Except for Sanders, maybe not in the top 10 best running backs, these guys just twisted you in knots, trying to tackle them ...
1. Barry Sanders ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CicoSY8xU7c
2. Hugh McEllhenny
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOK77JslrIk
3. Willie Galimore
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzawBZERZ8Y
4. Marshall Faulk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvjWiW7R3-g
5. LeSean McCoy
[urlhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggh5D-zhLW4[/url]
Both amazing running backs, I think were more "slashers". They didn't necessarily juked to avoid contact, they ripped through tackles. Once free, both had great speed and agility to run away.
Other great slashers include Roger Craig, John David Crow and Marion Barber.
On the opposite end were the big power backs like Jim Brown, Jim Taylor, Larry Csoonka, Jon Riggins, who looked to inflict pain on anyone who dared to get in their way.
Over-and-over; it's like enjoying a great musical concert. I loved the comment about McElhenny (who was criticized for only playing one way).
His coach famously said - "Was Chopin criticized because the only played the piano" ?
Fingers crossed, Toney and Wan'dale are pretty good jokers themselves.
Fingers crossed, Toney and Wan'dale are pretty good jokers themselves.
jokers ==> jukers (auto-correct, although jokers isn't totally out of the question)
Over-and-over; it's like enjoying a great musical concert. I loved the comment about McElhenny (who was criticized for only playing one way).
His coach famously said - "Was Chopin criticized because the only played the piano" ?
He was great.
RIP.
I loved Sayers, but for pure juking - I'd have to go with Sanders.
I would add Eric Metcalf and Dante Hall. Warrick Dunn also had some nice shiftiness, one of my favorite cutback runners to watch in college at FSU, he would always get extra yards on his cutbacks, if not a TD.
I mentioned Toney above. Wan'dale too. Certainly what we've seen from Toney when he can stay on the field is that he really has moves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKI6DyhXuaU
He's amazing with the ball in his hands. What I'd like to see is him do is to perfect the pass receiver double-move, to create initial separation (the way OBJ could, when he first got here).
This is the comparison I use to make for Barkley. Both by the impressive rookie performance and the running style. Both can run and catch. Barkley can do kick returns but it's a different NFL so they don't want him doing that. The jury is still out for certain on Barkley but both careers were derailed by a serious knee injury.
Sayers
Barkley rookie highlights
The play at 5:22 was one of the most impressive 9 yards I've ever seen.
To be clear, I'm not calling Barkley the next Sayers. That's just who he reminded me of. That rookie season showed the potential was there to be in that class. Damn injuries. Still feel bad for Barkley. I really hope he gets his mojo back. Odds are against him though.