I agree with this.

speed is key
This also really applies to CB also. Its typical to see slower 80+ CB's get outplayed by anybody with a pulse and 90+speed.

yes but I also have a CB whos 96/96 with 100 speed, 100 acc, 100 man to man
and he gets destroyed sometimes by 60/60 WRs with 60 speed.

same with 60/60 RBs getting 2500 yards with 70 speed, 70 carrying, 60 break tackling ....getting 2500 yards

so thats why I'm saying the Plays familiarity is the most important thing looks like...

To some rate ratings are over-rated, bit like the combine.

Here's an example in favor of speed being the key.
http://cust21.myfootballnow.com/player/4359

This guy is rated in the low 40s overall with Ball Carrying 33/46. Basically nothing but 98 Speed going for him.

He's averaging 4.68 ypc for his career, and I'm embarrassed to admit he just ripped me for 158 yards. Ugh.

Speed Kills

This is the guy who is the reason I started the thread. He is a little older so he probably does know the playbook well, but really the only thing he's got going for him is speed. But he averaged over 6.00 yards a carry behind an average o-line.
http://cust28.myfootballnow.com/player/1577

He does also have 60+ break tackle and ball carrying, which isn't elite, but may be a big factor.

Well people have said that you cant teach speed namely Al Davis and Lee Corso have said that or at least I think they have.

So really if you were to get a team of all speedsters your team would wreck the other team or at least it should come close to doing that because it is hard to slow down someone who has SPEED as their biggest weapon.

I've been grappling with just how important speed is. While definitely not overrated, I think there are other variables at play. I feel like this goes for other ratings as well. Like, if you have a team filled to the brim with highly rated players, you'll definitely be competitive, but perhaps not enough to be the top dawg.

There are other variables at play. Basically this thread boils down to the old football adage that speed covers up a lot of faults. On offense, your running back that likes to fumble but also rips off long runs is as valuable as your plodder that never fumbles. On defense, your linebacker who has trouble tackling, but can run a defender down in space is as valuable as your plodder that tackles every time. It all depends on the system and the gameplan.