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.
Bearfax
Guest
Your dreaming CH. If they started off in League, yes I'd say they may be top level stars. but not coming from NFL with no experience of League. They would flounder and be a liability to whatever team they played for. Like a said skill is an important prerequisite, but savvy regarding the game is just as essential. Without both, you'd be a liability to the team. I remember big Mark Harris going over to play NFL. He was a talented, solid hard running player with good skills, good defence...a star of RL at the time. The NFL used him for only one thing...his long range kicking and drop kick goal scoring ability. He was unsuited for anything else..
ConorHarvey1888
Roar Rookie
its really an unecessary topic to even consider, as there is no way in hell he would leave the NFL. you could say the same about a lot of the players in the NFL, most of the top backs and receivers would absolutely kill it in league or union
Mushi
Guest
If he had started in college sure. But it would take several years of getting paid below nfl minimum wage and playing in front of crowds smaller than high school before he got close to a rep level player, assuming he develops a read for the game and ball skills
Bearfax
Guest
There have been many very fast and clever athletes who came across to league late and all of them failed as far as I can remember. Its more than sheer talent. Its knowing the technical side of the game so well it becomes natural. NFL is techically a very different type of game to League and Union in style of play and strategy. One obvious example is the passing game. Seems simple but you have one player (NFL) throwing forward one handed in torpedo style, compared to RL and RU players passing backwards two handed twisting the torpedo style of throwing with two hands. IIts not something that comes naturally. These sort of elements can take years to achieve an expertise worthy of top clsss league. Sorry, when you think of the fundamental elements of the game, there is just too much to learn thats different for a player to switch such codes. Check out how long it takes a League or Union player to adjust to each others game despite the great similarities. Sonny Bill took at least a year to adjust to Union. NFL is a vastly different game.
x_man
Roar Rookie
Heard the name but never seen him play so just looked him up on youtube. He seems to have the acceleration and footwork of Shane Williams with the size and strength in contact of Jonah. Plus he is faster than both of them in top gear. I don't think there is anyway you could say he wouldn't be successful in League or Union. You may say that he plays NFL so he doesn't have to defend but I'm sure he could learn, and even if he missed 1 in 3 tackles I'd still have him in any side I coached just for his attacking ability.
Bearfax
Guest
Just remember Folau was considered the next best thing in Australian Rules. There is a huge difference between NFL and League. Technically they are significantly divergent. And most importanlly attacking backs in NFL dont have to defend. They have defensive forwards to do all the defensive work. Sorry but I think you're dreaming if you think he'd succeed in League. Sure he's fast and clever, maybe even batter in that respect than any players in the league. But without having been raised in the technical methodology of League and never having had to seriously defend, he'd be found seriously wanting. It would take many years to bring him up to speed, and who'd pay a fortune for that.
B-Rock
Roar Guru
At 6ft 1in and 100kgs AP is big for the amount of pace he has but is not freakishly big like Jonah (albeit quicker). An athlete like AP will succeed in virtually any contact sport, not just union or league.
Brendon
Guest
But would he keep the size, speed etc with 40mins of constant play and tiring defense? -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Spongy
Guest
Johnny football is a quarter back. He weighs in at just over 90kg's. I struggle to see how he would dominate in league or union. -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download it now [http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/the-roar/id327174726?mt=8].
Ken MacRae
Guest
Now check out some clips on Johnny Manziel........I rate him even better to make that transition to league/union.
p.Tah
Guest
$40m for a six year contract in 2007, I think he'd blow everyone's salary cap ;)
peeeko
Roar Guru
the man is an absolute machine, especially after his knee surgery of last year.