Curtis Martin has quietly made a nice career for himself in the NFL. Rarely, if ever, mentioned as the best runner in the game, he continues to put up productive numbers. Looking at his career stats, I would say that if he has another great year, the spotlight is going to start growing on him a little. Watch out, because Martin is less than 5,000 yards from breaking Emmit Smith's rushing record. Yes, at 32, it will be a long 5,000 yards. Four really good years would put him at 35-36. His health is typically good, but I think the odds will still be against him. I had a lot of respect for Payton, probably more so than Smith. However, even the Payton family agreed that if Walter's record was going to be broken, it should be done by a hard-working player that is a good role model. I would have to say the same thing about Curtis Martin. If there is going to be someone that breaks Smith's record, Martin would be a decent candidate.
I'd rather see Martin have the record, than see Smith keep it. It'll be a longshot, but it's certainly within striking distance. He had a phenomenal year last year (4.6 per carry) and isn't showing any signs of slowing down. I'll keep my fingers crossed for him.
Jerome Bettis is just 70-some yards behind Martin, but this will probably be his swan song. Pretty impressive career for a "big" guy. Martin is a class act imo. I'd like to see him get there, but 5 more years may be too much to ask for.
I must say that I think Curtis Martin is one of the most underrated players in the NFL. It would be cool to see him have a day in the sun. I think that day will have to be his enshrinement into Canton however. If he gets close, I will certainly be rooting for him.
I'm holding out for Martin having a 5500 yard season. Actually, I do think Martin can break the record, but he's going to have to avoid injury. He seems like the type of player that is going to just keep on truckin' year to year. I'm just afraid that he'll get injured.
My other concern is that the Jets are going to move forward with a replacement regardless of his production. Eventually, who is going to bank on a 34, 35, 36 year old back to be their 1,000 yard back. I would love for him to run out 4-5 seasons of high production, but I expect that he would have to have a few 400-500 yard seasons late in his career to make it.
Hes 32 and still showing production. Winning the rushing title last year I think proves tht he will be a a good RB for atleast 2 yrs unless injuries slow him down. Hopefully he'll do it.
Running back tend to just fall of the cliff when it comes to production. I love Martin, and I hope he can do it. But he's one injury away from being done....
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Cowboy71)</div><div class='quotemain'>My other concern is that the Jets are going to move forward with a replacement regardless of his production. Eventually, who is going to bank on a 34, 35, 36 year old back to be their 1,000 yard back. I would love for him to run out 4-5 seasons of high production, but I expect that he would have to have a few 400-500 yard seasons late in his career to make it.</div> I disagree with you there. The Jets had their so call replacement in Lamont Jordan and let him go. So they are very confident with Curtis being there runningback for the next couple of years.
the problem with breakin Smith's record is the smith had 1000 yards last season, martin still closed the gap but it'd be a lot closer if smith didnt have such a good year. He might even get 700+ yards this year too which would further lessen martins chances as he gets older. But i have faith in him i say he doesnt break it but maybe gets 3rd or 2nd. Hes a hell of a player. Hopefully he can have 3 more years of good solid production. But i think at 35 or 36 the Jets might have to make him a backup for another guy. But you know i'm sure Martin would be fine with that hes a high class guy and he'll always get carries with the Jets. They wont let him go like the Cowboys did to Emmit.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (J-E-T-S 1083)</div><div class='quotemain'>the problem with breakin Smith's record is the smith had 1000 yards last season, martin still closed the gap but it'd be a lot closer if smith didnt have such a good year. He might even get 700+ yards this year too which would further lessen martins chances as he gets older. But i have faith in him i say he doesnt break it but maybe gets 3rd or 2nd. Hes a hell of a player. Hopefully he can have 3 more years of good solid production. But i think at 35 or 36 the Jets might have to make him a backup for another guy. But you know i'm sure Martin would be fine with that hes a high class guy and he'll always get carries with the Jets. They wont let him go like the Cowboys did to Emmit.</div> Wait who will get 700 yards. Smith. You do know he retired right.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (porky88)</div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Cowboy71)</div><div class='quotemain'>My other concern is that the Jets are going to move forward with a replacement regardless of his production. Eventually, who is going to bank on a 34, 35, 36 year old back to be their 1,000 yard back. I would love for him to run out 4-5 seasons of high production, but I expect that he would have to have a few 400-500 yard seasons late in his career to make it.</div> I disagree with you there. The Jets had their so call replacement in Lamont Jordan and let him go. So they are very confident with Curtis being there runningback for the next couple of years.</div> I don't know how you can say that. I think its fair to assume that Curtis Martin is good for another couple years. After that, I think the replacement is going to be coming in. Jordan turns 28 this year already. In a couple years, you want to turn over the keys to a 30-year-old to be the new man???? That is a pretty risky call you are making. I'd rather draft a good back in a year or two that is young and fresh.
