Fansided
Fansided

The Top 10 Greatest NFL Rushing Performances of All Time

By Erik Lambert

NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 6: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs downfield with the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium on December 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - DECEMBER 6: Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans runs downfield with the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium on December 6, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 10
Next
11 Nov 2001 : Shaun Alexander #37 of the Seattle Seahawks stumbles as he tries to avoid the Oakland Raiders during the game at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Seahawks beat the Oakland Raiders 34-27. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule/Allsport
11 Nov 2001 : Shaun Alexander #37 of the Seattle Seahawks stumbles as he tries to avoid the Oakland Raiders during the game at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Seahawks beat the Oakland Raiders 34-27. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Otto Greule/Allsport /

#8: Shaun Alexander vs. Oakland Raiders (2001)

A lot of people didn’t know who Shaun Alexander was during his second season in 2001. All they knew was he’d had a good career at Alabama but his quiet rookie year left some wondering if he was cut out for the NFL. Halfway through that season, they got their answer. The Oakland Raiders had long tormented Seattle over the years and had already hammered them earlier that season in a 38-14 blowout. Most expected more of the same in the rematch.

One guy who wasn’t going to let that happen was Alexander. He had revenge on his mind after Oakland held him to just 18 yards on 10 carries in the previous game. This time he intended to take his pound of flesh and boy did he ever. What’s funny is the game didn’t start out with him dominating. It was sort of back and forth field goals, some TD passes and a kickoff return. Then in the second half? He exploded.

Alexander scored three-straight rushing touchdowns and piled up 266 yards on the ground. Seattle prevailed 35-17, the first sign that bright days were ahead.

Home/Power Rankings