Sure Deuce can push a pile a few times a game and punch through the goal line well, but honestly any running back that garners playing time in the NFL should be able to do that. The fact of the matter is that Saints fans, have forgotten what it's like to watch an effective, dominant running back in their backfield.
Deuce definitely was that type of prolific runner. But if we want to see what a real running back of today looks like, Saints fans need to Youtube highlights of Clinton Portis, Adrian Peterson, Marion Barber, Marshawn Lynch, Stephen Jackson, Ronnie Brown, Michael Turner, Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, Ryan Grant, DeAngelo Williams, Thomas Jones, Brian Westbrook, Frank Gore, Brandon Jacobs, Willie Parker.
Is the list too long? It isn't even complete. There are more names out there of guys who can run the ball better than Saints fans have seen a guy in black in gold run the ball in a long time.
Saints fans shouldn't be screaming "Payton" in reference to a last name; it should be in reference to a first name: PEYTON FREAKING HILLIS (a white boy/former fullback for Arkansas!) looks better than right now than Deuce has in two years. The point of above the list is that all of those players play for teams that are owning the Saints at the tailback position, while we're still paying Deuce about the same money (in some cases more) as those guys to, for all intents and purposes, wait for retirement.
Deuce is a great Saint, always will be. I love the guy; 1st string all-time Saints player and citizen. However, he's beyond the twilight of his playing career; but he should look back at what he has accomplished with utmost pride. Unfortunately, the reality is that he is not a runner of the caliber which the Saints need to compliment their offense.
Maybe Reggie is of that caliber, maybe Pierre could be; but Deuce was, and now, is not. That is a reality Saints fans must accept.
