Chargers release Ladainian Tomlinson

[vidae]

Per ESPN, the Chargers have released LT. Will edit with a link as soon as there is one.

[The Unseen]

Who saw this coming 5 years ago?

[CC.SD]

Just lock this please.

[M.O.T.H.]

Expected, but still a little weird when you actually see it happen.

[bantx]

excuse me while I go cry











Knew this was going to happen, but it still sucks.

LaDainian Tomlinson will forever be a Charger!

[thenewfeature06]

Very sad, top 10 back of all time. Still can help a team out in the run game. I would think he would want to sign with a contending team, maybe Philly, but they do have Mccoy, Texans maybe? not sure how them and Slaton are as far as full time back him and LT could be an improvement from there previous running ranks imo, darkhorse Patriots.

[Stamper]

I think a team who's young, could use LT in the locker room. wouldn't be surprised if he went to san fran. or a team like kansas city.

[George Lippard]

Adrian Peterson will suffer the same fate down the line. As will Chris Johnson, as will Jamaal Charles, et al.

SD fans appreciated him for the HOF career he had there. I wish he would retire right now.

[V.I.P]

Hello Patriots, LT is next on the list of older still productive RBs. Dillion, Taylor....I could definitely see them sign him to a resonable deal.

[bantx]

He should go back home to Texas and retire! Or just not resign with a team in the AFC West.

[CC.SD]

He should retire.

[Stamper]

He won't though. He has too much pride, he still thinks he's got some left in the tank.

[zachsaints52]

If Saints lose Bell and PT, we could sign him to come with Brees :)

[Bills2083]

I really hope he can win a Superbowl before he retires.
He always seemed like a class-act and a hard-worker.

[vikes_28]

http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/Tomlinson%E2%80%99s-time-in-San-Diego-ends/4017d022-3cb2-4a9b-8ae0-9511599ef969

A link from the Chargers website.

[CC.SD]

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[Addict]

Damn.... almost makes you wish he'd taken that paycut.

[Ness]

He should retire.

Agreed. I wouldn't even want him backing up Frank Gore now. He looks completely done.

[Addict]

actually I could see him somehow regaining his old shape and being rejuvinated by a change in scenery. Stranger things have happened.

[Whistler6]

Guys like Barry Sanders and even Robert Smith might be a whole lot smarter than we originally thought...They avoided an inevitable ugly situation much like this one.

[George Lippard]

Guys like Barry Sanders and even Robert Smith might be a whole lot smarter than we originally thought...They avoided an inevitable ugly situation much like this one.

That and they didn't embarrass themselves by playing well past their prime.

[TitleTown088]

"Bring him to Green bay( insert fav team team). He's worth a loook for the vet minimum as a 3rd down back"

This will be the first of about 100 posts like this

[FlyingElvis]

Bring him to New England. He's worth a loook for the vet minimum as a 3rd down back.


Count = 2

[BaLLiN]

Tennesee should look into getting him, would be nice to pair with CJ or if Tomlinson wants more of the load Texans

[MikeTeel]

He's worth a look for the vet minimum as a 3rd down back, bring him to Seattle.

[DoughBoy]

**** LT, he isnt worth ****, let him go to Oakland.

[CC.SD]

**** LT, he isnt worth ****, let him go to Oakland.

Doughie!!!!

[DoughBoy]

sorry. wieners

[Michigan]

great career, now i'm just praying the lions don't overpay for him.

[George Lippard]

Remember the logo Bolt fans. He'll be in the Hall as a Charger before you know it.

Addition by subtraction.

[CC.SD]

yes!

wait, you mean the chargers still plan to line up with a running back? and that means they'll continue to run all over our crappy defense, no matter how many DCs we go through? ****. nm.

Actually to commemorate his career the Chargers will be retiring the RB position. This is based in Charger tradition, where we have decided to take the field minus impact linebackers or safeties for the past decade in honor of Junior Seau and Rodney Harrison.

[Babylon]

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We need to pull you back from the ledge before you do something stupid. My question to you Mr Charger is does this alter their draft strategy at all?

[yourfavestoner]

Actually to commemorate his career the Chargers will be retiring the RB position. This is based in Charger tradition, where we have decided to take the field minus impact linebackers or safeties for the past decade in honor of Junior Seau and Rodney Harrison.

Shawne Merriman sez hai.

I know, I know: he sucks now.

[CC.SD]

We need to pull you back from the ledge before you do something stupid. My question to you Mr Charger is does this alter their draft strategy at all?

I would have to say no, the entire organization has known LT would not be around next year for some time now. Whether the position will be filled by high draft pick, trade, or the bargain bin, I cannot say. AJ Smith could use a big hit in the 1st round so my money is on Dwyer. I suspect Michael Bennett will get some real playing time next year, he has looked great for us in limited action.



does that mean rivers will have to run for 200+ on us? *shudders*


Woe to the team that allows Rivers to duckwaddle for 200+. Woe!

Shawne Merriman sez hai.

I know, I know: he sucks now.

I'm old school, I still distinguish between rushbackers and linebackers. When it's convenient.

[vidae]

Woe to the team that allows Rivers to duckwaddle for 200+. Woe!

The Chiefs D says hai!

[V.I.P]

Shawne Merriman is next.

[vidae]

the what? ..

Touche salesman..

[bigbluedefense]

I hate to say it, but they should have done it 2 years ago.

AJ Smith knew it. He just didn't have the balls to do it. LDT has been washed up for 2 years now.

Great career though, and a first ballot HOFer. I liked him until he whined after losing to the Pats in the playoffs, then mentioning to everyone how he's a classy guy. That was the point in time when LDT officially became full of himself, and thats when his career started to go downhill.

[Addict]

an LT thread without this on the first page? Weird.

g6_JEpMO_MM

[descendency]

Who loves "done" running backs without a ring more than Bill Belichick? No one.

[Addict]

Who loves "done" running backs without a ring more than Bill Belichick? No one.

I bet LT's already practising the line "I misinterpreted the rules"

[yourfavestoner]

Who loves "done" running backs without a ring more than Bill Belichick? No one.

Stick with Fred.

[descendency]

Actually to commemorate his career the Chargers will be retiring the RB position. This is based in Charger tradition, where we have decided to take the field minus impact linebackers or safeties for the past decade in honor of Junior Seau and Rodney Harrison.

LOL. Awesome post.

Stick with Fred.

I'm sure LT can replace Maroney or Morris.

[Morton]

That would be kind of funny if the Patriots did sign LT, and then the 2010 AFC-CG was Patriots vs. Chargers and LT ran for 100+ yards on the Chargers in a Patriots uniform, and then goes on to win a Super Bowl with them.

Is that the nightmare scenario for Chargers fans or what?

[RealityCheck]

LDT + LM39 + Fred Taylor = awesome

[bhaarat316]

He'll run for 1000 yards again next year.

[RealityCheck]

He'll run for 1000 yards again next year.
I could see him running for 1,500. He's still got it.

[bhaarat316]

I thought one day LT would break Emmitt's record.

[tjsunstein]

With what team exactly? This is a two back league now.

[LonghornsLegend]

I get the feeling LT still thinks he's better then what he is, I can't see him going to say Tennessee and just spelling CJ for a breather here and there. New England would probably use him more then anyone else. Houston always made sense to me if Slaton is healthy that's not a bad rotation, but he's just really not that good anymore.


He won't come close to getting as many touches next year as he did this past year, and his numbers were terrible, can't really say I saw anything to make me think he'll get better with time.

[bhaarat316]

With what team exactly? This is a two back league now.

This was before the whole revolution in passing games and the two back system. Mid 2000s, I thought of this.

Speaking of two back system who started it? Was it the Eagles and their 3 back system or some other team?

[bigbuc]

As much as I love LT... He's one of the top ten greatest backs in NFL history in my book. He did this to himself, his pride got in the way. When the Bus knew that he was out of gas he became a goal line back and a team leader made it easy for Pit to keep him around. LT didn't, he said he wasn't going to take a pay cut and didn't like that his touches were low.

[Bob Sanders Dreadlock]

Would be work in Shanahan's ZBS in washington?

[bigbluedefense]

bring him to denver. sounds like he's substantially better than anything we're willing to play right now.

as terrible as I think Moreno looked last year (and he was terrible, which is why I don't get why people were raving about him...i didn't see it at all), LDT would be worse.

Start Buckhalter. He's the best back you have.

[SwagU]

Strong feeling that he lands in Houston. They need another back with Slaton, he is from Texas. Just seems like a great match to me.

[scottyboy]

He's worth a look for the vet minimum as a 3rd down back, bring him to Seattle.

how the **** do you have 25 posts and I have yet to recognize your outstanding username?

oh and I see the Texans. makes sense.

and not the Pats, doesn't he still hate them?

[bigbluedefense]

i'd love to play buckhalter more. he's actually pretty good. if we could team him and hillis, we'd be set.

i think LDT would do ok, as long as we never gave him the ball on 4 straight plays at the goalline against anyone but our own defense. (i really don't, i'm just really excited about anything, no matter how ridiculous, that would allow us to dump moreno)

Buck has always been pretty solid. Even after his knees went to crap, he's still pretty good. Just makes you wonder how good he could have been if he never got injured.

He was always underappreciated in Philly. He's a solid #2 back. Especially in that system, he fits it well.

[LonghornsLegend]

Strong feeling that he lands in Houston. They need another back with Slaton, he is from Texas. Just seems like a great match to me.

Thing is though, supposedly Houston isn't really interested in him. At least that's the word out of camp, but it's a bit hard to believe when they were still fooling with Ahman Green only a year ago and their RB situation hasn't improved one bit since that time. Hard to believe LT is worse then him, but maybe their ready to go after a rookie back and stop messing with over the hill RB's.

[Don Vito]

Can't see him anywhere besides SD, and I especially can't see him ever wanting to come to NE.

[SwagU]

Thing is though, supposedly Houston isn't really interested in him. At least that's the word out of camp, but it's a bit hard to believe when they were still fooling with Ahman Green only a year ago and their RB situation hasn't improved one bit since that time. Hard to believe LT is worse then him, but maybe their ready to go after a rookie back and stop messing with over the hill RB's.

I think they have their main young back in Slaton, only thing is I don't think Slaton is ready yet to carry a full load. I don't think LT is as over the hill as Green was when he signed with them, and I believe that LT would be a great 2nd back in that offense and a great mentor to Slaton.

[Splat]

L.T. now aims for a championship (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/22/lt-now-aims-for-a-championship/)

[Jimmy]

I dont know why... (as a broncos fan) but Part of me will miss getting demolished by this man 2 times a season.

[frubulubu]

L.T. to Philly and Westy to SD....no, not really.

[holt_bruce81]

What are the chances he retires? I remember him like 2-3 years ago saying he wants to retire on top, not as some backup.

[V.I.P]

Heard on ESPN he wants a team with a proven QB.

So here are some possible locations that i narrowed it down to:

1. Patriots - Brady
2. Green Bay - Rodgers
3. Texans - Schaub

[Xenos]

i'd love to play buckhalter more. he's actually pretty good. if we could team him and hillis, we'd be set.

i think LDT would do ok, as long as we never gave him the ball on 4 straight plays at the goalline against anyone but our own defense. (i really don't, i'm just really excited about anything, no matter how ridiculous, that would allow us to dump moreno)

Considering that LT is still gold in the goal line.....I wouldn't be too opposed to that idea of giving it to him near the goal line 4 straight times.

[bhaarat316]

Heard on ESPN he wants a team with a proven QB.

So here are some possible locations that i narrowed it down to:

1. Patriots - Brady
2. Green Bay - Rodgers
3. Texans - Schaub

Eagles
Steelers
Giants
Ravens
Atlanta- ahhaha how odd would that be LT backing up Turner now.

[P-L]

I could see him running for 1,500. He's still got it.
He's only done that three times in his career and his last 1500 yard season was 2006.

[Flyboy]

If Saints lose Bell and PT, we could sign him to come with Brees :)

I highly, highly doubt we lose PT. He's integral to our offense.

[Whistler6]

I thought one day LT would break Emmitt's record.

I'm still holding onto my 37 Barry Sanders cards believing he will eventually become the NFL's all-time leading rusher. Denial is a *****.

[boknows34]

I could see him running for 1,500. He's still got it.

Sadly, I'm not even sure if he'll get 1,500 for the rest of his career.

[boknows34]

I'm still holding onto my 37 Barry Sanders cards believing he will eventually become the NFL's all-time leading rusher. Denial is a *****.


Barry would have done a Jerry Rice to the career rushing record on a better team imo. Can we just add the yards Barry Jr will gain from 2015 onwards to the 15,269 of his dad. :)

[stephenson86]

LT to the Skins?

[frubulubu]

Barry would have done a Jerry Rice to the career rushing record on a better team imo. Can we just add the yards Barry Jr will gain from 2015 onwards to the 15,269 of his dad. :)

Barry has a son playing ball?

[ViperVisor]

Skip Bayless says he isn't a HOFer by his standard.

Cites postseason performances.

[boknows34]

Barry has a son playing ball?


Just finished his sophomore season at Heritage Hall in Oklahoma City - the same school as Wes Welker.

Barry Jr scoring 3 TDs in the 2A State final 2008 as a freshman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dplei_bV_SI
(watch the TD celebration)

Sophomore Highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z9q4rKTjrY

Interviews as a sophomore:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh7WUvdQ56k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exVmF-AyTnM

Looks like, talks like him, laughs like him. My god, fingers crossed he's going to run like him too. He's already 3 inches taller than his dad.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/football/recruiting/player-Barry-Sanders-91034

Lions fans. Start your 2015 mock drafts now. :)

[boknows34]

Skip Bayless says he isn't a HOFer by his standard.

Cites postseason performances.


Would Bayless put Trent Dilfer in the HOF I wonder? He'd probably vote for Jim Plunkett ahead of Dan Marino too. Thank god Bayless is not a voter and never will be with comments like that.

[CC.SD]

Chargers.com put up the 21 best memories of 21.

http://www.chargers.com/news/article-1/21-best-memories-of-21/875a7f7d-755a-4c29-a9b4-de258b19f811

Obviously Bayless is just trying to get some attention, there's no HoF debate here.

[bigbluedefense]

I honestly don't think LDT lands anywhere. His ego won't allow him to be a complimentary back.

And quite frankly, he's washed up. No team should invest in him when RBs come a dime a dozen in the draft. He should just retire. I don't want to see him end his career the way Edge did.

[yourfavestoner]

Just finished his sophomore season at Heritage Hall in Oklahoma City - the same school as Wes Welker.

Barry Jr scoring 3 TDs in the 2A State final 2008 as a freshman.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dplei_bV_SI
(watch the TD celebration)

Sophomore Highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z9q4rKTjrY

Interviews as a sophomore:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh7WUvdQ56k
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exVmF-AyTnM

Looks like, talks like him, laughs like him. My god, fingers crossed he's going to run like him too. He's already 3 inches taller than his dad.

http://rivals.yahoo.com/highschool/football/recruiting/player-Barry-Sanders-91034

Lions fans. Start your 2015 mock drafts now. :)

Kelvin Taylor (Fred Taylor's son)>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Barry Sanders, Jr

Started as an 8th grader for a varsity prep school. As an 8th grader, he was 5'11 205 lbs.

jOofciEpF9I

http://highschool.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=850677

[bigbluedefense]

has there ever been a great father/son RB duo in the NFL?

[yourfavestoner]

has there ever been a great father/son RB duo in the NFL?

Marion Barber Jr/III? Neither one of them is/was great. Or even that good...

[bigbluedefense]

Marion Barber Jr/III? Neither one of them is/was great. Or even that good...

Barber was nasty for like 3 years before he became a walking bruise.

I guess that sort of counts.

[Splat]

I honestly don't think LDT lands anywhere.

I disagree.

I'm not saying he isn't done but I will be shocked if some team doesn't give him a shot.

[703SKINS202]

Skip Bayless says he isn't a HOFer by his standard.

Cites postseason performances.
While there is no doubt he is a first ballot HOFer, Skip is right about his poor postseasons. His postseason numbers are pretty putrid actually. I know a lot of people will say he was injured in a lot of those games but still he could have played in some, especially with title shots being so hard to come by. My guess is he will try to latch on with a SB contender who's willing to give him more than just 3rd back duties.

[Splat]

LT is a first ballot HOF'er for sure the main reason he didn't play great in the playoffs was do to the fact he gave everything he had to give by the time they got there.

[yourfavestoner]

I disagree.

I'm not saying he isn't done but I will be shocked if some team doesn't give him a shot.

It'll be Seattle.

They'll have replaced Shaun Alexander with Edgerrin James with Ladainian Tomlinson. It's like a convention for washed up runningbacks!

[703SKINS202]

LT is a first ballot HOF'er for sure the main reason he didn't play great in the playoffs was do to the fact he gave everything he had to give by the time they got there.
When I look back at LT and compare him to the greats, I always just was bothered by the way he performed in the postseason. I think it boiled down to his leadership qualities and maturity. Even though he was injured you got to get in the game and at least try, its a shot at a SB, something that may only come once in your lifetime The way he acted in the colts playoff game was immature and that stupid dancing video he put out this year only confirms to me that he just doesn't get it. The greats are defined by titles not just career numbers. I know Chargers fans will blast me for this but this is just the way I have always felt.

[Splat]

The greats are defined by titles not just career numbers.

If he was a QB I would agree but he is a RB so not so much.

[bigbluedefense]

When I look back at LT and compare him to the greats, I always just was bothered by the way he performed in the postseason. I think it boiled down to his leadership qualities and maturity. Even though he was injured you got to get in the game and at least try, its a shot at a SB, something that may only come once in your lifetime The way he acted in the colts playoff game was immature and that stupid dancing video he put out this year only confirms to me that he just doesn't get it. The greats are defined by titles not just career numbers. I know Chargers fans will blast me for this but this is just the way I have always felt.

I actually agree with this to an extent. As great as LDT was, and he was great, he was very underwhelming as a postseason back.

Now granted, thats not all his fault, but some of it is. When we talk about the all time greats, you have to be more than just a great regular season guy.

He had no defining post season moments, and his willingness to take himself out when hurt in big moments hurts him in my eyes as well.

I really soured on him when he became full of himself. His own downfall came after the Patriots playoff game, when he ate up all the media love he was getting and became full of himself. His career went downhill from there.

1 of the greats for sure, but i wouldn't put him in the top 5. He needed to have more career defining games to be a top 5 guy.

[FlyingElvis]

I hate to say it, but they should have done it 2 years ago.

AJ Smith knew it. He just didn't have the balls to do it. LDT has been washed up for 2 years now.

Great career though, and a first ballot HOFer. I liked him until he whined after losing to the Pats in the playoffs, then mentioning to everyone how he's a classy guy. That was the point in time when LDT officially became full of himself, and thats when his career started to go downhill.

Just +rep'd for something else, but this (and a few others across threads) is dead on. Though I actually like the fact that AJ kept him on as long as he could. It seem like AJ was holding out hope that LT would actually stick to his "I want to go out on top" claims.

Skip Bayless says he isn't a HOFer by his standard.

Cites postseason performances.

Skip Bayless is, was, and always will be a giant douchenozzle who only speaks b/c he has an adolescent need to gain attention.

[703SKINS202]

I actually agree with this to an extent. As great as LDT was, and he was great, he was very underwhelming as a postseason back.

Now granted, thats not all his fault, but some of it is. When we talk about the all time greats, you have to be more than just a great regular season guy.

He had no defining post season moments, and his willingness to take himself out when hurt in big moments hurts him in my eyes as well.

I really soured on him when he became full of himself. His own downfall came after the Patriots playoff game, when he ate up all the media love he was getting and became full of himself. His career went downhill from there.

1 of the greats for sure, but i wouldn't put him in the top 5. He needed to have more career defining games to be a top 5 guy.
Well said, those were pretty much my thoughts as well.

[Splat]

Skip Bayless is, was, and always will be a giant douchenozzle who only speaks b/c he has an adolescent need to gain attention.

Pretty much.

[B-Dawk]

I'm not sure i buy postseason as a great way to evaluate a RB, it's not like a QB where they are in control of the game. Look at Barry Sanders for example


1991 dal W,38-6 | 12 69 1 | 5 30 0
1991 was L,10-41 | 11 44 0 | 4 15 0
1993 gnb L,24-28 | 27 169 0 | 2 0 0
1994 gnb L,12-16 | 13 -1 0 | 3 4 0
1995 phi L,37-58 | 10 40 0 | 2 19 0
1997 tam L,10-20 | 18 65 0 | 5 43 0

[thenewfeature06]

Apparently, Chargers could sign Thomas Jones to replace him. IMO Id select a back in the draft. And then after the draft pick up a back.

[Matthew Jones]

Don't want this guy in New England. What would we use him for, three yards a carry during the season and keeping the seats of our stationary bikes warm during the playoffs?

[FlyingElvis]

Don't want this guy in New England. What would we use him for, three yards a carry during the season and keeping the seats of our stationary bikes warm during the playoffs?

Yeah, I roll my eyes every time I hear some talking head mention how LT could fill a "Faulk-like role" in NE.

Um, why would we need someone else to fill the role NAMED for the guy we have on our roster?

[CC.SD]

I actually agree with this to an extent. As great as LDT was, and he was great, he was very underwhelming as a postseason back.

Now granted, thats not all his fault, but some of it is. When we talk about the all time greats, you have to be more than just a great regular season guy.

He had no defining post season moments, and his willingness to take himself out when hurt in big moments hurts him in my eyes as well.

I really soured on him when he became full of himself. His own downfall came after the Patriots playoff game, when he ate up all the media love he was getting and became full of himself. His career went downhill from there.

1 of the greats for sure, but i wouldn't put him in the top 5. He needed to have more career defining games to be a top 5 guy.

This is out of whack. Where were the opportunities for Ladainian in the postseason? Say what you want about him but he was injured. 2004 and 2006 he had absolutely terrific games in the postseason, look them up, but the team lost, thanks Kaeding, so glad you're apparently a Charger for life.

2007, he had a busted knee. 'willingness to take himself out when hurt in big moments hurts him'.........okay. I mean if you are an injured RB, what are you supposed to do? It wasn't a boo boo, it was an MCL. In 2008 the same thing happened, a Colt turned his knee around. By this year he was done.

So those are the postseason games. He was injured by the time the team around him was set, his early career domination was on some pretty horrible teams.

You ask for more career defining games, but honestly the idea that anyone could question Ladainian's qualifications is a little ridiculous to me, and a clear example of taking recent history and using it to coat over his whole career.

He will always be the #1 back of this decade. #2 all time in rushing touchdowns, #1 in single season points and touchdowns all time, 100 catch season, fastest RB to reach ____ yards, year after year after year. He's busted so many clutch runs to seal games, even on crappy teams, that anyone who says he's not defined just hasn't been paying attention.

It's enough that he's done, and hasn't been all that effective in recent years, but now his achievements are being snubbed and that's wrong.

[GoRavens]

I see LT and Brian Westbrook drawing a ton of attention from Seattle, and Detroit... Pete could go after a proven all-star runningback, like Tomlinson, and Detroit could use some versatility (Westbrook) to their backfield as well..

[bigbluedefense]

This is out of whack. Where were the opportunities for Ladainian in the postseason? Say what you want about him but he was injured. 2004 and 2006 he had absolutely terrific games in the postseason, look them up, but the team lost, thanks Kaeding, so glad you're apparently a Charger for life.

2007, he had a busted knee. 'willingness to take himself out when hurt in big moments hurts him'.........okay. I mean if you are an injured RB, what are you supposed to do? It wasn't a boo boo, it was an MCL. In 2008 the same thing happened, a Colt turned his knee around. By this year he was done.

So those are the postseason games. He was injured by the time the team around him was set, his early career domination was on some pretty horrible teams.

You ask for more career defining games, but honestly the idea that anyone could question Ladainian's qualifications is a little ridiculous to me, and a clear example of taking recent history and using it to coat over his whole career.

He will always be the #1 back of this decade. #2 all time in rushing touchdowns, #1 in single season points and touchdowns all time, 100 catch season, fastest RB to reach ____ yards, year after year after year. He's busted so many clutch runs to seal games, even on crappy teams, that anyone who says he's not defined just hasn't been paying attention.

It's enough that he's done, and hasn't been all that effective in recent years, but now his achievements are being snubbed and that's wrong.

You're right. He is the best back of the decade. I'm not questioning that at all.

But when you compare him to the all time greats, thats when unfortunately you have to critique the guy in unjust ways at times. Because it's hard for me to call him a top 5 back of all time with his current qualifications. I think his lack of success in the playoffs as a whole, regardless of the reasons, are valid to excuse him from the top 5 discussion.

Again, 1st ballot HOFer, incredible back, best of this decade. But when we talk about top 5 of all time, you have to bring more to the table than LDT did. Thats all I'm saying.

Its not a knock on LDT per say, there are a ton of incredible backs out there, which is why i can't put him in the top 5 of all time.

That's all I'm saying.

He has great #s for sure, but when we talk about top 5 guys, I just don't think he's 1 of those guys.

Top 10? Absolutely. Somewhere in that 6-10 range. Just not top 5.

[yourfavestoner]

You're right. He is the best back of the decade. I'm not questioning that at all.

But when you compare him to the all time greats, thats when unfortunately you have to critique the guy in unjust ways at times. Because it's hard for me to call him a top 5 back of all time with his current qualifications. I think his lack of success in the playoffs as a whole, regardless of the reasons, are valid to excuse him from the top 5 discussion.

Again, 1st ballot HOFer, incredible back, best of this decade. But when we talk about top 5 of all time, you have to bring more to the table than LDT did. Thats all I'm saying.

Its not a knock on LDT per say, there are a ton of incredible backs out there, which is why i can't put him in the top 5 of all time.

That's all I'm saying.

He has great #s for sure, but when we talk about top 5 guys, I just don't think he's 1 of those guys.

Top 10? Absolutely. Somewhere in that 6-10 range. Just not top 5.

This brings me to a point I was going to make when the RB GOAT vote came up...

How the hell is Eric Dickerson not considered a top 3 running back of All-Time? You'll see him shoved in there somewhere in the top 10 usually, but he's never in the discussion for GOAT.

[bigbluedefense]

This brings me to a point I was going to make when the RB GOAT vote came up...

How the hell is Eric Dickerson not considered a top 3 running back of All-Time? You'll see him shoved in there somewhere in the top 10 usually, but he's never in the discussion for GOAT.

he's not?

he's in my top 5 for sure.

Jim Brown
Barry Sanders
Walter Payton
Eric Dickerson
OJ Simpson

Jim Brown is my clearcut #1. The other 4 you can mix and match in a variety of ways.

[yourfavestoner]

he's not?

he's in my top 5 for sure.

Jim Brown
Barry Sanders
Walter Payton
Eric Dickerson
OJ Simpson

Jim Brown is my clearcut #1. The other 4 you can mix and match in a variety of ways.

Completely agree with you. However, it seems like most people have some combination of either LT/Emmitt Smith/Tony Dorsett/Marcus Allen ahead of Dickerson All-Time.

I also wish Earl Campbell wouldn't have gotten run into the ground in 4 years. He's the closest thing we've seen to Jim Brown.

[bigbluedefense]

Completely agree with you. However, it seems like most people have some combination of either LT/Emmitt Smith/Tony Dorsett/Marcus Allen ahead of Dickerson All-Time.

I also wish Earl Campbell wouldn't have gotten run into the ground in 4 years. He's the closest thing we've seen to Jim Brown.

Campbell could have possibly been better than Brown. Its a shame what happened to him.

Dickerson was much better than all those guys you mentioned. I think what hurt Dickerson was how the latter part of his career was mediocre. If the guy didn't screw up the end of his career, he couldve been the GOAT.

OJ Simpson is another guy who doesn't get the recognition he deserves bc...well...you know.

[Splat]

Report: Sproles won't be back on one-year deal (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/23/report-sproles-wont-be-back-on-one-year-deal/)

Looking pretty thin at RB.

[CC.SD]

Report: Sproles won't be back on one-year deal (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/23/report-sproles-wont-be-back-on-one-year-deal/)

Looking pretty thin at RB.

Choo choo time to get on the Deangelo Williams/Jonathan Dwyer train.

[Splat]

Sporles can come back up Jamaal Charlezzzzzzz forget smash and dash will just have dash and dash... :)

[Bengalsrocket]

he's not?

he's in my top 5 for sure.

Jim Brown
Barry Sanders
Walter Payton
Eric Dickerson
OJ Simpson

Jim Brown is my clearcut #1. The other 4 you can mix and match in a variety of ways.

Barry Sanders made the play offs like 5 times in his career and the team only won 1 or 2 of those games. Doesn't he fall into the same category as Tomlinson for lack of "career defining games"?

[George Lippard]

Dwyer on the Chargers would be pure sex.

[Malaka]

I think if Spiller falls to the Chargers some sexiness would ensue. He would replace all facets of the game they need, return-man, 3rd down back etc. They'd probably need to to draft a late round thumper or sign a vet to help share the load. I think RB is far and away the #1 need for San Diego.

[Don Vito]

Not only do I not really want to see LT here but I just could never see it happening.

[TitanHope]

Sporles can come back up Jamaal Charlezzzzzzz forget smash and dash will just have dash and dash... :)

If they had gettin' away from the cops speed, they could be Dine 'N Dash!

*badum ching*

:cool:

[vidae]

If they had gettin' away from the cops speed, they could be Dine 'N Dash!

*badum ching*

:cool:

Ohhhhhhhhh I see what you did there :)

[Saints-Tigers]

Anyone that watched Barry doesn't need anything other than their two eyes to tell you he was better. Barry was ******* incredible.

[CC.SD]

the fact that barry played on a **** team likely plays a role. not that the chargers were all world every year for ldt but:

Tomlinson

5-11 No Playoffs
8-8 No Playoffs
4-12 No Playoffs
12-4 Played Great
9-7 No Playoffs
14-2 Dominated
11-5 Injured
8-8 Injured
13-3 Leading rusher was Sproles


I would never argue Ladainian over Barry but playoffs have never been a serious factor in RB comparisons to my knowledge. The guy had some untimely injuries and a bunch of bad teams early on. That was a big part of the 'all pro' comparisons, I mean LT turned in a 1600 yard rush, 100 catch season and didn't meake the Pro bowl in 2003.

and nj, you can't remember ANY Ladainian runs? Come on now. The single season record breaker even came against Denver.

/\that 8-8 'playoff' season is quite the sore thumb. :D

[Bengalsrocket]

Alright, calm down everybody. I never once said that Tomlinson was a better back, I suggested that Sanders never had any career defining games. If we're talking about regular season beat downs, Tomlinson had plenty of those. A career defining game should mean a game of more importance than a regular season slaughter which largely depends on the defense of your opponent.

I know Sanders was a better back, but to suggest that Tomlinson doesn't belong in the same category of him because of career defining games is silly. There are plenty of reasons why Sanders is better than Tomlinson, however this just isn't one of them.

despite nxj9 quoting me, he makes my point for me. It's all the other amazing things that Barry did that makes him better.

[P-L]

Barry's Thanksgiving game against the Bears wasn't a career defining game? Does a game have to be in the playoffs to be career defining?

[CC.SD]

i was perfectly calm. it just sounded like the kind of point that hundreds of people who were born in the last decade would love to glom onto. so i intentionally forestalled that discussion. =P



i dunno. if we're going to argue them for qbs, why not? it's arguably as important to marino's career as it is to, say, barry's.



i might've confused "can't" with "refuse to".

but seriously, i can't think of a single LDT run that compares to the standard nfl films sanders highlight (the big spin move), for instance.



stabstabstab.

Hm I'm probably not the best person to ask for individual LT highlights that stand out because I could throw a few dozen out...personal fave is probably turning Ty Law into dust, in open space. The man sat down on the field.

WPufd3lGljw
RCwr2fkO8J8

Some good ones up there. LT was a cutback runner so he left a wholllle bunch of people staring at nothing, that little sideways hop step he could pull off without losing forward momentum...insane. Plus his stiff arm was sick. All contributed to some amazing looking runs.

as for playoffs, I donno, I think it's not so much a factor for RBs because there are just so very many phenomenal players at that position who didn't achieve much postseason success.

[boknows34]

Barry Sanders made the play offs like 5 times in his career and the team only won 1 or 2 of those games. Doesn't he fall into the same category as Tomlinson for lack of "career defining games"?


Sanders' 6 games is too small a sample imo. Walter Payton played 9 games in the postseason and has the same number of 100 yd games as Barry - 1. Payton's career playoff ypc was also 3.51 compared to Barry's 4.24. Even Jim Brown had a 3.65 ypc, one 100-yd game and just 1 TD in 4 postseason games including a game of 8 yds on 7 att.

Nobody seems to penalise Gale Sayers who never even played a postseason game in his career. Sayers (and Butkus) of course had the misfortune of being stuck on some dreadful teams.

Walter's Bears (pre 1984) and Barry's Lions were never built to go far in the playoffs. Those teams were often just about good enough to reach the playoffs but go no further when faced against superior opposition (often on the road). Sometimes those teams were only in the playoffs because of Payton and Sanders. An example being Payton's Bears getting crushed 37-7 by a far better Dallas team in 1977 after Payton had the best season of his career. In fact Payton didn't notch his first playoff win until he was 30.

I can also remember Detroit giving up 41 and 58 pts to Washington and Philadelphia in the playoffs in the 90s. Both times Sanders was effectively taken out of the game and never allowed to get into a rhythm with only 11 and 10 carries respectively. Can't blame Barry for the Lions throwing 6 interceptions against the Eagles and going into HT down 38-7. Even when Dallas got beaten badly by the Lions in the 1991 playoffs the Cowboys swarmed around Sanders. Their gameplan that day was if the Lions are going to beat us they will have to do it with the pass, which Detroit duly did when Erik Kramer had the game of his life.

Tomlinson had much stronger teams around him during his prime. He had the franchise QB (two in fact) that Sanders and Payton never had.

[Bengalsrocket]

Sanders' 6 games is too small a sample imo. Walter Payton played 9 games in the postseason and has the same number of 100 yd games as Barry - 1. Payton's career playoff ypc was also 3.51 compared to Barry's 4.24. Even Jim Brown had a 3.65 ypc, one 100-yd game and just 1 TD in 4 postseason games including a game of 8 yds on 7 att.

Nobody seems to penalise Gale Sayers who never even played a postseason game in his career. Sayers (and Butkus) of course had the misfortune of being stuck on some dreadful teams.

Walter's Bears (pre 1984) and Barry's Lions were never built to go far in the playoffs. Those teams were often just about good enough to reach the playoffs but go no further when faced against superior opposition (often on the road). Sometimes those teams were only in the playoffs because of Payton and Sanders. An example being Payton's Bears getting crushed 37-7 by a far better Dallas team in 1977 after Payton had the best season of his career. In fact Payton didn't notch his first playoff win until he was 30.

I can also remember Detroit giving up 41 and 58 pts to Washington and Philadelphia in the playoffs in the 90s. Both times Sanders was effectively taken out of the game and never allowed to get into a rhythm with only 11 and 10 carries respectively. Can't blame Barry for the Lions throwing 6 interceptions against the Eagles and going into HT down 38-7. Even when Dallas got beaten badly by the Lions in the 1991 playoffs the Cowboys swarmed around Sanders. Their gameplan that day was if the Lions are going to beat us they will have to do it with the pass, which Detroit duly did when Erik Kramer had the game of his life.

Tomlinson had much stronger teams around him during his prime. He had the franchise QB (two in fact) that Sanders and Payton never had.

I don't blame Payton or Sanders for their lack of team success. I just don't think Tomlinson should be blamed either. Even if Tomlinson had better teams around him, he can't control how his teammates perform, the way the ball bounces, the scheme and game plan, etc. etc.

Again, I'm not comparing Barry Sanders to LaDainian Tomlinson as players. I just don't think you can make an excuse to exclude one from the list of top 5 backs and then arbitrarily decide to skip that excuse for another guy.

[Basileus777]

Yeah, I roll my eyes every time I hear some talking head mention how LT could fill a "Faulk-like role" in NE.

Um, why would we need someone else to fill the role NAMED for the guy we have on our roster?

Tomlinson is no longer a good receiver, he's not even capable of filling a Faulk like role. People are vastly overestimating how much he has left, the guy was one of the worst running backs in the league last year.

[Ness]

When I look back at LT and compare him to the greats, I always just was bothered by the way he performed in the postseason. I think it boiled down to his leadership qualities and maturity. Even though he was injured you got to get in the game and at least try, its a shot at a SB, something that may only come once in your lifetime The way he acted in the colts playoff game was immature and that stupid dancing video he put out this year only confirms to me that he just doesn't get it. The greats are defined by titles not just career numbers. I know Chargers fans will blast me for this but this is just the way I have always felt.

Well during the time he was injured in the playoffs he may have just been a hindrance. Sometimes a man's will won't do the impossible.

[bolts2388]

in HD
PhNhehBHurQ

hopefully this guy can take over for the chargers

CJ Spiller
http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/30/309827.jpg

[yourfavestoner]

Hm I'm probably not the best person to ask for individual LT highlights that stand out because I could throw a few dozen out...personal fave is probably turning Ty Law into dust, in open space. The man sat down on the field.

WPufd3lGljw
RCwr2fkO8J8

Some good ones up there. LT was a cutback runner so he left a wholllle bunch of people staring at nothing, that little sideways hop step he could pull off without losing forward momentum...insane. Plus his stiff arm was sick. All contributed to some amazing looking runs.

as for playoffs, I donno, I think it's not so much a factor for RBs because there are just so very many phenomenal players at that position who didn't achieve much postseason success.

He stole that hopstep from Fred Taylor :P

[bigbluedefense]

Barry Sanders made the play offs like 5 times in his career and the team only won 1 or 2 of those games. Doesn't he fall into the same category as Tomlinson for lack of "career defining games"?

the fact that barry played on a **** team likely plays a role. not that the chargers were all world every year for ldt but:

Tomlinson

5-11
8-8
4-12
12-4
9-7
14-2
11-5
8-8
13-3

84-60
58.3%

Sanders

7-9
6-10
12-4
5-11
10-6
9-7
10-6
5-11
9-7
5-11

78-82
48.7%

further, it seems silly to suggest barry doesn't have career defining games. i can remember at least ten distinct sanders RUNS, let alone games, that could define his career. i can't remember any for tomlinson. which isn't to say he wasn't a fantastic player. but that we're talking about arguably the all-time best player vs. a top5-10 guy. *shrug*

sanders was a 6 time first team all-pro (to LDT's 3), averaged over 5ypc 5 times (LDT did that once), had the 'magic' 2000 yard season, and led the league in rushing on four occasions, in spite of playing alongside better running backs, while LDT only did it twice.

which isn't to say stats are everything in the argument. simply that LDT falls short in nearly every visible category for comparison (and, imo, every category involving watching the two players, though your miles may vary). thus, he'd need something else to join that 'arguably the best ever' group. and he doesn't have anything else.

*shrug* again, nothing against LDT. i tend to agree with bbd's assessment is all.


This^

No running back outside perhaps Jim Brown carried his team more than Barry Sanders. You may have heard me say in the past how his vision is extremely overrated as a back (it was), but that doesn't discount how great he was.

I mean, come on, he played for Detroit.

Detroit.

The only reason why they were half decent then was bc he was on the team. He eventually retired in disgust bc he knew he'd probably shatter every record if he played for a good team.

[Splat]

L.T. says he can play four more years (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/24/lt-says-he-can-play-four-more-years/)

And.

"Contrary to his prior suggestion that he wants to play for a contender (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/22/lt-now-aims-for-a-championship/), Tomlinson said, "I don't have to win now," and that he'd be happy to join a team that's on the rise and headed in the right direction."

[CC.SD]

L.T. says he can play four more years (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/24/lt-says-he-can-play-four-more-years/)

And.

"Contrary to his prior suggestion that he wants to play for a contender (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/02/22/lt-now-aims-for-a-championship/), Tomlinson said, "I don't have to win now," and that he'd be happy to join a team that's on the rise and headed in the right direction."

Sounds like the initial feelers were not very positive. Sigh.

[Whistler6]

LT's farewell press conference was very touching, until Junior Seau interrupted it to unretire

[MichaelJordanEberle (sabf)]

With much, much respect to Ladainian, I changed the title.

I guess I'll kinda miss him, tbh. A football season just won't seem right without Ladainian killing us late in the season and ending our playoff hopes. At least they still have Rivers though. All is not lost for our ineptitude.

[yourfavestoner]

With much, much respect to Ladainian, I changed the title.

I guess I'll kinda miss him, tbh. A football season just won't seem right without Ladainian killing us late in the season and ending our playoff hopes. At least they still have Rivers though. All is not lost for our ineptitude.

Chill out, dude. You have Josh McDaniels, Knowshon Moreno, and Robert Ayers to save the franchise.

[DoughBoy]

And Alphonso Smith. You cant forget Alphonso.

[niel89]

And thank god Kyle Orton is a Restricted Free Agent

[M.O.T.H.]

LDT? Really?

Come onnnn. If anyone could share the LT nickname it's LaDainian Tomlinson. w/e that's just me, though. It's not like he's a 1st ballot hall of famer or anything. :) And...they are his initials too.

[TitanHope]

LDT? Boooooooo!!! BOOOOOOOO!!!

[The Unseen]

how much did BBD pay SABF to change the title

[MichaelJordanEberle (sabf)]

There was no money exchanged, if ya catch my drift ;)

But yeah, you can also look at the LDT nickname as a sign of respect. As great as he is, he's not as great as the original LT. Why leave him in LT's shadow when he can be the one and only LDT?

[Bengalsrocket]

LDT? Really?

Come onnnn. If anyone could share the LT nickname it's LaDainian Tomlinson. w/e that's just me, though. It's not like he's a 1st ballot hall of famer or anything. :) And...they are his initials too.

Personally when I saw the title I thought Lawrence Taylor came out of retirement, joined the Chargers and then they released him. I'm glad they changed it to clear up my confusion.

[bantx]

its LT **** it!

[CC.SD]

With much, much respect to Ladainian, I changed the title.


There was no money exchanged, if ya catch my drift ;)

But yeah, you can also look at the LDT nickname as a sign of respect. As great as he is, he's not as great as the original LT. Why leave him in LT's shadow when he can be the one and only LDT?

Are you kidding, what a random and arbitrary cheap shot. You're better than that.

[TitanHope]

The Chargers made LT cry. :(

Go **** yourself, San Diego! :mad:


(PS. CHANGE THE TITLE BACK!!! HARRUMPH!!! HARRUMPH I SAY!!!)

[CC.SD]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft10/news/story?id=4946962

Lions after Ladainian. Please just retire.

[vidae]

I would cry tears of joy if Rivers somehow found himself out of the AFC West.

And ps, what was wrong with the title to begin with?

[MichaelJordanEberle (sabf)]

BBD rubbed off on me too much over the years I guess, so I changed the title from LT to LDT. And then njx saw the real solution, which was to not be lazy.

[bored of education]

In such a short career 9 years(all time ranks)
Rushing Yards 12490 (8)
Rushing Tds 138 (2)
Rush yards per game 88.6 (7)
total td Career 153 (3)
yards from scrimmage 16445 (9)
along with 550 receptions
also being one of the top two at a position for 6 of those 9 years its pretty good
is he a top 5 rb no. is he top 10.
we could play the game of ifs, he has 4 years left average 8 tds, 600 yards then he will be 4th all time rushing yards, 1st in rushing tds.
but i wont play the if game.

[bantx]

it didnt even needed to be changed in the 1st place anyways

[Addict]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft10/news/story?id=4946962

Lions after Ladainian. Please just retire.

although I'd love to see tomlinson in a lions jersey (een though he'll be royally overpaid) I agree that for his career it'd be better to just retire.

Is he still a good receiving back?

[CC.SD]

although I'd love to see tomlinson in a lions jersey (een though he'll be royally overpaid) I agree that for his career it'd be better to just retire.

Is he still a good receiving back?

I want to say yes, because even though he hasn't been very good at it lately, the reasons are so stupid. He bobbles balls, slips, doesn't lay out...really correctable problems. But since they've been happening consistently, the answer is no.

[Splat]

Maybe its just the fan in me talking but I don't think LT is 100% done he will never be the player he was but I feel he can still play.

[bigbluedefense]

The payment was made in pictures ;)

No but seriously, I didn't ask anyone to change the title or anything. For me personally, there is only 1 LT.

But thats just me.


Anyway, back on topic, I just realized the Chargers are in all likelihood going to have 2 rookie RBs playing for them next year.

If I'm a DC, I attack that RB in pass protection on 3rd down until he proves he can pick it up.

That could be an issue for them unless they find a polished guy coming out. Or maybe they grab Mike Bell for some veteran experience?

[San Diego Chicken]

Maybe its just the fan in me talking but I don't think LT is 100% done he will never be the player he was but I feel he can still play.

I tend to agree with you. Last year, the Chargers run blocking was awful - the worst I've seen in years. It wasn't just Tomlinson who struggled - Sproles averages 4.5 YPC for his career and he only mustered 3.7 this year. I feel LT could get back around 4.0 with a team that is more committed to the run, and just maybe have another 1000 yard season.

Speaking of Sproles, the Chargers decided not to tender him today, so he'll either be extended or walk as a UFA.

[CC.SD]

I tend to agree with you. Last year, the Chargers run blocking was awful - the worst I've seen in years. It wasn't just Tomlinson who struggled - Sproles averages 4.5 YPC for his career and he only mustered 3.7 this year. I feel LT could get back around 4.0 with a team that is more committed to the run, and just maybe have another 1000 yard season.

Speaking of Sproles, the Chargers decided not to tender him today, so he'll either be extended or walk as a UFA.

He'll walk, I'd stake...lots on it. Somebody will pay him as a valued weapon, if not a feature back.

I don't think Chargers will go into the season with rookies at the RB1 and RB2 spots. I'm sure one of the vets will eventually drift on over to be paired with a rookie.

[bigbluedefense]

I think letting him walk is the right move. I honestly think Sproles is the product of the system out there.

That passing game and those weapons are so deadly, you have to drop everyone back in coverage, and little ol Sproles and his speed makes for a great checkdown for Rivers, but that's really his main game right there.

Sure he can do some running too and kickoff returns, but once SD gets a real RB in there (and a real FB) that offense will be damn near impossible to stop.

Ive said it before during the season, and I'll say it again. The Chargers in my eyes, not the Saints, have the best weapons and system on offense in the league.

Once they get a run game they'll be scary good offensively.