was the bills thurman thomas the best pass catching back to play in the n f l if not who is better?

Answer 1

I would say Marshall Faulk. He had the ability to beat you running or receiving, and he was a scary receiving threat. He could run wide receiver routes. Roger Craig was a great combo back, but he just did not last long in the league and his receiving was definitely a product of the West Coast offense, where most of his catches were the flair, dump off, or screen variety. He couldn't stretch the field the way that Marshall could. I disagree with another user here that Thurmo was a system back, as his ground game was of top form, even without a leading fullback as the run and gun didn't really use a full back most of the time. Anyone who ever watched him run should have seen his ability regardless of the system. And Larry Centers? You've got to be kidding me, he was a good pass catcher and runner, but as a complimentary guy, not your premier back - big difference.

Answer 2

For his time he was back in the 70's the Colts had a back who played at Penn St with Franco Harris his name is Lydell Mitchell he was the prototype for today's multi purpose running back. He had some big years playing there and with Bert Jones as the QB. Only problem they could never get past the Steelers or the Raiders. Also back in the late 50's and 60's the Colts had another back named Lenny Moore he has or had the record for most consecutive games scoring a TD. Thurman Thomas was product of the rule changes and also how the game developed into a pass 1st league had he played when they still played defense his numbers would not even come close to what he has. Just one man mans view nothing against Thomas he did have one real good super bowl and then forgot his helmet in another so that sums his claim to fame.

Answer 3

Larry Center holds the record for the most catches in the NFL by a back. Ricky Watters was able to do it with one hand, by far one of the best hands. Both better than Thomas who is probably the best ever on the Bills.

Answer 4

When I first saw that question, I immediately thought of Larry Centers. The leading pass-catching back in NFL history with 826 receptions. Three Pro Bowl appearances, and a Super Bowl ring as a member of the 2003 Patriots.

And, don't forget that he was a fullback - it's not likely that any fullback in the league - present and future - will have as much impact.

Answer 5

Thurman Thomas was one of the best all around backs to play the game. Of course he played on one of the best teams to play in the 90's even if they couldn't win a bowl game. I don't know about best pass catching. L.T. isn't too bad.

Answer 6

Jackson from the Rams was a freak last year. He caught almost 90 with almost 900 yards. That may be the future champ there as far as pass catching backs. This on top of his freakish running yards (I think 1400 yards).

Answer 7

Ever heard of a guy named Marshall Faulk.
767 career receptions for 6875 yards and 36 tds. Thomas' numbers don't come up to that. Faulk was a much better pass catcher.

Answer 8

Is Thomas even in the conversation? Marshall Faulk, LT, Brian Westbrook are 3 off the top of my head that were/are better.

Answer 9

Roger Craig once got 1000 yards receiving and 1000 yards rushing in the same year. What could be better than that?

Answer 10

Tiki Barber. I'm not just saying that because, He was a giant. check out His stats.
Receiving: 586 attempts: 5,183 yards : 8.8 yard average
throw in rushing.
2,217 attempts: 10,449 yards : 4.7 yard average
not Emitt Smith or, Walter Payton stuff but then, He only played for ten seasons.