another good year from Hearst. I agree that the guys being mentioned in this thread are among the better backs in the league. I'll add Stephen Davis and Ahmet Green to the list. __________________ It'll always be Pacbell Park Beat LA!!!

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08-10-2002, 12:40 PM	#2
LeGrandOrange Membership Suspended 4/11/04 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 3,783	Ooh, you're giving Corey Dillon love...he deserves it. It takes great skill to set the single-game running record with the O-line the Bengals had and the rush D that the Broncos had. Only thing wrong with him is that he's a Husky. One name you did miss was Jerome Bettis. He's this generation's...hmm, I can't figure out if he's Riggins or Campbell. Or if he is at all. Never the less, he's pretty good too.

08-10-2002, 01:12 PM	#3
Skip NetShrine Vagabond Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Louisville Posts: 7,866	Faulk, Dillon, Bettis. Faulk the most versatile, Dillon the best pure runner, Bettis the best pounder. Career merit award to Emmitt. Breakout year prediction for Ricky Williams.

08-10-2002, 01:17 PM	#4
tortured angel Guest Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: middle east Posts: 573	Give me the now 4-headed Bronco of Davis, Anderson, Gary and Portis!

08-10-2002, 01:40 PM	#6
LeGrandOrange Membership Suspended 4/11/04 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 3,783	I'll be amazed if Terrell Davis and the GAP Pack get through 16 games without an internal blowup. I'm rooting for Ricky Williams this season too. Always liked him. Must be something about the dreadlocks.

08-10-2002, 03:48 PM	#9
moose Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Socs Posts: 3,400	could curtis martin be the most underpublicized superstar-quality ny athlete in a major sport? that is, i think he's only very slightly underpublicized overall, but ny players tend to get way overhyped. just an observation. in addition to those mentioned, dont forget about emmitt smith. sure, he's a bit old now, but he is (and was, obviously) pretty darn good

08-10-2002, 04:03 PM	#10
LeGrandOrange Membership Suspended 4/11/04 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 3,783	Skip,iInternal meaning the attitudes of the 4 players. You've got 3 1,000 yard rushers, and considering the Broncos' recent history, Portis is CERTAINLY capable of one, Shanahan is a solid coach but I'm not positive that, if all 4 are available, that everyone is going to be happy. Of course, if they get Super Bowl rings, it'll be all peachy keen. That said, someone is going to get hurt before it's over, someone always does. So maybe it'll be a non-issue. Then again... Angel, I've always wanted to see Ricky Williams be in the right situation, as I've vouched for earlier in this thread, and I'm hopeful he is. Just has that kind of coolness to him. BTW, you know what's ironic? The Saints still have a Ricky Williams on their roster...they signed the Texas Techster as an undrafted rookie. Small world.

08-10-2002, 05:19 PM	#11
VNV Nation Membership Suspended 11/19/02 Join Date: May 2002 Location: VNV Nation Posts: 2,952	I think Ricky Williams is always going to have a fumble problem, and that will keep him from being a great back.

08-10-2002, 05:50 PM	#12
Craig S. Guest Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,330	I think Bettis is one of the best of his generation, but I think he's too far on the downhill slope to be considered among the current best. That running style tends to be tough on the body.

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