I think it’s very hard to compare the 2 runners. Don’t just look at the numbers or the rings…think about the other things that make them who they are. Athletically…Jamal Lewis is on a different planet then Smith. Lewis was and is, bigger, faster, stronger, and far more agile then Smith could have ever been. You also have to look at something that sets Smith apart from EVERY other running back that will be discussed for a long time….his Offensive Line. Smith had hall of fame lineman blocking for him…and they were huge, by huge standards. They had to be 300 plus across the front…and when I say 300 plus…you all know what I mean. They were mammoth. Smith didn’t have many injuries…because he rarely got hit. And I mean barely. By the time defenders actually got to him…he was down field already. If you look at the offensive lines Smith had from 1992-2000, it would be very hard to find a lineman smaller than 300lbs…or a non pro bowler.
With all of this said..I am going to say that statistically Smith is a better running back right now….because of all the variables involved. If I were stating a team right now though…in today’s NFL…with the size and speed of defenders, the different blitz schemes, the smaller more athletic lineman…I would pick Lewis.
Whats really scary is…there is another running back in the league right now…who is going to destroy all of this. Adrian Peterson is one of the most athletically gifted players to play the game…and he has a very talented and very HUGE offensive line…
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