Greatest Rams running backs-all time roster continued

[general counsel]

The running back position is deep in tradition and history for the Rams. I am assuming that there are three running back spots available on the all time team, plus one fullback. That may be one too many, but its hard enough to get down to three, let alone two, so for now, lets assume three tailbacks.

I think it has to be Faulk and Dickerson as the first two. Hard to debate on those.

The third guy is very tricky. Steven Jackson deserves consideration. Certainly if he puts up big numbers for a couple of more years (especially given how lousy the team has been around him) he would be the most likely candidate for the number three spot.

However, we can not ignore Johnnie Drake and Parker Hall. Drake, who played for the Rams from 1937-41, was a five time all pro and a real superstar in his era. Parker Hall, who also played QB in addition to halfback, was a three time all pro and the 1939 league mvp.

In addition, Lawrence McCutcheon and Dick Bass both merit consideration.

I am going to give the nod as the third guy to Steven Jackson. I think the combination of his size, speed, pass catching ability, and attitude make up for the fact that he has not played on winning teams and hasnt played for the team as long as McCutcheon or Bass. I think its a very close call to take Jackson over McCutcheon and i make the selection in large part based on pass receiving and the fact that unlike McCutcheon, Jackson has not played behind offfensive lines with multiple all pro's. Its also a very very close borderline impossible call taking Jackson over Johnnie Drake, its just so hard to compare eras and obviously, Jackson is a LOT bigger, faster and stronger.

In summary, i think that Faulk and Dickerson stand far and away above the rest. It might be better just to leave it at those two, we will see when i get to the final 53 man roster. A couple more years out of Jackson, and he is solidly on the list.

ramming speed to all

general counsel

[jmk321]

How many black guys played in the 1930s and 1940s. How many black guys play today. Clearly you can't compare the eras as far as skill, athleticism and complexity of the game goes. If Steven Jackson from today played in those early time periods he could probably rush for 3,000 yards in a season.

I would take Faulk over Dickerson as the starter because Faulk is probably the most complete runningback of all time and the best runningback that I have ever seen play. He could do everything and had as dominant of a 4 year span in the NFL as any player in history.

[general counsel]

jmk, fair points. In many of my prior posts on the all time rams team, i have cited criteria as relative dominance in an era, rather than absolute "who is the best player." Of course, todays players are bigger faster and stronger and that is why i often but not always give the nod to the more recent guys.

I agree with you completely on faulk, as i am his biggest fan on this board. Greatest player in the history of the franchise.

ramming speed to all

general counsel

[Trevor]

How many black guys played in the 1930s and 1940s. How many black guys play today. Clearly you can't compare the eras as far as skill, athleticism and complexity of the game goes. If Steven Jackson from today played in those early time periods he could probably rush for 3,000 yards in a season.

I would take Faulk over Dickerson as the starter because Faulk is probably the most complete runningback of all time and the best runningback that I have ever seen play. He could do everything and had as dominant of a 4 year span in the NFL as any player in history.

Couldn't agree more.

[laram0]

Too bad we let the "BUS" Jerome Bettis getaway.

I actually would put Dickerson ahead of Faulk. Sure Marshall was a better all around back and was a very important part of the GSOT but that's just it he was a part of the GSOT. Dickerson was the team at least on the offensive side of the ball. It was run, run, run and ED would always break 1 or 2 long runs even though the defense knew exactly what we doing.

[shower beers]

Too bad we let the "BUS" Jerome Bettis getaway.

I actually would put Dickerson ahead of Faulk. Sure Marshall was a better all around back and was a very important part of the GSOT but that's just it he was a part of the GSOT. Dickerson was the team at least on the offensive side of the ball. It was run, run, run and ED would always break 1 or 2 long runs even though the defense knew exactly what we doing.

Precisely why I agree that Jackson should take the third spot. I think if his career were over, there would be no debate. He is truly a great runner and a great Ram.

[mde8352gorams]

Willie Ellison should be a part of the discussion as he had the single-game rushing record for a long time.

Cleveland Gary, Robert Delpino??

Go Rams!

[mde8352gorams]

Oops, forgot.....what about Wendell Tyler and Les Josephson

Go Rams!

[RealRam]

Indeed, great RBs have almost been a tradition for the Rams.



My all-time personal favorites -- not necessarily on the basis of yardage / TDs.

1. Eric Dickerson (1983-87)
2. Marshall Faulk (1999-06)
3. Les Josephson (1964-74)
4. Stephen Jackson (2004-)
5. Dick Bass (1960-69)
6. Willie Ellison (1967-72)
7. Tank Younger (1949-57)
8. John Arnett (1957-63)
9. Lawrence McCutcheon (1972-79)
10. John Cappelletti (1974-78)
11. Jim Bertelsen (1972-76)
12. Greg Bell (1987-89)
13. Jerome Bettis (1993-95)
14. Ollie Matson (1959-62)

Les Josephson



Honorable mention: Larry Smith (1969-73), whom I thought would be a very fine, solid Rams RB but was cut down by injuries.

Click on image.

[eldfan]

As a pure runner I will say ED but as the best all around back Faulk.

[mde8352gorams]

Indeed, great RBs have almost been a tradition for the Rams.



My all-time personal favorites -- not necessarily on the basis of yardage / TDs.

1. Eric Dickerson (1983-87)
2. Marshall Faulk (1999-06)
3. Les Josephson (1964-74)
4. Stephen Jackson (2004-)
5. Dick Bass (1960-69)
6. Willie Ellison (1967-72)
7. Tank Younger (1949-57)
8. John Arnett (1957-63)
9. Lawrence McCutcheon (1972-79)
10. John Cappelletti (1974-78)
11. Jim Bertelsen (1972-76)
12. Greg Bell (1987-89)
13. Jerome Bettis (1993-95)
14. Ollie Matson (1959-62)

Les Josephson



Honorable mention: Larry Smith (1969-73), whom I thought would be a very fine, solid Rams RB but was cut down by injuries.

Click on image.

Thanks for reminding me about Jim Bertelson and John Capelletti, both productive RB's for us. No love for Willie Ellison, or too short a star for us? Agree with you on Larry Smith out of Florida, great hard-nosed runner.

[RealRam]

Thanks for reminding me about Jim Bertelson and John Capelletti, both productive RB's for us. No love for Willie Ellison, or too short a star for us? Agree with you on Larry Smith out of Florida, great hard-nosed runner.

Oh, Willie Ellison is right there alright. I've got him on "my" list up there.

Did you mean Wendell Tyler perhaps?