Predict the Chargers' RB Depth Chart

by John Gennaro on Jun 14, 2009 6:52 PM PDT

Sorry, running a little short on time today. I am interested to know what you guys think about the running game for the upcoming season though. Will it be like 2008's or 2007's? Maybe something completely different? What role will LaDainian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles, Gartrell Johnson and Jacob Hester play?

If you haven't already read my post about the mileage on LT's body, which may be the cause of his injuries late in each of the past two seasons, I suggest you read it. Afterwords, let me know how you think the RB situation will play out for the Chargers in the upcoming season by voting in the poll below and going into detail in the comments section.

Poll

How do you see the Chargers' RB situation shaping up in 2009?

LT is a workhorse again, other guys fill in sporadically

147 votes

LT splits carries with Sproles, Gartrell is rarely seen

123 votes

Gartrell gets more carries than Sproles, less than LT

63 votes

LT is done, let's make him the backup already

6 votes

339 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

R B situation

I think LT will be the “premier” running back. i think sproles will get some carries to take advantage of his quickness and give LT a breather. But, if he works out, and the chargers are smart, they will let gartrell pound out the third and shorts, fourth and shorts and possibly the third and goal situations. I would also like to see LT throw the ball occasionally like he used to do under marty. If the defense “keys” on the run and leaves receivers open to stop LT, let him throw the ball to keep defenses “honest”.

by irishlad on Jun 14, 2009 7:39 PM PDT reply actions

I agree

Barring injury, I think LT has one more big year in him. Especially if McNeil is truly healthy.

by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jun 14, 2009 8:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Assuming that there is no injury

and even if there is a minor one, LT will be a workhorse again.

by Zach (maestro876) on Jun 14, 2009 8:54 PM PDT reply actions

A healthy LT

still contributes in a big way. He’ll shoulder most of the load again this year, but I do believe that Gartrell will contribute significantly, particularly getting the tough yards inside. Sproles will also get more touches, but I actually think that Gartrell will see more rushing attempts than Sproles, particularly if we get ahead & control the clock.

Anyone counting LT out is in for a surprise, IMO. You can bet that opposing D’s won’t. The key will be how our fat guys in the trenches perform.

If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!

Robert Hunter

by Buck Melanoma on Jun 15, 2009 4:05 AM PDT reply actions

You're all close to my thoughts

1. LT will be the “leading” RB
2. Gartrell will be the RB within the 5 yard line, no matter the down
3. Sproles gets 3-4 carries a game, but is mostly used as a 3rd down back on long drives (to give LT a breather)

"I did not invent the wheel, I was the crooked spoke adjacent." - Aesop Rock

by John Gennaro on Jun 15, 2009 5:33 AM PDT reply actions

Sproles get a little more than 3-4 carries per game

1. LT gets about 16-20 carries per game (got to trim his carries about to 80% of his usual workload, think Fred Taylor level for the Jaguars).
2. Sproles 6-10 carries per game
3. Gartrell gets late game (8-9 in the box carries), and some goaline.

I agree mostly with your thoughts, but the chargers have to get more 3-4 carries from Sproles to make the 6.3 million worth their money, and he deserves more action than that. Sproles is a better back on “third down situations”, so he should get most of the action in the shotgun.

by TJBOLT on Jun 17, 2009 10:31 PM PDT up reply actions