POLL Who is the Greatest Overall Running Back since 1988?

[Manster7588]

Emmitt could do it all and he could do it with a dislocated shoulder.

 

[Moab]

One other thing, there are at least 5 guys that Walter Payton was better than on this list.

 

[SeizeTheCarp]

There's a certain fanbase that dominates these boards that continually emphasizes that rings are the only thing that matter, and there is no reason to even consider bringing any other data into the discussion. Only Emmitt Smith and Marshall Faulk have won Super Bowl rings as starters. Since Smith has three he has to be the greatest.

 

[ArlingtonCowboys100]

You guys that believe Smith was a better back than Sanders need to answer something very simple. If they switched teams, OLines, who would've had a better career? It's Sanders by about 2 planets...

Complete backs are able to block, Barry could not block. Splash plays are not everything

 

[broncosmitty]

Not gonna read this whole thing, but the correct answer is clearly Lorenzo Neal.

 

[broncosmitty]

I agree but with the caveat that every D he faced was solely focused on primarily shutting him down. Detroit was woefully lacking any other weapons which led him to an early retirement.

They made the playoffs without him the year he quit.

 

[iowajerms]

I voted Marshall Faulk.

I do not think he is the best RB, but you said "total package". I think Barry Sanders is in the conversation of best of all time, but he was primarily an agile RB. He wasn't the receiving RB, he wasn't a blocking RB, he wasn't a power back. But he could make top defenders look bad while having a horrible line.

Marshall Faulk was an overall back. He was a blocker, receiver, power, and agile back. That is why I voted for him.

 

[broncosmitty]

They also had two 1000 yard receivers.

And neither were Herman Moore. (Who was prolly better than Calvin Johnson if we're doing this for receivers.)

They made the playoffs without him the year he quit.

That's wrong, playoffs the next year. 8-8 in 99.

 

[Manster7588]

One other thing, there are at least 5 guys that Walter Payton was better than on this list.

I'm going to say Walter a lot better than 5 guys on that list, but Walters last season was 1987. This list is of players from 1988 to present, so Walter isn't counted.

 

[VikingFan2k2]

Ahman Green, saun Alexander, AD, and Bo not on the list?????

Why don't you add Dorsey Levens and Ryan Grant too? Ahman Green, seriously had about 3 really good seasons and 1 great one. He doesn't belong on that list.

 

[Manster7588]

I'm going to say Walter a lot better than JUST 5 guys on that list, but Walters last season was 1987. This list is of players from 1988 to present, so Walter isn't counted.

Had to fix my post. Missed a word but that word was needed to say what I meant.

 

[Great Dayne]

Why don't you add Dorsey Levens and Ryan Grant too? Ahman Green, seriously had about 3 really good seasons and 1 great one. He doesn't belong on that list.

I'm talking about players in their prime not career. Green was an all time elite power/speed combo with receiving ability better than any other RB except Faulk.

 

[mcnabb7542]

Barry and it wasn't even close!

 

[Southieinnc]

Marshall Faulk slight edge over LT

Barry Sanders a slight edge over Marshall Faulk. Ladanian Tomlinson is a pussy.....

 

[Clayton]

There are 3 standout guys: Emmitt Smith, Marshall Faulk and Ladanian Tomlinson.

I still think I'd give the slight nod to Smith, though, even if he was by far the weakest receiver of the 3. LDT doesn't have the playoff chops or longevity. Faulk is lacking a bit in TDs and longevity.

Its a 1a, 1b, 1c kind of question for me, though. I think they are all on the same tier.

If we are using the literal sense of the word 'overall' then its LDT because he was pretty decent at throwing, too. I just think Smith wins on accomplishment and stats.

 

[cowboycolors]

Jeez this old dead horse argument again
On this list I choose Smith followed by Sanders then Faulk
all are talented some better than others but its an opinion no more no less

 

[Wazmankg]

Easy choice. I'll take Barry over the others listed every time. He did fine as a receiver. It just wasn't a big part of their offense. If they'd thrown him the ball enough he would have caught as many passes as Faulk or LDT.

 

[Wazmankg]

not long enough. never a full time player. he averaged 13 carries a game. i avoided flashes or "what could have beens".

amazingly, bo only had 8 100+ yard games in his career. 8. one was a 200 yard game.

38 games

8 games over 100 yards.

He was an incredible natural athlete and it would have been fun to see what he could have done if used full time for a few years. But never has a player received so much credit for accomplishing so little. There are some who think he was some all time great back which is ridiculous.

 

[cdumler7]

I think it is a travesty that you don't have HOF RB Terrell Davis on this list but having said that Barry is the easy choice. Top-3 RB all time

 

[SteelersPride]

Complete backs are able to block, Barry could not block. Splash plays are not everything

thats y for me it was LT, Emmit, Faulk in some order