Zeke vs Barkley: Which is best RB in NFL?

[Undisputed]

Barkley. Generational talent in the true sense of the word. Never saw that in Zeke, though he's certainly a good player.

 

[aria]

Nope not at all on prepping for Barkley.The oline difference cannot be measured to a reliable degree either. Because you can't switch them!

Huh? So are you saying you can’t compare any O lines in the league and that they’re all equal?

 

[aikemirv]

Huh? So are you saying you can’t compare any O lines in the league and that they’re all equal?

You can compare them but you can't convert them into stats!

 

[CouchCoach]

I guess you don't understand the thread. Which is fine.

I reread the headline and understand what you're talking about, I didn't pay attention to that last part.

 

[aria]

You can compare them but you can't convert them into stats!

I’d say this is pretty statistical and one of the most comprehensive sites with regards to the O line.

https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol/2018

 

[JW82]

Pure straight line Speed Barkley ran 4.4 Zeke 4.47. Slight advantage SB
I will take Zeke between the tackles
I think they are both very good receivers out of the backfield
I will take Zeke in Pass protection
I think it is a little deceptive as Barkley to the naked eye seems to be flying and Zeke seems to be gliding, but neither get caught from behind. (Although Heath ran down Barkley)
Can't go wrong with either. Bottom line is without the 100% BS suspension Zeke would have 3 rushing titles in his only 3 seasons, hard to take anyone else but him IMO.

 

[aikemirv]

I’d say this is pretty statistical and one of the most comprehensive sites with regards to the O line.

https://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/ol/2018

Serious question and a lot of information there...

The NYG stuff % was 17% in 2016 and 2017 and 20.9% in 2018.

Now I know of one big factor that could have caused that. So many variables and cause and effects - still can't convert that into stats for a RB.

1) No Odell
2) Does Saquon bounce too much?
3) Did they lose somebody?
4) Who did they gain?

 

[aria]

Serious question and a lot of information there...

The NYG stuff % was 17% in 2016 and 2017 and 20.9% in 2018.

Now I know of one big factor that could have caused that. So many variables and cause and effects - still can't convert that into stats for a RB.

1) No Odell
2) Does Saquon bounce too much?
3) Did they lose somebody?
4) Who did they gain?

I agree there’s tons of different factors, as there are with all stats, which is why I like that specific analysis.

1) Odell was out all of 2016 and Barkley was still in college so that’s a moot point. 2017 Odell didn’t play the last 4 games IIRC but his presence would obviously make a difference as did Cooper with Zeke.

2) I think he bounces a little too much but I think it’s overly exaggerated. His O line sucks, if you watch his film he will usually hit the hole hard when one’s available but he gets criticized for bouncing too much when there’s nowhere to run. What else is he supposed to do?

3) They lost a lot on defense but I assume you’re asking about offense. They have their starting center back this year who is a big ? but not necessarily an upgrade. They got a big boost at RG as part of a trade for getting rid of Vernon. Their RT is coming of an injury and surgery, he’s average at best. Their LT was the highest paid player for that position and is average at best, he was one of the lowest graded LT’s for the first half of last year and I think he’s already regressing. Their LG is pretty dang good but got absolutely worked against Cincy as did their entire O line.

They obviously lost Odiva but got Tate who is suspended for their first 4 games. Overall I think their offense will be pretty good but their D will kill them.

4) see above. They lost a lot on defense and gained minimal.

Edit: I forgot to mention that NY cut 2 of their starting O linemen halfway through last season, that’s how bad they were. Not traded, cut. That should tell you all you need to know about how bad they were.

 

[quickccc]

The Emmitt vs Barry Sanders debate has never been settled.

Sanders was a more Wow type player but Emmitt was the best player for winning Super Bowls because he was good at everything (short yardage, pass blocking, receiving & obviously rushing). Sanders was not a great short yardage back, not the same caliber of pass blocker, etc..

If Jimmy had it to do all over again and could choose between Emmitt and Barry Sanders, then he would choose Emmitt every day and twice on Sundays.


Barkley is very dynamic but I can't get the image out of my head of Jeff Heath chasing him down from behind...

lol..so what's wrong with that heath image?
heath is actually one of better athletes we have on this roster. Supposedly he ran 4.4 ..40 time in his pre draft workouts

 

[Sarge]

They’re both amazing but Barkley for me and.......Barkley is a class act.

 

[brdawk20forever]

What Barkley does with a hot garbage O-line is impressive. But no one runs better than Zeke between the tackles.

 

[ChuckA1]

I must admit, except when the two teams play, I do not watch Giants games. I find it hard to think Barkley is as good picking up the blitzes. To me, this is what is so damn special about Zeke. When you just have to pass the ball, you can always count on Zeke to give his best effort. I also agree it's pretty tough picking one over the other on just running talent, as they are different types of runners. If I owned a team, I'd love either one, TBH.

 

[johneric8]

And in 2016 were teams able to stop the Cowboys from going 13-3 the best record that year and winning the division? Due to injuries and the loss of Elliott for 6 games that style didn't work in 2017 but again in 2018 the Cowboys again won the division. It's also obvious that the highly touted defense last year was the culprit in giving up 30 points and not just ONE but TWO backs with over 100 yards against the rams in the playoffs.

It doesn't matter whether it's was Lombadi's time or now defenses have to be able to stop the offenses and thus far teams when the Cowboys have their parts in place have been unable to on a regular basis to stop the Cowboys offense.
.

Yes correct, when all parts are in order we're hard to stop, but unfortunately how often is it all parts are in order? With the cowboys over he last 20 years it's been 1 step forward and two steps back it seems. They'll have a great defense and terrible offense, or other way around. I'll admit to them possibly having both possibly but even if and when this happens, something stupid will happen and Garrett will get out coached or will lose our best player for some stupid reason or other. Lets just admit we've been snakebit big time..

 

[ChuckA1]

Off topic, I know, but i feel pretty good about this team. The Cowboys are loaded with talent. Now, all we need is a little luck, and we can go far into the playoffs.

 

[CATCH17]

We need to see more of Barkley but he doesn't run like a 230 pound player. He didn't do it in college and hasn't done it in the Pro's. He looks to get the edge almost all of the time.


Zeke is a championship style runner. Barkley is a highlight reel / fantasy football guy.

I don't like that I get a lot of nothing from Barkley and have to hope I get the big play.

 

[Cowboysheelsreds053]

This is just the BS and ES debate, you want the guy that is going to make the better moves on the field or the ES (who had moves also) but is the back that makes it happens and is the bell cow.

 

[Cowboysheelsreds053]

Put Barkley behind this OL and watch him. He didn't have a good one at Penn St and doesn't have one now.

That is what the Barry Sanders fans said.

 

[Colombiacowboy]

There are 90 million reasons why Zeke is the number one back in the NFL.

 

[dallas72]

Hands-down it’s Barkley. Anyone else who says otherwise is either a homer or just trying to stir **** up

Wrong..Barley cant run between the tackles..everything is bounced to the outside same as in college....Barkley is a back that can average 2ypc then hit a 60 yard run...not a guy who can run out the clock...I think Barkley is amazing but is a different type of RB than Zeke

 

[Rayman70]

they both are. Depends what flavor you like. Either can be 1st...flip a coin.