Good stuff. I will say this is a fair assessment of these backs. I agree that Emmitt is the greatest also because he was told he was too small, too slow, and that we would last in this league. #22
I like this list but would not put Zeke on it unless for the last spot. His productive years were only about three and his future in the NFL is basically over. That's too short to be consider in any great list compared to many other backs. He didn't win a Superbowl, not even a conference championship. His only claim to fame are a couple rushing titles or so. First is Emmitt, then Tony, then Preston Pearson, after that it doesn't matter.
Great video and analysis. Emmitt gets a lot of hate from people because they feel that he was only great because he played with one of the greatest offensive lines in NFL history but I'm glad you pointed this out like I've told other that he was still in the top 5 in rushing past 1997 and beyond with a depleted OL & his age & injuries begin to pile up. Also those people fail to forget the 93 season when Emmitt held out and the Cowboys started the season 0-2 and couldn't run the ball with that great OL. When he resigned in time for week 3, the rest was history.
He made that OL look good. As much as I love TD there is no way Emmitt isn’t just the Cowboys RB GOAT but the NFL RB GOAT. He produced in BIG games. Always showed up. The playoff game against the NYG with the shoulder injury is the most courageous athletic performance I have ever seen.
@Steve Moore Agreed. That game vs the Giants was legendary. Smith had 32 carries for 168 yards & 10 catches for 61 yards with a TD catch WITH ONE ARM!!!
@@stevemoore3951 when you have a Hall of Fame QB, Hall of Fame WR, and a GOAT RB all the offensive line has to do is there job. Aikman, Irving, Smith made a real good O-line look like an All-time great O-line
Another great video, lots of work put into the stats and clips! WOW! The list was spot on! Calvin Hill was my hero when I was young, I thought he was the greatest ever at the time. Little did we know Tony and Emmitt were on the way! Thanks for such a great production
I am not a Cowboys fan but love your viedos. Growing up in mid 70's and 80's, I always hated but respected the Cowboys. You have to admit that they had great players, great schemes, were always on TV and had the cheerleaders. These videos makes me appreciate all of their players.
I cannot disagree, Don Perkins was so reliable, great for short yardage - first downs. Calvin messed up his toe jumping over people but was fun to watch. I sat in stadiums watching Tony D. who was like watching an F14 Tomcat on take off. TD's speed and and direction changing ability was breath taking! Emmitt was amazing also. Marion the barbarian was fun to watch. Honorable mention to Walt Garrison and Dan Reeves. Great job again on your rankings!
Great video as always. This also made me think of Duane Thomas who looked like a dominant force his first two years (and was being compared to Jim Brown). You should do a top 5 "how great could they have been" video about players whose careers were cut short for whatever reason.
Duane Thomas was an incredible runner. Shoulders here,hips there,knees here and ankles there. I’ve no doubt the Cowboys wouldn’t have won the first Super Bowl against Miami without him. He could have arguably been Super Bowl MVP and that is saying a lot coming from me who is Roger Staubach’s biggest fan. DT was THAT good. In just 3.5 seasons he went to 2 Super Bowls and won one. Just like Thomas Henderson we will always wonder just how good DT could have been 🤔
Dallas had a number of good backs: DeMarco Murray, Duane Thomas, etc. Hershel Walker was at his best, under Landry, who seemed to know how to use him. Dorsett and Smith are the top two, not only because they were so darned good, but also because they did it so long in a Cowboys uniform.
Please break down our modern Cowboys. Your logic and how deep you go into the numbers is meant for the modern football. Im not saying stop covering the history part because I love it. I would love to see you do other topics!
Excellent analysis in comparing Dorsett & smith. I think the other backs Tony played against made a difference. However, Tony, Emmitt, no wrong answer. I know he doesn’t have the number or years but if I had my way Demarco would have been resigned & skipped the Zeke years. But the way it went I can’t argue with your list. Thanks for the great videos again
As a COWBOYS fan since 1969...this is probably the BEST thought out evaluation of any stand-out COWBOYS position and/or player/s I've watched. I've witnessed ALL of these backs in real time (exception Don Perkins) and you are, in my opinion, SPOT ON! ES is The G.O.A.T.! Unfortunately, COWBOYS haters want to knock Emmitt as The All-Time G.O.A.T. due to his incredible O-line. But they miss many of the stats and attributes that you have stated in your video. No Top-10 NFL back in history had the durability of Smith. He had incredible vision in seeing the holes and creases. And he knew how to drop the shoulder and not give defenses a direct hit on him. A very intelligent player was he... Keep the COWBOYS videos coming, Sir!👍🏈👍🏈👍🏈👍
Honorable mention to Hershel, one of the greatest college players of all time, followed by being the USFL GOAT, then having a couple of great years in Dallas. Then gifting Dallas the gateway to becoming the team of the 90s.
Walker may be a dumb talking politician but dude was a beast in the back field. He's more than an honorable mention. He may not have as many snaps as a cowboy but he was a tremendous runner and receiver for us.....then he came back and returned kicks
@@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61 Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders, Brian Jordan, Jim Brown and a few others. These guys played multiple sports at an extremely high level. Herschel's other sport was mixed martial arts. Which is a extremely disciplined thing, so these guys are always in great shape, they eat right too. However I think Herschel has cte....
LC, I agree with you. Your selections were fair and based on facts. Coach Landry sometimes had the horses to run over defenses but diversified his attack to keep the defenses off balance. From T.D., Marion Barber, Robert Lee Hayes, and DeMarcus. But with all that he will always be my favorite coach. Thank you.
Great list. No doubt Dorsett in a different system would've had more opportunities and yards. Emmitt IMO is the best running back he had great vision quick to and through the hole then hard to tackle low center of gravity and solid 200+. Hard list to finalize as we have had some great ones Preston Pearson was a great all around back. Solid job on your list and the work you put into it
Dude I knew you were going to struggle with the top two. As every Cowboy fan does I'm thinking this your best one so far. I know Duane Thomas didn't play enough but that first Super bowl was nice to see great job
Wow this was great, and I would have to agree that Emmitt is the GOAT with all his statistical achievements. ...but TD is one of my all-time favorites, second only to Roger Staubach and i will always have an affinity for him and his accomplishments considering he was used sparingly, as you stated, which could have contributed to the length of his career but do wonder what he could have done if the offense was more centered around him as it was Emmitt. Thanks for an outstanding list!
Fully agree with your list and the metrics you use to get there. I had the same thoughts about Dorsett that you shared but I had my doubts about his durability if he were the single featured back in a run heavy offense. I think his career would have been like Zeke's.
I've been a COWBOYS fan since 1977. And nothing has changed today. However, my favorite teams will ALWAYS be from the Landry years. Those were the best teams and those players are responsible for the reputation of the franchise of today period! Those players played the game with the dedication, passion, and aggressiveness of true men! I thank you for your research, intelligence, and passion as true a true COWBOYS FAN on this invaluable channel brother! By the way, Tony Dorsett gets my vote as THE GREATEST RUNNING BACK IN COWBOYS HISTORY!
My older brother - a person with little interest as a stranger to the game of football - once watched Dorsett run and marveled. If running is an art, he was the Bruce Lee of it. No one did it better.
Yeah, I agree with your list. Landry tried to keep the defense guessing while with Smith running the ball everyone knew they were going to punch teams in the mouth. Blame the system
Great video as always. Looking forward to the top 5 Dallas Cowboys Fullbacks in history. Is Newhouse, with his multi-role skill set the best fullback, or is the ultimate blocking back(who could also catch) 'Moose' Johnston the #1?
Your Top 5 is right on. The first 4 are pretty much a given. It's the 5th spot some may want to debate but Calvin Hill had a more consistent and longer career with Dallas than any of the other backs. Backs like Duane Thomas and Demarco Murray had brief FLARE UPS in the franchise's history but not as sustained as Hill's. What would REALLY be more of a challenge is for you to do a top ten. Everyone would have a different opinion on 6 through 10.
Wait!!! I know we saw Grant Hill's Daddy (Calvin) doing his thing, but did you guys see "Bullet" Bob Hayes (22) shift gears to get in front of him to make a block. Woah!!!!
Once again.....GREAT VIDEO! I know Coach Landry's main concern with Tony was his durability due to his size. Although officially listed in the 190s, from what I understand he was actually ten to fifteen pounds lighter. You are right, if the offense was geared around him his numbers would be much higher. In SB 13, the first half, Tony ran at will and Pittsburg had no answer. Landry went away from him in the second half to stay with his game plan and they lost. If you're have a RB on a hot streak, damn the game plan, run him down their throats until they stop him.
Remember that game like it was yesterday.....was big fan of Steelers but loved TD and manster etc.....hard for me to cheer just for one side.....great memories
I appreciate the video you nailed it I’m glad you said I wonder what could have been if he had the same opportunity as smith my pic is dorsett till this day I’ve never seen a more explosive runner I will say this im going on skill set alone and I’d I do that yeh eye test is Tony D you have to take in consideration that he only had over 300 attempts 2 times in his career while emmitt had 7 such seasons
Tom Landry wondered about that as well. I read some of his comments about Calvin Hill & Duane Thomas. He said if Duane Thomas could have held it together after 1971 and had Calvin not signed with the WFL, the Cowboys would have had Hill and Thomas carrying the ball in Super X against the Steelers instead of Robert Newhouse, Doug Dennison, and Preston Pearson. Dallas only had 108 yards rushing in that game and Roger Staubach had 22 of them.
All I will say is Duane Thomas. The Brotha was mad smooth, and he may have been the most talented RB in Cowboys history. He and Tom never got along, and that was the most impressive aspect of Duane's time in Dallas because despite that Tom had to give him the ball. As good as Calvin Hill was, Duane had a lot more talent. Like your channel, even though I ain't no Cowboy fan. RIPJB32. GO BROWNS!
Great analysis as usual. Also there were strategic reasons Landry never built his team around Dorsett. 1) He didn’t need too. 2) Dorsett was powerful and tough “for his size”, but it’s doubtful he could have shown brighter in 3-4 brilliant seasons no matter how dominant they were, than by contributing powerfully to our success for over a decade as he did. In fact, I was just thinking about this the other day. Even a back as big and powerful as Earl Campbell only shown brilliantly over a 3-4 year period. In his case, he was so dominant that he *still* made the HOF, but he was anywhere from pedestrian to subpar his last 3 or 4 seasons.
Great video & content. Agree with the list, in my book Demarco Murray should have an honorable mention for his competitiveness alone. Dude was a warrior
Dorsett was a small guy. I think the reason he lasted as long as he did was because of the way Landry used him. Tony rarely eclipsed 20 carries in a game like Dickerson, Payton, and Earl Campbell did during their prime years. He didn't rushed for as many yards as those guys did year in and year out, but he also took a lot less punishment. I recall reading his thoughts on this in a book years ago. During his career he said he had some resentment toward Landry because he wanted more touches. In hindsight he acknowledged that the rationed carries prolonged his career.
To me I think Dorsett was the most *talented* running back of his era. That's how good he was. But part of what made him great was also what held him back from maximizing that talent to be even greater... he was too small. No way could he have stood up to the punishment of that era if he had more carries. I think his playing weight was like 170ish? Unfortunately he's now suffering from CTE. But yeah Dorsett was speacial! Thanks for watching 🙏.
@@thelogicalcowboy they listed dorsett at 185-190 but was probably high. Watched him military a lot of weight in superstars competition which shocked me that he was that strong
Man this video is brilliant on many levels. As someone already commented, this wasn’t as hard a position to sort through as many others have (and will) be. But it’s such an iconic and important position that it needed something extra, something new, some context about how you put it together. Your segue into how you’ve made the lists and where that led you was spit on and perfectly timed. Just a brilliant way to highlight the greatness of Dorsett while honoring the undeniable dominance of Emmet Smith. Just brilliant. I need to think some about what else to say about this, I’ll be back.
Your list is better than most. You have facts, stats, accomplishments, and more to back up your list. I agree with all your top 5's there might be a couple where I have you 4 as 5 and your 5 as 4 but your list are hard to argue with. At least they are for an objective person with a football IQ above average. Thank you for your channel. I love all your Cowboy content. I only have one more thing to say How About Them Cowboys!
Having watched the Cowboys since 1974, I think your list is very well thought out and it's hard to disagree with... in fact I'd have to agree completely! Honorable mention is Duane Thomas - he led the Cowboys to their first two Super Bowls (while Hill missed time with those injuries) and COULD have been one of the greatest...
I love the top 5 list you're going through. If you watch the games, and I watched dorsett and Emmett, then you know who had more impact. Dorset like Barry Sanders may have been more talented and flashy but Emmett was the best football player of the Cowboys have ever put on a field
Just discovered your videos and they are awesome! In a world where all anyone has today is “hot takes” I love your logical, detailed, fact/data based approach is so refreshing. Dare I say your style is almost Landry like. I mean that as a big compliment by the way. Thank you for posting these as I’ve shared them with my sons so they understand the history of the Cowboys. I also do my best to teach them about the history of the NFL. I just subscribed! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Because of his size, the Cowboys limited Dorsett’s carries, which explains the discrepancy in carries. While it is hard to argue with Smith, I can accept your call. Also, at times TD had fumble issues. The eye test, I give to TD. But, Smith can be the GOAT. Also, I assume the lack of his body of work may be why there was no mention on Duane Thomas. I think he may be top 5 but I admittedly never saw Perkins. And, again, the body of work may be an issue, but I think honorable mention for Demarco Murray should be considered.
Tony Dorsett is not only the most explosive running back of his era, he is the most explosive running back in NFL history. Gale Sayers and Barry Sanders are in the discussion, but Tony is the only RB in NFL history to have touchdown runs of 90 yards, 80 yards, 70 yards, 60 yards, and 50 yards. TD is also the only RB in NFL history to have touchdown receptions of 90 yards, 70 yards, 60 yards, and 50 yards. There has NEVER been a RB who was a bigger home run threat than Dorsett.
Cowboys fan here ... Sorry... but Barry Sanders was much more explosive- could make holes where there were none with his moves- was a breakaway threat every single play- always in the conversation as the RB/GOAT. Barry played for 10 years and was over 1000 yds every year with an average to suspect Offensive Line- Barry also rushed for 2000 yds in 1 season. Dorsett played for 12 seasons and didn't make 1000 yds in 4 of those seasons. Tony truly boosted the Cowboys and showed what bringing an elite RB to the team could do to supercharge the offense. But Barry is THE MAN.. and always will be.
You're certainly entitled to your OPINION, but the FACTS demonstrate that Tony Dorsett is the most explosive running back in NFL history. Again, Dorsett is the ONLY running back in NFL history to have touchdown runs of 90 yards, 80 yards, 70 yards, 60 yards, 50 yards, and touchdown receptions of 90 yards, 70 yards, 60 yards, and 50 yards.
@@pjtheory Oh Lord .. The FACTs show that Barry Sanders averaged 5 yards/carry for 10 yrs.. his career. Dorsett averaged 4.3 yds carry. How is it you're a "more explosive" but average less yards per carry? Less yards per carry shows you're "less" explosive when you get the ball. Sanders was getting you more yards every time he touched the ball. Perhaps if Dorsett was "explosive".. as you say. He'd have run for 1800 yds in 1 season.. he never did. Barry had seasons of 1800 yards and 2000 yards. So .. when people have conversations about the GOAT/RB .. it's typically a. Jim Brown b.Barry Sanders c. Emmitt d. Walter Payton ... Funny how you present your opinions as facts .. Evidently you've nominated yourself the Grand Inquisitor of the term "explosive" .. No sale.
Video well done! Brought back a lot of memories. I'd encourage you to have an "honorable mention" section, for those that obviously don't belong top 5, but nonetheless were seminal in the success of the Cowboys franchise. And for an honorable mention nomination I'd go with Robert Newhouse. "The Human Bowling Ball" was unselfish and filled in wherever he was needed. When Hill and Dorsett were getting the touches, Newhouse was there to blast holes for them as the fullback. When Hill jumped to the WFL in 1975 and Dorsett was still at Pitt, Newhouse was moved to the primary rusher, using his 44-inch thighs to help him gain 930 yards. In addition, he did something no other Cowboys running back has ever done--he THREW a touchdown pass in Super Bowl XII to Golden Richards. Block, run, pass--the UofH grad could do it all. Incidentally, Chuck Noll wanted to draft him ahead of Franco Harris!
The Cowboys have had so many prolific backs that maybe the list should have been the top ten plus honorable mentions. But mostly there was a huge difference in the way Landry used his backs. Perfect illustration of this was in Super Bowl VI when he ran Garrison inside behind the tremendous blocking of especially Niland and that Miami defense, which included DT Manny Fernandez, who had a great game, Hall of fame MLB Nick Buoniconti, and Safety Jake Scott. With Garrison running inside, Duane Thomas used his speed to get to the outside and would pick up six or seven yards, as Dallas dominated. Calvin Hill ran leaning forward with such a smooth and fluid motion much like Jim Brown did. I loved watching Tony Dorsett. He was electrifying and once he broke through the line, his power, speed and agility was put on display as he often broke open field tackles of linebackers and defensive backs and was off to the races. I’ve said it before. If he was used more often as a pass receiver, he would have been even more dangerous. And, if he ever learned how to properly take a handoff and was more secure with holding onto the ball, he might have ended his career with most yards in NFL history at that point. Landry also often used Dorsett as a decoy on short yardage. Staubach or White might fake a pitch to Tony and run a scissors play by handing off to the fullback for an inside run. Then there were guys like Preston Pearson who was Mr. Clutch in so many of the late game comebacks, Daryl Moose Johnston and Emmit. Emmitt’s ability to always get the first down plus his goal line touchdowns was due to the combination of him plus the OL. Detractors of the Cowboys seem to try to downplay his greatness by citing the OL, but then those same detractors will try to downplay the OL by citing the greatness of Emmitt. But all I know is that the Cowboys won because of Emmitt, and the rest of the greats on those Cowboys offense were made even better because of Emmitt and vice versa.
This is really well done. Really good analysis and commentary. (( But, everybody has an opinion)) I really like Tony Dorsett, and I will admit. That impacts my personal opinion. I also think that Emmitt benefited greatly by playing on a great team, and behind one of, if not the best offensive lines in football. TD, Tony Dorsett is my guy. Just wanted to add... You got my attention, and I am going to watch other videos. 😎👍🏻
Emmitt was great in a run-heavy offense. Your criteria was well thought out and objective... Not really arguing with your conclusions, but I just liked Dorsett more. His speed & style made him feared as a halfback and his ability to go all the way on any play kept me glued to each offensive series. He might have accomplished more but Landry preserved him as best he could in the late 70s & early 80s.
Listen as good as Dorsett was-and he was PHENOMENAL- Emmitt Smith was the engine of those Dallas Super Bowl teams. He proved that during the second Jimmy Johnson touchdown campaign. My man held out for the first two games that year, both of which Dallas lost. He comes back and the Cowboys become one of the few teams to ever win a Super Bowl after starting 0-2.
Nice video, I also like how you see and reply to all of the comments. However, I gotta quick question. Have you done a top 5 cowboys tight ends? If not could you make that vid?
Emmitt 1, Dorsett 2, followed by a bunch of really good ones. Perkins, Calvin Hill, Duane Thomas, Robert Newhouse, Ron Springs, Timmy Newsome, Walt Garrison, Zeke, Preston Pearson.
You absolutely got the correct 5. Emmitt is the GOAT. Then Dorsett. I totally see your point about Zek. Having watched all of these guys play, I am biased I suppose, but I would put both Hill and Perkins above Zek. Just me. I can support this list and the way you came to your conclusion 100%. Another great video! Thank you!
I cannot disagree with this list, excellent job. I especially enjoyed watching TD and Emmitt play. I will never forget Dorsett's 99 yard run on Monday Night Football! One of the things I will always remember about Emmitt was his toughness. That Giants game with the separated shoulder is legendary. It's a shame to see the disrespect Emmitt gets against other great running backs. Some lists don't even have him in the top ten simply because they say "well, he had a great line". Unbelievable. Great video once again!
Solid list, defensible and thoroughly analyzed. For the record I've actually got Herschel Walker as my #3 HB on the All Time Cowboys team, but that's partly because of his versatility (e.g. filling in as FB or playing 3rd downs) and special teams skills (#2 KO returner; coverage). Walker might be the most complete NFL player I've ever seen. I even argue for his Pro Football HoF induction, but his case has a unique form and he obviously spent a chunk of his career away from the Cowboys and even the NFL. For the purposes of this list, given your wording, your rankings are fair. Are you doing a separate fullback list, lol?
I agree. If I'm starting a team I would not mind walker to be a third string backup. It'll be a toss up between Pearson and walker. Yep a fullback list is coming soon. Don Perkins will be on that list as well! Thanks for watching 🙏! Always a pleasure! I know you're going to tell me your honest opinion!
@THE LOGICAL COWBOY Certainly, lol. FB will be tough because you've got the feature back era with Perkins, the middle era with Walt Garrison and Robert Newhouse when FBs were their most versatile, almost equal parts runner, blocker, and receiver, then the "modern", Johnston style FB who's mostly a lead blocker and pass catcher, with an occasional surprise short yardage run. I'll be interested to see what you come up with.
Kudos to you for including Don Perkins and Calvin Hill! Though the most talented Dallas running back may have been Duane Thomas. Insofar as overall worth, you didn't seem to factor in non-running skills. Herschel Walker would have been the best receiver, followed by Hill (I mean, they both could run deep routes, outrun safeties and catch bombs). Also blocking skills are important, and tops here would include Walt Garrison, Duane Thomas, Emmit Smith, and Zeke.
Yes another Great video ! I almost disagreed with you on putting Emmit because T. Dorsett was always my guy. A my favorite coach spread the ball around not giving Tony as much opportunity to gain yards a emmitt. Yes we can only wonder what could have been. Note I could have been bad also. That said can’t argue with this list. Thanks for the videos.
I’ve run into Tony Dorsett twice in the DFW area. Once at the airport when I was a little kid. My dad got him to take a picture with me. The second time was at some seafood place. I was there eating lunch with some coworkers, and Tony was sitting by the window by himself eating a bucket of crawdads. I didn’t bother that time.
I wasn’t familiar with #4&5 so I can’t compare them. I have to agree that Emmit is #1 but Tony Dorsett is my personal favorite. Just because he is part of that late 70’s early 80’s team, which is my favorite era. We’ve had so many great RB’s like Preston Pearson,Robert Newhouse,Moose Johnston,Marion the Barbarian. Even though these guys don’t have the numbers the other ones on the list wouldn’t have the numbers they had. But all in all I think you did a fine job on this list as all the list you’ve done. Jeep it coming!
Excellent point about building around Dorsett. Landry had his "system" and stuck to it stubbornly. I think though he probably did alter allot compared to the early running styles, Ron Springs even had 73 catches one year but it's possible he did that because the Oline was so bad. lol I don't know who the lineup was that year. Nice post made me think.
I will say if you factor in the what it's, Herschel walker I think could be on this list. He was carrying a team by himself and still doing phenomenal. Albeit he also is what helped create a dynasty because he was so great. If anything, the man deserves the honorable mention for so many reasons.
Emmitt - Yep. I think they asked Smith to do more than they did Dorsett. 4 rushing titles, rushing record, 3 SBs, MVP; balance, strength, toughness, deceptive speed/quickness, vision, no wasted movement, punishing to defenders in his prime, best pass blocking feature RB I've ever seen, reliable receiver, amazing consistency, durability, the greatest age 30s RB in NFL history, in the argument for greatest overall RB in NFL history. Dorsett - Fastest acceleration to top speed in NFL history; video game moves; deceptive power. Zeke - I don't like ranking active players but if I had to I'd probably put him 3rd on this list too. One of my favorite players. His hurdles are iconic. Calvin - Big back with speed. First team All Pro as a rookie. First Cowboy to rush for over 1k yards in a season. Don Perkins - Best 1960s RB who's not already in the HoF. Retired ranked #5 in NFL history at the time in career rushing if I remember right. The Cowboy RB with the best shot at making the HoF some day. RoH for good reason. One could flip these last two either way. Perkins was a fullback in an era where FBs were typically the feature back. I talked about Walker below, but honorable mention to Dan Reeves, the now underrated player who was a versatile, real weapon at RB in the 1960s, and who led the NFL in TDs in 1966 (8 rushing, 8 receiving), setting a franchise record that stood until Emmitt Smith broke it. Reeves probably would have continued as the feature back if not for an injury reducing him to a role player. He was a player coach who became an assistant and then had a head coaching career that should land him in the HoF some day. When a guy like DeMarco Murray, a very good back who won a rushing title at Dallas and set the franchise single season record, can only crack the top 10, you know the Cowboys are especially strong at RB lol! Even Amos Marsh, the speedy expansion era FB who led the league with a 5.6 y/c in 1962, would probably make some teams' lists.
The big thing that separates Tony Dorsett and Emmitt Smith is their running style. TD was more like Gale Sayers where Smith was sort of in the Walter Payton mold. TD had unbelievable speed that Smith didn't have but Smith would pound the defense like a full back at times. The one I think could have been great was the other #33 Duane Thomas. When he wanted to perform he was as good as O.J. but his attitude ended up being his own worst enemy.
TD is my favorite. So fast and effortless. But Emmitt was a titan. And you can't say that either of them played with average teams. If I had to pick one it'd be TD. Excellent analysis as usual.
[the mischief in me has this uncontrollable urge to say this]: How about Les Strayhorn getting an _honorable mention?_ After all, having a 5.8 yard average per carry was impressive. [Your sense of humor with the above is appreciated] For some reason, even though I was not a devout Cowboys follower, names such as Clint Longley and Les Strayhorn has stayed with me over all these decades.
Landry didn't give Dorsett the carries because he didn't want to wear him out. Earl Campbell is a prime example of what happens to a back that is overused and Tony was nowhere near the size and strength of Earl Campbell. I think it's fairly enlightening that after one decent year in Denver Dorsett blew out his right knee in training camp and never played again. Landry was probably right about not overworking Tony. He usually was... even in the twilight of his career. All that being said Herschel Walker's arrival in 86 drastically altered the trajectory of Dorsett's career as did the scab games during the strike. In fact Dorsett lost about a 3rd of a season during the first strike in 82. All of those factors dinged his numbers every bit as much as Landry limiting his carries. I think what made Emmitt so remarkable is the fact that he managed to play for so long with so many carries. It's unheard of for a running back to play that long and remain productive but somehow Emmitt did it. After the wheels started falling off, after the coaching turned to garbage, after the team was chipped away by free agency Emmitt just kept going out there and putting up quality numbers. Even in his last season with the Cardinals he had almost a thousand yards. I think his durability was what truly set him apart.
Dorsett was a small fast back. He used to be tackled and someone would hit him in the head while on the ground numerous times in a game with no penalty called. His only peer would be Dickerson who was 6’3” 219 vs. 5’11” 195.
I think your methodology is fair and looks at what is known rather than what could have been. My gut feeling is that, because of Tom Landry's offensive system, Dorsett didn't have the opportunity to accomplish what Smith did in an offensive system deliberately focused on the run and the tailback. My gut feeling is that Dorsett was a better runner.
Indeed a difficult task, but you've pulled it off. Emotionally, I wanted to have honorable mentions galore but I will stay away from those. Thanks again from one fan to another...
@@thelogicalcowboy honorable mention: Dan Reeves (who was a Swiss Army Knife guy); Demarco Murray (owns the franchise single season rushing record). Thanks again...
I dont think Tony Dorsett'sbody would has held up if he had nearly the carrie's as Emmitt. Overall Dorsett was the best RB end to end that the cowboys ever had. Emmitt Smith had the body and legs to endure those rushing attempts. Remember emmitt missed 2 gms came back to beat everyone rb that tr to win the mvps rushing title, most TDs amongst RBS lastly mvps of the superbowl. Most try to slight Emmitt because he achieve so much they try to pick at him & try to find fault. He the best Rb in cowboys history. He the best Rb all time since Jim Brown(RIH)
Yes, I totally agree! Dorsett was the most talented running back in Cowboys history. However, there is a difference between talent and greatness. You can have all the talent in the world, but it does not necessarily mean that you fully maximized your potential. Emmitt maximized everything that was ever given to him and much more. He took full advantage of every opportunity.
If the list could be expanded it would have to include Herschel Walker-not only for ability-but his *tradability* that made being the team of the 90’s possible. Also, on sheer ability and promise alone-however unfulfilled-the list would include Duane Thomas. He will always go under the heading of, what the heck went so wrong so quickly !?!
I get tired of all the smack talk ever body wants to give about emmitt when the greatest RB convo comes up. It’s always the same thing too. “Duh, he had that line bro. Anybody could’ve done that….” blah blah blah But….emmitt was one of the most durable, F it, not even RB, I’ll say ALL football players. What is the career span of a RB today? Like 4-5 years? Or how many have an injury and are never the same? Emmitt was solid and produced so many years. I don’t think any RB will ever break his record cause nobody can go that long without injury, or just losing power. The only one who has come close, and even he went down for a year, was Adrian Peterson. Elite RBs have about 4-5 elite years and it’s over. S. Barkley prob has one more elite year. And he went down to injury too. So I’ll take emmitt all day cause of the durability.
I agree with everything you said, especially when it came to TD and Emmitt. I was an Emmitt fan when he was at Florida and wanted the Cowboys to draft him. He is the #1! Nevertheless, TD was my favorite. Tom did hold him back because of his size. When TD retired, he was the #2 all-time in rushing yards behind Walter Payton, and remained that for a number of years
T.D. was Dallas best running back ever Zeke and Emmitt had a better offense line and played with hall of famers on offense who as in the receivers and quarterback T.D. was Dallas offense and every defensive player keyed in on him and he still had a great career in college and in the pros when he ran with the football in his hand he had style it was like gliding threw the defense and most Dallas fans would say T.D. was the best running back in Dallas history
Tony Dorsett is a perfect example of you can't just look at a bunch of highlight reels and start coming to these conclusions. Also the stats are deceiving because for every one of those huge long runs there were just countless downs where he was getting nothing or next to nothing. Where were these long runs in Super Bowl 13? Or the 1981 season ending NFC championship game against the 49ers? Or really any of the playoff appearances for the Cowboys after that game until the end of the 1985 postseason when the Cowboys clearly were badly declining. In the postseason Emmitt Smith was clutch Dorsett not nearly as much so. Has one really big postseason triumph was playing against a Broncos team in the Super bowl that really had no business being there. In the early 90s Jimmy Johnson made game plans where the Cowboys now holding the lead just keeped serving up a steady diet of Emmett Smith for the entire second-half. No way could you depend on Tony Dorset to do that.
@@aceassn716 That’s right In fact people who have looked through all the stats and compare number of fumbles to total amount of yards gained in the career Dorsett has the worst ratio of anybody in history.and for people paying attentionTo the mid 80s late 80s cowboys teams Dorsett being overrated really got exposed when Herschel Walker arrived. They were not the 70s early 80s cowboy team anymore but still cowboy fans got to see what it’s like when you’re running back cannot be arm tackled by anybody, rarely fumbles, has the same speed, add actually has excellent excellent hands for catching passes and is a major factor now in your passing game that every defense has To give the same attention to they would give a tight end With world class speed.And in pass protection he’s practically a tight end who has dropped back into The backfield to be Danny White’s personal bodyguard Who can take on any linebacker practically except LT and Almost any defensive end. Dorsett to his credit took such incredible care of himself that at age 33 his speed and sharp cutting ability were all 100% still intact. But the whole NFL world got to see during that time the difference in his value in a trade and the value of Herschel Walker in a trade.
Man, this was fun to watch. Slight edge to Emmitt for consistency over his career. Though I must admit, Dorsett was more talented in terms of speed, vision, and elusiveness. He just did not get the same opportunities Emmitt had, nor was the O line as good. Cowboys always kept some talented backs.
Emmit #1 because of his accomplishments. Dorsett, IMO, the better talent for a RB. Both were great. Dorsett had better speed, Emmit was more durable and tougher and wasn't as prone to fumbles as Dorsett was. Separated a shoulder and for 3 more Qtrs carried the Cowboys to victory over the Giants one season. When Emmit was out, his Cowboy teams lost, even with Aikman and Irvin playing. Dorsett was the prettiest runner I've ever seen.
Remember this list is only my opinion. My opinion is no better then yours! Enjoy the video!
Good stuff. I will say this is a fair assessment of these backs. I agree that Emmitt is the greatest also because he was told he was too small, too slow, and that we would last in this league. #22
@@dironbostic7626
Thanks bro!
I like this list but would not put Zeke on it unless for the last spot. His productive years were only about three and his future in the NFL is basically over. That's too short to be consider in any great list compared to many other backs. He didn't win a Superbowl, not even a conference championship. His only claim to fame are a couple rushing titles or so. First is Emmitt, then Tony, then Preston Pearson, after that it doesn't matter.
@@PlanetEarth3141 good point
@@PlanetEarth3141 Don Perkins then Calvin Hill
Great video and analysis.
Emmitt gets a lot of hate from people because they feel that he was only great because he played with one of the greatest offensive lines in NFL history but I'm glad you pointed this out like I've told other that he was still in the top 5 in rushing past 1997 and beyond with a depleted OL & his age & injuries begin to pile up.
Also those people fail to forget the 93 season when Emmitt held out and the Cowboys started the season 0-2 and couldn't run the ball with that great OL. When he resigned in time for week 3, the rest was history.
Great post yourself! Thanks for watching!
He made that OL look good. As much as I love TD there is no way Emmitt isn’t just the Cowboys RB GOAT but the NFL RB GOAT. He produced in BIG games. Always showed up. The playoff game against the NYG with the shoulder injury is the most courageous athletic performance I have ever seen.
@Steve Moore Agreed. That game vs the Giants was legendary. Smith had 32 carries for 168 yards & 10 catches for 61 yards with a TD catch WITH ONE ARM!!!
@@stevemoore3951 when you have a Hall of Fame QB, Hall of Fame WR, and a GOAT RB all the offensive line has to do is there job. Aikman, Irving, Smith made a real good O-line look like an All-time great O-line
Well said!
Another great video, lots of work put into the stats and clips! WOW! The list was spot on!
Calvin Hill was my hero when I was young, I thought he was the greatest ever at the time. Little did we know Tony and Emmitt were on the way!
Thanks for such a great production
Thanks Fig!!!
I am not a Cowboys fan but love your viedos. Growing up in mid 70's and 80's, I always hated but respected the Cowboys. You have to admit that they had great players, great schemes, were always on TV and had the cheerleaders.
These videos makes me appreciate all of their players.
Thanks!!! 🙏
So many times you would see 33 headed to the end zone, and so many times 88 would be right there.
I cannot disagree, Don Perkins was so reliable, great for short yardage - first downs. Calvin messed up his toe jumping over people but was fun to watch. I sat in stadiums watching Tony D. who was like watching an F14 Tomcat on take off. TD's speed and and direction changing ability was breath taking! Emmitt was amazing also. Marion the barbarian was fun to watch. Honorable mention to Walt Garrison and Dan Reeves. Great job again on your rankings!
Thanks G!
😂
Great video as always.
This also made me think of Duane Thomas who looked like a dominant force his first two years (and was being compared to Jim Brown). You should do a top 5 "how great could they have been" video about players whose careers were cut short for whatever reason.
Good idea!
Duane Thomas was an incredible runner. Shoulders here,hips there,knees here and ankles there. I’ve no doubt the Cowboys wouldn’t have won the first Super Bowl against Miami without him. He could have arguably been Super Bowl MVP and that is saying a lot coming from me who is Roger Staubach’s biggest fan. DT was THAT good. In just 3.5 seasons he went to 2 Super Bowls and won one. Just like Thomas Henderson we will always wonder just how good DT could have been 🤔
Loved watching the Texas tornados in the 70s - Walt Garrison & Calvin Hill. Another great video that I would agree with.
Thanks Tony!
Dallas had a number of good backs: DeMarco Murray, Duane Thomas, etc. Hershel Walker was at his best, under Landry, who seemed to know how to use him. Dorsett and Smith are the top two, not only because they were so darned good, but also because they did it so long in a Cowboys uniform.
I agree
Facts…
Great video! Your list is spot on. Thanks for all of the work you do compiling all of the statistics and data on these players.
Thanks bro! Glad you liked the video!
Please break down our modern Cowboys. Your logic and how deep you go into the numbers is meant for the modern football. Im not saying stop covering the history part because I love it. I would love to see you do other topics!
Although I will always cover our history! I have a lot of modern material coming your way! I got you bro!
Excellent analysis in comparing Dorsett & smith. I think the other backs Tony played against made a difference. However, Tony, Emmitt, no wrong answer. I know he doesn’t have the number or years but if I had my way Demarco would have been resigned & skipped the Zeke years. But the way it went I can’t argue with your list. Thanks for the great videos again
Thanks brother! I agree Murray could have been special! I was a huge fan!
As a COWBOYS fan since 1969...this is probably the BEST thought out evaluation of any stand-out COWBOYS position and/or player/s I've watched.
I've witnessed ALL of these backs in real time (exception Don Perkins) and you are, in my opinion, SPOT ON!
ES is The G.O.A.T.!
Unfortunately, COWBOYS haters want to knock Emmitt as The All-Time G.O.A.T. due to his incredible O-line. But they miss many of the stats and attributes that you have stated in your video.
No Top-10 NFL back in history had the durability of Smith. He had incredible vision in seeing the holes and creases. And he knew how to drop the shoulder and not give defenses a direct hit on him. A very intelligent player was he...
Keep the COWBOYS videos coming, Sir!👍🏈👍🏈👍🏈👍
Thanks J.J! Really means a lot!
Honorable mention to Hershel, one of the greatest college players of all time, followed by being the USFL GOAT, then having a couple of great years in Dallas. Then gifting Dallas the gateway to becoming the team of the 90s.
Walker may be a dumb talking politician but dude was a beast in the back field. He's more than an honorable mention. He may not have as many snaps as a cowboy but he was a tremendous runner and receiver for us.....then he came back and returned kicks
@@jeromenichols1154 I remember when he came back to Dallas he ran back a kick all the way and still had gas in the tank
@@Longhorn.Rock_Roll61 Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders, Brian Jordan, Jim Brown and a few others. These guys played multiple sports at an extremely high level. Herschel's other sport was mixed martial arts. Which is a extremely disciplined thing, so these guys are always in great shape, they eat right too. However I think Herschel has cte....
@@jeromenichols1154 Bob sledder or a team of Bob sledders for the Olympics
@@jeromenichols1154 all with push ups and sit ups
LC, I agree with you. Your selections were fair and based on facts. Coach Landry sometimes had the horses to run over defenses but diversified his attack to keep the defenses off balance. From T.D., Marion Barber, Robert Lee Hayes, and DeMarcus.
But with all that he will always be my favorite coach. Thank you.
Thanks Aaron! Always a privilege bro!
Great explanation Dorsett and Smith
Thanks steve!
@@thelogicalcowboy Yeah buddy thnx for your Support 👍
Great list. No doubt Dorsett in a different system would've had more opportunities and yards. Emmitt IMO is the best running back he had great vision quick to and through the hole then hard to tackle low center of gravity and solid 200+. Hard list to finalize as we have had some great ones Preston Pearson was a great all around back. Solid job on your list and the work you put into it
Thanks bro! I completely agree!
Your breakdown into the numbers are legendary!
Great list! I would put Perk over Hill though. Heck you could do a separate list for fullbacks and Perk would make that list too.
Yep perk was really a fullback lol.
Dude I knew you were going to struggle with the top two. As every Cowboy fan does I'm thinking this your best one so far. I know Duane Thomas didn't play enough but that first Super bowl was nice to see great job
Those first two were struggles bro! I don't know why lol Thanks Scott!
@@thelogicalcowboy me neither but I totally understand
Spot on. Duane Thomas is the one that made me go WOW.
@@jeffbeck6501 Jeff Beck was an incredible guitar player I think the reason he used his fingers to play with cuz he couldn't find a pic
No qualms with any of the lists you've posted. I appreciate the fact that you showed your process in this video. It's a good framework.
Appreciate you bro! 🙏
Wow this was great, and I would have to agree that Emmitt is the GOAT with all his statistical achievements. ...but TD is one of my all-time favorites, second only to Roger Staubach and i will always have an affinity for him and his accomplishments considering he was used sparingly, as you stated, which could have contributed to the length of his career but do wonder what he could have done if the offense was more centered around him as it was Emmitt.
Thanks for an outstanding list!
Thanks bro! 🙏
Me too brother, me too. Can I ask how old you are? I’m 56, I started seriously following football in TD’s rookie year.
@@fatgreta1066 58
@@topJimmyP1984 Same era, you got a few more of Roger's early years though.
@@fatgretagaming-zq2rw since 74- 75 ish, from Detroit
Fully agree with your list and the metrics you use to get there. I had the same thoughts about Dorsett that you shared but I had my doubts about his durability if he were the single featured back in a run heavy offense. I think his career would have been like Zeke's.
I thought this as well!
Been some great backs in Dallas even guys that were not big time like Marion Barber were great to watch
I've been a COWBOYS fan since 1977. And nothing has changed today. However, my favorite teams will ALWAYS be from the Landry years. Those were the best teams and those players are responsible for the reputation of the franchise of today period!
Those players played the game with the dedication, passion, and aggressiveness of true men!
I thank you for your research, intelligence, and passion as true a true COWBOYS FAN on this invaluable channel brother!
By the way, Tony Dorsett gets my vote as THE GREATEST RUNNING BACK IN COWBOYS HISTORY!
Thanks bro! Glad you like the channel. Dorsett is a legend. I completely understand.
My older brother - a person with little interest as a stranger to the game of football - once watched Dorsett run and marveled. If running is an art, he was the Bruce Lee of it. No one did it better.
Yeah, I agree with your list. Landry tried to keep the defense guessing while with Smith running the ball everyone knew they were going to punch teams in the mouth.
Blame the system
Great video as always.
Looking forward to the top 5 Dallas Cowboys Fullbacks in history.
Is Newhouse, with his multi-role skill set the best fullback, or is the ultimate blocking back(who could also catch) 'Moose' Johnston the #1?
Thanks bro! Ironically we're going to see Perkins again! That's his original position! But yeah that should be a interesting list!
Oh yeah!
Easy to forget that Dorsett retired as the 2nd all time leading rusher behind only Sweetness ( R.IP.) .
Your Top 5 is right on. The first 4 are pretty much a given. It's the 5th spot some may want to debate but Calvin Hill had a more consistent and longer career with Dallas than any of the other backs. Backs like Duane Thomas and Demarco Murray had brief FLARE UPS in the franchise's history but not as sustained as Hill's. What would REALLY be more of a challenge is for you to do a top ten. Everyone would have a different opinion on 6 through 10.
Thanks Gorn!
Lol yeah I remember Thomas he at least got a ring and the first one
Love TD, I’m sure he would have easily had more accolades had he not been running against: Walter Payton, Erik Dickerson, Earl Campbell etc…
He should have been on way more than 4 pro bowls.
Exactly, well said!
Wait!!! I know we saw Grant Hill's Daddy (Calvin) doing his thing, but did you guys see "Bullet" Bob Hayes (22) shift gears to get in front of him to make a block. Woah!!!!
Once again.....GREAT VIDEO! I know Coach Landry's main concern with Tony was his durability due to his size. Although officially listed in the 190s, from what I understand he was actually ten to fifteen pounds lighter. You are right, if the offense was geared around him his numbers would be much higher. In SB 13, the first half, Tony ran at will and Pittsburg had no answer. Landry went away from him in the second half to stay with his game plan and they lost. If you're have a RB on a hot streak, damn the game plan, run him down their throats until they stop him.
It's unfortunate!
Remember that game like it was yesterday.....was big fan of Steelers but loved TD and manster etc.....hard for me to cheer just for one side.....great memories
I appreciate the video you nailed it I’m glad you said I wonder what could have been if he had the same opportunity as smith my pic is dorsett till this day I’ve never seen a more explosive runner I will say this im going on skill set alone and I’d I do that yeh eye test is Tony D you have to take in consideration that he only had over 300 attempts 2 times in his career while emmitt had 7 such seasons
I wonder what Calvin Hill would have done for Dallas in 1975 if there was no WFL. They could have used him in Super Bowl X.
Tom Landry wondered about that as well. I read some of his comments about Calvin Hill & Duane Thomas. He said if Duane Thomas could have held it together after 1971 and had Calvin not signed with the WFL, the Cowboys would have had Hill and Thomas carrying the ball in Super X against the Steelers instead of Robert Newhouse, Doug Dennison, and Preston Pearson. Dallas only had 108 yards rushing in that game and Roger Staubach had 22 of them.
Oh if they had hill in 75 they would have definitely won the superbowl.
I agree with your top three and in the correct order of those three.
Thanks for watching Charles! 🙏
All I will say is Duane Thomas. The Brotha was mad smooth, and he may have been the most talented RB in Cowboys history. He and Tom never got along, and that was the most impressive aspect of Duane's time in Dallas because despite that Tom had to give him the ball. As good as Calvin Hill was, Duane had a lot more talent. Like your channel, even though I ain't no Cowboy fan. RIPJB32. GO BROWNS!
Thanks bro! I'm doing a mini documentary on Duane Thomas in a few weeks I hope you stay around. You might like it. Thanks for watching
Great analysis as usual.
Also there were strategic reasons Landry never built his team around Dorsett. 1) He didn’t need too. 2) Dorsett was powerful and tough “for his size”, but it’s doubtful he could have shown brighter in 3-4 brilliant seasons no matter how dominant they were, than by contributing powerfully to our success for over a decade as he did. In fact, I was just thinking about this the other day. Even a back as big and powerful as Earl Campbell only shown brilliantly over a 3-4 year period. In his case, he was so dominant that he *still* made the HOF, but he was anywhere from pedestrian to subpar his last 3 or 4 seasons.
Good points!
Great video & content. Agree with the list, in my book Demarco Murray should have an honorable mention for his competitiveness alone. Dude was a warrior
Thanks bro! Yeah Murray was a beast! I probably should have! Thanks for watching 🙏!
Dorsett was a small guy. I think the reason he lasted as long as he did was because of the way Landry used him. Tony rarely eclipsed 20 carries in a game like Dickerson, Payton, and Earl Campbell did during their prime years. He didn't rushed for as many yards as those guys did year in and year out, but he also took a lot less punishment. I recall reading his thoughts on this in a book years ago. During his career he said he had some resentment toward Landry because he wanted more touches. In hindsight he acknowledged that the rationed carries prolonged his career.
To me I think Dorsett was the most *talented* running back of his era. That's how good he was. But part of what made him great was also what held him back from maximizing that talent to be even greater... he was too small. No way could he have stood up to the punishment of that era if he had more carries.
I think his playing weight was like 170ish? Unfortunately he's now suffering from CTE. But yeah Dorsett was speacial! Thanks for watching 🙏.
@@thelogicalcowboy they listed dorsett at 185-190 but was probably high. Watched him military a lot of weight in superstars competition which shocked me that he was that strong
Landry had a system that worked.
Resulting in 5 NFC Championships.
Had Landry catered to every ‘newest best athlete’ he had….
….zero championships.
@@thelogicalcowboyTony came to my college a few years ago to deliver a speech, but I overslept. I was so mad!!
Man this video is brilliant on many levels. As someone already commented, this wasn’t as hard a position to sort through as many others have (and will) be. But it’s such an iconic and important position that it needed something extra, something new, some context about how you put it together. Your segue into how you’ve made the lists and where that led you was spit on and perfectly timed. Just a brilliant way to highlight the greatness of Dorsett while honoring the undeniable dominance of Emmet Smith. Just brilliant. I need to think some about what else to say about this, I’ll be back.
Thanks Chris!!! Always a pleasure seeing your post brother!
Your list is better than most. You have facts, stats, accomplishments, and more to back up your list.
I agree with all your top 5's there might be a couple where I have you 4 as 5 and your 5 as 4 but your list are hard to argue with.
At least they are for an objective person with a football IQ above average.
Thank you for your channel. I love all your Cowboy content.
I only have one more thing to say How About Them Cowboys!
@ronaldfloyd9396
Wow! Thanks for the compliments! It means a lot! Oh yeah back at you! How about dem Cowboys!
Having watched the Cowboys since 1974, I think your list is very well thought out and it's hard to disagree with... in fact I'd have to agree completely! Honorable mention is Duane Thomas - he led the Cowboys to their first two Super Bowls (while Hill missed time with those injuries) and COULD have been one of the greatest...
Thanks bro! Yeah Thomas was special!
Dorsett is my favorite Cowboy of all times....but you definitely got the list right. Spot on
Thanks!
I love the top 5 list you're going through. If you watch the games, and I watched dorsett and Emmett, then you know who had more impact. Dorset like Barry Sanders may have been more talented and flashy but Emmett was the best football player of the Cowboys have ever put on a field
Thanks for watching Andrew!
Just discovered your videos and they are awesome! In a world where all anyone has today is “hot takes” I love your logical, detailed, fact/data based approach is so refreshing. Dare I say your style is almost Landry like. I mean that as a big compliment by the way. Thank you for posting these as I’ve shared them with my sons so they understand the history of the Cowboys. I also do my best to teach them about the history of the NFL. I just subscribed! Hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
STRONGLY AGREE WITH YOUR SELECTIONS AND ANALYSIS!!!!!
Because of his size, the Cowboys limited Dorsett’s carries, which explains the discrepancy in carries. While it is hard to argue with Smith, I can accept your call. Also, at times TD had fumble issues. The eye test, I give to TD. But, Smith can be the GOAT. Also, I assume the lack of his body of work may be why there was no mention on Duane Thomas. I think he may be top 5 but I admittedly never saw Perkins. And, again, the body of work may be an issue, but I think honorable mention for Demarco Murray should be considered.
👍 👍 Good post
No arguments on your top 5. Thanks for including Don Perkins. His field of vision was extraordinary.
It truly was! Thanks for watching!
Tony Dorsett is not only the most explosive running back of his era, he is the most explosive running back in NFL history. Gale Sayers and Barry Sanders are in the discussion, but Tony is the only RB in NFL history to have touchdown runs of 90 yards, 80 yards, 70 yards, 60 yards, and 50 yards. TD is also the only RB in NFL history to have touchdown receptions of 90 yards, 70 yards, 60 yards, and 50 yards. There has NEVER been a RB who was a bigger home run threat than Dorsett.
I agree! He was phenomenal. One of the most talented players ( not just running backs) but players in nfl history!
Straight fucking facts
Cowboys fan here ... Sorry... but Barry Sanders was much more explosive- could make holes where there were none with his moves- was a breakaway threat every single play- always in the conversation as the RB/GOAT. Barry played for 10 years and was over 1000 yds every year with an average to suspect Offensive Line- Barry also rushed for 2000 yds in 1 season. Dorsett played for 12 seasons and didn't make 1000 yds in 4 of those seasons. Tony truly boosted the Cowboys and showed what bringing an elite RB to the team could do to supercharge the offense. But Barry is THE MAN.. and always will be.
You're certainly entitled to your OPINION, but the FACTS demonstrate that Tony Dorsett is the most explosive running back in NFL history. Again, Dorsett is the ONLY running back in NFL history to have touchdown runs of 90 yards, 80 yards, 70 yards, 60 yards, 50 yards, and touchdown receptions of 90 yards, 70 yards, 60 yards, and 50 yards.
@@pjtheory Oh Lord .. The FACTs show that Barry Sanders averaged 5 yards/carry for 10 yrs.. his career. Dorsett averaged 4.3 yds carry. How is it you're a "more explosive" but average less yards per carry? Less yards per carry shows you're "less" explosive when you get the ball. Sanders was getting you more yards every time he touched the ball. Perhaps if Dorsett was "explosive".. as you say. He'd have run for 1800 yds in 1 season.. he never did. Barry had seasons of 1800 yards and 2000 yards. So .. when people have conversations about the GOAT/RB .. it's typically a. Jim Brown b.Barry Sanders c. Emmitt d. Walter Payton ... Funny how you present your opinions as facts .. Evidently you've nominated yourself the Grand Inquisitor of the term "explosive" .. No sale.
Video well done! Brought back a lot of memories. I'd encourage you to have an "honorable mention" section, for those that obviously don't belong top 5, but nonetheless were seminal in the success of the Cowboys franchise. And for an honorable mention nomination I'd go with Robert Newhouse. "The Human Bowling Ball" was unselfish and filled in wherever he was needed. When Hill and Dorsett were getting the touches, Newhouse was there to blast holes for them as the fullback. When Hill jumped to the WFL in 1975 and Dorsett was still at Pitt, Newhouse was moved to the primary rusher, using his 44-inch thighs to help him gain 930 yards. In addition, he did something no other Cowboys running back has ever done--he THREW a touchdown pass in Super Bowl XII to Golden Richards. Block, run, pass--the UofH grad could do it all. Incidentally, Chuck Noll wanted to draft him ahead of Franco Harris!
The Cowboys have had so many prolific backs that maybe the list should have been the top ten plus honorable mentions. But mostly there was a huge difference in the way Landry used his backs. Perfect illustration of this was in Super Bowl VI when he ran Garrison inside behind the tremendous blocking of especially Niland and that Miami defense, which included DT Manny Fernandez, who had a great game, Hall of fame MLB Nick Buoniconti, and Safety Jake Scott. With Garrison running inside, Duane Thomas used his speed to get to the outside and would pick up six or seven yards, as Dallas dominated. Calvin Hill ran leaning forward with such a smooth and fluid motion much like Jim Brown did. I loved watching Tony Dorsett. He was electrifying and once he broke through the line, his power, speed and agility was put on display as he often broke open field tackles of linebackers and defensive backs and was off to the races. I’ve said it before. If he was used more often as a pass receiver, he would have been even more dangerous. And, if he ever learned how to properly take a handoff and was more secure with holding onto the ball, he might have ended his career with most yards in NFL history at that point. Landry also often used Dorsett as a decoy on short yardage. Staubach or White might fake a pitch to Tony and run a scissors play by handing off to the fullback for an inside run. Then there were guys like Preston Pearson who was Mr. Clutch in so many of the late game comebacks, Daryl Moose Johnston and Emmit. Emmitt’s ability to always get the first down plus his goal line touchdowns was due to the combination of him plus the OL. Detractors of the Cowboys seem to try to downplay his greatness by citing the OL, but then those same detractors will try to downplay the OL by citing the greatness of Emmitt. But all I know is that the Cowboys won because of Emmitt, and the rest of the greats on those Cowboys offense were made even better because of Emmitt and vice versa.
This is really well done. Really good analysis and commentary. (( But, everybody has an opinion)) I really like Tony Dorsett, and I will admit. That impacts my personal opinion. I also think that Emmitt benefited greatly by playing on a great team, and behind one of, if not the best offensive lines in football.
TD, Tony Dorsett is my guy.
Just wanted to add... You got my attention, and I am going to watch other videos. 😎👍🏻
I understand. Appreciate you bro 🙏
Emmitt was great in a run-heavy offense. Your criteria was well thought out and objective... Not really arguing with your conclusions, but I just liked Dorsett more. His speed & style made him feared as a halfback and his ability to go all the way on any play kept me glued to each offensive series. He might have accomplished more but Landry preserved him as best he could in the late 70s & early 80s.
I completely understand! TD is a legend!
Listen as good as Dorsett was-and he was PHENOMENAL- Emmitt Smith was the engine of those Dallas Super Bowl teams. He proved that during the second Jimmy Johnson touchdown campaign.
My man held out for the first two games that year, both of which Dallas lost. He comes back and the Cowboys become one of the few teams to ever win a Super Bowl after starting 0-2.
So true!
They only lost one game when Emmitt returned…
93 Thanksgiving snow in the stadium, blocked kick an LEON LETT!?! Oh goodness gracious
Nice video, I also like how you see and reply to all of the comments. However, I gotta quick question. Have you done a top 5 cowboys tight ends? If not could you make that vid?
Yep I'll have it ready in a few weeks! Thanks for watching!
I LOVE Emmitt Smith… our Pensacola champion!
Emmitt 1, Dorsett 2, followed by a bunch of really good ones. Perkins, Calvin Hill, Duane Thomas, Robert Newhouse, Ron Springs, Timmy Newsome, Walt Garrison, Zeke, Preston Pearson.
And Herschel
Good list!!
You absolutely got the correct 5. Emmitt is the GOAT. Then Dorsett. I totally see your point about Zek. Having watched all of these guys play, I am biased I suppose, but I would put both Hill and Perkins above Zek. Just me. I can support this list and the way you came to your conclusion 100%. Another great video! Thank you!
Thanks David! Good post! 👍
Elliot’s run was very good. He CARRIED THE TEAM. He had a lot stamina.
how many superbowls did he CARRY HIS TEAM to?
I cannot disagree with this list, excellent job. I especially enjoyed watching TD and Emmitt play. I will never forget Dorsett's 99 yard run on Monday Night Football! One of the things I will always remember about Emmitt was his toughness. That Giants game with the separated shoulder is legendary. It's a shame to see the disrespect Emmitt gets against other great running backs. Some lists don't even have him in the top ten simply because they say "well, he had a great line". Unbelievable. Great video once again!
Great list - I'll have to check out the other videos now...
Thanks!
Let me know what you think about them!
Solid list, defensible and thoroughly analyzed. For the record I've actually got Herschel Walker as my #3 HB on the All Time Cowboys team, but that's partly because of his versatility (e.g. filling in as FB or playing 3rd downs) and special teams skills (#2 KO returner; coverage). Walker might be the most complete NFL player I've ever seen. I even argue for his Pro Football HoF induction, but his case has a unique form and he obviously spent a chunk of his career away from the Cowboys and even the NFL. For the purposes of this list, given your wording, your rankings are fair. Are you doing a separate fullback list, lol?
I agree. If I'm starting a team I would not mind walker to be a third string backup. It'll be a toss up between Pearson and walker.
Yep a fullback list is coming soon. Don Perkins will be on that list as well! Thanks for watching 🙏! Always a pleasure! I know you're going to tell me your honest opinion!
@THE LOGICAL COWBOY Certainly, lol. FB will be tough because you've got the feature back era with Perkins, the middle era with Walt Garrison and Robert Newhouse when FBs were their most versatile, almost equal parts runner, blocker, and receiver, then the "modern", Johnston style FB who's mostly a lead blocker and pass catcher, with an occasional surprise short yardage run. I'll be interested to see what you come up with.
Kudos to you for including Don Perkins and Calvin Hill!
Though the most talented Dallas running back may have been Duane Thomas.
Insofar as overall worth, you didn't seem to factor in non-running skills. Herschel Walker would have been the best receiver, followed by Hill (I mean, they both could run deep routes, outrun safeties and catch bombs). Also blocking skills are important, and tops here would include Walt Garrison, Duane Thomas, Emmit Smith, and Zeke.
I agree. Even though TD is my favorite All-time Cowboy, it's hard to argue against Emmits achievments.
Thanks for watching bro! 🙏
I can't argue with your list, but I have to wonder how well Duane Thomas would have done if he had stayed.
Yes another Great video ! I almost disagreed with you on putting Emmit because T. Dorsett was always my guy. A my favorite coach spread the ball around not giving Tony as much opportunity to gain yards a emmitt. Yes we can only wonder what could have been. Note I could have been bad also. That said can’t argue with this list. Thanks for the videos.
Thanks bro!
I’ve run into Tony Dorsett twice in the DFW area. Once at the airport when I was a little kid. My dad got him to take a picture with me. The second time was at some seafood place. I was there eating lunch with some coworkers, and Tony was sitting by the window by himself eating a bucket of crawdads. I didn’t bother that time.
Bro love your content!!
Thanks!
Emmit should rank higher than Barry Sanders just because like you said the longer he played he seemed to keep going up until his last year
I agree
I wasn’t familiar with #4&5 so I can’t compare them. I have to agree that Emmit is #1 but Tony Dorsett is my personal favorite. Just because he is part of that late 70’s early 80’s team, which is my favorite era. We’ve had so many great RB’s like Preston Pearson,Robert Newhouse,Moose Johnston,Marion the Barbarian. Even though these guys don’t have the numbers the other ones on the list wouldn’t have the numbers they had. But all in all I think you did a fine job on this list as all the list you’ve done. Jeep it coming!
Thanks!!! Glad you liked it!
Excellent point about building around Dorsett. Landry had his "system" and stuck to it stubbornly. I think though he probably did alter allot compared to the early running styles, Ron Springs even had 73 catches one year but it's possible he did that because the Oline was so bad. lol I don't know who the lineup was that year. Nice post made me think.
Thanks bro! Landry was a genius for sure but sometimes geniuses can be stubborn lol glad you liked the video bro!
I originally chosed Dorsett until I saw this video! Your argument convinced me!
I will say if you factor in the what it's, Herschel walker I think could be on this list. He was carrying a team by himself and still doing phenomenal. Albeit he also is what helped create a dynasty because he was so great. If anything, the man deserves the honorable mention for so many reasons.
Walker was a beast!
very good analysis...Dorsett was my favorite running back to watch but I can't argue with your choice and rationale...
Thanks!!
As a long time DC fan, since 1964, this is exactly the way I have it
Emmitt - Yep. I think they asked Smith to do more than they did Dorsett. 4 rushing titles, rushing record, 3 SBs, MVP; balance, strength, toughness, deceptive speed/quickness, vision, no wasted movement, punishing to defenders in his prime, best pass blocking feature RB I've ever seen, reliable receiver, amazing consistency, durability, the greatest age 30s RB in NFL history, in the argument for greatest overall RB in NFL history.
Dorsett - Fastest acceleration to top speed in NFL history; video game moves; deceptive power.
Zeke - I don't like ranking active players but if I had to I'd probably put him 3rd on this list too. One of my favorite players. His hurdles are iconic.
Calvin - Big back with speed. First team All Pro as a rookie. First Cowboy to rush for over 1k yards in a season.
Don Perkins - Best 1960s RB who's not already in the HoF. Retired ranked #5 in NFL history at the time in career rushing if I remember right. The Cowboy RB with the best shot at making the HoF some day. RoH for good reason. One could flip these last two either way. Perkins was a fullback in an era where FBs were typically the feature back.
I talked about Walker below, but honorable mention to Dan Reeves, the now underrated player who was a versatile, real weapon at RB in the 1960s, and who led the NFL in TDs in 1966 (8 rushing, 8 receiving), setting a franchise record that stood until Emmitt Smith broke it. Reeves probably would have continued as the feature back if not for an injury reducing him to a role player. He was a player coach who became an assistant and then had a head coaching career that should land him in the HoF some day.
When a guy like DeMarco Murray, a very good back who won a rushing title at Dallas and set the franchise single season record, can only crack the top 10, you know the Cowboys are especially strong at RB lol! Even Amos Marsh, the speedy expansion era FB who led the league with a 5.6 y/c in 1962, would probably make some teams' lists.
Loved this!!!! It's always good to see a Cowboy fan who knows football.
The big thing that separates Tony Dorsett and Emmitt Smith is their running style. TD was more like Gale Sayers where Smith was sort of in the Walter Payton mold. TD had unbelievable speed that Smith didn't have but Smith would pound the defense like a full back at times. The one I think could have been great was the other #33 Duane Thomas. When he wanted to perform he was as good as O.J. but his attitude ended up being his own worst enemy.
Good summary! 👍
Smith was no Walter Payton style . sheesh!
Great video! I agree with your list.
Thanks bro!
Can not disagree, as long as Emmitt is in the #1 spot everyone else just falls in place!!
I understand! Thanks for watching!!
TD is my favorite. So fast and effortless. But Emmitt was a titan. And you can't say that either of them played with average teams. If I had to pick one it'd be TD. Excellent analysis as usual.
Thanks bro! You wouldn't be wrong choosing Dorsett. Both were legendary running backs.
I saw Dorsett and Emmitt play many years for the Cowboys as much as I. loved watching TD, Emmitt gets the top of the list...
Thanks for watching!!
Logical cowboy you have the best tape on Americas team I truly love it in DC4L
Thanks bro!
[the mischief in me has this uncontrollable urge to say this]: How about Les Strayhorn getting an _honorable mention?_
After all, having a 5.8 yard average per carry was impressive.
[Your sense of humor with the above is appreciated]
For some reason, even though I was not a devout Cowboys follower, names such as Clint Longley and Les Strayhorn has stayed with me over all these decades.
Jamal Lewis was just straight cold! So underrated, never mentioned with other big names in RB Greats in nfl history
Landry didn't give Dorsett the carries because he didn't want to wear him out. Earl Campbell is a prime example of what happens to a back that is overused and Tony was nowhere near the size and strength of Earl Campbell. I think it's fairly enlightening that after one decent year in Denver Dorsett blew out his right knee in training camp and never played again. Landry was probably right about not overworking Tony. He usually was... even in the twilight of his career.
All that being said Herschel Walker's arrival in 86 drastically altered the trajectory of Dorsett's career as did the scab games during the strike. In fact Dorsett lost about a 3rd of a season during the first strike in 82. All of those factors dinged his numbers every bit as much as Landry limiting his carries.
I think what made Emmitt so remarkable is the fact that he managed to play for so long with so many carries. It's unheard of for a running back to play that long and remain productive but somehow Emmitt did it. After the wheels started falling off, after the coaching turned to garbage, after the team was chipped away by free agency Emmitt just kept going out there and putting up quality numbers. Even in his last season with the Cardinals he had almost a thousand yards. I think his durability was what truly set him apart.
As always Ashleigh you're knowledge about Dallas is refreshing! Always a pleasure 🙏
Dorsett was a small fast back. He used to be tackled and someone would hit him in the head while on the ground numerous times in a game with no penalty called. His only peer would be Dickerson who was 6’3” 219 vs. 5’11” 195.
Emmitt...best Cowboy RB of all time. And as far as the NFL, I only have Jim Brown and Walter Payton ahead of #22
I think your methodology is fair and looks at what is known rather than what could have been. My gut feeling is that, because of Tom Landry's offensive system, Dorsett didn't have the opportunity to accomplish what Smith did in an offensive system deliberately focused on the run and the tailback. My gut feeling is that Dorsett was a better runner.
Good post!
I don't think TD could be able to handle the beating.
Indeed a difficult task, but you've pulled it off. Emotionally, I wanted to have honorable mentions galore but I will stay away from those. Thanks again from one fan to another...
You're welcome Charles. If you have honorable mentions I would like to hear them bro! Thanks for Watching 🙏!
@@thelogicalcowboy honorable mention: Dan Reeves (who was a Swiss Army Knife guy); Demarco Murray (owns the franchise single season rushing record). Thanks again...
Great list brother
I dont think Tony Dorsett'sbody would has held up if he had nearly the carrie's as Emmitt. Overall Dorsett was the best RB end to end that the cowboys ever had. Emmitt Smith had the body and legs to endure those rushing attempts. Remember emmitt missed 2 gms came back to beat everyone rb that tr to win the mvps rushing title, most TDs amongst RBS lastly mvps of the superbowl. Most try to slight Emmitt because he achieve so much they try to pick at him & try to find fault. He the best Rb in cowboys history. He the best Rb all time since Jim Brown(RIH)
Yes, I totally agree! Dorsett was the most talented running back in Cowboys history. However, there is a difference between talent and greatness. You can have all the talent in the world, but it does not necessarily mean that you fully maximized your potential. Emmitt maximized everything that was ever given to him and much more. He took full advantage of every opportunity.
Jim Brown was Fullback
Granted that era FB really was Feature Back
Yeah emmit is the GOAT
Yep
If the list could be expanded it would have to include Herschel Walker-not only for ability-but his *tradability* that made being the team of the 90’s possible. Also, on sheer ability and promise alone-however unfulfilled-the list would include Duane Thomas. He will always go under the heading of, what the heck went so wrong so quickly !?!
Thanks for watching 🙏 I agree
I get tired of all the smack talk ever body wants to give about emmitt when the greatest RB convo comes up. It’s always the same thing too. “Duh, he had that line bro. Anybody could’ve done that….” blah blah blah
But….emmitt was one of the most durable, F it, not even RB, I’ll say ALL football players. What is the career span of a RB today? Like 4-5 years? Or how many have an injury and are never the same? Emmitt was solid and produced so many years. I don’t think any RB will ever break his record cause nobody can go that long without injury, or just losing power. The only one who has come close, and even he went down for a year, was Adrian Peterson. Elite RBs have about 4-5 elite years and it’s over. S. Barkley prob has one more elite year. And he went down to injury too.
So I’ll take emmitt all day cause of the durability.
I agree with everything you said, especially when it came to TD and Emmitt. I was an Emmitt fan when he was at Florida and wanted the Cowboys to draft him. He is the #1! Nevertheless, TD was my favorite. Tom did hold him back because of his size. When TD retired, he was the #2 all-time in rushing yards behind Walter Payton, and remained that for a number of years
Yeah, TD is a legend! We had some legendary backs, didn't we. Thanks for watching, bro!
T.D. was Dallas best running back ever Zeke and Emmitt had a better offense line and played with hall of famers on offense who as in the receivers and quarterback T.D. was Dallas offense and every defensive player keyed in on him and he still had a great career in college and in the pros when he ran with the football in his hand he had style it was like gliding threw the defense and most Dallas fans would say T.D. was the best running back in Dallas history
Tony Dorsett is a perfect example of you can't just look at a bunch of highlight reels and start coming to these conclusions. Also the stats are deceiving because for every one of those huge long runs there were just countless downs where he was getting nothing or next to nothing. Where were these long runs in Super Bowl 13? Or the 1981 season ending NFC championship game against the 49ers? Or really any of the playoff appearances for the Cowboys after that game until the end of the 1985 postseason when the Cowboys clearly were badly declining. In the postseason Emmitt Smith was clutch Dorsett not nearly as much so. Has one really big postseason triumph was playing against a Broncos team in the Super bowl that really had no business being there. In the early 90s Jimmy Johnson made game plans where the Cowboys now holding the lead just keeped serving up a steady diet of Emmett Smith for the entire second-half. No way could you depend on Tony Dorset to do that.
They not going to like you for that!
Thank you an Dorsett fumbled way too much
@@aceassn716 That’s right In fact people who have looked through all the stats and compare number of fumbles to total amount of yards gained in the career Dorsett has the worst ratio of anybody in history.and for people paying attentionTo the mid 80s late 80s cowboys teams Dorsett being overrated really got exposed when Herschel Walker arrived. They were not the 70s early 80s cowboy team anymore but still cowboy fans got to see what it’s like when you’re running back cannot be arm tackled by anybody, rarely fumbles, has the same speed, add actually has excellent excellent hands for catching passes and is a major factor now in your passing game that every defense has To give the same attention to they would give a tight end With world class speed.And in pass protection he’s practically a tight end who has dropped back into The backfield to be Danny White’s personal bodyguard Who can take on any linebacker practically except LT and Almost any defensive end. Dorsett to his credit took such incredible care of himself that at age 33 his speed and sharp cutting ability were all 100% still intact. But the whole NFL world got to see during that time the difference in his value in a trade and the value of Herschel Walker in a trade.
Man, this was fun to watch. Slight edge to Emmitt for consistency over his career. Though I must admit, Dorsett was more talented in terms of speed, vision, and elusiveness. He just did not get the same opportunities Emmitt had, nor was the O line as good. Cowboys always kept some talented backs.
Thanks bro!!
As a lifelong Redskin's fan.....Tony Dorsett scared the hell out of me every time he touched the ball 😆😆
So did Sean Taylor every time we threw the ball! That guy was a monster! Thanks for watching and welcome to the channel.
Until Darrell Green ran him down on MNF..
I instantly had Tootsie Rolls in my socks after that
Despite being a Dallas fan hahaha
Man I LOVE those old unis with the gray pants.
Emmit #1 because of his accomplishments. Dorsett, IMO, the better talent for a RB. Both were great. Dorsett had better speed, Emmit was more durable and tougher and wasn't as prone to fumbles as Dorsett was. Separated a shoulder and for 3 more Qtrs carried the Cowboys to victory over the Giants one season. When Emmit was out, his Cowboy teams lost, even with Aikman and Irvin playing. Dorsett was the prettiest runner I've ever seen.