Three Card Monte: Your Greatest NFL Player And Why? (By Ken Gargett)

[MoeFOH]

There was, at least prior to the Superbowl (not too much after it, understandably), much discussion on whomsoever might compare to the great Tom Brady – however, the fact that he allowed the Iggles to have a positive result (I can’t bring myself to say ‘win’) in a Superbowl has forever deeply tarnished his legacy and condemned him to utter and eternal damnation.

 

I know that there is no possible way to resolve the question of the Greatest sportsman and we have had threads in the past proving this (the Poms always start naming some bloke who sat on his bum and went backwards for his entire career). Indeed, it is almost impossible to decide who is the greatest in any specific sports.

 

Take the NFL – everyone always goes to the QB because it is such a high profile and important position. Montana or Brady? Take your pick (Joe Cool never lost a Superbowl to the Iggles – and yes, I'll get over it eventually). Both led so many extraordinary comebacks in the biggest games. There are arguments either way. Have at it.

 

But wait. Are either anywhere near as complete a player as the great Sammy Baugh (you knew I was going to get a Skin in there somehow). He played before the Superbowl era so tends to be forgotten, along with so many others, but what a player.

 

If changing the game is one of the criteria for greatness, then he rules. Few players have had such an impact. Prior to Sammy Baugh, passing was considered ‘the last act of desperation’. He made it an art form, an ‘effective weapon’. He changed the game. Baugh won championships and the equivalent of the MVP, both several times. He set endless records and led the League any number of times in so many categories. He was the equivalent of an All-Pro seven times. His records for most years leading the completion percentage and most years for lowest interception percentage still stand, ¾s of a century later. Remember that this was an era where balls were shorter and fatter, so harder to throw (and presumably deflate), and the pass interference rules, so beneficial to today’s QBs, were near non-existent.

 

But wait… He was also the best kicker in the game, leading the League in yards punting five times. His yards per punt in 1940 was 51.4, still a record, I believe.

 

But wait… He was also an exceptional defensive back. In 1943, he led the league in defensive interceptions with 11. That year, he not only held the record for most interceptions but also led the League in punting (45.9) and passing. In one game, he threw four TDs and caught four interceptions! Tom and Joe are looking a bit wishy washy now!

 

But what of a Lawrence Taylor? What a player! Has there been a better linebacker? Just ask Joe T (and mind you, as horrendous as that was and as often as it is replayed, what is never mentioned is that the Skins went on to win that game). Remember, this was a guy who my side had to play at least twice a year, so for me to praise him…

 

Then, how about Darrell Green. He played as a cornerback until he was 42, and was still just about the fastest bloke in the game. They say that at one stage, he ran a 3.89 for the 40. If you doubt his speed, watch him run down Tony Dorsett, the Dallas star who was seriously quick himself.

 

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap2000000149539/Darrell-Green-chases-down-Tony-Dorsett

 

The great man has so many records and honours, it would take forever to list them. He was also an individual that was never less than a credit to himself, his team and the game – something quite a few others would do well to remember. To me, despite the endless honours, Superbowl wins, highlight reel moments, his on-paper record does not reveal the true worth of the man. He was a big play, big moment guy. That kick reception and return against the Bears in the playoffs at such a crucial time (the only one in his career, mind you), and doing it while trying to hold on to torn ribs. Defending that last pass on the goal line with such a brilliant desperate tackle in the NFC Conference game against the Vikings – a tackle which got the Skins into the Superbowl v Broncos (and in those days, making a Superbowl against the Broncs was pretty much the same as winning it). So many more. If ever there was a big play player, it was Darrell Green.

 

But then Deion Sanders, you say. And how does one argue?

 

We could have an entire week of posts arguing running back. Much as I hated him when he played for the Girls, how good was Emmitt Smith. Jim Brown? Riggo? Walter Payton (I was going to write Sweetness, but that seemed almost disrespectful to such a great player, as I never knew him), Barry Sanders (I'm not going to include Thurmond Thomas because if you lose your helmet when you are supposed to be running on to start a Superbowl, you just forfeited any rights to be considered with those greats – and then he got a total of 13 yards in the big game? You are not considered one of the greats if you don’t perform on the biggest stage and he had four cracks at it). Add a few days for WR. And where do those positions fit in for all-time best? (yes, I know Riggo is unlikely to be considered with some of those guys but he was such a destructive runner, was so dominant during the season/playoffs and big game for the Skins’ first Superbowl and such a great character, something most sports could do with more of, that he gets a mention.

 

How much value do you put on a player’s position? How fair is that? Is a long and consistently good career better than a transcendent one, which only lasts a few years (or a season – sit back down, RG3 fans)? Is it all on-field or do off-field actions count? Is it the number of Superbowls you win or can you be in the conversation if you play for your era’s Browns? Is it how you play in the big games or every game? So many variables.

 

This started as an intro to what was intended to be a piece on the greatest sportsman of all, but took on a life of its own. We’ll get to that soon so keep your powder dry for a moment.

 

Meanwhile, your greatest NFL player and why?

 

KBG