Who are the best running backs in Redskins History?

RobJanis · Post by **RobJanis** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 8:42 am

Take a read. There are some blasts from the past.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/weblogs/ ... ing-backs/

Cappster · Post by **Cappster** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 9:37 am

If you write a history article in 10 years, Portis will probably be #1 on the list. He doesn't have the memories that Riggins has given us yet, but as long as he gets surrounding help from the rest of the offense, he will be money.

Countertrey · Post by **Countertrey** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 10:54 am

Where was Joe Don Looney???

MDSKINSFAN · Post by **MDSKINSFAN** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:12 am

riggins is definitely number 1 but in 10 years, if portis stays healthy, CP will be the best

yupchagee · Post by **yupchagee** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 1:26 pm

The list ommitted several worthy candidates, most prominently Cliff Battles (32-37). Among other things 1st NFL player to ever rush for 200 yds in 1 game. All pro 3 times in 6 years. He definitely belongs somewhere on the list. A good argument can also be made for Charlie (Choo-Choo) Justice who retired as our alltime leading rusher.

My top 5:
Riggins
Brown
Battles
Portis
Justice.

MDSKINSFAN · Post by **MDSKINSFAN** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 1:29 pm

yupchagee wrote:The list ommitted several worthy candidates, most prominently Cliff Battles (32-37). Among other things 1st NFL player to ever rush for 200 yds in 1 game. All pro 3 times in 6 years. He definitely belongs somewhere on the list. A good argument can also be made for Charlie (Choo-Choo) Justice who retired as our alltime leading rusher.

My top 5:
Riggins
Brown
Battles
Portis
Justice.

yea i agree with this list

SkinMeAlive · Post by **SkinMeAlive** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 2:16 pm

Larry Brown would be number one without any question if he'd had the offensive lines John Riggins had for most of his career. And he likely would have had twice the career rushing yardage in half the career rushing attempts. Brown also had twice the career receptions for more than twice the receiving yardage of Riggins. And at least six memorable plays from the single game mentioned by NC43Hog in another thread.

Riggins made one memorable play in a career that was all about three yards and a cloud of dust. So did Timmy Smith, in a much shorter career.

Larry Brown
John Riggins
(insert name here)

VetSkinsFan · Post by **VetSkinsFan** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 4:02 pm

SkinMeAlive wrote:Larry Brown would be number one without any question if he'd had the offensive lines John Riggins had for most of his career. And he likely would have had twice the career rushing yardage in half the career rushing attempts. Brown also had twice the career receptions for more than twice the receiving yardage of Riggins. And at least six memorable plays from the single game mentioned by NC43Hog in another thread.

Riggins made one memorable play in a career that was all about three yards and a cloud of dust. So did Timmy Smith, in a much shorter career.

Larry Brown
John Riggins
(insert name here)

Alternate realities don't exist. Anyone would have been better behind the Hogs....

GSPODS · Post by **GSPODS** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 4:12 pm

VetSkinsFan wrote:
Alternate realities don't exist. Anyone would have been better behind the Hogs....

"Best" is subjective. If I'm building a team, I take Larry Brown over any other running back from any team from any era. That is why I have him ahead of John Riggins. Just my opinion.

HanburgerHelper · Post by **HanburgerHelper** » Mon Jul 07, 2008 6:20 pm

Here's my list and it based more on what the RB did for the team NOT STATS alone.

1. John Riggins (He turned the Skins organization around and I remember a lot more larger gains than just 3 or 4 yards at a time. He also had track speed and was a load to bring down. Rare combo. Tough as nails.)

2. Stephen Davis (The only Redskin I ever recall who was on the top of every Fantasy Football board for a couple years but I didn't play FF in 1984/85. Davis had lots of talent coming out of Auburn and proved himself on the Skins. I don't think he played much in his first and second year. I think he was responsible for making that '99 team run along with Brad Johnson. No one gives this guy enough credit. What he did in Carolina proved his worth.)

3. Ernest Byner (He did everything well. Could run inside or outside, catch passes, and protect the passer. Rarely ever was out of position-- just smart. The Browns were fools for letting him go.)

4. Larry Brown (He'd probably rank higher but he wasn't around long enough. Talented but I recall his hearing was impaired so I'm not sure if that helped or hindered his career or running style. He certainly had a great impact on the team's success in the early 70's leading up to their first SB appearance.)

5. George Rogers (This guy was in a class of his own and came to the Skins in the latter part of his career, one spent mostly on hapless New Oleans Saints' teams. When he was healthy, he was force and if he started out with Washington, I don't think this would even be a contest.)

Honorable Mention: Brian Mitchell (I'm sure he could have been a great every-down back but was far too valuable as a kick/punt returner. He filled in pretty well at QB in the body bag bowl against Philly, scoring our only TD. I'm sure he could have played WR too if you let him. Amazing talent.)

Other backs I just liked: Mike Thomas, Reggie Brooks, Jamie Morris, Gerald Riggs, Terry Allen, Ricky Ervins, Kelvin Bryant, Larry Centers

NOTE 1: Clinton Portis may be the second best RB talent the Skins ever had after Rogers but it's hard to put him on my top-five until his "term in office" is up. He may end up being the best. However, because he was traded for Champ Bailey and Tatum Bell (2nd Rd pick that year), it taints my view a bit of his value to the team. I never thought he fit the system. Maybe this year that'll change. No question he's a great player but they never used him enough in the passing game in my estimation.

NOTE 2: I never saw Dick James play but heard of him-- have an old Topps football card. Different era and was a different game altogether back then.

HEROHAMO · Post by **HEROHAMO** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 5:23 am

Riggo of course! I dont think there is any argument he was the best.

NC43Hog · Post by **NC43Hog** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 9:13 am

Pound for Pound the Best and a League MVP.

<---------

GSPODS · Post by **GSPODS** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 9:31 am

NC43Hog wrote:Pound for Pound the Best and a League MVP.

<---------

Absolutely agreed. It's too bad most Redskins fans didn't get to see Larry Brown live and in person. Many more have never even seen the hard-to-find, and getting even harder to find video footage of Larry Brown. I'm hoping he can help us out with that in the questions for Larry Brown thread.

welch · Post by **welch** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 9:56 pm

1. Larry Brown: did things nobody else could (like gain yards with minimal blocking)

2. John Riggins: everyone knows why

3. The old guys from the '30s and '40s that we never saw. Cliff Battles, maybe? (call this an open pick)

JeanPassepartout1974 · Tue Jul 08, 2008 10:07 pm

John Riggins of course!

KazooSkinsFan · Post by **KazooSkinsFan** » Tue Jul 08, 2008 10:45 pm

HEROHAMO wrote:Riggo of course! I dont think there is any argument he was the best.

None from me. Larry Brown was a big reason I became a Skins fan originally. OK, that I was from KALAMAZOO in LIONS country gets a HUGE assist. Larry has to be #2 to the Diesel though. No disrespect in any way, shape or form. But the Diesel was just unstoppable. Larry was totally #2. I love CP, but he has a LONG way to go to catch those two and frankly I'm doubtful he'll get there. I hope he does. And that's no disrespect to CP.

John Manfreda · Post by **John Manfreda** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:50 pm

Riggo, Brown, than Davis I agree.

HEROHAMO · Post by **HEROHAMO** » Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:57 pm

KazooSkinsFan wrote:
HEROHAMO wrote:Riggo of course! I dont think there is any argument he was the best.

None from me. Larry Brown was a big reason I became a Skins fan originally. OK, that I was from KALAMAZOO in LIONS country gets a HUGE assist. Larry has to be #2 to the Diesel though. No disrespect in any way, shape or form. But the Diesel was just unstoppable. Larry was totally #2. I love CP, but he has a LONG way to go to catch those two and frankly I'm doubtful he'll get there. I hope he does. And that's no disrespect to CP.

I have respect for the old timers. I just didnt get to see Larry play since I was not alive yet. LOL

Much respect to Larry Brown. Riggo is just classic beast. They dont make them like him anymore.

andyjens89 · Post by **andyjens89** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 7:48 pm

Terry Allen...... in 1996