If the Chargers and LaDainian Tomlinson can put the past behind them, he could be their backup running back
LaDainian Tomlinson is an unrestricted free agent, and the Chargers could use an upgrade at backup running back. Tomlinson has 294 attempts for 1,194 yards over the last two seasons, which is an average of 4.1 yards per attempt. This is not far off from his career average of 4.3 yards per attempt. I am not saying that Tomlinson is anywhere near being the RB he was in the prime of his career. I am saying that he is still productive enough to be a backup running back.
I understand that things deteriorated with Tomlinson the first time around in San Diego. I also understand there was controversy because Tomlinson said “It’s tough being the guy” referring to Philip Rivers last season. ”You get all of the questions of what’s right and what’s wrong.” A.J. Smith responded by saying “I think it’s a lot harder when it’s no longer your team, and you’re not the guy.” I think we are in a day and age where there is too much sensitivity in sports. Tomlinson made an honest assessment of what most Charger fans were thinking about Rivers.
This team has lost talent that has yet to be replaced. Shawne Merriman led the NFL in sacks during the 2006 season, and was a three time All-Pro linebacker. Tomlinson was a six time All-Pro running back and the 2006 NFL MVP. Rivers is looked at as being the guy on San Diego. When a player has 92 touchdowns and 33 interceptions from 2008-2010 to having 27 touchdowns and 20 interceptions in 2011, it becomes puzzling.
This anger from Smith could also stem from the fact that Rex Ryan said he would have won a title by now if he had Norv Turner’s talent in San Diego. Tomlinson was a part of the Jets’ franchise last season, so I guess this explains Smith being offended by Tomlinson’s comments. Tomlinson will be 33 years old at the start of 2012, so this would be a one year move. The Chargers could look for a permanent backup in free agency this year or in the draft next year.
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This is ridiculous he isn’t welcome here.
The title of the article says “If the Chargers and Tomlinson can put the past behind them” not “Tomlinson should be their target” or anything to that extent
I agree with you Kenny. It would also help facilitate LT’s retirement in a Chargers Uniform. I believe his time spent with Rex Ryan’s Jets proved to him that the grass was not greener in NYC. I also believe PR would love throwing to LT out of the backfield. Plus the fans would love cheering, once again, for LT at Qualcomm.
For sure. Definitely would give San Diego more options on offense. Fans would love to see LT back especially with the uncertainty about the franchise’s future in San Diego. St. Louis may be more likely to go back to LA, but the Chargers need a new stadium soon.
Charger Greg makes the decisions around here. Kook.
Watch when LT goes to the HoF. You can keep crying like a b*tch when Sproles gets his ring. If every fan here were like you, we’d be like the Cavaliers fans, treat our stars like garbage. You can move to Cleveland with all those bitter little fans live. True San Diego Charger fans will welcome LT back with open arms and celebrate Darren Sproles getting his first ring. With all the b*stard fans like you, I’d hate to see you brag when we win the Super Bowl and talk sh*t on LT.
Agreed
LT is very welcome in SD.
He knows the organization at the back of his hand; despite of his age he continues to be dangerous in short yard end zone plays; he can be very useful in short yard passing as well (where Chargers lacked talent last season due to a mediocre play from Patrick “fair catch” Crayton); and the most important: he could mentoring Ryan Matthews to the next level.
He could return and finish his carreer with the Bolts contributing a lot.
Come back LT21!!!!!!!
Agreed. Great point about him mentoring Ryan Mathews as well
Unfortunately I hear AJ Smith said this will not happen. I guess Charger fans would need to sign a petition and send it to Dan Spanos to ever get L.T. back here. It’s really sad they won’t have him come back, play and retire as a Charger.
Agreed. When I wrote this article I knew it was a stretch for this to happen and it is a shame that it will not