NFC West: Ricky Watters
They are not everything in every case, of course, but if you're the the NFL's all-time rushing leader at this point in league history, the case for consideration might not require going much deeper.
As promised, I've broken out where Shaun Alexander and other notable backs from current NFC West franchises stand in relation to 2012 finalists Curtis Martin and Jerome Bettis.
Martin was one of the five players selected for enshrinement. Bettis did not make it this time; he could in the future. It's tempting to evaluate each Hall class as though it reflects a definitive assessment of which players do or do not belong in Canton. But with only five spots for 15 annual modern-era finalists, the process actually plays out over many years.
The best usually candidates get enshrined, and when they do not, they qualify for special consideration by the seniors committee.
Back to the backs. How a runner runs also counts for something. Earl Campbell, one of the most punishing runners in NFL history, earned enshrinement with stats virtually identical to those for Alexander. I was not yet a Hall selector when Campbell was enshrined, but his running style and how it affected his longevity presumably worked in his favor.
Alexander becomes eligible for consideration in 2014.
The chart ranks backs by where they rank on the all-time rushing yardage list. I've also included information for receptions and, in the final column, the number of Pro Bowls and first-team Associated Press All-Pro selections, available on Pro Football Reference. Other factors -- impact as a receiver, postseason success, etc. -- also come into play.
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Tiki Barber, Jim Brown and the older back
Brown was 29 when he played his final snap, then retired while still dominant. He had the right idea.
Very few backs have remained productive into their 30s. The chart below shows running backs from current NFC West franchises who carried at least 50 times in a season past age 31, according to Pro Football Reference. I limited the search to the past 35 seasons (the newest current NFC West franchise, Seattle, entered the NFL in 1976).
It's a short list featuring seven players, including three legends finishing their careers wearing unfamiliar uniforms (Emmitt Smith in Arizona, O.J. Simpson in San Francisco and Franco Harris in Seattle).
None gained 1,000 yards in a season even though all played in the 16-game schedule era -- an era Brown ridiculed for this marvelous 1983 Sports Illustrated piece discussing his comeback threat. In it, Brown said Harris might break his record if he kept running out of bounds frequently enough to prolong his career. The best quote from Brown, by far, makes me wonder what Brown must think of the current NFL game:
"Where has the danger in the game gone? I can't accept quarterbacks sliding and running backs running out of bounds. Ever since the merger in 1966 and the creation of the Super Bowl, the owners have been more concerned with ratings than the level of the game. Coaches put up with players waving into TV cameras, giving high fives and spiking the ball. That sells. The Monday Night Football broadcasters have become bigger than the game. Who is kidding whom? Who's to say a 47-year-old can't do it? I'm not talking about being Jim Brown of 1965. I'm talking about being Jim Brown of 1984. If Franco Harris is gonna creep to my record, I might as well come back and creep, too."
Barber, for the record, ranks 22nd on the NFL's all-time rushing list. He's within 200 yards of passing Watters for the 20th spot. Watters rushed for 1,242 yards at age 31 and still appeared to have quite a bit left, but the Seahawks had drafted Shaun Alexander and Watters wasn't interested in a situational role.
Follow-up: Steve Young on flagship 49ers
US PresswireCharles Haley collected 66.5 sacks during his eight seasons in San Francisco.Young's answer was something I wanted to pass along now that I've had a chance to review some notes:
"(Haley) was the tipping point in my mind for a number of Super Bowls. We let him go after the '91 season and in '92 and '93, we lost against him. I'm not saying that was all it was, but that was a significant shift for a guy wreaking havoc for us and then wreaking havoc on us. It's a painful reminder of some of the mistakes we made.
"There are two things in the '90s that cost us. That was one, and letting Ricky Watters go was two. We suffered running the football and having a threat out of the backfield for the second half of the '90s, where we got to championship games, we got deep in the playoffs every year and I think it really hurt us.
"Ricky was a very good player. People did not appreciate him as much as they should have. We won the Super Bowl (after the 1994 season) and whenever you win the Super Bowl, you get too smart for yourself. 'Oh, we don't really need him.' Well, you know what? We do. You say, 'We'll just plug some guys in and we'll be fine.' Big mistake.
That last thought from Young stands out. We've seen other teams pay for letting key players get away following Super Bowl appearances, including when Seattle did not use the franchise tag for guard Steve Hutchinson. The Arizona Cardinals also expected to maintain recent successes better amid personnel losses.
Rams: Orlando Pace, LT
Claim to fame: Seven Pro Bowl appearances and three first-team All-Pro selections affirm Pace's standing as one of the elite offensive linemen of his era. Pace started two Super Bowls for the St. Louis Rams, winning one, and he was one of the best players for the Greatest Show on Turf.
Jeff Fishbein/Icon SMIOrlando Pace was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times during his career."The thing Orlando does so well is that he can get caught off balance on the pass rush and recover and finish the block, which is very difficult to do," then-Rams coach Mike Martz told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 2002, when Pace was in his prime.
The Rams' offense put pressure on its tackles to hold up in protection. Receivers ran deeper routes, forcing quarterbacks to hold the ball longer. The Rams were willing to risk sacks for the big play. They gave up more than most teams by design, not because Pace had trouble protecting.
"Orlando is the cornerstone of everything we're trying to do on offense," teammate Isaac Bruce told the Post-Dispatch in 2004.
Case against enshrinement: Pace's conditioning wasn't always the best and he battled injuries throughout his career, at the expense of consistency.
Pace managed to play through the injuries for most of his first nine seasons, but he missed 23 of 32 games over the 2006 and 2007 seasons. Pace was never the same thereafter and he was below average last season for the Chicago Bears.
Parting shot: The final five or six seasons of Pace's career shouldn't overshadow what he accomplished in earning those seven trips to the Pro Bowl. Pace deserves strong consideration for the Hall of Fame even though he'll likely rank a couple notches below Jones and Ogden.
Cardinals: Kurt Warner, QB
Claim to fame: Warner authored a legacy unique to the NFL in going from virtual anonymity to superstar status when the Rams lost Trent Green to injury before the 1999 season. He was a four-time Pro Bowl choice and two-time MVP. He was also Super Bowl MVP. Warner helped turn two floundering franchises into Super Bowl teams quickly.
Case for enshrinement: None of the 14 quarterbacks enshrined in the Hall of Fame since 1985 can match Warner in completion percentage (65.5) or yards per game (260.8). Of the 14, only Steve Young had a higher passer rating and more yards per attempt. Only Dan Marino had more 300-yard games.
Warner reached 10,000 yards passing in fewer games than anyone in NFL history. Only Marino reached 20,000 and 30,000 yards as fast (they tied by reaching 30,000 yards in 114 games). Warner and Peyton Manning are the only players with a perfect passer rating in three games.
Warner was also about winning. He has a 9-4 starting record in the playoffs and has posted the three highest passing yardage totals in Super Bowl history. Only Bart Starr has a higher career postseason passer rating. Warner averaged 66.5 percent completions, 304 yards and 8.55 yards per attempt in the playoffs. Warner has 31 postseason touchdown passes in only 13 games (the three players ahead of him own between 18 and 24 playoff appearances).
Case against enshrinement: Warner started more than 11 games in a season only four times. He started between nine and 11 games four times and didn't accomplish much for a five-season period beginning in 2002.
Any argument against enshrinement for Warner will focus on the disjointed nature of his career and the fact that he produced sporadically as a result. The consistency simply wasn't as good with Warner as it was with the typical Hall of Fame quarterback.
Parting shot: Warner's candidacy improved significantly when he led the Cardinals to the Super Bowl following the 2008 season. I thought it was also important for his Hall credentials to follow up with another strong effort in 2009. Warner did that, leading the Cardinals to another division title. Tossing five touchdown passes with only four incompletions during a wild-card victory over the Green Bay Packers might have pushed him over the top.
US PresswireRoger Craig was the first player in league history to post 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season.Claim to fame: Craig was among the more versatile running backs in league history, earning Pro Bowl honors at running back and fullback. He was a three-time Super Bowl champion and four-time Pro Bowl choice.
Case for enshrinement: Craig was the first player in NFL history to top 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season. He led the NFL in receptions with 92 in 1985 and set the 49ers' season rushing record with 1,502 yards three years later.
It's tough to measure players across eras, but Craig ranked 13th on the all-time rushing list when he retired even though he did so much more than simply run the ball. His three touchdowns against the Miami Dolphins helped the 49ers win the Super Bowl after the 1984 season.
Craig was one of three players in NFL history with 8,000 yards rushing, 4,900 yards receiving, 70 total touchdowns and four Pro Bowls. Marcus Allen and Marshall Faulk are the others.
Case against enshrinement: Craig's versatility meant he usually wasn't exceptional in any one category. He generally wasn't a threat to rank among the league rushing leaders. While he did play fullback, he wasn't a great one in the traditional sense.
Craig was a four-time Pro Bowl choice with 8,189 yards rushing, 4,911 yards receiving, 73 total touchdowns and a 4.1-yard rushing average. Ricky Watters was a five-time Pro Bowl choice with 10,643 yards rushing, 4,248 yards receiving, 91 total touchdowns and a 4.1-yard rushing average.
Parting shot: Craig has good Hall of Fame credentials, not great ones, and he'll have a hard time breaking through given the quality of candidates and limited spaces.
Seahawks: Kenny Easley, SS
Claim to fame: Easley was a game-changing force while earning five Pro Bowl berths in seven seasons. He was the NFL's defensive player of the year in 1984.
Case for enshrinement: All-time Seahawks sack leader Jacob Green called Easley the best athlete his Seattle teams ever had. Tight end Todd Christensen of the division-rival Los Angeles Raiders said Easley, at his best, was even better than Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott. Bill Walsh said Easley would be a Hall of Famer if Easley had played longer and, in his words, "maybe he still is -- he was that good." Lott said he knows the 49ers would have drafted Easley over himself if Seattle hadn't taken Easley first, and he blamed the Seahawks' failure to appear in a Super Bowl for keeping Easley out of Canton.
"Kenny could do what Jack Tatum could do, but he also could do what corners could do -- he could do what Mike Haynes could do," Lott said several years ago. "He was not only a great hitter and great intimidator on the field, but he was a great athlete. In that day, what made him so special -- him, Lawrence Taylor, those guys changed the game of football on the defensive side because they were not just guys that were big hitters. Now, all of sudden, you were seeing guys who were big hitters but also as athletic as anyone on offense."
Easley's outstanding ball skills helped him pick off 17 passes over a two-year period. He was indeed part of a trend toward greater athleticism on defense.
Case against enshrinement: Even if Easley were, at his best, better than Lott, there was no comparison between each man's careers. Easley, forced into early retirement after suffering from kidney failure attributed to excessive use of ibuprofen, simply didn't play long enough to solidify his Hall of Fame credentials. That wasn't his fault, but it was reality and it's tough to judge candidates on what might have been.
Parting shot: Easley becomes eligible for consideration by the Hall of Fame's Senior Selection Committee in 2012. His case deserves careful consideration and I think his chances for enshrinement will improve once the Senior Committee takes a harder look at his career. Easley was better than a lot of people realize. The respect he commands from all-time greats will help his cause.
My thoughts Tuesday: "I'm always a little surprised to hear NFL players talk about getting out on the basketball court. The risk for a serious ankle or knee injury would seemingly be too great, particularly playing against lesser athletes. Sounds like the Rams don't have to worry about (Sam) Bradford tearing up his knee on the hardwood."
Appearing on ESPN.com Wednesday: "Denver Broncos All-Pro left tackle Ryan Clady tore his patella tendon playing basketball, two league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Clady has told people he will miss three months, according to the sources."
Seems like there's enough risk in football without taking chances playing another sport in the offseason. If you've played much basketball at any level, you've probably injured an ankle or knee, or had your teeth knocked out or a nose broken. It just happens. This is a tough break for Clady and the Broncos, but no surprise under the circumstances.
Former Bills and Seahawks cornerback Nate Odomes famously suffered a severe knee during a charity basketball game in 1994. He missed the next two seasons and played only seven more games the rest of his career. A Bengals player suffered a torn Achilles' tendon playing basketball this offseason.
As Ricky Watters once said, "For who? For what?"
Catching up with Watters, NFC West alumni
Eight of the 15 current and former players on the stage spent all or part of their careers with the Rams, Seahawks, Cardinals or 49ers. Each is actively representing the NFLPA as the league and its players head toward an uncapped year and possible lockout.
"More than anything, what I feel my role can be is educating some of these younger players," former 49ers and Seahawks running back Ricky Watters said. "I was able to do a good job of keeping my money. I have a good life and a great family. When I talk to a lot of the younger guys, they look at me as kind of the tough guy, the rebel guy, but I want them to know I was always tough and all that, but at the same time, intelligence is the whole thing."
Watters thinks too many players are living beyond their means without knowing it. As the NFL and the NFLPA head toward a possible lockout, Watters said it's important for the union to make sure players are prepared for what awaits if the league shuts down.
A quick look at the eight players and the current NFC West teams for which they play or played:
- Walt Harris, CB (49ers). Rehabbing from knee surgery and hoping to re-sign with the 49ers or play for another team.
- Watters, RB (49ers, Seahawks). Retired and living in Orlando with his wife and their 8-year-old son.
- Kevin Carter, DE (Rams). Retired.
- Ernie Conwell, TE (Rams). Retired and living in Tennessee.
- Kevin Mawae, C (Seahawks). Titans starter.
- Pete Kendall, G (Seahawks, Cardinals). Retired unless a team calls and requests his services.
- Leonard Weaver, FB (Seahawks). Eagles starter.
- Dwayne White, OL (Rams). Retired.
Former players Barry Sanders, Nolan Harrison, Ki-Jana Carter, Mike McBath, Ben Utt and Mark Bruener joined current Texans guard Chester Pitts among the 15 players.
Mailbag: Revisiting Hall of Fame discussion
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Adam from Seattle writes: Nice Hall of Fame article. Cortez Kennedy deserves a spot by the way he dominated. What current players, such as Shaun Alexander, Kurt Warner, Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt, Julian Peterson (no longer in the NFC West, but spent most of his career here), Walter Jones, Orlando Pace, Patrick Kerney, Matt Hasselbeck, etc., do you think will make the Hall of Fame? I believe that Warner, Pace, Jones and Holt will make it, but Im uncertain about what other players may have a shot. What do you think?
Mike Sando: Bruce needs to make it. Jones, Pace and Holt are easy choices. Warner probably belongs. He can help himself with another good season. Alexander? I'm not sure. A couple more good years really would have helped him.
The retiring La'Roi Glover didn't spend much time in the division, but I think he deserves strong consideration. Larry Fitzgerald is headed in the right direction and is young enough to have a good chance. Anquan Boldin has a chance if he can play long enough. Enshrinement obviously awaits Jerry Rice. Steve Hutchinson has a good chance. Roger Craig's candidacy is worth discussing. Same for Ricky Watters.
Ryan from Denver writes: I have a question about Brian Dawkins. I know this is outside of your division of expertise, but your recent post on Cortez Kennedy inspired me to ask: Is Brian Dawkins a Hall of Fame player? I say likely, a friend of mine is positive he's not. I'd appreciate your take.
Mike Sando: He brought so much to the Eagles during his career -- enough for me to consider him a Hall of Fame player. He did not earn a spot on our all-decade team only because Ed Reed and Troy Polamalu needed to be on there, in our view. But he has been playing at a high level since 1996. Seven Pro Bowls. Five times All-Pro. He is on the Eagles' 75th anniversary team. I just love what he represents on the field. Tough player. Receivers can definitely feel his presence out there. I thought Boldin felt it last season at Philly.
James from Alberta, Canada writes: The Cardinals' successful run last year was obviously thanks in large part to Kurt Warner's season. But he's 38 years old. I'm wondering what the odds are of a 38 year old QB playing the entire season? Any chance you could whip together some stats on the average number of games played in a season by starting QBs based upon age, or age range? Or maybe games missed due to injury based upon age/age range, since 'starting' QB might be difficult to capture?
Mike Sando: There is always a chance. Thanks for asking. Brett Favre, Warren Moon, Phil Simms, Vinny Testaverde and Doug Flutie all started 16 games in a season at age 38 or older. Moon had another season with 15 starts and one at 14, all past age 37. Joe Montana made it 14 starts at that age, as did Brad Johnson and Ken Stabler.
Around the NFC West: Hush time for Holmgren?
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune says former Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren shouldn't be dropping hints about rejoining the organization. Boling: "[General manager Tim Ruskell] doesn't deserve the specter of Holmgren circling the headquarters in case of a bad season. And Holmgren should be above any appearance that he's lobbying for it. ... He is a fine and charitable man who has been a value to the region in so many ways. But as for openings with the Seahawks, it would be most appropriate to just silently watch that play out from a distance." Totally agree. It's bad form to fuel speculation about possibly rejoining the team when everyone knows a return would come at Ruskell's expense.
Greg Johns of seattlepi.com says there's enough credit to go around for Ruskell and Holmgren following the best run in Seahawks history.
John Morgan of Field Gulls revisits Leroy Hill's 2008 season. Morgan on Hill's outlook: "He has a handful of exceptional skills: He wrap-tackles. He's super-quick. He negotiates garbage. He's agile. He tracks running plays. He's a punishing hitter. [New defensive coordinator] Gus Bradley shouldn't have trouble finding uses for his skill-set, but then neither should have John Marshall."
Steve Kelley of the Seattle Times says Seahawks sixth-round choice Mike Teel showed resilience at Rutgers, one reason Seattle liked him. Kelley: "The Seahawks saw enough in Teel to make him the ninth quarterback chosen in last month's draft. In an intense predraft interview, he impressed new offensive coordinator Greg Knapp with how quickly he picked up the Hawks' offense."
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says the Seahawks have reached a contract agreement with free-agent center David Washington.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee expects strong attendance for the 49ers' next organized team activities. Former Fresno State tight end Bear Pascoe graduated in December, allowing him to rejoin the team beginning May 16.
Matt Maiocco of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat raises questions about the inaugural class for the 49ers' new Hall of Fame. I also wondered why the team wouldn't include Jerry Rice among its inaugural class. The guy was pretty good. As Maiocco notes, "The first class of enshrinees consists of those individuals who already have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame or whose jersey numbers have been retired by the 49ers."
The 49ers' Web site provides an interview transcript featuring tackle Alex Boone. How did the conditioning drills go at the post-draft camp? Boone: "Terrible, absolutely. [Laughs] That's why I need my hand right here [against the locker] to post me up. It's alright, though."
John Ryan of the San Jose Mercury News wonders whether Terrell Owens, Ricky Watters and Charles Haley will land in the 49ers' Hall of Fame. Ryan considers other potential candidates. This is a good read for any 49ers fan.
David Fucillo of Niners Nation sizes up the 49ers' situation at running back. Fucillo: "I think the biggest potential for controversy is probably listing Glen Coffee as a lock to make the 53-man roster. There are plenty of folks here who are probably still steaming over the Coffee selection. However, given that the team has invested a third round pick in Coffee, I really can't see him being held off the 53-man roster. Please feel free to correct me if you think I've erred." You have not erred, David. Third-round picks are virtual locks to earn roster spots. Only in very rare cases do they fail to earn spots as rookies.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic checks in with 2002 Cardinals first-round choice Wendell Bryant, who wants back into the NFL. Somers: "Bryant knows the odds are against him. He's a recovering addict who hasn't played a down of football in five years. Even when he did play, he was far from a Pro Bowler. He turns 29 this September and knows he spent his prime getting drunk and high." Great quote from Bryant's personal trainer: "He actually has a physique [again]. He's not going to be on the cover of Men's Fitness, but he's much better than he was."
Revenge of the Birds' Hawkwind caught up with Cardinals third-round choice Rashad Johnson. Johnson: "I think my biggest strength, as a safety, are my instincts. I understand the game pretty well and the coverages that we play, including the weaknesses in them, kind of like a quarterback who pre-reads the defense. Also, my range in the middle of the field as far as getting over the top and filling the run alleys. As far as my weaknesses, I'd say that in this league you just need to be bigger, stronger and faster. ... Another thing is bringing my legs with me when I tackle because I know when I was watching tape of last year I didn't do that as much as I would have liked."
Tim Klutsarits of examiner.com thinks the Rams need to sign a veteran receiver. He expects Steven Jackson to get lots of catches out of the backfield.
Seth Doria of bleacherreport.com thinks the Rams' receiver situation isn't reason for panic given the Eagles' receivers when Pat Shurmur was in Philadelphia. Doria: "Maybe I'm going out on a bit of a limb here, but it wouldn't surprise me in the least to see [Donnie] Avery make his first Pro Bowl in the next two or three years. As for the rest of the receiver corps, it's a list of maybes." Avery faces stiff competition even within his own division. Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin will make it tough for Avery to achieve that status. Terrell Owens has left the NFC, but T.J. Houshmandzadeh has joined it.
Situational role could put James over edge
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
Kurt from parts unknown writes: I like Matt Williamson's analysis of our nose tackles. In fact, he might have been a bit too kind to Alan Branch. But I have a serious problem with his statement about the running backs -- that Edge and Tim Hightower are both "backups at best" and "a dime a dozen." I won't get into Edge's Hall of Fame candidacy [past accomplishments] or Hightower's starting-eight-games-as-a-rookie stuff [since the logical starting point for sports enthusiasts, paid professionals or not, is "Cardinals suck anyway."] That said --
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| Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images | |
| Running back Edgerrin James proved in the postseason that he still has value. |
Edge averaged 3.9 yards a carry in the playoffs. Hightower averaged 3.8. By comparison, Willie Parker averaged 3.5, Brian Westbrook 2.4, and Willis Mcgahee 3.9. In the wild-card game, Edge outrushed Michael Turner 73 yards to 42 on two less rushes. Hightower scored in all three NFC playoff games. He touched the ball 8 times in the Cardinals final 14 plays in the NFC Championship, scoring the winning TD. Not a bad rookie effort for a guy who'll be lucky to make a team somewhere.
I agree that our running game needs an upgrade this season. The Texas Tech offense wasn't pretty in games 10-16. But these players deserve fair credit given their performances once we put the ball in their hands. 40-yard-dash times hold nothing over results on the field.
Mike Sando: The term "dime a dozen" is a relative one, of course. James and Hightower are NFL-caliber running backs. They simply aren't special, in Williamson's analysis. The Cardinals confirmed as much by removing both players from the starting lineup at various points last season.
As you noted, James proved during the postseason that he still has value. This was something I discussed Monday with Williamson's colleague, Jeremy Green.
Green: I don't think Edgerrin James is done. What about Tampa Bay? Tampa is a great fit for him. Cadillac [Williams] is coming off another knee injury. Edge would love to go home to Florida. I think Edge still has the value.
The thing about Shaun Alexander is that he was a horrible blocker and didn't catch the ball well. Edge doesn't have it as a runner, but there is a fit for him in an offense. He is a good route runner, good blocker, catches the ball well.
That is what Edge has to decide, whether he can play as a situational player. Can he still give you 20 [carries] for 95 [yards] every once in a while? Probably. Every once in a while, but not on a weekly basis. I definitely think he has strong value because he catches the ball well.
Quite a few running backs have extended their careers by becoming situational players. Marcus Allen is probably the most extreme example. He played from 1982 to 1997 and never had a 1,000-yard season after 1985. He played himself into the Hall of Fame with a productive five-year run in Kansas City to end his career.
I always thought Ricky Watters could have played three or four more years in a situational role. He wouldn't do it. Did it cost him the Hall of Fame?
Allen was 32 when he finished with the Raiders. He had 8,545 yards rushing and 97 total touchdowns, plus 446 receptions for 4,258 yards. Watters was 32 when he retired. He had 10,643 yards rushing and 91 total touchdowns, plus 467 receptions for 4,248 yards.
Allen added 3,698 yards rushing and 47 touchdowns in Kansas City. He caught an additional 141 passes for 1,153 yards. The Hall of Fame welcomed him in 2003.
James is younger now -- 30 -- than Allen was when he left the Raiders. He keeps himself in top condition. He has 12,121 yards rushing and 91 touchdowns, plus 430 receptions for 3,335 yards. His days as a featured back appear finished, but more teams are using two primary backs, anyway. That would seemingly give James additional opportunities to continue his career, provided he's willing to accept a situational role.
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
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Edgerrin James might get a chuckle from the idea. He left the Colts for the Cardinals and he'll almost certainly be leaving the Cardinals this offseason. James and Taylor were both scheduled to earn $5 million salaries in 2009.
Even if Taylor isn't finished, the Cardinals might have a hard time justifying getting older at running back.
Some of these older, established backs are also realizing that the NFL has changed. I do think James has more left to give. Taylor probably does as well, although I have not seen him as much. But teams are dividing significant carries among multiple backs. Smart teams will not enter the 2009 season with Taylor, James or another older back as the only starting-caliber option.
The league discards older backs routinely. Ricky Watters couldn't get what he considered starting-caliber money after Seattle replaced him with Shaun Alexander. Watters retired. And when the Seahawks decided Alexander was finished, the rest of the league agreed.
Hall of Fame driving James' request
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
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| James |
Edgerrin James has four carries in the Cardinals' last five games. He remains 9 yards short of 12,000 career rushing yards. He wants to make a Hall of Fame push with another team, something James addressed Friday night while watching a high school game in Florida.
James to the Naples (Fla.) Daily News: "You don't get this far and lay down. I know I still belong in the league and I still believe I will be in the Hall of Fame."
James' fate reminds me of what happened to Ricky Watters in Seattle. Watters was still a productive player when the franchise selected Shaun Alexander in the first round of the 2000 draft. Watters remained the starter that season, but Alexander took over in 2001. Watters was the better all-around player, and it wasn't close. But Alexander validated the decision by rushing for 1,318 yards and 14 touchdowns in his first season as the starter.
Watters had rushed for 1,242 yards with a 4.5-yard average per carry in 2000. He carried 72 times for 318 yards in 2001. He was 32 years old. The Bucs offered him a chance to play the following season, but Watters wanted more money than they were willing to pay. I thought Watters could have played a few more seasons as a third-down back and occasional starter, but he apparently wasn't willing to settle for that type of role. He retired with 10,643 yards rushing and 467 receptions.
James rushed for 1,222 yards last season. He is 30 years old. He hasn't averaged better than 3.8 yards per carry in a season since 2005, his final year with the Colts.
Alexander's instant production made it tough for Watters to complain about his demotion. James finds himself in a different situation. Tim Hightower has rushed for 85 yards in his last four starts. He has nine touchdowns and ran effectively in short-yardage situations earlier in the season, but his 2.9-yard average per carry is a half-yard below James' average this season.
Note: Thanks to Scoop for passing along the link to the Naples Daily News story.
Posted by ESPN.com's Mike Sando
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| Andy Lyons/ALLSPORT | |
| Ricky Watters rushed for 10,643 yards and caught 467 passes. |
Former 49ers and Seahawks running back Ricky Watters made NFL Network's list of the 10 best players not enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The list includes only players who have been retired long enough to become eligible. Roger Craig didn't make the cut. Would you rank him ahead of Watters among all-time backs?
Watters was a terrific every-down player. He played and practiced with emotion and energy. He was exceptionally durable, at one point starting 116 consecutive games -- the longest streak for any running back who was active at the time (LaDainian Tomlinson leads current running backs with 48 consecutive regular-season starts).
Watters rushed for 10,643 yards and caught 467 passes. He ranks 14th in NFL history for yards from scrimmage. He respected the players who came before him and earned the respect of his peers. In 2000, his Seattle teammates named Watters the Steve Largent Award winner, presented to the Seattle player who best illustrates the spirit, dedication and integrity of the team.
NFL Network's list also includes Ken Anderson, Cris Carter, Bob Hayes, Alex Karras, Jerry Kramer, Jim Marshall, Ken Stabler, Steve Tasker and Derrick Thomas. Carter will almost surely enter the Hall of Fame in the near future. Hayes' supporters point to how he forced defenses to change their approach entirely to account for his speed.
I can think of a few Hall-eligible players from NFC West teams -- Craig among them -- who deserve strong consideration for enshrinement:
Seahawks: Cortez Kennedy was defensive player of the year on a 2-14 team that featured one of the worst offenses in NFL history. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl player. At his best, Kennedy could not be blocked.
Rams: Henry Ellard averaged nearly 17 yards per reception on 814 catches. He averaged 19.5 yards per catch while putting up more than 1,000 yards with Washington at age 35.
49ers: Craig topped 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in the same season. He caught more than 566 passes and topped 8,000 yards rushing. The numbers only begin to explain how he played. The high-kneed running style helped him bull over defenders.
Cardinals: Help me out here. Larry Centers caught all those passes out of the backfield. Roy Green? There has to be someone I'm missing. Perhaps on defense.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
