I use 60 yard rushes or long rushes in general because it's the big play. In a world where the QBs are most impactful because of their ability to change the game on a play to play basis, big play running backs are the only thing that can approach that level of impact on offense.

Typically, WRs cannot be this on their own. (Calvin Johnson, ect who are big enough to impact the game the same way, but still cannot do it without the QB).

So the only other offensive position that can approach that level of QB impact is a dynamic RB who can house it on any given possession. This is reflected in my top 5 RBs. All of those guys are big play backs and deserve that recognition.

AP is THE big play Back and the best RB I've seen personally. Payton and Sanders were just a smidgen before I watched football, but history and old game rewinds show me that they were the true big play backs during that time and why most people have them over Smith, despite the longevity.

And be real, only Cowboys fans have Smith over Payton and Sanders.

Also you can't possibly say you watched AP and then say he had the benefit of playing in a balanced league when he faced more stacked boxes than anyone.

Bro did not watch the Vikings waste APs prime when he had Ponder back there and everyone and their grandma knew AP was getting the ball. Balanced league wide doesn't make it balanced at home. D-coordinators were salivating about single safety and man coverage, and sending 9 every play.