Originally Posted by
Craic
I disagree about piling up stats against bad opponents. However, I think I understand your argument. If I might rephrase it, would you agree with this: The problem with Willie P. was that he was a 1-tool RB. He was fast. When that speed was shut down due to a bad line, injury, age, etc, there was nothing special about him at all. On the other hand, Bell is at least a 4-tool RB. He can make people miss; he can run over people; he is very quick (short bursts of speed); and he is a very good WR as well. If so, then I don't think Willie P. was overrated. Everyone knew he was a 1-tool RB. I think what might have been overrated was the importance of that tool for a RB. Does that make sense?
Now, as for Bell, the difference is that if the O line breaks down, he can still be used as a WR. Moreover, we've seen him make people miss in the backfield several times, and even when he doesn't, he seems to always fall forward.