- Part 1: Perfect QB
Today we continue our series with part 2, Building The Perfect Running Back. When I think of the greatest runners of all time, what is it that set them apart? Speed? Power? Versatility? Longevity?
You get to decide which components you'd use to assemble your ultimate tail back.
Rules: Select 2 out of 8 attributes to build your “perfect” Running Back.
1.) Mr. Truck
The all-powerful tackle shedding ability of Jim Brown. Those who saw him play say he was the greatest of all time. The rest of us see the footage of him knocking LBs on the ground, reversing field and leaving would-bes in the dust and we’re inclined to agree. He also never missed a game. The only flaw in Jim Brown’s game was that he put the ball on the ground more often than some of the other greats.
2.) The Super
The extreme versatility of Marshall Faulk (Also – Roger Craig). Out of the backfield, lined up in the slot, or just in the good ol I formation… the only thing he didn’t do was kick the extra point after he scored (Jim Brown did). Faulk was the ultimate weapon on the best offense the league has ever seen.
3.) Home Run
Gale Sayers’ ability to take it to the house at any time. If he would have played longer, there is no doubt he’d be considered along with Brown as the G.O.A.T. The only other player I would fittingly put in this category would be Bo Jackson.
4.) All Day Sweetness
The durability / power / finesse combo that embodied Walter Payton back in the day, and his modern day incarnation Adrian Peterson. I almost hesitate to type this as I own Peterson in my fantasy league and I’m very superstitious about jinxes, but both players have eerily similar skill sets and also have proven that durability is the key to greatness. Sweetness did fumble quite a bit, but it seems that Adrian Peterson has corrected that flaw in his game.
5.) The Joystick
The oft-attempted but never imitated moves of Barry Sanders. The things Barry Sanders did on the football field will amaze football fans for countless generations to come. I grew up lucky getting to watch him play on Sundays.
Watch this video and tell me if you’re #42 for the Patriots if you even feel like getting out of bed the next morning.
6.) The Red Bull
The relentless motor and determination of LaDainian Tomlinson. As a fan who had to watch his team get decimated by LT twice a year for the duration of his career with San Diego, I can attest to the fact that LT’s motor was what made him so great. His powerful legs kept churning, fighting for extra yards, and eventually he’d break a long one on you after he punished your defense all day.
7.) The Wrecking Ball
The reckless abandon running style of Earl Campbell. The Tyler Rose doesn’t always get his due, but those who followed the Oilers back in the 70s will swear to you he was the greatest to ever play the game. One thing that set Campbell apart from the rest was his colossal size (His thighs were rumored to be 32 inches a piece). Campbell had runs where a guy would seemingly have all the leverage against him and he’d still find a way to break the tackle. The one play that always sticks in my head was a game against the Raiders where he got belted at the goal line, fell backwards, then somehow regained his balance and fell forward into the end zone.
8.) Mr. Longevity
The persistence of Emmitt Smith. It is fitting that he went into the HOF with Jerry Rice, because both players had remarkably long productive careers that ended with #1 status in the record books. In the modern age of running backs in which the shelf life is 4-5 solid seasons, Emmitt Smith churned out 11 straight 1000 yard seasons. The only reason Emmitt doesn’t get Tier 1 G.O.A.T consideration is because the teams he played on were stacked with talent, including one of the best offensive lines ever assembled. Also unfortunately for Emmitt he was probably the worst football analyst in TV history.
My Pick? Tecmo Bowl Bo Jackson.
Game. Over.
I'd go with Faulk/Sanders
ReplyDeleteFaulk probably could have been a good QB had his body allowed for it. He had the mentality/intelligence at not only the RB position, but both Manning and Warner have credited Faulk with being a huge part of their early success. It was as if they had 2 QB minds at the line of scrimmage, and not only did Faulk know his own plays, he knew the plays of everyone on the field. For that alone, I would take him, but throw in the fact that he was one of the best all around RBs in the game, he's a lock at one of my spots.
Barry Sanders is purely for show. I want the home run play, I want him to be on every highlight reel every week, and make the game exciting, to where you know at any single moment, your RB could shake a guy, break 2 tackles, hop over the guy that just dove at his ankles, put a spin move on a safety, and then outrun the other 4 guys he left behind 10 seconds ago because they caught up to him after all the broken tackles/spins.
Faulk/Sanders would be my ultimate back, he doesn't have to be a huge bruiser, but he can be if necessary.