I think Gore is underrated, but you are correct that he was not generally a difference maker for most of his career. Holmes was the man for 3 years. He’s more like Jamaal Charles in terms of production: high peak for a few years then mostly meh otherwise.
agree with your top 4 belonging. that’s brand name good RBs. anyone else is fighting to displace any of them
Well, these days NFL Football teams are not built around a running back. RBs are there to complement the passing game and to force defenses to think of all the options.
And, most of this depends on the O-Line, who need to be able to block effectively in both ways (and not tip off the defense as to what play is coming). Otherwise the whole game plan dissolves, regardless of the RB.
As such, the RB is a temporarily filled position. A lengthy career is the exception.
Frank Gore is an interesting exception.
I’d rather not read the article, but it does boil down to what kind of team they’re trying to put together. A one-time SB winner or a dynasty. If dynasty, how long? A long dynasty will need to replace the RB a lot sooner than the QB or other vital personnel.
“Greatest RB” these days (and even for the past 25 years) needs to catch a thrown ball as well.
What about Curtis Martin? I know he started playing in 95, but Holmes started in 97. In addition, Zeke Elliot has almost 1,000 more rushing yards than Priest Holmes.
My Favorite!
look at Frank Gore yards from scrimmage.
also love Curtis
Frank Gore ages like John Stamos. Lucky guys.
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One reason why shit teams stay shit:
I wonder if the EPL will look at that F grade the Jets got for ownership
The survey: NFLPA Team Report Cards 2025 | NFLPA
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I’ll take “Studies With Obvious Results” for $400, Ken
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Not sure what Barnwell is going for here, besides the obvious eyeballs.
He needs to look at Linemen and Defensive positions, not the “talent.”
I guess this all depends on which part are more equal, the linemen or the talent.
Gore played more seasons than Emmit Smith.
Gore played more games per season (15.1) than Emmit did.
Gore’s YPA is higher than Emmit’s. (4.3 vs 4.2)
Gore’s receiving yards, and receiving yards per season are higher than Emmit’s.
Emmit played behind, on average, a much more dominant O-line than Gore did.
Gore might be the highest ever TD to Wonderlic ratio in history at 99:6
Unlike Gore who was underrated, Emmit was overrated.
But, but… he played that one game with just one arm!!!
Jamarcus had 1 rushing/receiving TD. I think he might have the record.
(also 18 passing TDs)
The career yards and TD records for QB and WR are held by Tom Brady and Jerry Rice, who many consider the 2 best football players of all time. I think people hold it against Emmit Smith because he has the RB records despite not being the best RB. He was still a great player, just not transcendent.
Gore had one great season and an incredible number of above average seasons. I’m not sure if that makes him underrated or not.
While we amateurs can opine about this, only his salary, and thus the opinions of GMs and owners of the league, matter.
Someone could collect the amateurs’ data via ESPN’s fantasy draft positions over his career versus the outcome of those years. i.e., if he were 10th RB picked, were his FF numbers above or below 10th place for that year, etc. Or do those stats actually matter?
Who TF’s side is the NFLPA on???