Checkdown Chatter

After 9 seasons LaDainian Tomlinson and the Chargers will part ways, it was announced Feb 22.

Well, that’s it, LT is electric glide-in’ out of San Diego.

We knew it was coming, but today its official, the Chargers have released one of the greatest backs in NFL history. Tomlinson leaves the Chargers in possession of the single season touchdown record, an MVP trophy (‘06), two rushing crowns, career #2 in rushing TDs, #3 in total touchdowns and a slew of other accolades. What he doesn’t have is a SuperBowl title.

As San Diego gears up for next years’ SuperBowl run without their top rusher, they also realize Darren Sproles can’t carry the load as a number one back either, so their left without a true lead rusher, and are apparently willing to part with Antonio Cromartie to find one.

Things aren’t clear for Tomlinson either, who thinks (though his YPC average last season may suggest otherwise) he’s got a few years left in the tank at 30. Someone will likely give him a shot to prove so, but its doubtful he’ll be the #1 back anywhere next year.

Either way – a great career, and great success in bringing San Diego football to prominence. Now, there can be no arguments – this is Phillip Rivers’ team, and its up to him to lead the Chargers to post season success.

Looks like Tomlinson has more carries coming his way, according to coach Norv Turner

Really?

Yes, it sure seems that way. Despite the fact that this blogger has been promoting the opposite viewpoint all week; the San Diego Union Tribune reports that Turner remains committed to the run, and wants to see an increased role in the offense for LaDainian Tomlinson. I’ve got the utmost respect for Tomlinson as one of the greatest running backs in the history of the NFL – but just as bread goes stale and moldy in the cupboard Tomlinson just isn’t the same back that he once was.

At an average of 3.1 YPC and looking just plain slow at times, more carries for Tomlinson cannot help this Chargers team. They’ve got one of the league’s bets emerging wideouts in Vincent Jackson and a top tier quarterback in Philip Rivers, these two have connected all year in the passing game and are the driving force behind the Chargers offense. Lets hope the focus on the run game doesn’t detract from any of the success these two are having.

I could be wrong – for Tomlinson, I hope that I am, but it just doesn’t seem like a good football move.

Interesting, the article that broke the news goes into detail about how Tomlinson/Sproles are the top paid rush attack in the NFL, and discusses salary per touch, etc. etc. I’d hate to think that this move was motivated by the purse strings, but other than loyalty to Tomlinson’s contributions to the team (which, hasn’t exactly been a historical occurrence in San Diego), there doesn’t seem to be any other explanation. If it were me, I’d rather field a winning product, but, perhaps that’s why I’m on the outside looking in.