willis is a top 5 RB

[willis mcgahee run u over]

according to jonathan vilma willis is one of the top 5 hardest backs to defend. he says hes very tough to bring down

[Purple and Black Forever]

I agree, he has very fast feet and a non stop motor. given the terrible bills line, his 3.8 actually is pretty good. Now he has a great offensive line which is only getting stronger (see Yanda signing and Gaither being drafted) he will improve greatly. I also think he will flourish now in a system with a proven quarterback in McNair and a stronger wide receiving core, watch out for McGehee to throw up big number in 07.

[PuppyPuncher]

I'm pretty confident he'll rush for somewhere in between 1300-1600 yards this season.

[Rampage]

according to jonathan vilma willis is one of the top 5 hardest backs to defend. he says hes very tough to bring down

LT

LJ

Shaun Alexander

Frank Gore

Stephen Jackson

Are all better then Willis, try again though.

[Guest Birdfan]

I, too, heard Vilma say that on NFLTA the other night. I think Vilma knows a little about who's hard to stop.

[Raven07]

Willis will be a threat pretty much whenever he has the ball in his hands (i think) i believe that due to his toughness and Ability to break tackles...he will be a big ground force for us....breaking off those big gains and yards......HUGE!!!!!!!!

[Jesse Conroy]

LT

LJ

Shaun Alexander

Frank Gore

Stephen Jackson

Are all better then Willis, try again though.

Read the subject and the quote you just replied to again...

[Reed_4_President]

according to jonathan vilma willis is one of the top 5 hardest backs to defend. he says hes very tough to bring down

I agree totally. I put him as my number 3 back organizing my fantasy football early of the top running back's they have him listed as like 20 something. I Moved him up to 3 because he is in my opinion the number 3 back in the NFL fo sheeeezy.

[PuppyPuncher]

LT (O-Line)

LJ (Will have a serious decline since losing Shields)

Shaun Alexander (Was great till he lost Steve Hutchinson)

Frank Gore (No Argument)

Stephen Jackson (No Argument)

Are all better then Willis, try again though.

[Reed_4_President]

Gore had "ONE" good year that I know of out of his only 3 years in the NFL that doesn't mean anything in my opinion Willis is better then Gore maybe not by a whole lot but he is a tad bit better. And he has more experience under his belt.

Now onto the Stephen Jackson subject I feel they are both about equal the way I see it even though you "people" either agree with me or disagree with me doesn't matter either way though. (I'm sure a lot of you disagree with me anyways)

NOW I think Willis will show and prove to a lot of people he is definitely within the top #3 running back's in the entire NFL this year. But who is better then Willis I say? well we can all agree for sure that LT!! is the #1 RB lol.

Then at #2 you have Mr.Larry Johnson I hate to say it but he is a bit better then my favorite RB Mr.McGahee but just a little and not for long since he is no longer a Buffalo Bill and never had any holes opened up for him in Buffalo or had a good veteran QB like McNair. Willis is the #3 third best RB in my book in the entire National Football League itself and he will definitely, definitely prove that to every single football fan in the world this year and every year their on after that he will keep improving with our GREAT O-line and our veteran QB Steve McNair unlike how he was playing in buffalo he never got to show his full potential with that team behind J.P. Losman as his QB and the horrid O-line they have ICK (Even though Losman is ALOT, alot better then Boller for sure!!).

But anyways Let's all just hope McGahee stays injury free!! *knocks on wood*. (If you are thinking or say the same thing about injury please do me a favor and knock on real wood 4 time's lol I am not weird I swear I am just very superstitious.

"IN WILLIS I TRUST!!"

[Reed_4_President]

LT

LJ

Shaun Alexander

Frank Gore

Stephen Jackson

Are all better then Willis, try again though.

Uhhhh, yeah right!! maybe 2 of them are that's about it, and that's LT of course and maybe, just maybe LJ for right now that won't last to long though once Willis gets familiar with Baltimore. We finally will have the best RB in the AFC North again no other back in the North right now can compare to McGahee.

[rockonravens]

Yea, I can't wait to see him blow by some defenders in our first season opener in Cinci.

Just TWO WEEKS until training camp; let's see who's gonna make the final roster! I can't wait.

[BrownsFan]

I think McGahee will be a great addition. He has the capability to be right up there near the top no doubt but it's hard to say where he lies now IMO.

It's plain as day obvious that LT and LJ take #1 and #2. From there you can really go a lot of ways but I'm still sold personally on Shaun Alexander as #3. Sure he was hurt last year but he has still had outstanding productive years since '01 and I think he can bounce back this year. If not then he certainly drops.

After that as much as people will probably criticize it (and that's fine), I have to go with Rudi Johnson at #4. People will say he's a product of the system and so on and that's fine.. but in this particular case I'm going by numbers and results. When given the ball he produces. 3 very good seasons in a row with decent TD and YPC numbers.

#5 to me is tough and I think a lot of RBs could go here.. McGahee, Jackson, Westbrook, etc etc... and honestly there's a valid argument for them all. Personally, I'd take Westbrook just because of his dynamic element he brings of RB and catching the ball out of the backfield.

For McGahee I'd have to say right now to me he's #6 with Jackson at #7. I'd give McGahee the benefit of the doubt because he's been in the league an extra year and has produced a bit longer. It's tough really and you can make arguments for anybody in my eyes from #4 down... but I'd stick with my top 3 personally.

[PuppyPuncher]

I think McGahee will be a great addition. He has the capability to be right up there near the top no doubt but it's hard to say where he lies now IMO.

It's plain as day obvious that LT and LJ take #1 and #2. From there you can really go a lot of ways but I'm still sold personally on Shaun Alexander as #3. Sure he was hurt last year but he has still had outstanding productive years since '01 and I think he can bounce back this year. If not then he certainly drops.

After that as much as people will probably criticize it (and that's fine), I have to go with Rudi Johnson at #4. People will say he's a product of the system and so on and that's fine.. but in this particular case I'm going by numbers and results. When given the ball he produces. 3 very good seasons in a row with decent TD and YPC numbers.

#5 to me is tough and I think a lot of RBs could go here.. McGahee, Jackson, Westbrook, etc etc... and honestly there's a valid argument for them all. Personally, I'd take Westbrook just because of his dynamic element he brings of RB and catching the ball out of the backfield.

For McGahee I'd have to say right now to me he's #6 with Jackson at #7. I'd give McGahee the benefit of the doubt because he's been in the league an extra year and has produced a bit longer. It's tough really and you can make arguments for anybody in my eyes from #4 down... but I'd stick with my top 3 personally.

Rudi Johnson will have his carries cut back by quite a bit with the drafting of Kenny Irons. I expect him to have the same impact as MJD.

[BrownsFan]

Rudi Johnson will have his carries cut back by quite a bit with the drafting of Kenny Irons. I expect him to have the same impact as MJD.

That is true as well so the numbers could definitely diminish starting this season no doubt.

[Rampage]

Steven Jackson #6?

[BrownsFan]

Steven Jackson #6?

Well I have no clue what the edit was for as I didn't see whatever it was you said but as I stated, it's my opinion so take it for what it is. If you don't like it then I don't know what to tell you.

[Tiz]

Rudi Johnson will have his carries cut back by quite a bit with the drafting of Kenny Irons. I expect him to have the same impact as MJD.

That was said when they drafted Perry out of Michigan. I am not a Rudi supporter as I was a Dillon Fan but Rudi is still the man for that team.

[Tiz]

Well I have no clue what the edit was for as I didn't see whatever it was you said but as I stated, it's my opinion so take it for what it is. If you don't like it then I don't know what to tell you.

I do. Name the top 10 RBs. You'd be hard pressed not to have Steven Jackson near 5 or 6 and he showed his versatility last year and his power as a pure running back was evident from day one he went on record this year as to saying he wants to beat Faulks all-purpose record of 2100+ and he was around 100 yards shy of that last year.

[BrownsFan]

I do. Name the top 10 RBs. You'd be hard pressed not to have Steven Jackson near 5 or 6 and he showed his versatility last year and his power as a pure running back was evident from day one he went on record this year as to saying he wants to beat Faulks all-purpose record of 2100+ and he was around 100 yards shy of that last year.

Ah ok gotcha. Thanks for the clarification.

[Mahatma_Sloth]

LT

LJ

Shaun Alexander

Frank Gore

Stephen Jackson

Are all better then Willis, try again though.

your lookin at stats dude

hes talkin about the actual pphisical act of tacklin and unless u have tryd to tackle all 6 of em u really have no frame of refrence

I'll take the man that plays in the nfls word for it

[Tiz]

Normally I'd take an NFL player to have the best idea of who's the best in the nfl but UM players don't exactly come with unbiased opinions so while I respect Vilma to the utmost it's really one UM player big upping another and they do it quite frequently in interviews.

[EdReedUnstoppable]

Willis being Top 5 in the NFL is laughable, he isn't even in the top half of RBs in this league.

LT, LJ, Steven Jackson, Shaun Alexander, Thomas Jones, Rudi Johnson, Willie Parker, Ahman Green, Edgerrin James, Frank Gore, Clinton Portis, Brian Westbrook, and Deuce McAlister are all better and there are some others in the NFL better than Willis that I know if I said there names I'd get a flamefest started so I'll withhold those names.

[berad]

Willis being Top 5 in the NFL is laughable, he isn't even in the top half of RBs in this league.

LT, LJ, Steven Jackson, Shaun Alexander, Thomas Jones, Rudi Johnson, Willie Parker, Ahman Green, Edgerrin James, Frank Gore, Clinton Portis, Brian Westbrook, and Deuce McAlister are all better and there are some others in the NFL better than Willis that I know if I said there names I'd get a flamefest started so I'll withhold those names.

You're kind of stretching it there with Thomas Jones, Ahman Green, Deuce McAlister, and Edge James.

Jones - has put up similar numbers to McGahee in recent years (his only good ones) and is about to turn 29.

Green - On the definite downside of his career and won't get any better after being shipped to Houston

James - Another RB on the downside of his career, and had a 3.4 ypc average last season (less than Jamal)

McAlister - Going towards the end of his prime, and his role was reduced this past season.

[Tiz]

Willis being Top 5 in the NFL is laughable, he isn't even in the top half of RBs in this league.

LT, LJ, Steven Jackson, Shaun Alexander, Thomas Jones, Rudi Johnson, Willie Parker, Ahman Green, Edgerrin James, Frank Gore, Clinton Portis, Brian Westbrook, and Deuce McAlister are all better and there are some others in the NFL better than Willis that I know if I said there names I'd get a flamefest started so I'll withhold those names.

You named a Bengal, a steeler, a redskin and a former Colt and yet you think you have other names that would get you flamed. I think maybe you should name them and stop hiding behind being flamed. If you can make a case for any of the people you list then your opinion is just as valid as those that disagree. If you can't make a case then you're simply naming names to be 'controversial'.

You're kind of stretching it there with Thomas Jones, Ahman Green, Deuce McAlister, and Edge James.

Jones - has put up similar numbers to McGahee in recent years (his only good ones) and is about to turn 29.

Green - On the definite downside of his career and won't get any better after being shipped to Houston

James - Another RB on the downside of his career, and had a 3.4 ypc average last season (less than Jamal)

McAlister - Going towards the end of his prime, and his role was reduced this past season.

I don't think Thomas Jones is a stretch. Thomas is alot better than people give him credit for and people tend to overlook his contributions as a receiver as well as a runner.

Ahman, not now. Maybe 3 years ago he was worthy of being mentioned as good but dude has to stay healthy then he has to produce. No way I believe Green at his age is better than Willis. Deuce, i'm iffy on him and fred taylor can be great backs but they also can be non factors due to stints on IR.

Edge. I'll wait to see if he's the same Edge from indy. I won't completely judge him by his first year with the Cards as they did have OL trouble.

Now I don't believe Willis is top 5 as I do like Jackson, Gore, LT, Johnson, Alexander as my top 5. with portis and Travis Henry on the verge of replacing an aging Alexander

Anyways Willis has a new team and new chance to produce like many expected he would out of UM.

[EdReedUnstoppable]

The Bengal, Steeler, ex Colt, and Redskin are all clearly better. My other guys aren't clearly better but about the same as Willis (Jamal Lewis, Chester Taylor). And then yu have guys who if they keep goin with what they did last year I'd put them higher than Willis (Laurence Maroney, Joseph Addai).

[MKdave]

Steven jackson is the second best back in the league for my money(of which i have little), he brings so much more to the table than LJ.

my only reservation about him is i've never seen him play without orlando pace.

for me it goes:

LT

steven jackson

(metaphorical gap)

westbrook

willis

LJ OR maurice jones-drew(he'll probably move up when I have seen him play more)

[Tiz]

The Bengal, Steeler, ex Colt, and Redskin are all clearly better. My other guys aren't clearly better but about the same as Willis (Jamal Lewis, Chester Taylor). And then yu have guys who if they keep goin with what they did last year I'd put them higher than Willis (Laurence Maroney, Joseph Addai).

Thoguht this conversation was about backs who are better than Willis not about Backs who are the same. Lord Knows many Raven's fans wish Jam was "about the same" but he isn't and sadly his YPC has steadily declined. Many of us would have prefered Musa getting more PT last year and the fact that Mike Anderson made plays whenever he got a chance shows me that it wasn't the lines fault for Jamal being a shell of himself. As for Marone and addai, and I'll add MOJO Drew I think all 3 had good rookie years and I think MOJO is more explosive than Willis.

In the end I think Willis with this team will be a nice fit because it'll allow us to open up our offense more than with Jam. And even if Willis doesn't get the yards but the PPG go up, isn't that the most important factor?

[Tiz]

Steven jackson is the second best back in the league for my money(of which i have little), he brings so much more to the table than LJ.

my only reservation about him is i've never seen him play without orlando pace.

for me it goes:

LT

steven jackson

(metaphorical gap)

westbrook

willis

LJ OR maurice jones-drew(he'll probably move up when I have seen him play more)

Pace was injured for part of last year and it didn't hurt Jackson, i think he benefited from it as Bulger with less time looked for Jackson. I love your metaphorical gap.

[EdReedUnstoppable]

Thoguht this conversation was about backs who are better than Willis not about Backs who are the same. Lord Knows many Raven's fans wish Jam was "about the same" but he isn't and sadly his YPC has steadily declined. Many of us would have prefered Musa getting more PT last year and the fact that Mike Anderson made plays whenever he got a chance shows me that it wasn't the lines fault for Jamal being a shell of himself. As for Marone and addai, and I'll add MOJO Drew I think all 3 had good rookie years and I think MOJO is more explosive than Willis.

In the end I think Willis with this team will be a nice fit because it'll allow us to open up our offense more than with Jam. And even if Willis doesn't get the yards but the PPG go up, isn't that the most important factor?

Much like Willis's YPC, Jamal is a better back than Willis and I'd take him over Willis anyday.

I don't think Willis makes the PPG go up, plus your relying on Steve McNair's terrible worn out old arm to get the ball to our playmakers down the field. And for $42 million I want the best back in the NFL not a slight upgrade over what we had, when he really isn't even a slight upgrade from what we had.