Over the next week few weeks, we're going to be reminiscing about the past and ranking the top 5 players..."/> Over the next week few weeks, we're going to be reminiscing about the past and ranking the top 5 players..."/> Over the next week few weeks, we're going to be reminiscing about the past and ranking the top 5 players..."/>
ATL All Day
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Who are the Top 5 Running Backs of All-Time for the Falcons?

By Reeves Guyton

SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 15: Running back Gerald Riggs #42 of the Atlanta Falcons rushes for yards past linebacker Todd Shell #90, defensive back Carlton Williamson #21 and Dwight Hicks #22 of the San Francisco 49ers during a game at Candlestick Park on September 15, 1985 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won 35-16. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 15: Running back Gerald Riggs #42 of the Atlanta Falcons rushes for yards past linebacker Todd Shell #90, defensive back Carlton Williamson #21 and Dwight Hicks #22 of the San Francisco 49ers during a game at Candlestick Park on September 15, 1985 in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won 35-16. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn during a game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 10, 2006 in Tampa, Florida. The Falcons won 17 – 6. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Atlanta Falcons running back Warrick Dunn during a game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 10, 2006 in Tampa, Florida. The Falcons won 17 – 6. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) /

2002-2007, Florida State. RB. Warrick Dunn. 5. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 44

Warrick Dunn’s time was short-lived in Atlanta but he left a mark as part of the electric DVD (T.J. Duckett, Michael Vick, and Warrick Dunn) rushing attack. In 6 years with Atlanta, Dunn had rushed for 5,981 yards and 30 touchdowns which rank 4th and 6th respectively in Falcons history. He also was an established check-down receiver as he gained 1,635 yards and 6 touchdowns. Dunn was a wonderful back and if he had stayed a year or two more, I believe Dunn would be a shoe-in in the Falcons Ring of Honor but unfortunately, I don’t think he makes it.

Jamal Anderson. 4. 44. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. RB. 1994-2001, Utah

Although Anderson doesn’t have the numbers of Warrick Dunn, Anderson gets the nod ahead of Dunn because of Anderson’s wonderful 1998 season. In 1998, Jamal Anderson had one of the best seasons a running back can have. He earned an All-Pro selection, a Pro Bowl selection, and a Super Bowl birth as he set a franchise record (NFL record at that time) with 410 carries and rushed for 1,846 yards and 14 touchdowns. He will go down in Falcons history as the reason we went to the Super Bowl but he will also be remembered for creating the Dirty Birds nickname and the dance. Unfortunately, Anderson suffered an awful knee injury which shortened his prime and also most likely got rid of the possibility of being on the Falcons ring of honor.

Scouting Report. 1979-1983, 1986, Auburn. 3. player. 44. Pick Analysis. RB. William Andrews

I wasn’t alive for William Andrews but from looking at stats, highlights, and listening to my grandfather he is one of the best Falcons running backs of all-time. I’ve seen many lists that have him at number 1 but I’ll explain later why Andrews isn’t. Andrews, a local kid, played 5 (technically 6) seasons in Atlanta and left a legacy. Not only did he have 4 1,000 yard rushing years but he also was a receiving threat as he had 2 2,000 yards from scrimmage seasons. Andrews was lethal after the catch and in the open field as seen in the above video and was an insane athlete. He ranks third in rushing yards for the Falcons all-time and 5th in rushing TDs all-time. He got into the Falcons Ring of Honor but there is no telling how well his career would’ve panned out had it not been for a bad knee injury.

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