(06-22-2022, 09:14 AM)Upper Wrote: Boselli finally got in because he was just so damn dominant that he was finally able to overcome the short career, small market, unpopular team, no SB ring working against him.

Taylor was certainly talented enough for the hall of fame, obviously, but he's not an inner circle elite talent at the position like Boselli was. It's going to be a lot harder for him to overcome all of the negative obstacles and get in. Same with Jimmy. If either of them was a Steeler or Packer or Cowboy for the majority of their careers they'd be in.

I believe Fred was an elite talent.  He was an absolute freak of nature.  Unfortunately for him, he played most of his career for a coach that believed in running back by committee during an age of every down running backs.  Fred was often off the field in 3rd down passing situations even though he was one of the most (if not the most) dangerous open field threats in the league.  

And I can't remember how many times I saw Fred on the sidelines in goal-line situations so Coughlin's short-yardage back could fill his role, even though Fred was as good or better than anyone we've ever had for that.  Most coaches reward the guy who got you there with the TD instead of pulling the best player on the field for either team.  The lack of finishes/TDs will probably hurt Fred as much as anything.

Also, most every year there were guys who had more yards than him in bigger markets that got the fan recognition and pro-bowl votes, though most of those guys burned out much more quickly than Fred.  And I think Ladanian Tomlinson played in a lot of the same years as Fred, so certainly not a lot of All-Pro wiggle-room.  Hell, by the time Fred got his first pro-bowl nod, he had clearly lost a step compared to previous versions of himself.

I was in complete awe of Fred when he played, especially earlier in his career.  His size and power to go along with his speed and quickness - nobody his size should have been able to move like that.  He was truly a joy to watch and one of the best I've ever seen with the ball in his hands.  
Sadly, lack of touchdowns and post-season honors will probably keep him out of the hall for the foreseeable future.

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