NFList

Bettis, Williams rank as toughest running backs to bring down

By Joel Buchsbaum, Contributing editor
As published in print Dec. 3, 2001

Steelers RB Jerome Bettis

We asked our panel of NFL insiders to name the running backs who are the toughest to tackle and who intimidate the most defenders. All comments were made anonymously.

1. Jerome Bettis / Steelers — "The closest thing I have seen to Earl Campbell. Great power and balance. Always seems to be running downhill."

2. Ricky Williams / Saints — "Huge, monster thighs and great, explosive lower-body power. He can really explode into the tackler when he wants to."

3. Corey Dillon / Bengals — "Big, fast, strong and aggressive downhill type of runner who will explode through the tackler."

4. Eddie George / Titans — "When he is healthy, he is a real (handful). But he has not been healthy this year."

5. Mike Alstott / Buccaneers — "Does not always run hard but, when he slams it in there, is a real load."

PFW ranks the most intimidating power runners of all time

It took guts to tackle these men, and it would generally get you a monster headache and cleat marks on your chest.

1. Jim Brown / Browns
2. Earl Campbell / Oilers, Saints
3. Marion Motley / Browns
4. Cookie Gilchrist / Bills, Broncos
5. John Henry Johnson / 49ers, Lions, Steelers, Oilers
6. Jim Nance / Patriots
7. Larry Csonka / Dolphins, Giants
8. Alan Ameche / Colts
9. Jerome Bettis / Steelers
10. Jim Taylor / Packers, Saints

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