Quote: How was it a silly comparison??? Barry Sanders equated to Fred in the comparison as both were the elite talents. MoJo compared to Curtis Martin as both were "very good" all around RB, but yet neither ever were really an "elite talent". 

 

 

Its not specifically comparing the each's game to the other, but the level of player. 

 

I didn't think it was that hard to comprehend, nor did I think it was "baseless & [BLEEP]"...

 

How was MJD not an elite talent? Just because you say so? Just because you think he doesn't look the part?

 

He was a top 3 back in his prime and has actually seen the top of the rushing ladder in a time where we may be witnessing the greatest running back to ever play football in Adrian Peterson. Comparatively speaking, MJD vs. today's backs? He's absolutely an elite talent, and even compared to Fred Taylor, as a running back and not exclusively a runner, he's still an elite talent. If you're going to sell him short like that, consider the fact that he also holds the franchise record for the most rushing yards and TDs in a season. If he isn't elite, yet topped Fred's single season career highs, what does that make Fred?

 

Anyways, the original debate was who I'd take between Fred and MJD, and I still insist that MJD's ability to succeed in the receiving, pass blocking and return game make him ultimately more valuable to my hypothetical 2014 offense. Take that as you will.

 

 

Quote:... and here is where you're losing people. 

 

Taylor missed 30 +/- games in his first 8 years and still hit 8367 yards--300 more than MJD in the same timespan. Not to mention he only had 27 more carries. Of course, that doesn't include the MANY clutch and record-breaking performances Taylor put on in big games and playoff games. 

 

MJD was the guy you used to beat-down a team and hopefully he'd break a big run in the 4th. Taylor was the guy that you used when you were down 7 in the 4th with 2 minutes left. 

 

Having said all that, I'd likely put MJD in the The Ring if he continues to excel elsewhere.

 

I'll just go ahead and mention again that we're talking about these two players' primes. I think that's being missed quite a bit and understandable since even I don't read anything past 9 pages.

 

No one's arguing that Fred Taylor's longevity and production over the span of his career made him THE running back of the Jaguars. That's amazing, and something not even some of the greatest could've achieved.

 

What we're discussing is which running back we'd take in their prime, MJD or Taylor.

 

Not runner. Not receiver. Not blocker.

Running back, a position that primarily but not exclusively involves running the football but also involves the latter two of the above.

Considering MJD's total body of work in all three of those departments, I can't put my heart into saying I'd take prime Fred Taylor over MJD when I can get similar production on the ground while having a very good receiver out of the backfield and a solid pass blocker and a guy that has proven he can be productive despite the lack of talent around him. But I respect anyone's opinion who says they'd prefer Taylor.

 

But I also respectfully disagree.

 

And with that, I don't think any of us will change our stance so there's no point in continuing rationalizing my opinion.

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