trez Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 Who do you think is the best running back in the NFC East? I think its pretty much a two horse race (Barber vs. Portis), but I've included all starters in the poll. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joelvincent Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 Barber get the "most improved" running back, maybe in history (I thought a few years ago he was soft and fumbled like crazy). And its neck and neck but since I'm a Redskins I'll say two things... 1. Portis, Betts, and even Rock are better than Barber 2. It'll be nice to break off some huge runs on them when LA jumps inside and gets blocked down on, leaving his assignment wide open... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RIDETHEWALRUS Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 Last year Barber was the better back. THis year it is going to be CP. Think of the production that has come from Saunders' RBs in recent years, it is just straight nasty. I do believe that if Barber were to be running under Saunders' then he would instantly become the NFC easts best back. But he isn't so he isn't. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sableholic Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 Barber get the "most improved" running back, maybe in history (I thought a few years ago he was soft and fumbled like crazy). And its neck and neck but since I'm a Redskins I'll say two things...1. Portis, Betts, and even Rock are better than Barber 2. It'll be nice to break off some huge runs on them when LA jumps inside and gets blocked down on, leaving his assignment wide open... ... Betts and Rock better than Barber? You can't be serious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terpfan Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 ... Betts and Rock better than Barber? You can't be serious. I think he was joking. I picked Portis. Tie goes to the Redskin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
talk show host Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 kind of biased response so far. I imagine no matther what position you picked, people would say a Skins player was the best. However, the numbers clearly show Tiki is the best back. That may change next year, but there is no basis for stating Portis is the best back now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henry Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 I dont think it's a coincidence that Barber's production skyrocketed when Coughlin took over. Now that Barber has got a coach that knows how to play to his strengths, I think he'll continue produce as long as he stays upright. How long that is, however, I could not say. But until Tiki keels over I have to give him the title. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jnhay Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 I think this year Portis will prove that he's the better runner,but so far he hasn't shown that. I don't watch many Giants games, but I can't imagine Tiki is as good a blocker as Portis. I don't remember a skins starting back bring as much attention to his blocking as Portis has in his short time here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamestrash Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 I'll take the 24 y/o Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Santana_Fan Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 who voted for Julius Jones? lmao Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skinz89 Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 Portis by far blowin by TIKI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SKINZFAN4EVER Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 Barber get the "most improved" running back, maybe in history (I thought a few years ago he was soft and fumbled like crazy). And its neck and neck but since I'm a Redskins I'll say two things...1. Portis, Betts, and even Rock are better than Barber 2. It'll be nice to break off some huge runs on them when LA jumps inside and gets blocked down on, leaving his assignment wide open... as Flava Flav says.............. YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAH BOOOOOOOOOOOOOYYEEEEEEEE!!!!! GW OWN's that crusty, OVERRATED LaVar you dont think that GREG,DALE & JOE will know how to "EXPOSE" that fool.... BAA LEE DAT!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nomadskin11 Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 I agree that it is a two horse race- for me because J Jones has an injury history and because it is difficult to evaluate B Westbrook as a pure running back given the Eagle's offensive scheme, although I have included his stats below.... Since C Po. has only been in the NFC East for two years, I think it appropriate to compare Tiki and him over that time period. Tiki has 679 rushes for 3378 yards (4.97 ypc) and 22 rushing touchdowns. He also had 27 rushes for 20+ yards. C Po has 695 rushes for 2831 yards (4.07 ypc) and 16 rushing touchdowns. He had 11 rushes for 20+ yards. On top of these pure rushing statistics, Tiki has over 1,000 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns in that span, while Clinton has just under 500 yards and 2 touchdowns receiving. Clinton, though, has thrown for two touchdowns. B Westbrook has 333 rushes for 1429 yards (4.29 ypc) and 6 touchdowns. 12 of those rushes were for 20+ yards. In the two year time span he also has over 1,300 yards receiving and 13 receiving touchdowns. Given this information, I would have to say that the best running back in the NFC East at this moment is Tiki Barber. I've watched him a lot, and I can objectively say that the statistics don't lie. He is one of the elite running backs in the league, especially since he has taken care of his fumble-itis problem. I also think he is one of the most underrated. I would again point out that it is difficult to include Westbrook in this conversation (running backs) because of the number of his carries. Addressing him as a running back only would be like addressing Randle-El as a receiver only - both of these players are so much more than their name positions. Both are excellent special teams players as well as highly skilled/dangerous at at least one other offensive position, Westbrook as a receiver and Randle-El at QB. All of this being said, I believe Al Saunders is going to help GonnaGetcha reach his full potential, and if that happens, I don't know that there will be a better running back in the league, much less the NFC East. I believe the key to that will be using Clinton as a receiver out of the backfield more often, incorporating a little more of the Westbrook type if you will. When that happens, and with the tweaks Saunders will add to the O-line scheme to play up to Clinton's athleticism, Clintons # of carries will go down a bit, helping to keep him fresh, while his yards per carry go up,up,up. It also helps that Clinton is a legitimate pass blocker. That will be very much to the Skins advantage in RB screen situations on blitzes, a play that (like the WR screen) will become a bread and butter killer for our offense. For my money, there isn't a player in the NFL I would rather have in my locker room than Clinton Portis. Remember, Clinton was a Gibbs' guy right away, and Clinton has shown why he was a good choice; while Joe gave up a lot to get him, what we're getting in return is priceless. Beyond the extraordinary talent is the fact that Clinton is as much a center for team unity as TO is a cancer. In my opinion, Clinton's acquisition is as important to the Skin's SB plans as the hirings of G. Williams and Al Saunders. So while Tiki may be the best current running back in the NFC East, there is no doubt in my mind that Clinton Portis is the best PLAYER. peace- nomad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dockeryfan Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 Nice post nomad. There is no question Tiki is the better back right now. Until proven otherwise, he gets the nod over Clinton. As for including Westbrook and Jones in this discussion... come on now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jschlesi Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 Didn't this thread idea come up a couple of months ago? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flexxskins Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 I dont think it's a coincidence that Barber's production skyrocketed when Coughlin took over. Now that Barber has got a coach that knows how to play to his strengths, I think he'll continue produce as long as he stays upright. How long that is, however, I could not say. But until Tiki keels over I have to give him the title. I was forced to pick Tiki also.People might want to be a little more honest with themselves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDSKNfaithfull Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 Last year Barber was the second best back in football and the year before he was the best back in the East. Who knows what this comming year holds if Portis gets 2000yds its clear Tiki can't hold clintons jock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest santana4prez Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 I think Portis is going to have a great season this year but right now it is only my opinion. If you go by last years stats and watched the games there is no way you vote for anyone else other then Tiki Barber. 1. Tiki Barber/NYG 2. Clinton Portis/Was 3. Julius Jones/Dal 4. Brian Westbrook/Phi p.s. Let me guess 2 votes for Jones and Westbrook so that means WeOwnU, IrishOrange15, Westbrook36, and Who Del have voted.:laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donita35 Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 I agree that it is a two horse race- for me because J Jones has an injury history and because it is difficult to evaluate B Westbrook as a pure running back given the Eagle's offensive scheme, although I have included his stats below....I would again point out that it is difficult to include Westbrook in this conversation (running backs) because of the number of his carries. Addressing him as a running back only would be like addressing Randle-El as a receiver only - both of these players are so much more than their name positions. Both are excellent special teams players as well as highly skilled/dangerous at at least one other offensive position, Westbrook as a receiver and Randle-El at QB. I would first like to say that I think that it is kind of arrogant to call this a two horse race. IMO, Westbrook is the best back because of his ability to be a double threat. Reid uses him not unlike Saunders used Priest Holmes in KC. So, his receiving yards should be included when determining his status. Also, IMO the amount of pure runners are declining league wide. Thus, when considering who the best back among a certain group, all of their abilities should be considered, i.e., receiving yards, blocking abilities, etc. The gentlemen quoted above so nicely pointed this out. On another note, Westbrook is a local boy . For real though it has yet to be proven that CP or Tiki for that matter is superior to him. Jones, IMO, is the lesser of the three but that is partly because his o-line was some bum sauce last year and he had some injuries. All in all, I am sticking with Westbrook as my final answer. Finally, I think that this upcoming season will separate the men from the boys in this division. It should be exciting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THEHEREAFTER Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 Tiki is the best back right now. The '06 season is wide open though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icbmayday Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 statisticly barber was the better back this year though i would rather have Cp who is not only much younger but will have a better year this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IrishOrange15 Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 Barber is easily the better running back. He's been more productive over the last 4 seasons and far more productive over the last two seasons. He's played on lesser O-Line's during this time frame and is a much better receiver out of the backfield. His only weaknesses now seem to be short yardage situations (which he was really good at last year) and his age (he doesn't seem to be slowing down any). Rich.......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ddub52 Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 well everyone here obviously has there burgundy and gold goggles on. as do i. so this thread is going to be biased. i think this year CP will be better due to Al saunders, but overall Tiki is probably slightly ahead of portis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Warhead36 Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 Barber is the best back, but if I had to choose one I'd take Portis because he's younger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henry Posted May 22, 2006 Share Posted May 22, 2006 I would first like to say that I think that it is kind of arrogant to call this a two horse race. IMO, Westbrook is the best back because of his ability to be a double threat. Reid uses him not unlike Saunders used Priest Holmes in KC. So, his receiving yards should be included when determining his status. Also, IMO the amount of pure runners are declining league wide. Thus, when considering who the best back among a certain group, all of their abilities should be considered, i.e., receiving yards, blocking abilities, etc. The gentlemen quoted above so nicely pointed this out. On another note, Westbrook is a local boy . For real though it has yet to be proven that CP or Tiki for that matter is superior to him. Jones, IMO, is the lesser of the three but that is partly because his o-line was some bum sauce last year and he had some injuries. All in all, I am sticking with Westbrook as my final answer. Finally, I think that this upcoming season will separate the men from the boys in this division. It should be exciting. Westbrook is absolutely KILLING the Eagles. He's got them believing, like you, that his receiving can compensate for his lack of consistant running ability, and because of this the Eagles have neglected the RB spot for years. It cost them the Superbowl in 2004. It cost them the season in 2005. And it will cost them the future. He is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, but he is NO Preist Holmes. During Holmes' fantastic three-year run with the Cheifs, he averaged 320 carries a season. Westbrook has never carried the ball more than 177 times in a season in his entire career, AND he gets hurt every year. He's NOTHING like Holmes. Just calling a good reciever a RB doesn't make him a double threat. In order to be a double threat, you've got to be good at two things. Westbrook's good at one thing, and unfortunately for the Eagles it's not the thing he really SHOULD be good at. He's carried the ball 20 times or more TWICE in four years. That's not a running threat. There is no way, no way on God's Green Earth, you can say with a straight face a man who's rushed for a grand total of three 100 yard games in his entire career is a better RB than Barber, a guy who had three 200 yard rushing games last year, or Portis, a guy who had five 100 yard games in his last ... five games. Westbrook should be a third-down back and a return specialist. Until the Eagles realize this they will never win a SB. And he shouldn't be mentioned in the same breath as Barber or Portis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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