After a short hiatus, He Said She Said returns with a request from one of our fellow bloggers. Hoit suggested Bluegrass and I tackle the age-old question of who was the better overall, NFL running back, Barry Sanders or Emmitt Smith.
This month marks the fifth anniversary of the breaking of one of the NFL’s most hallowed records. On October 27, 2002, Emmitt Smith surpassed Walter Payton as the league’s leading rusher. His record of 18,355 career yards stands to this day and is in no danger of being broken any time soon. Yet despite holding this and several other league records, many often claim Barry Sanders was a better, overall running back. Proponents of Sanders claim Smith had the good fortune of playing with a better team and behind a better offensive line and was thus granted more of an opportunity to thrive. A closer look at Emmitt’s numbers, however, tells an astonishing story of consistency, durability and unrivaled post-season accolades that give him the nod as the better career back.
After leaving the University of Florida as their leading rusher at the time, Smith was drafted in 1990 by the Dallas Cowboys. Emmitt was an integral part of Dallas’ turnaround. The year prior to his arrival, Dallas was 1-15. Within years they were Super Bowl Champions. His presence and consistency in the backfield fueled the Cowboys’ success. Beginning his second year in the league, Emmitt ran off a string of eleven consecutive 1,000 yard rushing seasons, becoming the first back to ever do so. Emmitt Smith tied Jim Brown’s record by starting his career with seven consecutive ten-touchdown seasons. He was Dallas’ workhorse. Accordingly, he is also the league leader in career rushing attempts.
But it was Emmitt Smith’s ability to find the end zone and his post-season play that defined him and solidified his legacy in NFL history. While Sanders racked up rushing yards at a robotic pace, his ability to score lagged well behind Emmitt’s. Within the 1992-95 seasons, Barry Sanders had 30 rushing touchdowns; Emmitt had 74. Within that same period, he also led his team to three Super Bowls, while the Lions lost three consecutive playoff games. Smith ended his career with 175 touchdowns compared to Sanders’ 109. Smith is second in career touchdowns only to the immortal Jerry Rice.
Emmitt’s most impressive season was undoubtedly 1993. Although his numbers that season were not as gaudy as in others, that year Smith became the only back to win a Super Bowl, the NFL MVP, the rushing title and the Super Bowl MVP. The beginning of that season was a contract year for Emmitt. He held out the first two games, both of which Dallas lost, until eventually signing a four-year, $13.6 million deal, making him the highest-paid back in the league at the time. That turned out to be money well spent as the Dallas franchise, with Emmitt back in their lineup, rallied to win 15 of their next 17 games on their way to consecutive Super Bowl victories. While Emmitt was an essential part of Dallas’ success over the years, Detroit may very likely have been just as mediocre without Barry Sanders.
For all his flash and dazzle, Barry Sanders’ post-season career was A-Rodesque at best. In six career playoff games, his Lions were 1-5. Sanders rushed for 386 yards and scored only one post-season touchdown in those six games. Conversely, Emmitt Smith played in 19 post-season games, going 14-5, while scoring 21 touchdowns. Emmitt has scored more Super Bowl touchdowns (5) than any other player in history. Barry also only had one 100-yard rushing game in his post-season career, while Emmitt had seven. Consider that between 1991 and 1996, Emmitt essentially played a whole extra season, by playing in fifteen post-season games, and amassing nearly 2,000 all-purpose yards. Within that time frame, he only missed four games, two of them due to the aforementioned holdout. He was a model of consistency and the driving force behind the 1990s Dallas dynasty.
While Sanders is unquestionably one of the best running backs of all-time, his numbers simply do not live up to those of Emmitt Smith. Sanders was famous for chewing up huge tracks of yardage, but his scoring numbers clearly pale in comparison. While many argue that Emmitt Smith had better players surrounding him, one can also argue that Sanders’ career rushing numbers are inflated as the Lions had no other offensive outlet. What cannot be debated, however, is the difference between these two backs when it mattered most. Year after year, Smith rose to the occasion after the regular season, while Sanders post-season career fluttered. Any such comparison between these two Hall of Fame backs must take those numbers into perspective when determining the better overall back.
My kind of post-Rev. One thing that doesn't show up in the stats about Emmitt is that he played through injuries a lot. Defining moment was when he played the final game of the season(93 I think) with a separated shoulder for most of the game. Dallas needed the win for the divison, and he finished with 168 yards, with practically one arm, and the win. I'll take reliability over flash any day.
Terrific post, Rev! I've got some definite opinions on this one, but I'll wait to hear the counter argument first.
I have long held that Barry was a better back than Emmitt because he did more with less, but you make a very compelling case here. Plus, we're talking Barry vs. Emmitt, not Emmitt vs. Walter. My mind is made up there. Payton rules!
I'll holler back.
Last edited by MeanDovine on October 10th at 9:10 AM.
Barry played in that run and shoot offense where everything was spread out. He just had to run away from people (which he did very well). Emmitt had to grind it out and wear down the defense to pile up yards. He had an incredible O-line but so did a lot of backs you never heard of. My nod goes to Emmitt.
Reverend Rhythm
Emmitt may have been the better back merely because he was on a much better team than Barry. But for sheer talent Barry had him beat hands down. He was infinately better instinctively and that's unquestioned. But at the end of the day it's Emmitt who has the statistical advantage and the three Superbowl rings as well as a Superbowl MVP award. Unfortunately for Barry he was never festooned with the talent Emmitt was surrounded by. The Ford family were never or have they ever been that generous. Which in effect stymied Sanders' career and led him to the decision to walk away from the game all too soon.
Gambit, trip was awesome... except for the outcome, of course. I've been meaning to blog about it except a) I had to knock out this HS/SS first for Bluegrass has been waiting patiently and b) I'm waiting on a few pictures to properly illustrate how a good time was had by all.
Alright, 6ers, Texas and Gambit already agree with me. I know Bluegrass hates to come into this one three down already. Florida up by an early field goal over UK.
wow! barry vs. emmit. could you make it any tougher. i like the barry as a-broad comparison but the boys had sooo much talent. if i had to pick one though, it would be barry. sorry dude. roll sox roll!
Glad to here you had a great time Rev. after all (does the hokie pokie and turns himself around) that's what it all about. Anyways looking foward to that blog and some pics. No matter what these guys say Emmitt was just that damn good.
Last edited by gambitxxx on October 10th at 10:04 AM.
Thanks for tackling my topic bro. Of course, I don't agree with you, you kinda saw that coming though, huh?
I see you did this from an NFL perspective, wise move. Because in college, Barry scored 37 td's at Oklahoma State. 37 td's in 1 year, not his career, Barry clearly won this battle in college.
The one thing I will come at you with is this, Barry did not do it for the records. It killed him to lose year after year, where as Emmitt wanted to cement his personal record by going to the freakin' Arizona Cardinals. He was pretty much done at that point, he just wanted to pad his stats. The losing is what drove Barry to retire after only 10 years, how many years did Emmitt play?
I'll be back for more bro and, yeah, I'm one who says put Emmitt behind the Lions O-line and see what kind of numbers he puts up.
They had different styles. Emmitt had the bigger body, different offensive scheme (one-on-one v. LBs) and would deal punishment to would be tacklers. Whereas Barry (with no FB) would cut, bounce and head outside and go one-on-one with a CB DB instead on a MLB). I'm not saying Barry couldn't take a hit but his body was not made for the abuse of an every down back.
Emmitt, for the arguments made above in Rev's blog, is the better NFL RB. Though, neither comes close to Sweetness (Ditka is still an #### for not giving WP the chance to score versus the Pats in the SB.)
As a side note, I wondered what would have happened if Barry didn't say he didn't want to be drafted or play for GB?
Gambit, it won't be long before I get those pics up. I've been pestering my boy for days.
Hoit, I chose to look at the entire NFL Career, although Emmitt was a powerhouse at UF. While there's no denying Emmitt was about the numbers and the records, he was also about winning. He did fairly well with what he was given. Barry failed to do so. Regarding his 'Zona days, had Barry stayed in the league too long, his numbers would probably have dropped as well.
Let's talk comparisons, shall we? You hardly ever hear announcers compare any runner to Barry, because no one measures up and can duplicate the moves Barry had. However, I've heard countless running backs compared to Emmitt.
Barry was unique and ran for 15,269 yards in 153 career games for a 99.8 per game average. Emmitt played 15 seasons ( 5 more than Barry) and finshed with 18,355 yards for a 81.22 per game average.
Barry also ran for over 2,000 yards ( something Emmitt never did) in his second to last year, he was hardly on the decline when he hung up his cleats. Barry also holds the record for consecutive 100+ yard rushing games.
Two of the best ever and arguments on both sides are worthy. I go to the fact Emmitt played 5 more years, played on FAR superior teams ( offensive line included) and stuck around too long as to why Barry is the overall better runningback.
One more thing: I don't think people realize that Barry got taken out a lot when the Lions reached the Red Zone. They thought he was too small and couldn't get the tough yards. And when Barry did score td's, he handed the ball to the ref. He didn't keep them for a display case.
As I mention in the blog, the ypg stat is partially inflated. If you remove Emmitt's last four years where he saw a decline, their numbers are considerably closer.
Additionally, Emmitt never ran for over 2,000 yards because the Cowboys had other options. He was never called upon to. However, the Cowboy offense was able to open things up because of Emmitt's presence.
Just because Barry retired in his prime makes him the better back? And how does one explain his failure to perform in the post-season?
I figured so, Rev. Is it just me, or do you always seem to get the short end of the stick? ; )
Emmitt was a great player on a great team, no question about it. And he deserves all the accolades that come his way. But I view Barry like I did Walter Payton-they played on poor teams most of their career whose offenses didn't have any other viable options, for the most part. In other words, the defenses knew what was coming most of the time and still couldn't stop them. But something tells me you knew this already . . .
Reverend Rhythm
Even rarer was the fact he could foresee the fact that the team wasn't going to do anything under the tutelage of Fontes, Morningwheig and even with Matt Millen as GM. So I for one don't blame him for walking away from the game.
Dude, come on. You're penalizing Barry for Emmitt hanging on too long and tarnishing his OWN legacy. Not Barry's fault! You're penalizng Barry for playing on the weaker team. Not Barry's fault!
I know this is impossible, but switch the guys around. You think Emmitt would have led the Lions to a championship? Didn't think so. You don't think Barry would have won 3 championships? That's what I thought.
Back to what actually happened, the playoffs were a team failure for the Lions. If you take Barry away from the Lions, they don't make the playoffs. Tell me the Cowboys don't make the playoffs if they don't have Emmitt. Tell me.
I'm not saying your average Joe could have been the Cowboys running back in the '90's, but if you run behind arguably the greatest O-line in history, guess what? You're going to be successful. The Lions were often behind in the playoffs and you don't run the ball when you're losing. You're honestly telling me Barry was why the Lions didn't have playoff success? It's about the team, the Cowboys were a better team with Emmitt being a piece of that puzzle. Face it, Barry was the puzzle by himself.
To even compare a guy who played 15 seasons, played on 3 Super Bowl championship teams, and had an owner who built a franchise AROUND HIM to a guy who had a Hall of Fame career with the Detroit Lions (who might be the most inept professional sports franchise) and had no help around him speaks to how good Barry was.
Bluegrass' post will be delayed. She had to run over to Hoit's house to consult his Barryhomerism for a proper She Said rebuttal.
Hoit, I'm not penalizing anyone for anything, other than Urban Meyer for calling a pass play on 2nd and 4 up by ten with ten to play at the number one team in the nation. I'm merely looking at the numbers.
There's no telling what either back would have done on each other's team. Just as we can't say Emmitt wouldn't have racked up yards or won with Detroit, we can't necessarily pencil in three Dallas championships with Barry either. We deal with cards that we're dealt and Emmitt did pretty well with that hand.
They both did their job. Emmitt happened to work in a better environment.
I don't normally feel the need to choose in such discussions...but Barry was the better running back. Of course, not if you define "being better" by team success or career longevity.
Barry played on a much worse team, that is a fact. His career yards per carry is almost a yard above Emmitt (5.0 to 4.2), and in his 10 years:
- 5 seasons over 1500 yds
- an unbelievable 2000 yard season
- only season under 1300 yards was when he played just 11 games in 1993
Nothing against Emmitt...he was an absolute workhorse for a very solid team. But Barry was the better individual force.
We're both homers, that's why you took Emmitt. LOL
You criticize Barry for having no playoff success, what more could he have done? He can't draft guys or sign free agents. The reason Emmitt and the Cowboys had success was the talent surrounding Emmitt.
I'll tell you Emmitt was great. Playing with a separated shoulder? Tough. His numbers to me at least are inflated and you know why.
As frustrating as it was to see Barry run for plays of 3, 2, -1, 0, 2, 41 and so on, no player had the moves, talent or skill of one Barry Sanders.
Got to go work on a post brother, good stuff. I'll let others tell you their opinion, I've put in my two or three cents worth.
This post is going to be very long but REv & Co., remember Tommy Vardell? Well he got 12TDs on 50 carries. I think you can attribute most of those to Sanders. Rev have you ever watched the run and shoot offense?... well u understand that there were a whole lot of 1 and two yd Td passes to Herman Moore and Brett Perriman, Scott Mitchell threw for 32 one year. Second as far as the playoffs the Lions have only ever won one play off game because all that pre-1960 stuff doesn't even register to me and most fans younger than 70yrs old. Detroit lost to some good teams in the playoffs, most went on to eventually win a SB(Green Bay twice, TB) and the only game they won was the one where they had the bye. While Dallas lost 3 out of their 5 wild card round games that Emmitt & co. played in. It is hard to fight to get in the playoffs like the Lions usually did and win a playoff game. To me that has no bearing on who the better back was. People are acting like Barry said he did not want to run behind a full back or something. Emmitt also played with a stable QB, who did Barry play with? A strong passing game helps the run, remember 16 carries for -1 yds? That happened for a reason, check the box score. You make a tremendous arguement though I disagree even as a Cowboys fan.
Last edited by DatSTAR on October 10th at 12:22 PM.
COuld you actually go wrong here with either one? I never liked the way Barry never hit the hole but then again I dont remember the hole ebing open very many times either. Its a toss up to me and you could argue either one. Barry is the single season record holder in college football with 2628 yards on an inferior Ok. St team. Not to mention what his career stats in college could have been if he didnt have to share with Thurman Thomas. He is one of 4 people to go over 2000 yard sin a single season and he didnt even play as long as he could have. Would have he passed Emmit? Maybe not and we'll never know since Detroit wouldnt let him go. I know that Dallas was a better team with a much better o-line but lets not kid ourselves into thinking that Barry would have hit the hole even if it would have been open. Barry Sanders had more runs over 40 yards that didnt result in a TD than anyone to carry the ball in the NFL. A crazy stat but it was announced during the game when he went for his 2053 yards. Jimmy Johnson took a back from Florida that everyone said was too slow and made him an integral part of a dynasty. Although he wasnt the fastest guy in the world, you would have never known it once he cleared the LB's. No one ran between the tackles like Emmit even if no one had Tackles like Emmit.I could argue either side all day so just forget it. I'm done.
Well I am going to be a SHE Said kind of guy on this one. I look at it this way.
MVP of their team. Emmitt had a butt load of talent around him, people who were superstars themselves which took the pressure off of Emmitt. Barry on the other hand did not have that. Barry was the MVP of his team. Emmitt? Not really. With Aikman, Irvin, and co Emmitt was an asset don't get me wrong, but he did not carry his team like Barry did.
I will put it like this, if I was a fantasy coach, and I had to chose b/w the 2, both of which are hall of fame backs, I go with Barry, for his uncanny ability to gain yards downfield.
Good stuff Rev... both were amazing backs... Barry retired early and seemed to have less talent around him, but simply watching him play with all those crazy moves was amazing... Smith was talented too... but just from an entertainment level, I pick Barry. Then again, maybe it is the Redskins fan in me talking.
Sorry Charlie, Barry was the best I've ever seen. He did far more with less talent to block and protect him. I should be a Smith homer, due to home location, yet I'm not.
BARRY BARRY BARRY BONDS oops I mean Sanders I think I could have gotten 1500 yards behind Dallas' line! Well maybe 15 yards but you know what I mean LOL
Rev- you definately have the ege in this debate, if people consider the reliability and clutch factor. If they would rather have a guy that lose 3 yards 10 times in a row before gaining 20, they will take Barry. If they would rather have a horse garaunteed for 4 yrds almost every time he touches the ball, Emmitt's the guy.
Last edited by Texascudaguy on October 11th at 5:05 AM.
Both were great backs but I have to go with Barry being better. What alot of people do not take into account about Barry is he had a lot of carries for -5 or -7 yards in games where he rushed for 100 or more. Smith could have never gotten the record if he ran like Barry did. Smith was always a hit the hole or lane kind of guy. Barry was a make you miss kind of guy. Barry had alot of hiddden yard games. Smith had talent because even with a hall of fame line he showed it. Add Julius Jones to the Smith line and the same result would not be possible. Barry just had the vision and body movement that made you miss. On some runs it looked like he could read the minds of the defenders and respond. Barry was a better back and you could put him on any team and he would a 100yds. Smith had talent but he needed a good to hall of fame line. The one player that to me seems to be a little like Barry would be Reggie Bush.
Rev - I'll always maintain that Barry Sanders was better than Emmitt Smith, but this was a fantastic post. You could have convinced a lot of people to change their mind. That said, have to give you a TON of credit for making a great case for Emmitt.
Turn-ons: Gator national championships ; Sushi; NBA Playoffs; A Tribe Called Quest; Women; Jack Daniels; Women who drink Jack Daniels; Women who drink Jack Daniels while eating sushi; Women who dream of more Gator national championships while eating sushi and drinking Jack Daniels during basketball season, The Red Zone Report
Turn-offs: Waking up early; The inevitable media coverage Bobby Bowden will get when he finally retires; Drama; Prejudice; Chicken liver; Work of any sort
