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..."/>

Who are the Top 5 Running Backs of All-Time for the Falcons?

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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2. player. 44. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Gerald Riggs. RB. 1982-1988, Arizona State

I wasn’t alive for Riggs but again based on stories he was an absolute monster. Not only is that supported by his stats but his highlights prove that. I’ll ruffle a lot of feathers by putting Riggs over Andrews (I think) but he leads Andrews by 700 yards and 18 touchdowns in only 4 more games played. Riggs was a monster of a man at that time standing at 6-1 and weighing 230 pounds while still being able to hit the hole quickly. He went to three consecutive Pro Bowls as a Falcon and his 6,631 rushing yards is still the record for the Falcons. He had an amazing 3-year span from 1984-1986 where he had 1,093 carries for 4,532 yards and 32 touchdowns. What puts him behind Michael Turner is his touchdowns but more importantly his lack of playoffs. Despite playing 7 seasons in Atlanta, Riggs never made the playoffs. While playoffs is a team stat, Riggs was the main back and couldn’t get Atlanta to the playoffs. That aside, Riggs holds the Falcons record for yards, has held it for 30 years, and will for a long time unless Freeman can withstand his injuries for at least 3 years.