It seems in sports we are always comparing players and debating the “best”. Whither it is Bird or Magic, Chamberlain or Russell, Koufax or Gibson or, in this HSSS debate, Smith or Sanders. In my opinion, Jim Brown was the best overall running back so I guess this argument will be who the best was during the 90’s or who the was best between the two; Emmitt Smith or Barry Sanders. Rev, being very biased, mistakenly chose Emmitt Smith. I, on the other hand, actually chose the best RB of the two and that is Barry Sanders. Special thanks to Hoit for this HSSS suggestion.! Let us know if you have any for us and we will look into it!!
"I was always someone who led by actions, not words," Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders was never a man that gave good quotes. He was a man of very few words. He was a man that never showed much emotion. You would never see Barry Sanders spike the ball after a touchdown. His actions spoke for themselves.
Sanders was one of the most electrifying runners to ever play the game. He spent his entire pro career with the Detroit Lions (1989-1998.) Each season with the Lions, Sanders rushed for more than 1,000 yards; the first running back to do so. Sanders best year came in 1997 when he rushed for over 2,000 yards. He became only the 3rd player to reach this plateau in a single season and the first since O. J. Simpson to rush for 2,000 yards in a span of 14 consecutive games.
Barry Sanders played for the Oklahoma State Cowboys from 1986 to 1988. He backed up All-American Thurman Thomas during his first 2 years but became the Cowboys starter his junior year once Thomas moved on to the NFL. That season has been called the greatest ever in college football history. Highlights of Sanders’ collegiate career:
*Set 34 NCAA records during his Heisman Campaign.
*Holds the college single-season rushing record with 2,628 rushing yards in 1988.
*In 1988, Sanders won the Heisman Trophy.
Sanders left for the NFL draft after his junior year and was selected by the Detroit Lions with their 1st-round pick (3rd overall) in 1989. Barry’s size while a concern was deceptive. He was too quick for defenders to hit consistently and way too strong to be brought down with arm tackles. His explosiveness and ability to reverse direction seemingly at will, often left defensive players tackling nothing but air. Sanders finished his first season 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns, and won the Rookie of the Year Award. Listed are highlights of Sanders pro career:
*15,269 career rushing yards *109 career touchdowns (99 rushing, 10 receiving) *76 100-yard rushing games *10 consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons (1989-1998) *Tied NFL record for total 1,000-yard rushing seasons *NFC Rookie of Year (1989) *2-time NFL Player of Year (1991,97) *10-time Pro Bowl selection (1989-1998) * Five-time NFC rushing leader (1989,90,94,96,97) * Four-time NFL rushing leader (1990,94,96,97) *Set NFL single-season records for most 100-yard rushing games and most consecutive 100-yard games (14 in 1997) *Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2004)
At the age of 30, Sanders astonished fans when he announced his retirement from pro football. Barry left football still in his prime, having gained 15,269 rushing yards, 2,921 receiving yards, 118 kickoff return yards, and 109 touchdowns (99 rushing and 10 receiving). Upon retirement, he was so close to Walter Payton's career rushing mark of 16,726 yards. Only Payton and Emmitt Smith, who broke the record in 2002, have rushed for more yards than Sanders.
His retirement was unexpected and controversial. Just two years earlier, Sanders had renewed his contract with the Lions for $35.4 million over six years with a signing bonus of $11 million. The Lions demanded he return $7.3 million of the bonus. When Sanders refused the franchise sued, eventually winning and Sanders was ordered to pay $5.5 million plus interest over the next 3 years.
At the time of his retirement Sanders owned almost every Lions’ rushing record along with numerous all-time NFL records. However, in the argument of who is the best between Sanders and Smith, numbers are really pointless. For example, Smith gained 10,160 yards in seven years with the Cowboys, an average of 1,451 yards per season. Sanders, over eight years, gained 11,725 yards, an average of 1,466 per season. See my point? Numbers don’t show the moves and stamina. They don’t record plays that start wide right and end up on the left side with every guy in the secondary scrambling to save his job.
Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith have similarities. They both have the strong, thick legs which defied logic when they moved up and down and sideways all at the same time. Their legs changed the thinking of NFL personnel directors about RB with short stumpy bodies. Sanders and Smith proved that it is okay to be short; it just might be preferred.
"Here's what I see," Jim Brown says. "Emmitt is a great player in a great system, a system that suits him perfectly. He is a hell of a warrior, and he fits into the Dallas scheme better than anybody.” "I don't think Barry's ever been used properly, but that's a different story. If I had my pick of anybody in the league, and I was picking in terms of talent -- maybe not even winning and losing games, but just pure talent -- I'd take Barry. He's the most talented running back in the NFL."
Sanders' rare abilities go well beyond cerebral explanation. The human form just wasn’t meant to cope with endless runs on artificial turf, with stops so hard and fast the skin tears from underneath his toenails, turns so quick tendons and cartilage are expected to fly out of his knee and into the face of the defender. There is no explanation for the manner in which the upper half of his body charges along in one direction while the lower half whirls off in another. “Sander's body seems to change form when needed -- solid to liquid, liquid to gas.”
Gale Sayers, who played for the Chicago Bears and who is consider by some to be the best running back of all time was asked to compare Sanders with Smith. "I wish Barry had a better line to run behind. I'd like to see what would happen then. Many times when you see him, he's making moves behind the line of scrimmage, trying to get away. A lot of times Emmitt isn't touched until he's five yards past the line. When Barry's five yards into the secondary, he's gone. People talk about whether Barry can gain 2,000 yards in a season. Well, if he had Dallas' line, we'd be asking how many years he'd be gaining 2,000 yards. Look at his stats now: He's gaining 1,500 or 1,600 yards anyway. I think Emmitt is a good second-effort runner, a strong runner, but I go with Barry."
Emmitt Smith had an all pro offensive line with 2 potential Hall of Famers. Payton had one of the best as well in 1984. Barry Sanders had none. Emmitt Smith played with a hall of fame QB and WR Barry Sanders did not. Emmitt Smith didn’t have to carry his team’s burden. Barry Sanders did. He was all Detroit had. The fact that Sanders accomplished all that he did with the minimal support that he had is absolutely astonishing.
Every time Barry Sanders touched the ball, he was a threat to score. That cannot be said of Emmitt Smith. Smith benefited more from his surroundings than any of the all time rushers. Put him in a Lions uniform and you get very little. Put Sanders in a Cowboys' uniform and it’s scary. This is how I always compare great players. If they switched teams would they still be as dominate? Emmitt Smith would not. Barry Sanders would.
Nice job BG. you have some strong points in favor of Barry( his moves were un-matched and still are, even by #5 in New Orleans)
but you lost me at "Jim Brown says." Now if Barry hadn't let the losing ways of the Lions sway him into early retirement, things might have been different. Emmitt was not only one of the best "vision" backs in the game, he was also an excellent blocker, a servicable receiver, and as durable as they come.
Early prediction is "The Rev by a touchdown." Vote to Emmitt. Nice job! Take care.
Good call BGL I agree completely. Not taking anything away from Smith but like I said on He Said... I could have ran 1500 yards behind that line! Nice blog
mtmarinerfan
Last edited by mtmarinerfan on October 10th at 3:38 PM.
Although I started out thoroughly convinced Barry was the better of the two, I decided to sit the fence until your post dropped. I'm glad I did.
You reaffirm my belief that Barry simply did more with less, and did more despite their divergent team constructs. No he didn't win the rings, but heck, Walter didn't get his 'til the end of his career, and when he did he didn't figure prominently in the Bears Super Bowl win -- which became a sore spot between he and Ditka for years.
I am throughly convinced that Emmitt, the workhorse that he was, does not eclipse Barry as the better back between the two.
My vote goes to Barry.
Emmitt, however 'is' the far better dancer!
Hey, mama!
Last edited by MeanDovine on October 10th at 3:55 PM.
I commended Rev for a great write up - even though I disagreed with him. You have done a great job with this one too. Barry is still the best I've seen.
Mean!! ;) I am gonna have to call you pappa from now on! lol
I am glad you waited to read mine! I feel very strong about this one! Sanders is the best of the 2 and was the backbone of that team....he WAS the team!!
Score one for the pretty lady in the sundress! Good job! While there's no question Emmitt was also an outstanding player, Barry was simply a magician in cleats.
As an admitted Lions fan I'll have to admit to a bit of prejudice in favor of Barry over Emmitt. Sanders was without question the most awe inspiring runner that I have ever seen and probably of all time but he wasn't a complete back. He wasn't much of a pass receiver and his blocking certainly needed work. Then again the Lions never asked him to do much of either.
Emmitt was a stud and a perfect fit for his team, but if Barry had not retired early he would have put the rushing mark out of reach.
So I got Barry over Emmitt, but let us not forget that Payton was better than both.
Lady. Some good points on the Offensive line thing. The Cowboys(Emmitt) did have an advantage there, but it's not like Barry's line was ever chopped liver. I admit I'm probably biased on this being a Cowboys fan, and in the mid 90s worked a 1/2 mile from Texas stadium. I met Emmitt and many others form those SB teams, and he was a true gentleman and steward of the game.
Last edited by Texascudaguy on October 10th at 5:24 PM.
Texas, of course I would not toss out your vote!! I am not that kinda gal!!
Here is my point....YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!!
Smith had 5 Al-Pros on Offense, 2 HOHs and 2 will be HOFs!! Sanders was the offense. It might not have been chopped liver but it didn't even come to what Dallas had!!!
Why is this even being discussed.
The three greatest backs of the past 30 years, now retired are:
1) Barry Sanders
2) Walter Payton
3) ESmith
Barry was better than Payton, who was far better then Smith. Did I mention I live in DFW and follow the Cowboys?
The Cowboys had the best O-line compared to Detroit and Chicago.
Did Detroit have an offensive line?
Barry Sanders did the most with the least in terms of other offensive threats. The defense keyed on Sanders, yet it was like chasing a squirrel that could force you to blow out your knee.
Let's just say I've got your back on this one. I already told Rev he was wrong, he's stubborn though so everyone else has to tell him he's wrong too.
One thing I told Rev is this: People don't compare today's runningbacks to Barry, because Barry was unique. Emmitt was great, but had far more advantages than Barry.
Barry played 5 less years and walked away disguisted with losing, Emmitt was in it more for the glory and the numbers. If Barry had wanted the numbers, he'd have that rushing record.
More good news, Midnight Madness is right around the corner, I'm pumped. Thanks for tackling my topic and congrats on picking the correct side!
hey husker...that means a lot coming from a Cowboy fan!! ewwwwwwww lol You got it right! Sanders did without the line Smith had. Could Smith have done the same if roles were reversed? I don't think so!!
hi hoit ;)
firts of all thank you for the suggestion! It was a great one!! Of course I would pick the right side. I always do!! ;) Rev should be used to it by now...lmao
yep, 2 Cowboys siding with Barry!! That says it all!!
Very nice blog but I still agree with Rev. You did a wonderful job stateing your case though. By the way Goodluck to your Wildcats against my #1 Tigers this Sat. Should be one hell o####ame if they are anything like the last two.
Is the Rev being a gent by always giving you the more obvious winner? Damn..I agree. I could have ran for 1000 yards behind the 'Boys' line. Detroit had one thing, Barry. Plus, Barry was just more exciting to watch. I also loved Sweetness, aka Walter Payton, but Barry Sanders was just a rush to watch. Nice job Pammy!
Nope, not this time!! Smith is a Gator alumni and I thought Sanders was the best between the 2. I guess it just seems that way cause I kick his gator-luvin butt so much ;)
There is just one problem with your post and that is that Barry stopped playing in 98. That means that if viewed the cowboys homepage right for that year Smith had
E. Smith 319att 1,332yards 4.2per carry 13TD
Barry had 343att 1,491yards 4.3per carry 4TD
At this point in time Barry left the game with
15,2692 99 1989-98
so then you have to credit Barry with the years that extra years Smith played after which I think is four more years. If your give Barry four more years at 1,000 yards then he would have had 19,269. You have to not give Smith credit for the extra years. You said you did not want to deal in what ifs. In that case you have to cut Smith and his numbers off in 98. Otherwise you have to give credit for the what if to Barry and the record would have been his.
If Barry would have had some support-............. you know the rest.
It got to the point that (IMO) they didn't worry about the rest of the line, 'cause they HAD Barry-- I think that might be part of the reason he left the team when he did.
** touches her Barry Sanders Card for luck** Yep I still carry it in the 'secret pocket of the wallet"
I think Barry wins this one, but I do think Smith still could have been great had he played for the Lions. As we've already covered, the Lions' line wasn't as good as the Cowboys', but it wasn't terrible either. If you remember, Smith still put up good numbers late in his career when the Cowboys were on the decline.
YeeMum, Barry did finally admit he was tired of losing with the Lions and saw no wins in the future. It is a shame a winning franshise like San Fran or even the Steelers couldn't have gotten their hands on him!! He did try to come back at one point for I think the Redskins but the Lions would not let him out of his contract so he stayed in retirement.
jan, thanks for agreeing but we do disagree about Smith playing for the Lions. He might have been a "good" RB for them but not great enough to carry them like Sanders did. And while the Lions' line might not have been terrible, which would you rather have if you were a running back?
First off to touch on a sublect Mean brought up. Ditka showed no love for Sweetness in da Super Bowl. Instead of giving one of the greatest RBs of all time a chance to get a TD in da Super Bowl, what does Ditkchump do, gives the ball to da Friggin Frig!
Barry Sanders, and it isn't even close! No disrespect to Emmit, but Emmit had a supporting cast. all Barry Sanders had was moves that left defenders looking for their support, i.e. their jock straps!
It has to go to Smith because he didn't quit, Barry Sanders coulda been the best but we will never know because at 30 he decided to retire...Emmitt Smith deserves this between these two, but Jim Brown was the greatest!
Hey All! I am a sports nut....especi ally college hoops!! You have to be if you are from Kentucky. Basketball is a religion here in The Blue Grass. We love our WildCats and can be tough on them at times. However, you will never find more loyal or passionate fans! I am a Steeler fan, I am a Reds fan but, I am a WildCat!!
BLEED BLUE!!
words. He was a man that never showed much emotion. You would never see Barry Sanders spike the ball after a touchdown. His actions spoke for themselves.
Lions with their 1st-round pick (3rd overall) in 1989. Barry’s size while a concern was deceptive. He was too quick for defenders to hit consistently and way too strong to be brought down with arm tackles. His explosiveness and ability to reverse direction seemingly at will, often left defensive players tackling nothing but air. Sanders finished his first season 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns, and won the Rookie of the Year Award. Listed are highlights of Sanders pro career: 
yards, 2,921 receiving yards, 118 kickoff return yards, and 109 touchdowns (99 rushing and 10 receiving). Upon retirement, he was so close to Walter Payton's career rushing mark of 16,726 yards. Only Payton and Emmitt Smith, who broke the record in 2002, have rushed for more yards than Sanders.
scheme better than anybody.” "I don't think Barry's ever been used properly, but that's a different story. If I had my pick of anybody in the league, and I was picking in terms of talent -- maybe not even winning and losing games, but just pure talent -- I'd take Barry. He's the most talented running back in the NFL."
with a hall of fame QB and WR Barry Sanders did not. Emmitt Smith didn’t have to carry his team’s burden. Barry Sanders did. He was all Detroit had. The fact that Sanders accomplished all that he did with the minimal support that he had is absolutely astonishing.
