Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

On NFL Total Access last night they, I mean Marshall Faulk presented his top five running backs I the league and the lists was as follows:

1. Adrian Peterson
2. DeAngelo Williams
3. Michael Turner
4. LaDanian Tomlinson
5. Maurice Jones-Drew/Brian Westbrook (tied for 5th)

I can hardly disagree with Adrian Peterson but, seriously, no Portis anywhere on the list?! That is just plain ridiculous. Allow me to 'critique' Faulk's list and then present my own. I agree with Adrian Peterson. DeAngelo Williams isn't even the best RB on his own team, Michael Turner has been a number 2 most of his career until last season in which he did have an outstanding year, but to say he is now among the elite is a bit premature. LaDanian Tomlinson, IMO, should always be in this discussion despite his nagging injuries of late. Maurice Jones-Drew and Westbrook are close although I think defensive coordinators fear scheming against Westbrook far more than Jones-Drew. What would be your guys list of the Top 5 RB's in the NFL?....This is my attempt to break the monotony of all of the Campbell sucks, Vinny sucks, Zorn sucks, and Snyder sucks threads LMAO.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

Jones-Drew? Really?

If CP isn't top 5 he's right there. Def top 10.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

Forgot my list:

1. Adrian Peterson
2. Clinton Portis
3. LaDanian Tomlinson
4. Frank Gore
5. Michael Westbrook

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

^^Pretty sure you meant Brian Westbrook not Michael Westbroke.

Yeah, Faulk's list is flawed but I wasn't surprised that Portis wasn't on it. To expect anything from the national media regarding our players other than negativity is naive right now.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

[quote=Skins4Eva;566407]Forgot my list:

1. Adrian Peterson
2. Clinton Portis
3. LaDanian Tomlinson
4. Frank Gore
5. [B]Michael Westbrook[/B][/quote]

[I]Michael[/I] Westbrook?!

If the Skins had taken my draft advice Adrian Peterson would be on our team.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

CP isn't top 5 by running ability, but let's first establish the criteria. If you want an all around back he's likely one of the top 5. Westbrook as well, he does a lot for his team. Peterson has had issues w/pass protection & they don't use him on 3rd downs unless he's running the ball.

I think Steven Jackson is often overlooked, and I hate to say it but Marion the barbarian is solid in about every phase of the game, just lacks breakaway speed.

Running back has become a tough position to rate IMO, there are so many guys in the nfl racking up yards that any given week somebody random looks like a hall of famer. I think it's safe to say that this is a position that most teams have no trouble finding talent in the mid rounds of the draft. Kind of funny, when I grew up rb's were among the highest paid, most celebrated players. They still have the name recognition, but free agency has reduced their per capita value.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

Off the top of my head:

1. Adrian Peterson
2. LaDanian Tomlinson
3. Steven Jackson
4. Brandon Jacobs
5. Chris Johnson (second only to A.D. in terms of exciting to watch)

rest of the top 10 in no particular order:

Portis, Westbrook, Turner, Ronnie Brown and Barber.

This dude is my favorite back in the league.
[YT]am7JQ5P0Es8[/YT]

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

OK, first get over this media out to get the skins because thats getting old. This is one man's opinion so what is the big deal. I bet if we did a thread here on the top 5 RB's fans here would not include CP on the top five list. All I give a crap about is that come game day CP comes out and plays his best ball and helps the team win. I don't cars if he has 20 yards and 2 TD's or 140 yards with no TD's as long as what he brings to the field on that day helps us win.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

[quote=Skins4Eva;566405]On NFL Total Access last night they, I mean Marshall Faulk presented his top five running backs I the league and the lists was as follows:

1. Adrian Peterson
2. DeAngelo Williams
3. Michael Turner
4. LaDanian Tomlinson
5. Maurice Jones-Drew/Brian Westbrook (tied for 5th)

I can hardly disagree with Adrian Peterson but, seriously, no Portis anywhere on the list?! That is just plain ridiculous. Allow me to 'critique' Faulk's list and then present my own. I agree with Adrian Peterson. DeAngelo Williams isn't even the best RB on his own team, Michael Turner has been a number 2 most of his career until last season in which he did have an outstanding year, but to say he is now among the elite is a bit premature. LaDanian Tomlinson, IMO, should always be in this discussion despite his nagging injuries of late. Maurice Jones-Drew and Westbrook are close although I think defensive coordinators fear scheming against Westbrook far more than Jones-Drew. What would be your guys list of the Top 5 RB's in the NFL?....This is my attempt to break the monotony of all of the Campbell sucks, Vinny sucks, Zorn sucks, and Snyder sucks threads LMAO.[/quote]

The reason CP isn't top 5 cause Faulk said he's not a threat out of the back field. IMO the best back in the NFL ( when he's healthy) is Steven Jackson and he didn't make Marshall's top 5.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

CP isnt a top 5 back anymore but I do think he comes in from about 7 to 10th.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

1. Peterson
2. Portis
3. Jackson
4. Tomlinson
5. Marion Barber

Rookies who could make the list soon: Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, Jonathan Stewart, and Steve Slaton*

*I included 4 rookies because I think that Portis, Tomlinson and Jackson are/will soon be past the point of being "really productive."

I think Addai is probably slighted on this list as well, but he had a down year last year and he just didn't make the cut. Also, I think that Marion Barber could easily be removed for any number of other backs, but I like the way the runs, so he made my list.

Also, I feel that Peterson isn't in first place going away. He's poor in pass protections AND he had 9 fumbles last season. The same sort of case can be made against Portis for fading in the 2nd half last year, but whatever, this is my list.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

LT and Portis are on HoF track but they're no longer as snappy as the young guys. That said I would take Portis and LT over these young home run hitters.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

[quote=irish;566416]CP isnt a top 5 back anymore but I do think he comes in from about 7 to 10th.[/quote]

Yeah...with our line he's definitely not a top 5 back.

With a top 10 line though he's a top 5 back.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

As much as I love CP, he hasn't had a run of 40+ yards in a long time. He is not the breakaway back that he used to be and perhaps this keeps him from the top five.

However, CP otherwise is a complete back, unlike Adrian Peterson. I've always thought that Peterson was overrated. He is exciting and productive when running the ball, to be sure. But he is a poor blocker, not a great pass-catcher, and he fumbles too frequently. Further, although he has been fairly durable over the last couple of years, I will not be surprised if he suffers another big injury.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

I'm certainly not CP's biggest fan, but he gives 100% on the field and as far as blocking, there's no RB I'd rather have back there. As Tee pointed out, behind a good o-line he would be top 5 IMO.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

It's hard not to like Portis even with all the stupid stuff he pulls, but he isn't even close to the top 5 runningbacks. Whens the last time you have seen him outrun anyone. He's not bad but dont get hurt hes not in top 5 list, maybe it will motivate him.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

Here's what I hate about these rankings. Let's take a look at LaDainian Tomlinson. He's had a great career, but didn't his team almost cut him because they thought that he was getting old and would not restructure? So, can the Chargers win without him? I think they might; whereas in the case of Westbrook, I don't think the Iggles can with without him. I'm sure the same could be said of Portis.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

CP is a top 10 but not a top 5.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

Ya know, everyone keeps saying CP isn't a top 5 back, I really wish all of you would put up your lists. I'm not going to deny that CP is my favorite player in the league, so I have no problem saying that I'm biased, but I'd like to see who everyone believes is in the top 5.

Personally, I wasn't going to put a guy in my top 5 who only had 1 great season under his belt, but that's me. Regardless, I wanna see some top 5's that don't include Clinton Portis since everyone believes he's not in the top 5 anymore.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

1. DeAngelo Williams
2. Steven Jackson
3. Steve Slaton
4. Matt Forte
5. Adrian Peterson

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

My top 7 would be:

1. Peterson
2. Jackson
3. Westbrook
4. Turner
5. Tomlinson
6. Portis
7. Jones

It's so subjective though. I could arrange this list a bunch of different ways depending on what stats I'm looking at or how my mood strikes me. Portis is right there, I've got no problem with someone saying he's top 5, top 7, or top 10. Rankings in the end are kinda silly and just a discussion topic. All I know is he's damn good, and a very good all around back.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

adrian peterson
steven jackson
michael turner
deangelo williams
thomas jones

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

[quote=freddyg12;566410]CP isn't top 5 by running ability, but let's first establish the criteria. If you want an all around back he's likely one of the top 5. Westbrook as well, he does a lot for his team. Peterson has had issues w/pass protection & they don't use him on 3rd downs unless he's running the ball.

I think Steven Jackson is often overlooked, and I hate to say it but Marion the barbarian is solid in about every phase of the game, just lacks breakaway speed.

Running back has become a tough position to rate IMO, there are so many guys in the nfl racking up yards that any given week somebody random looks like a hall of famer. I think it's safe to say that this is a position that most teams have no trouble finding talent in the mid rounds of the draft. Kind of funny, when I grew up rb's were among the highest paid, most celebrated players. They still have the name recognition, but free agency has reduced their per capita value.[/quote]

Yeah, HARD to judge RBs these days. Seems like the best running teams platoon their backs, which seems to make a lot of sense for several reasons. Portis is good, but RBs seem to be a dime a dozen with rookies coming in every year and putting up ridiculous stats from day one.

If blocking is weighted heavily, Portis is close to the top, but if being a threat in the passing game, being able to score from anywhere on the field and showing the ability to be a "game-changer" are important factors then I can see how Portis was left off the list. I like Portis, but he's a "3 yards and a cloud of dust" kind of back at this stage in his career.

There are dozens of backs that would rack up 1500 yards if they were given as many carries as Portis. Just doesn't happen that much anymore, because teams are smarter about how they use their weapons. I hope the Skins coaching staff gets with the program this year, so teams have to defend our entire offense and Portis is fresher at the end of the season.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

[quote=Ruhskins;566431]Here's what I hate about these rankings. Let's take a look at LaDainian Tomlinson. He's had a great career, but didn't his team almost cut him because they thought that he was getting old and would not restructure? So, can the Chargers win without him? I think they might; whereas in the case of Westbrook, I don't think the Iggles can with without him. I'm sure the same could be said of Portis.[/quote]

RBs hit the wall like no other position, and I'm sure Faulk is taking that into consideration. Look at Sean Alexander.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

[quote=Zerohero;566429]It's hard not to like Portis even with all the stupid stuff he pulls, but he isn't even close to the top 5 runningbacks. Whens the last time you have seen him outrun anyone. He's not bad but dont get hurt hes not in top 5 list, maybe it will motivate him.[/quote]

I like Portis, but not for the money he makes. RB seems to be the easiest position to fill, and the best teams seem to put their money elsewhere... O and D line, for example. Look at the Pats. Anyone they stick in the backfield seems to get 100 yards. It's because they are solid everywhere else - passing game, O-line, etc. Would prefer to see the skins build a solid foundation, so that players at skill positions can be interchanged without the team missing a beat.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

[quote=44Deezel;566458]I like Portis, but not for the money he makes. RB seems to be the easiest position to fill, and the best teams seem to put their money elsewhere... O and D line, for example. Look at the Pats. Anyone they stick in the backfield seems to get 100 yards. It's because they are solid everywhere else - passing game, O-line, etc. Would prefer to see the skins build a solid foundation, so that players at skill positions can be interchanged without the team missing a beat.[/quote]

I couldnt agree more. CP is a nice back but not for the $ he makes. He's not a break away threat anymore and as a result, he isnt a game changer he's a pounder and pounders shouldnt make what he makes.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

[quote=Skins4Eva;566405]On NFL Total Access last night they, I mean Marshall Faulk presented his top five running backs I the league and the lists was as follows:

1. Adrian Peterson
2. DeAngelo Williams
3. Michael Turner
4. LaDanian Tomlinson
5. Maurice Jones-Drew/Brian Westbrook (tied for 5th)

I can hardly disagree with Adrian Peterson but, seriously, no Portis anywhere on the list?! That is just plain ridiculous. Allow me to 'critique' Faulk's list and then present my own. I agree with Adrian Peterson. [B]DeAngelo Williams isn't even the best RB on his own team,[/B] Michael Turner has been a number 2 most of his career until last season in which he did have an outstanding year, but to say he is now among the elite is a bit premature. LaDanian Tomlinson, IMO, should always be in this discussion despite his nagging injuries of late. Maurice Jones-Drew and Westbrook are close although I think defensive coordinators fear scheming against Westbrook far more than Jones-Drew. What would be your guys list of the Top 5 RB's in the NFL?....This is my attempt to break the monotony of all of the Campbell sucks, Vinny sucks, Zorn sucks, and Snyder sucks threads LMAO.[/quote]

Really? Who's better? Jonathan Stewart is pretty good, but D'Angelo had a monster year.

I'd say:

A.P.
D'Angelo
Turner
LT
Westbrook
Portis
Gore
MJD
Barber

Something like that.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

Portis > Turner, but Gore is as well. Even CP would go to bat for Gore.

I don't know if Portis is a top five back, but he wouldn't be more than a small step behind Peterson in any given year.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

[quote=Zerohero;566429]It's hard not to like Portis even with all the stupid stuff he pulls, but he isn't even close to the top 5 runningbacks. Whens the last time you have seen him outrun anyone. He's not bad but dont get hurt hes not in top 5 list, maybe it will motivate him.[/quote]

Not even close? come on. Riggins could never out run anyone himself and where would you rank him?

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

1. Peterson
2. Westbrook
3. Jones-Drew
4.Chris Johnson
5. Turner
Portis not there

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

[quote=firstdown;566467]Not even close? come on. Riggins could never out run anyone himself and where would you rank him?[/quote]

Riggo was a power back, a bruiser that was used to pound the ball. He was never considered a breakaway threat. Thats why they called him The Diesel. CP is a speed back that can take a pounding. Big difference.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

[quote=firstdown;566467]Not even close? come on. Riggins could never out run anyone himself and where would you rank him?[/quote]

Kind of a bad argument. Riggo could really move especially for a big guy. He was a sprint champ in college too.

But I agree with the basic point. Even if CP is no longer a home run threat he still does many other things really well, and since when is being able to outrun people the main criteria for being a great back?

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

[quote=Zerohero;566429]It's hard not to like Portis even with all the stupid stuff he pulls, but he isn't even close to the top 5 runningbacks. Whens the last time you have seen him outrun anyone. He's not bad but dont get hurt hes not in top 5 list, maybe it will motivate him.[/quote]

Kinda hard to say he's not even close considering he was 4th overall in the league in rushing last year.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

Also from NFL.com. Obviously any of these lists would be subjective.

[URL="http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d8112aff6&template=without-video-with-comments&confirm=true"]As more teams split carries, these five backs stand above the rest[/URL]

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

Was CP ever a break away runner? The only time I remember hi breking away was his first run as a skin.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

[quote=firstdown;566490]Was CP ever a break away runner? The only time I remember hi breking away was his first run as a skin.[/quote]

Lots of people like to talk about his "breakaway" ability from his time in Denver. If we measure that by 40+ runs (which is the easiest way since the NFL keeps that stat) those runs have tracked as follows:

2002 - 3
2003 - 6
2004 - 1
2005 - 2
2006 - 0
2007 - 0
2008 - 0

He also averaged 5.5 yds/carry both years in Denver and has never done better than 4.3 in Washington. That probably says more about the talent and system in D.C. than it does about Portis.

His 20+ runs also declined in Washington, though they spiked again last season.

2002 - 11
2003 - 13
2004 - 5
2005 - 6
2006 - 3
2007 - 3
2008 - 13

Maybe the fact that he was able to break the 20 yard runs last year, but not able to turn any of those into 40+ carries does suggest that he is no longer the same back that he was early in his career.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

[quote=firstdown;566467]Not even close? come on. Riggins could never out run anyone himself and where would you rank him?[/quote]

I can't speak about guys i didnt watch play, i'm just going by the great running backs i watched growing up and they outran the defenders on a consistant basis. I was a little strong in saying not even close, but when i watch portis i'm constantly thinking to myself "if that was peterson or williams he wouldnt have gone down.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

[quote=Mattyk72;566474]Kinda hard to say he's not even close considering he was 4th overall in the league in rushing last year.[/quote]

We were statistically the 4th best defense, do you think we had the 4th best defense last year? Yeah saying not even close was harsh, but if you could pick from any team right now who you want to start at running back, would portis be in yalls top 5?

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

Marshall Faulk is just rating his favorite runningbacks in the league. It is not to be taken serious. It is just another mans baseless opinion. He doesn't know what he is talking about. This doesn't mean anything to anybody but Marshall. He is just doing his job.

Re: Marshall Faulk's Top 5 RB's...No Portis?!
 

I think there could be 20 guys you could create some argument for, given some would be a stretch but it's tough to say what makes a good RB and it's definitely tough to judge guys because it's so much based on the o-line. I think AP is able to do so much of what he does in open space because his o-line is very good at run blocking. No doubt he's real good, but put him behind the Lions o-line and he's not putting up the best stats in the NFL.

Adrian Peterson
Michael Turner
DeAngelo Williams
Clinton Portis
Steven Jackson
Brandon Jacobs
Thomas Jones
Chris Johnson
Steve Slaton
Matt Forte
Frank Gore
Willie Parker
Larry Johnson
Ladanian Tomlinson
Brian Westbrook
Marion Barber
Ronnie Brown
Maurice Jones-Drew
Jonathan Stewart
Derrick Ward