Quote:Adrian Peterson is the best pure rusher of the early part of this century.   Yet,  much like with Barry Sanders being the best pure rusher of the latter part of the previous century,  both didn't standout as receivers and blitz protectors.

 

In terms of pure rushing,  my answer would clearly be Adrian Peterson.

 

In terms of a complete RB,  my answer would be LeSean McCoy.   

 

I'm going to give the rest of the top 5 some additional thought.    These days with RB rotations being much more of the norm instead of the exception,   it's more difficult to differentiate the RB's than used to be the case.  

 

Those are good top choices.

 

I would also consider Jamaal Charles, Doug Martin (who unfortunately got hurt), maybe Matt Forte.

 

But I agree that it is harder.  If you look, none of the guys seemed to average 20 carries a game.  That used to be a standard benchmark.

 

The game has slanted so much towards the passing game, it's tough to imagine.

 

If you ever get NFL Network, take a look at the games from the 1970s...and even the 1980s (Super Bowls).

 

Its weird seeing teams run pro sets.

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