rice was 1 of the top back in the nfl pretty much every season except his rookie season and 2013 lol. he was among the best in yards from scrimmage due to him being able to run and catch the ball. you could argue he was more of an all round back then AP since AP was pretty much a non factor in the passing game. also for him to be slowing down im not sure. he got injured early in the season and we all know how terrible the o-line was or is that only a excuse for flacco lol