(06-22-2022, 12:28 PM)mikesez Wrote: (06-22-2022, 09:27 AM)Mikey Wrote: So because you don't remember them, they are not easily recognizable, iconic runs that most everyone who's been a fan of the game since the 80s would know?
I get the point extremely well. The concept of "signature run" came up and JF24 rattled off 9 runs in Fred's career. They are VERY significant to Jaguar fans. The question, though, especially when looking at something like HOF consideration, is whether anyone outside the area code would be able to hear Fred's name and instantly think, "Man, that 90 yarder against Miami, that's the stuff of greatness!"
It's possible. Just not likely. It's ok to be biased for the home guy. Frankly, I think the Doss run is his signature run. It was the attitude of that run, a response to yet another voice saying Fred wasn't good enough, and then all he did was run clear over that voice and waltz into the end zone.
Bias works both ways. People are less likely to rate a play as "memorable" unless it happened for a team they love, or it happened in the super bowl. I'm biased for Fred because he played for the Jags, but others are biased against him fornthe same reason. Sports writers should try to look with a more objective standard than one single widely known play. Especially when it's the sports writers and ESPN talking heads who have the power to make and reinforce these menories. My point is simply that "does he have a signature run" is a BS standard that shouldn't be considered.
(none of the plays I mentioned were for a team I love nor were they in a superb owl.)
I don't think any HOF voter or sportswriter is using "signature run" as the standard to get someone in (or not), as you claim in the bolded. It's Boselli v. Bruce Smith all over again - those highlights are an example of his dominance and a proof that he deserves to be there. Tony didn't get in (or fail to get in for years) based solely on that one game. That might have been his crowning glory of a performance, but if that was the only time he shined, he wasn't getting in. If the iconic play is all it took to get in, David Tyree would be a hall of famer.
When a voter has a list of 25 finalists in front of them, a guy with a legendary play on his resume is going to get added consideration. Same goes for postseason accolades, memorable interviews, etc. Freddy has some great stats to support his claim to a gold jacket. But outside of his stats, does he have anything that's going to draw the voters eye away from the other 24 finalists?
Lynch is only 1000 yards behind Freddy (29th all time to Fred's 17th), has 85 TD to Fred's 66, has an iconic run, and also the notorious ""I'm just here so I won't get fined" pre-super bowl media day. Fred's fighting an uphill battle, even in this specific comparison. Whether you agree with voters considering singular impact plays in the broader scope of a players' merit, it's reality. Fred's runs were significant TO OUR FANBASE. Iconic runs are significant to the story of the game.
