TD or LT ?

[cmhargrove]

Ok, I'm waiting for mini camp and things around here are a little slow. But, I noticed we have several Charger's fans hanging around and some seem ready to have a good discussion. So, I am bringing up a comparison looking for opinions on my favorite RB, vs. today's hottest RB. Here is the comparison of TD's 1998 season, vs. LT's 2006 season. Who would you rather have and why?

Terrell Davis, 1998 season in bold.
| Rushing | Receiving |
+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+
| Year TM | G | Att Yards Y/A TD | Rec Yards Y/R TD |
+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+
| 1995 den | 14 | 237 1117 4.7 7 | 49 367 7.5 1
| 1996 den | 16 | 345 1538 4.5 13 | 36 310 8.6 2
| 1997 den | 15 | 369 1750 4.7 15 | 42 287 6.8 0
| 1998 den | 16 | 392 2008 5.1 21 | 25 217 8.7 2

LaDanian Tomlinson, 2006 season in bold
| Rushing | Receiving |
+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+
| Year TM | G | Att Yards Y/A TD | Rec Yards Y/R TD |
+----------+-----+--------------------------+-------------------------+
| 2001 sdg | 16 | 339 1236 3.6 10 | 59 367 6.2 0
| 2002 sdg | 16 | 372 1683 4.5 14 | 79 489 6.2 1
| 2003 sdg | 16 | 313 1645 5.3 13 | 100 725 7.2 4
| 2004 sdg | 15 | 339 1335 3.9 17 | 53 441 8.3 1
| 2005 sdg | 16 | 339 1462 4.3 18 | 51 370 7.3 2
| 2006 sdg | 16 | 348 1815 5.2 28 | 56 508 9.1 3

[Kaylore]

LT. He's a more complete back and he is still healthy.

[Smiling Assassin27]

and he's a touchdown machine.

[Jens1893]

TD for sentimental reasons and because he has 2 rings.

[Garcia Bronco]

TD six days a week and 2 times on Super Bowl Sunday

[bronco militia]

TD was a beast in the regular season AND POST SEASON.

[bronco militia]

come up with any scenario you like, I'm taking TD every time.

[RhymesayersDU]

Lt.

[c_lazy_r]

TD is the man but LT is the better back.

Put LT on that Broncos team and he would have broken all the records.

[2KBack]

considering how many Quarters TD sat out in that season?

Maybe you should throw up the playoff stats from that season too, that says everything to me.

I firmly believe that LT is the top RB in the game right now, but I would NEVER trade TD for him.

[Atwater His Ass]

TD. Played his best when it counted. In the post-season. Regular season stats are garbage. Rings are what count.

[listopencil]

TD. By a mile.

[cmhargrove]

I don't know what is more valuable sometimes. Whenever the Broncos needed a first down, it seemed like TD did whatever it took to get it. You just had confidence that it was always his. LT is always a homerun threat, and is a great receiver. I like LT, but I would just rather have TD in his prime. He is and was the standard of the Broncos running game.

The 2000 yard rushing mark + Superbowl MVP are two other main reasons I would take TD. Its not just all the yards, he (like Elway) took it upon himself to win games. And he did. I just wonder what things could have been like with a full career.

[Garcia Bronco]

When it came to 3rd and 5..TD was like Michael Jordon and his jump shot...that **** was FDIC insured.

[Houshyamama]

TD. I still remember vividly that feeling in the pit of my gut when I heard he was seriously injured. :notthissh

[freak6]

Terrell Davis because he could punish a defense into submission in the 4th quarter. But I could just as easily make a case for L.T. L.T. is more finesse, and until last season I wasn't impressed with him gaining the tough yards. It's extremely close.

Look at Terrell Daviss' <b>post season stats. </b>

His string of yards gained and touchdowns from 98-99 postseasons(which could have been ALOT more if we hadn't put in Loville and Hebron vs Jax) is untouchable, especially by L.T.

L.T. didn't even get the carries to put away the Patriots, which he should have but Marty thought otherwise.

[bendog]

I'd say LT no doubt, but then the broncs defenses weren't THAT much better than the deadbolts', so why wasn't LT dominating in the 4th during the last two playoff years?

It's not just all Marty's choking, is it?

[freak6]

TD. I still remember vividly that feeling in the pit of my gut when I heard he was seriously injured. :notthissh

T.D. was seriously injured?

Huh, I must have blacked that part of my life out...

That part = the Griese era

[Orange_Beard]

TD for me. It's in the rings.

[broncosteven]

Don't remember the Jax stats but out side of that in the playoff's TD's worst game had to have been SB XXXIII where he barely cracked 100 yards. would be nice to see if someone figures out his stats for playoffs.

TD was consistent and could take over a game by punishing you for 8 yards here, 15 there & then another 4 here.

LT seems to get wider on his cuts if not fully outside then go off to races for big time gains rather than consistent yardage. I think he ran inside more last year but I could be off.

Give me TD anyday, BTW once TD got into secondary he had deceptive speed and could take it to the house outrunning defenders in open field. I remember a game vs Jets in his last year where he lost that gear and was brought down after a 20 yard gain. I knew it was over at that point, the injuries caught up to him.

[BroncoMan4ever]

i have to say TD

sure his numbers aren't as great as LT's were last season, but rememer that TD was taken out at halftime or midway through the 3rd quarter like 6 times that season because he had already torched the opposition and Shanny didn't want him to get hurt while Denver was just cruising. so think how many yards and touchdowns did TD leave on the field in those games he didn't play all the way through?

[crowebomber]

TD -Post Season<TABLE class=wikitable><TBODY><TR bgColor=#cccccc><TH>Year</TH><TH>Team</TH><TH>Games</TH><TH>Attempts</TH><TH>Yards</TH><TH>Y/A</TH><TH>TDs</TH></TR><TR><TD>1996 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_playoffs%2C_1996-97)</TD><TD>Denver Broncos (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Denver_Broncos)</TD><TD>1</TD><TD>14</TD><TD>91</TD><TD>6.5</TD><TD>1</TD></TR><TR><TD>1997 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_playoffs%2C_1997-98)</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>4</TD><TD>112</TD><TD>581</TD><TD>5.2</TD><TD>8</TD></TR><TR><TD>1998 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NFL_playoffs%2C_1998-99)</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>3</TD><TD>78</TD><TD>468</TD><TD>6.0</TD><TD>3</TD></TR><TR><TD>Total</TD><TD>Denver Broncos</TD><TD>8</TD><TD>204</TD><TD>1140</TD><TD>5.6</TD><TD>12</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

I'm working on LT's, but I'll take TD for the above reasons.

[broncosteven]

TD. I still remember vividly that feeling in the pit of my gut when I heard he was seriously injured. :notthissh

I was there, no one around us knew it was him until I said it was TD, It was TD's tackle to make I always thought Lepsis was taking out some frustration but **** happens. It then spread like a wave of doom...

[2KBack]

It's sad to think that TD's star has faded this much in the last decade. We really need to find a good collection of TD footage to jog some memories.

This isn't a knock on LT in the least, but TD was every bit as special as LT and in many cases more so.

[Northman]

The Bronco fan in me says TD. I just have nothing but huge respect and adoration for the guy both on and off the field. But, as Kaylor pointed out i think LT is a much more complete back and in that Broncos system we could have won at least 4 straight Super Bowls.

[crowebomber]

Here's what I got for LT:

<TABLE class=bgBdr cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=2 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR class=bgHdr2 align=middle><TD>Stats</TD><TD>Team</TD><TD>G</TD><TD>GS</TD><TD>ATT</TD><TD>YDS</TD><TD>AVG</TD><TD>LNG</TD><TD>TD</TD><TD>REC</TD><TD>YDS</TD><TD>AVG</TD><TD>TD</TD><TD>FUM</TD><TD>LOST</TD></TR><TR class=bgC align=middle><TD noWrap>2004</TD><TD noWrap align=left>Chargers (http://nmsn.foxsports.com/nfl/team?statsId=24)</TD><TD noWrap> 1</TD><TD noWrap> 1</TD><TD noWrap>26</TD><TD noWrap>80</TD><TD noWrap>3.1</TD><TD noWrap>12</TD><TD noWrap>0</TD><TD noWrap>9</TD><TD noWrap>53</TD><TD noWrap>5.9</TD><TD noWrap>0</TD><TD noWrap>0</TD><TD noWrap>0</TD></TR><TR class=bgC align=middle><TD noWrap>2006</TD><TD noWrap align=left>Chargers (http://nmsn.foxsports.com/nfl/team?statsId=24)</TD><TD noWrap> 1</TD><TD noWrap> 1</TD><TD noWrap>23</TD><TD noWrap>123</TD><TD noWrap>5.3</TD><TD noWrap>15</TD><TD noWrap>2</TD><TD noWrap>2</TD><TD noWrap>64</TD><TD noWrap>32.0</TD><TD noWrap>0</TD><TD noWrap>0</TD><TD noWrap>0</TD></TR><TR class=bgC2 align=middle><TD noWrap>Career</TD><TD noWrap align=left></TD><TD noWrap> 2</TD><TD noWrap> 2</TD><TD noWrap>49</TD><TD noWrap>203</TD><TD noWrap>4.1</TD><TD noWrap>15</TD><TD noWrap>2</TD><TD noWrap>11</TD><TD noWrap>117</TD><TD noWrap>10.6</TD><TD noWrap>0</TD><TD noWrap>0</TD><TD noWrap>0</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Yes, he's a great back and could end up as one of the most talented of all time, but so far he hasn't shown he has what it takes to carry a team when it counts.

[Sassy]

A healthy TD...less of a "one man show" and more of a "team".
He opened it up and made everyone around him better.

[Los Broncos]

TD. I still remember vividly that feeling in the pit of my gut when I heard he was seriously injured. :notthissh

Same here, i was crushed.

[Garcia Bronco]

Don't remember the Jax stats but out side of that in the playoff's TD's worst game had to have been SB XXXIII where he barely cracked 100 yards. would be nice to see if someone figures out his stats for playoffs.

TD was consistent and could take over a game by punishing you for 8 yards here, 15 there & then another 4 here.

LT seems to get wider on his cuts if not fully outside then go off to races for big time gains rather than consistent yardage. I think he ran inside more last year but I could be off.

Give me TD anyday, BTW once TD got into secondary he had deceptive speed and could take it to the house outrunning defenders in open field. I remember a game vs Jets in his last year where he lost that gear and was brought down after a 20 yard gain. I knew it was over at that point, the injuries caught up to him.

That 104 yards against Atlanta was barely shutting TD down....think about that for a moment. Plus the rush D Atlanta had was outstanding. Does anybody remember TD being shutdown in his first 4 seasons? I don't. LT can be shutdown.

[Los Broncos]

Id take Davis, played better in the playoffs and even played blind in the super bowl.

[Los Broncos]

i remember someone here posted a vid of the fin game, that juke move he made in the open field was ridiculous.

[Houshyamama]

LT never did this:

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xlFioK7nzIA"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xlFioK7nzIA" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

[Northman]

I don't know what is more valuable sometimes. Whenever the Broncos needed a first down, it seemed like TD did whatever it took to get it. You just had confidence that it was always his. LT is always a homerun threat, and is a great receiver. I like LT, but I would just rather have TD in his prime. He is and was the standard of the Broncos running game.

The 2000 yard rushing mark + Superbowl MVP are two other main reasons I would take TD. Its not just all the yards, he (like Elway) took it upon himself to win games. And he did. I just wonder what things could have been like with a full career.

Unfortuantely, you have to take everything else into consideration Hargrove. For starters, EVERYONE, and i mean everyone feared John, the same cannot be said about the Chargers Qbs. That Broncos team was worlds above what the Chargers field now. Secondly, coaching. Can anyone really deny that if Shanahan had been coaching the current Chargers team right now that he wouldnt have won a Super Bowl with them by now? Shotty has always been good during the regular season and very conservative come playoff time. Our offensive line during that time was one of the best in history and proved it on the field. As i said in my other post. LT on that Broncos team would of probably won at least 3 or 4 Super Bowls depending on if John had stayed. LT is just a complete back held back by poor coaching and bad management.

[Dedhed]

TD in our system, LT in San Diego's.

[boltaneer]

I'd say LT no doubt, but then the broncs defenses weren't THAT much better than the deadbolts', so why wasn't LT dominating in the 4th during the last two playoff years?

It's not just all Marty's choking, is it?

LT only got 9 touches in the second half of the Patriots game. I lay the blame squarely at the feet of Cameron. As good of an offensive mind that he is, he sometimes tries to get to cute and out think his opponents.

LT was doing great in the overtime drive until Marty/Cam nutted up and decided to go goal line formation for three plays and attempt a FG.

LT is no doubt the better back in my mind but TD fit the system in Denver perfectly. It's not a knock on TD. I think he was awesome in his day.

[ZONA]

LT has more moves but I will take TD's grinding out, hard nosed, breaking tackles, one cut and go, dependable when the stakes are at the highest, running any day of the week, especially on Sunday.

When I see LT make a tackle like TD did on special teams, I'll go ahead and give LT the nod.........lol

[Sassy]

LT has more moves but I will take TD's grinding out, hard nosed, breaking tackles, one cut and go dependable when the stakes are at the highest running any day of the week, especially on Sunday.

When I see LT make a tackle like TD did on special teams, I'll go ahead and give LT the nod.........lol

Or when playing with a migraine in the biggest game of the year! :notworthy
and still getting MVP of the SB.

[broncosteven]

That 104 yards against Atlanta was barely shutting TD down....think about that for a moment. Plus the rush D Atlanta had was outstanding. Does anybody remember TD being shutdown in his first 4 seasons? I don't. LT can be shutdown.

I remember a few bad games but not a lot and not specific games either. I think the fins locked him up late in 98 but LT seems to have a ton of bad games esp against us at home.

[Garcia Bronco]

LT only got 9 touches in the second half of the Patriots game. I lay the blame squarely at the feet of Cameron. As good of an offensive mind that he is, he sometimes tries to get to cute and out think his opponents.

LT was doing great in the overtime drive until Marty/Cam nutted up and decided to go goal line formation for three plays and attempt a FG.

LT is no doubt the better back in my mind but TD fit the system in Denver perfectly. It's not a knock on TD. I think he was awesome in his day.

Regardless...at the end of it all...we are talking about two backs...one playing as a top 5 pick and one that was a six rd pick that got limited exposure in college and has more recognition after a 4 year career.

[Garcia Bronco]

I remember a few bad games but not a lot and not specific games either. I think the fins locked him up late in 98 but LT seems to have a ton of bad games esp against us at home.

I think because we lost to the Giants the week before we kinda held back in that game. It was a bout rest at that point.

[Northman]

Regardless...at the end of it all...we are talking about two backs...one playing as a top 5 pick and one that was a six rd pick that got limited exposure in college and has more recognition after a 4 year career.


Good point.

[ZONA]

Here's to Travis Henry shutting us all up in regards to both LT and TD. May he dominate to extremes and deliver us unto Lombardi land. May he rack up 2200 yards & 30 TD's and become the next Superbowl MVP and get his first ring. ^5

[Garcia Bronco]

Here's to Travis Henry shutting us all up in regards to both LT and TD. May he dominate to extremes and deliver us unto Lombardi land. May he rack up 2200 yards & 30 TD's and become the next Superbowl MVP and get his first ring. ^5

I think Henry is going to own it.

[broncosteven]

I think because we lost to the Giants the week before we kinda held back in that game. It was a bout rest at that point.

I agree that Shanny only wanted to get matchups for the playoffs in that game. He didn't want to give anything away. It was only example of team that I could come up with though I know he fell short on a couple games.

This is why I would go with TD over LT, LT gets shut down alot. Plus he has only topped 1700 yards once, TD did it twice then gained 600+ on bad knees.

[Garcia Bronco]

I agree that Shanny only wanted to get matchups for the playoffs in that game. He didn't want to give anything away. It was only example of team that I could come up with though I know he fell short on a couple games.

This is why I would go with TD over LT, LT gets shut down alot. Plus he has only topped 1700 yards once, TD did it twice then gained 600+ on bad knees.

Plus when you throw in the playoff totals..it's HOF spectactular. 8 consecutive 100 yard post season games. Unreal.

[Que]

TD - end of story.

[Kaylore]

TD - end of story.

Not really. LT is a better receiver and if he was running behind the O-line we had in the late nineties he would have put up godly numbers as well. He also still has his knees, so regardless of your affections, you buy the car that's going to still be running for you down the road. I still say LT.

[Sassy]

Not really. LT is a better receiver and if he was running behind the O-line we had in the late nineties he would have put up godly numbers as well. He also still has his knees, so regardless of your affections, you buy the car that's going to still be running for you down the road. I still say LT.

Maybe LT is a better receiver because SD needs him to be.
We had Eddie Mac, Sharpe and Rod..we didn't need TD to be a WR...but when we did he could more than hold his own.

[Dukes]

TD because of his postseason career. If LT puts up postseason numbers close to TD then I'll change my pick.

[Sassy]

Any ?....watch TD in the playoff game against Miami...

[No1BroncoFan]

LT only got 9 touches in the second half of the Patriots game. I lay the blame squarely at the feet of Cameron. As good of an offensive mind that he is, he sometimes tries to get to cute and out think his opponents.

LT was doing great in the overtime drive until Marty/Cam nutted up and decided to go goal line formation for three plays and attempt a FG.

LT is no doubt the better back in my mind but TD fit the system in Denver perfectly. It's not a knock on TD. I think he was awesome in his day.
TD was everything LT hopes he can be someday.

Ben

[broncosteven]

Not really. LT is a better receiver and if he was running behind the O-line we had in the late nineties he would have put up godly numbers as well. He also still has his knees, so regardless of your affections, you buy the car that's going to still be running for you down the road. I still say LT.

DUDE! I REGRET TO INFORM YOU I DISAGREE WITH YOUR SUPERIOR INTELLECT!

TD caught MANY balls out of the back field. You need to take a look at some of the games like the 98 game at home vs Cheefs for example of his receiving. I do not remember TD having a lot of drops.

After going back and watching these classics I was amazed at just how much Elway checked down to TD or TD was 1st option.

LT may have more receiving yards and Catches but TD was no Tatum Bell catching the football.

Plus stop with the knees man! It was caused by a freak play would your perception of LT change if a 2nd year pro on the SD oline took out LT's knee this year? I think not.

BAD KAHN!

[Sassy]

DUDE! I REGRET TO INFORM YOU I DISAGREE WITH YOUR SUPERIOR INTELLECT!

TD caught MANY balls out of the back field. You need to take a look at some of the games like the 98 game at home vs Cheefs for example of his receiving. I do not remember TD having a lot of drops.

After going back and watching these classics I was amazed at just how much Elway checked down to TD or TD was 1st option.

LT may have more receiving yards and Catches but TD was no Tatum Bell catching the football.Plus stop with the knees man! It was caused by a freak play would your perception of LT change if a 2nd year pro on the SD oline took out LT's knee this year? I think not.

BAD KAHN!

Yep. I agree.
See my post above ;D

[broncosteven]

Yep. I agree.
See my post above ;D

This just shows even Genetic Mutants can have their facts wrong!

[broncosteven]

BTW I wonder who would win in a lifting contest? TD was ripped. I bet he could kick LT's ass in the weight room also.

[DomCasual]

I'd take TD with my 6th round pick so that I could spend 1 through 5 on pass rushers. :)

[400HZ]

BTW I wonder who would win in a lifting contest? TD was ripped. I bet he could kick LT's ass in the weight room also.

I don't know, LT has a pretty wicked stiff arm. :flower:

[elsid13]

LT is great back, but it's TD. That man punished defenses and had one of the greatest year ever when he went for 2000. He was the complete package from running to catching to blocking.

[TDmvp]

When it came to 3rd and 5..TD was like Michael Jordon and his jump shot...that **** was FDIC insured.

i think this somes it up .... i seem to rember vs the pats this last year ... with a lead mind you ... and marty ... S.D. couldnt grind out 3rd downs ...

i love LT ... and hes bar far best back in the nfl right now ...
but TD was more of a grinder little bigger frame and was hard to stop for negative yards and he was a given on 3rd and 4 ...

L.T. sometimes reminds me of Barry Sanders ... a highlight machine ... great on anyteam ... but he just dont salt games away like TD ... sorry ...

the 4 best backs iv seen play in my lifetime ... Walter ... TD ... Barry "cuz he did more with less then LT ... and LT ...

with LT being only one on list with a chance to do more to move up said list ....

Walter ... The total package , best pure HB i ever seen and smartest player at postion ... you give him Emmets line and the total yards records unreachable ... you give him our 90s line and he runs for close to 3k "if you dont bench him for 8qrts like we did TD lol " Payton never stepped on the field vs a player with more heart ... end of story...

T.D. the closest thing to Walter i ever seen .the angles he picked . the tackles shed outa wanting it more then them . and that classic frame "which i think makes him more then LT on 3rd and 4 ... LT has to out run the push ... TD could fight thru a gap"....


Barry ... nuff said ... but ill say a little lol .... very LT like , human highlite real ... never on a real team so who know the # he could of had ... walked away in prime ... and had unreal stats when everyone knew what was coming.."much like payton predika" .. Barry right ... Barry left ... all heart .... only knock .. LOTS of stops behind the line ... most in the era ... " why he reminds me of LT .. that and his frame "


LT ... maybe the most god given gifts of any these guys ... great heart love his off the field ways "even with the pats thing noted" turn any 4 yard run into a td if you missed angle or misstackle ... and he's a baby with time to do more ... fear what Shanny could do with him ...

[DarkHorse30]

TD was a game changer, and that didn't change until he got hurt. LT is very talented, but you can't run him up the middle 3 times for a first down in crunch time.

TD actually made Elway look bored sometimes.

I'll never forget that game against Dallas where TD ripped (2) 50+ yard runs for TDs. Rarely happens. The guy had speed, and could chug for 3.5 at will. Wicked combination.

[freak6]

Not really. LT is a better receiver and if he was running behind the O-line we had in the late nineties he would have put up godly numbers as well.

Better reciever? When did Terrell get alot of passes thrown his way?

When he did, he was solid.

Example:

1st drive after GB scores to go up 7-0 in SB 32.

It's 3rd and 5, Elway drops back and swings it out to Terrell Davis one on one with a LB.

<b>If T.D. doesn't break this guy down and get the 1st down, </b>we probably <b>LOSE SUPER BOWL 32</b>, Elway retires a Super Loser and we are all pissed off depressed fans wishing Elway would have given it one more shot in 1998!

Did I mention that Terrell Davis with a bum groin muscle the Broncos kept under top secret had 2 catches for 50 yards to go along with his 102 yards rushing in <b> SUPER BOWL 33!!!</b>

The Chargers offense calls lots of screens and flare outs for L.T. but Terrell Davis was a NO LIMIT SOLDIER, he did everything great, including Pass Blocking.

Terrell Davis carried us to 2 Super Bowls <img src="http://news.bbc.co.uk/olmedia/230000/images/_233312_terrell_davis150.jpg">.

2008

[Ratboy]

98' vs 06' ? TD

Any other time? LT

[dragondawg]

yah shanahan sat TD down a lot in 98 i guess to keep him fresh and to prevent him from getting injured, he would run for like 150 yds in the first half alone and sit in the second, he also ran through the GB number 1 defense in Superbowl 32 despite missing all of the second quarter, which i thought kept him fresh during the second half

[Kaylore]

You guys are assuming that I think TD sucked at catching passes. He was a very good back in the passing game. LT is better. I have several of the old '98 and 97 games on DVD and LT is a better receiver and it's not just because "they have to throw to him". They throw to him because they can line him up in the slot and he's like another receiver. TD was never that amazing in the pass game because he was more of a grinder/power back. If this poll was on a national level, LT would win but you guys would pick TD over Walter Payton on this board.

[dragondawg]

i would love to see those games again

[TDmvp]

Kaylore do you think Walter is the best you seen as i do .. ?
cuz i couldnt take TD over Payton even being a homer...
maybe if TD had more years to match vs Payton ...
but Walter is just a god ... best ever at this point ..

[broncosteven]

You guys are assuming that I think TD sucked at catching passes. He was a very good back in the passing game. LT is better. I have several of the old '98 and 97 games on DVD and LT is a better receiver and it's not just because "they have to throw to him". They throw to him because they can line him up in the slot and he's like another receiver. TD was never that amazing in the pass game because he was more of a grinder/power back. If this poll was on a national level, LT would win but you guys would pick TD over Walter Payton on this board.

I watched Payton a lot. He was by far the best player on a bad team. I was upset when what's his name broke his career total yardage record.

But just as I cannot take Unitas over Elway, you are right I cannot take TD over Payton.

Payton punished people because no one in front of him would. Payton was also ran into the ground because he was all they had until Ditka took over. The bears did not platoon like other teams did with Payton, I would not have either.

If TD had played all those years I would think he could have destroyed Smiths mark. Alas all we have are 6 short years to measure TD by. He deserves the HOF if not for SB MVP and 2 SB rings but for at least the 2k season following up a 1700+ season. TD was ****ing consistent which is what you need from a top flight back.

[freak6]

You guys would pick TD over Walter Payton on this board.

I'd pick alot of guys over Sweetness, alot. Including Terrell Davis.

[broncosteven]

You know how spoiled we were for 10+ years?

We had:

1) arguably the Greatest QB EVER!
2) the Best TE EVER
3) A great RB, that could have been best ever
5) A HOF'er at FS

Now we only have:
1) Possibly the GREATEST CB Ever.

How times have changed...

[TDmvp]

I'd pick alot of guys over Sweetness, alot. Including Terrell Davis.


lol thats like saying ...
i hate color theres so many things i like more then color ... black and white owns color ... hell id rather see in photo negative then in color ... i just hate it ...

and dont even get me started on water and oxygen ...


some might question the
iq in the above statement ... but hey F color
he's a keeper...

[rovolution]

I remember a few bad games but not a lot and not specific games either. I think the fins locked him up late in 98 but LT seems to have a ton of bad games esp against us at home.

That was on purpose (the MIA gameplan). I was reading Mike Shanahan's book (Think Like a Champion) and he said he was using a bunch of random formations so he could dissect the Miami defense and see what they would do in certain situations, for he felt we might end up meeting them in the playoffs, which we did(the Dolphins and Jimmy Johnson were revealing almost every one of their defensive plays because they were fighting for a Wild Card spot).

[Electric Chair]

Impossible to compare the two. I know that LT is in his prime right now. This is a conversation for when they both are retired.

I'm certain Steeler Fans would wax poetic all day and night when remembering Franco Harris, and I doubt a single one of them would take TD over FH.

[cmhargrove]

Good Times...

[cmhargrove]

I'll take TD on pass blocking as well.

LT keeps defenders away from the QB because it takes several to defend him, but TD could block an oncoming rusher better. Small difference, but another way TD helped Elway win his championships.

[rovolution]

I'd pick alot of guys over Sweetness, alot. Including Terrell Davis.

Agreed. Eric Dickerson and Earl Campbell are two that come to mind.

Check out this YouTube clip of Earl Campbell.

The guy was just a straight beast.

<object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2IMJvUgLCXE"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2IMJvUgLCXE" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object>

[Los Broncos]

Campbell was a monster back in the day for sure, l like that guy he hit at :28.

[ShutDownPoster]

TD was a game changer, and that didn't change until he got hurt. LT is very talented, but you can't run him up the middle 3 times for a first down in crunch time.

TD actually made Elway look bored sometimes.

I'll never forget that game against Dallas where TD ripped (2) 50+ yard runs for TDs. Rarely happens. The guy had speed, and could chug for 3.5 at will. Wicked combination.

I seem to recall this was on consecutive posessions, running the same exact play. That toss left was usntoppable

[wabbit]

TD six days a week and 2 times on Super Bowl Sunday

Yeah, really.

Ask the question again when Tomlinson carries his team to a Super Bowl win.

Maybe then there will be real accomplishments to compare.

As it stands now; moot point.

[Xenos]

I love them both. TD because he was such a great guy and hard working. Plus you gotta root for the home guy like I do for Bush. Well, except for when they played against you then you hope that they don't get injured but don't do anything either.
TD certainly has better stats in the postseason, but LT never had a really good oline until last season where he really lit it up in the playoffs. Cam's biggest mistake was not continuing with the run in the second half. I don't know what he was thinking.
As a whole, I would give the edge to LT simply because he was more versatile and because he was more durable. I mean he had those amazing five years with a barely decent line. Imagine what he could have done behind the Superbowl Bronco's oline. But like I said I love both. They both had that intangible something.

[maven]

considering how many Quarters TD sat out in that season?



That's the key. And his post-season stats. Plus, he didn't whine like a baby at the end of a playoff game. TD FTW.
:thumbsup:

[Natedog24]

I think overall I'd take LT. Love TD to death and I know LT hasn't exactly torn it up in the post season. But if you took LT and put him on Denver's team instead of TD I think LT would have torn it up similiar to what TD did, and like people have already said, LT is probably a much better receiver then TD ever was. Both should be in the HoF though...

[sixtimeseight]

TD: 2 LT: 0 Next question, please.

[DenverBrit]

That 104 yards against Atlanta was barely shutting TD down....think about that for a moment. Plus the rush D Atlanta had was outstanding. Does anybody remember TD being shutdown in his first 4 seasons? I don't. LT can be shutdown.

Not only that, but Atlanta stacked the box to stop TD, challenging Elway to beat them. Which of course he did and he earned a SB MVP in his last NFL game.
LT is a fine back, but TD did his best work in post season.....the yardstick for a great back. LT may get his chance to shine in post season, but until then, TD is the man.

[Kaylore]

Not only that, but Atlanta stacked the box to stop TD, challenging Elway to beat them. Which of course he did and he earned a SB MVP in his last NFL game.
LT is a fine back, but TD did his best work in post season.....the yardstick for a great back. LT may get his chance to shine in post season, but until then, TD is the man.

I could see this argument. I definitely think that between Norv Turner and Marty-ball, Tomlinson isn't going to have much luck in the post-season.

[bendog]

I think overall I'd take LT. Love TD to death and I know LT hasn't exactly torn it up in the post season. But if you took LT and put him on Denver's team instead of TD I think LT would have torn it up similiar to what TD did, and like people have already said, LT is probably a much better receiver then TD ever was. Both should be in the HoF though...

Yeah, but there's the question, how many times in the playoffs has LT just gassed a defense in the 4th? Never. TD did it like 8 times consecutively. I like Boltaneer, the poster, and respect him, and his answer is that Cam and Shotty didn't run him like that. But, until he shows he can do, he hasn't. There aren't many backs who could do what TD did, though he got hurt. The ones who could are the great ones: Jim Brown, Sweetness, Emmitt, etc.

[broncosteven]

I don't think the yardstick is really post season because that factors into a lot of stuff the player cannot control.

What should be considered are records, League MVP's, anything that shows a player lead the league in some cat that helped the team.

In my mind the 2 straight years that TD had where he gained over 3700 yards is AMAZING. Throw in League & SB MVP in that time frame & it should be instant HOF. Think about it, most teams would be happy with a guy running for 2400 yards and 15 TD's over 2 years & would kill for a guy that could put up 3k over 2 years.

[bendog]

I don't think the yardstick is really post season because that factors into a lot of stuff the player cannot control.

What should be considered are records, League MVP's, anything that shows a player lead the league in some cat that helped the team.

In my mind the 2 straight years that TD had where he gained over 3700 yards is AMAZING. Throw in League & SB MVP in that time frame & it should be instant HOF. Think about it, most teams would be happy with a guy running for 2400 yards and 15 TD's over 2 years & would kill for a guy that could put up 3k over 2 years.

I would agree IF the guy was playing on a team that didn't have post-season aspirations. Gale Sayers for example. Or Sweetness on the early Bears teams. But SD is a perinniel underachiever.

[DenverBrit]

I could see this argument. I definitely think that between Norv Turner and Marty-ball, Tomlinson isn't going to have much luck in the post-season.

I agree. It's the curse of Spanos and AJ Smith at work.

How lucky is Denver to have Bowlen as an owner. ^5

The Faid have Al Davis....the NFLs' creature of unexplained longevity.

KC are seemingly stuck with CP.....who must have pics of the Hunt clan.

SD......see above.

[DenverBrit]

I don't think the yardstick is really post season because that factors into a lot of stuff the player cannot control.

What should be considered are records, League MVP's, anything that shows a player lead the league in some cat that helped the team.

In my mind the 2 straight years that TD had where he gained over 3700 yards is AMAZING. Throw in League & SB MVP in that time frame & it should be instant HOF. Think about it, most teams would be happy with a guy running for 2400 yards and 15 TD's over 2 years & would kill for a guy that could put up 3k over 2 years.


I do believe that when a back gets the opportunity, he should be judged by his performance in post season play. There is no better time to step and show what you have. It's a classic case of..... 'When the going gets tough, the tough get going.'

[BroncoMan4ever]

You know how spoiled we were for 10+ years?

We had:

1) arguably the Greatest QB EVER!
2) the Best TE EVER
3) A great RB, that could have been best ever
5) A HOF'er at FS

Now we only have:
1) Possibly the GREATEST CB Ever.

How times have changed...

Let me add a little for you
2) Arguably the best young QB in the league
3) A awesome RB who can run for 1700 and 15 TD;s in Denver
4) A TE position that has the potential to be awesome, especially in the red zone

[BroncoMan4ever]

Plain and simple TD in 98 would have had the greatest rushing season ever had he not sat out a lot of Quarters that year.
I think there were like 6-8 games where he didn't play in at least 1 quarter or the second half of games because he had already torched the opposition for 150yards and a TD or 2.

Had he played full games he could have easily had over 30 rushing TD's and over 2500yards rushing.

LT is a great back probably the best in the league but i would take TD in his prime over LT anyday.

Also, in the postseason there is and was no better player than TD.

[Northman]

I don't think the yardstick is really post season because that factors into a lot of stuff the player cannot control.

What should be considered are records, League MVP's, anything that shows a player lead the league in some cat that helped the team.

In my mind the 2 straight years that TD had where he gained over 3700 yards is AMAZING. Throw in League & SB MVP in that time frame & it should be instant HOF. Think about it, most teams would be happy with a guy running for 2400 yards and 15 TD's over 2 years & would kill for a guy that could put up 3k over 2 years.


There's no doubt in my mind that TD should go to the HOF but that most likely will not happen.

[epicSocialism4tw]

TD was a machine.

His performance in the '97 superbowl was legendary. He played with a migraine.

TD was the ultimate.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Yeah, really.

Ask the question again when Tomlinson carries his team to a Super Bowl win.

Maybe then there will be real accomplishments to compare.

As it stands now; moot point.

Yes. It was TD's legs, not The Duke's arm that carried this franchise to two trophies.

[Sassy]

Yes. It was TD's legs, not The Duke's arm that carried this franchise to two trophies.

Breaking a ton of records along the way...

[azbroncfan]

Without even reading through the thread I'll bet it is TD by a landslide.

[dragondawg]

Not only that, but Atlanta stacked the box to stop TD, challenging Elway to beat them. Which of course he did and he earned a SB MVP in his last NFL game.
LT is a fine back, but TD did his best work in post season.....the yardstick for a great back. LT may get his chance to shine in post season, but until then, TD is the man.


yup and TD still had over 100 yards rushing, he was over superbowl MVP in 97 and had 3 touchdowns despite missing the whole second quarter and TD was a 6th round too

[Xenos]

Yeah, but there's the question, how many times in the playoffs has LT just gassed a defense in the 4th? Never. TD did it like 8 times consecutively. I like Boltaneer, the poster, and respect him, and his answer is that Cam and Shotty didn't run him like that. But, until he shows he can do, he hasn't. There aren't many backs who could do what TD did, though he got hurt. The ones who could are the great ones: Jim Brown, Sweetness, Emmitt, etc.
The problem was that Cam chose to not use LT in the second half for some odd reason. It's kinda out of his hands when something like that happens. That was what made the playoff loss more devastating because LT was totally dominating the NE defense, and for some explicable reason, Cam decided he needed to have a more balanced offense by passing more. We could have won the game by having LT run down their throats.
LT has shown that he can be used in the fourth quarter as demonstrated during the regular season games. It was just a stupid move.

[azbroncfan]

TD was a machine.

His performance in the '97 superbowl was legendary. He played with a migraine.

TD was the ultimate.


And that was when you jumped off of the Farve banwagon and hopped on the broncos ban wagon.

[Circle Orange]

They're both cute, but TD is sexier.

[Circle Orange]

Great back + no great quarterback = Barry Sanders.