The NFL’s Adrian Peterson is the best back to never play league or union. But if he did make the cross over, he would kill it.
And I’m talking here about attacking ability. We can leave the debate as to defensive ability to another day.
But seriously, there’s never been a big, fast, deceptive runner with explosive acceleration and a great handoff in either code like Peterson.
There have been backs in both codes who had explosive acceleration, like Ron Jarden and Reg Gasnier.
There have been and continue to be backs in both codes who are big men: Jonah Lomu, Eric Grothe and Hosea Gear.
There are and have been fast backs like David Trick, Chris Cullen, Patrice Lagisquet and Bryan Habana.
There are and have been backs that are both big and fast: Jonah again, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Joe Rokocoko and Alex North.
But no one like Peterson.
He’s the ultimate ball carrier. Had he been able to play rugby, he would be well on his way to busting Daisuke Ohata’s international try-scoring record (69).
He beats tacklers by stepping off either foot, then guns with an astounding burst of pace. Peterson posted 10.3s over the 100m in high school.
If a defender does reach him in open play, Peterson will either stiff-arm him or give him a leg, then pull away.
Tight field or broken field, he’s a marvel.
If it’s possible for you to watch the game on Sunday between the Vikings and the Packers, don’t miss the opportunity to match-up his prowess with whoever your favourite back is in present or past league or union.
Then the debate can really begin.
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