Don't pity LaDainian Tomlinson because he never won a Super Bowl. Save your tears for Steven Jackson, who's never been given a fair chance.
Debate: 2001 NFL Draft re-do
LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees and Mike Vick all went in the 2001 draft. How would you rank them in a draft re-do? **More ...**
In a Thursday post on FootballPerspective.com gloriously titled "Steven Jackson: the Ollie Matson of the 21st century," the St. Louis Rams star is revealed to be the ultimate case of a great running back saddled with a terrible team.
The study -- which surfaced via ESPN.com -- broke down all running backs with at least 5,000 rushing yards and 7,500 yards from scrimmage in their careers. After narrowing the field, the site calculated the weighted average winning percentage of the teams they played on throughout their career.
In that group, Jackson has the lowest career winning percentage at .292. Sad trombone.
On the opposite end of the spectrum -- the Bruce Willis to the running back's Samuel L. Jackson, if you will -- is Lawrence McCutcheon, whose weighted winning percentage was an outrageous .741 with four different teams from 1972 to 1981.
Hang in there, Steven. Sam Bradford's ankle is getting healthy. Brighter days surely lie ahead.
