Should the San Diego Chargers Bring Back LaDainian Tomlinson?
by John Gennaro on Jan 13, 2012 10:01 AM PST
in San Diego Chargers Offseason
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PrintThere has been some talk amongst San Diego Chargers fans these days that LaDainian Tomlinson, who is a free agent, should be brought back to the Bolts to serve as the backup RB to Ryan Mathews. Plenty of people that I've talked to think that this is a very good idea. Those people are wrong.
Heavy Load
There's a very good reason that the Jets forced LT to restructure his contract before the 2011 NFL season and take a pay cut: He's not a very good running back anymore. This season was Tomlinson's first with less than 200 carries. He carried the ball only 75 times and still had a hard time staying healthy enough to be on the field. Compare that to the 121 carries by Mike Tolbert (who also had 12 more receptions than Tomlinson) and you can start to see why swapping Tolbert for Tomlinson might be like swapping Steve Gregory for Bob Sanders.
On that same topic of health, Ryan Mathews hasn't proven himself to be the most durable back in the NFL (yet!). Anyone playing the role of backup RB is probably getting a couple of starts for the Chargers in 2012. Tomlinson, who was used almost exclusively on passing downs for the Jets this season, can no longer handle that load.
Performance
Tomlinson rushed for 20 yards per game this season and scored 3 TDs. Tolbert ran for almost 33 yards per game and scored 10 TDs. Anyone that has closely watched Tomlinson's stint with the Jets, as I have, knows that he had flashes of "the old LT" in 2010 but was almost nonexistent in 2011. At this point, he's on an NFL roster for his blocking ability and good hands rather than any running skill. That's not exactly what the Chargers are looking for.
Price
Mike Tolbert and Jacob Hester are both free agents this year. That leaves the Chargers without a Fullback on the roster and with only Curtis Brinkley to back up Ryan Mathews. They're going to need to retain or replace both Hester and Tolbert in terms of the running game, the passing game and Special Teams (where Hester is the captain and Tolbert might be the best player).
Tomlinson would maybe fill Tolbert's shoes in the passing game, but that would leave holes all over the rest of the roster. Even if he were to accept the veteran minimum (which I believe in $925k), he would be way more expensive than a rookie that the Chargers could draft to do essentially the same task. That's not to say the Chargers will try and replace Tolbert and/or Hester with rookies, but it would make more sense to get a one-dimensional player that is cheap and has potential to get better than to sign a one-dimensional player that is expensive and has been heading downhill for years.
Conclusion
People think with their heart more than their brain most of the time. Tomlinson was not well liked in the locker room, he can barely be called a running back anymore, he's expensive and he dislikes both Norv Turner and A.J. Smith. I know he is the favorite player of a lot of Chargers fans, but so was Kellen Winslow Sr. That doesn't mean Winslow show be signed this offseason to replace Randy McMichael.
The Chargers should not, and will not, bring back Tomlinson. He'll either hook on with some team and hope to not get cut in training camp (Jerry Rice with the Broncos, anyone?), or he'll call it a career. I hope, once he does that, the Chargers sign him to a one day contract so that he can retire where he started. However, any contract longer than 24 hours should be kept away from him.
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Comments
sign him!
Then retire him right away.
Then on to Ghost Hunters to hunt down that turf monster.
No way!
Sorry to say but LT is done! It’s like the opponents defense has 12 players out there when the turf is making tackles on him! He is an All-time great Charger and hope he does return to retire as one someday.
At this point in their careers?
There’s no question.
A pirate I was meant to be!
"You say you're nasty pirates,
scheming, thieving, bad bushwackers?
From what I've seen I tell you
You're not pirates, you're just slackers!"
by Zach (maestro876) on Jan 13, 2012 10:25 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
although i am not 'morally opposed' to the idea of signing LT
the chargers are not a team that can afford to keep a bunch of RB on the roster at the expense of other positions. at this point in his career he is more of a coach than a player, and i am not sure if he would be a good coach or not.
also, shonn greene sucks.
that kept LT playing more than he should have.
by chaplinesque on Jan 13, 2012 10:32 AM PST up reply actions
The Jets offense was predictable
Even worse than Norv Turner calling 3 straight Tolbert rush plays at the goal line. Their passing game just wasn’t as big a factor as it should have been. With all that said, I do agree Greene isn’t that good. He’s a borderline starter at best.
"After the first six minutes I was heavily winded"-Andrew Bynum
This is a Big IF
Since the same GM is here that shuttled him out of there.
They don’t get along very well.
It would be a safe signing, but will he do it?
Live work and breathe like an optimist.
I think the whole point of the article is....
To let all you “bring LT back”guys to shut the fuzz up about it..if you don’t know now you know ninjaaa!!!
by Gorditoe1 on Jan 13, 2012 10:39 AM PST via iPhone app reply actions
Sign him IF
he is ready to retire….let him retire as a charger for so much that he has done for the team.
Also, just because LT dislikes AJ and Norv makes me like him even more.
Still love LT
but no way. I think he can still contribute to the right team, but the Chargers are not that team. Hopefully he catches on with a contender.
"A man has got to have a code." -Bunk, Season 1; Omar, Season 4.
I'm pretty sure the plan has always been to bring back LT...
… On a one day contract… to retire.
I love my team of historically talented underachievers.
Jets run game generally tapered off quite a bit this year
The Jets O-line was built to run in 2010 and wasn’t so hot this year. They were #22 rushing as a team. We were #16 this year, and that’s with a pass first offense. I think we all remember how LT looked here with a pass blocking O-line. No need to bring him back.
"The biggest thing..." - Norv Turner
Not so fast....
John, your implying that because Hester and Tolbert are free agents they are automatically gone. Last year I would have agreed, but this year I believe AJ has been told that either the Bolts finish their season with a couple of playoff games under their belt or pack your bags, and they need both those guys to help accomplish that. As for LT, I agree that he is way past his prime, BUT, he is a HUGE favorite with the fans and Jack Murphy Stadium desperately needs to fill some seats. Blackouts don’t look good if your campaigning for a new stadium and LT would generate some excitement and, hopefully, some ticket sales. Just having LT spend one year in powder blue and retire a Bolt might not put up a lot of points on the score board, but might create a generous amount of votes come ballot time.
Retained or replaced doesn't imply "automatically gone."
Bolts from the Blue // "At least when Wade is spewing vitriol he does so with an intellectual flair." - insanebolt21
Bloody Elbow // "I think we're poking fun at Leland's 'boner.'" - Michael Fagan
by Richard Wade on Jan 13, 2012 1:00 PM PST up reply actions
I'd bring him back. He is my favorite Charger player ever.
I mean, if everything that was said about LT’s “attitude” the last couple years of his time here was true, maybe they shouldn’t bring him back. But I don’t know anything about that. I’m just a fan watching the game. And I’d love to see LT run and pass Curtis Martin here, and take his place with the big three RBs, where he belongs. Just my 2 cents.
I'm actually in favor
Of allowing him to sign for at least 48 hours. Maybe even 72. Anybody willing to commit to 96?
I can settle for 24 though.
"second base is the bizness." -jbox
Bolts from the Blue - San Diego Chargers Blog Created By The Fans, For The Fans
As long as those 96 hours don't cross over into the regular season or preseason
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
Richard Wade - "I feel like me from four years ago would punch present me in the face. I like to think that's because I've grown as a person."
by John Gennaro on Jan 13, 2012 3:28 PM PST up reply actions
Pfft
LT doesn’t play in preseason.
"second base is the bizness." -jbox
Bolts from the Blue - San Diego Chargers Blog Created By The Fans, For The Fans
by Wonko on Jan 13, 2012 3:33 PM PST up reply actions 3 recs
Ryan Mathews
My biggest concern in bringing Tomlinson back would be the health of Ryan Mathews. Exactly how you mentioned, as a backup for Mathews, you’re likely to start at least a few games and share about a third of the carries, and Tomlinson has proven this year that age has caught up to him. But he would definitely be the perfect third down back with his pass protections and catching skills.
by Leonardo Velazquez on Jan 13, 2012 12:09 PM PST reply actions
Mathews psyche might crack
Sign him, retire him.
This ship has sailed.
If the thunder don't get ya then the lightning will!!
Robert Hunter
Would of liked LT to mentor Matthews
especially with carrying the ball
by chargerclipperfan on Jan 13, 2012 12:52 PM PST reply actions
Could LT mentor Mathews?
Two years ago, I would have said “No”. LT still believed he should be a feature back. Now that the finish line is clearly coming, perhaps his attitude has changed?
One of the things that made LT great was that he was an absolute Pro. Did all the little things from film to diet to conditioning to ice tubs to learning how to pass block. Those seem to be some of the things that Mathews lacks. Perhaps seeing LT doing those things would encourage him to do the same. LT can even teach Mathews how to be a prima dona as long as he is putting up 2000+ all-purpose yards a year.
by Stephen (shaynes41) on Jan 13, 2012 1:31 PM PST up reply actions
If LT embraced his new role as metor
it would be great RM24 looked up to LT, he even wore #21 in high school and college because of LT.
RM24 never did have RB that can really mentor him since we drafted him and if LT took him under his wing RM24 will be a force to be reckoned with
by chargerclipperfan on Jan 13, 2012 2:05 PM PST up reply actions
I doubt he would want to do that
it looks like he still wants to play
by chargerclipperfan on Jan 13, 2012 3:27 PM PST up reply actions
Are there really people out there that think this would be a good idea?
He is an all time great but his time is done.
He's probably not coming
but if we would have gotten a new head coach and GM then it would have been a real possibility and I think then it would have been a good idea
by chargerclipperfan on Jan 13, 2012 2:29 PM PST up reply actions
because calling him "Mr. Bojangles" seemed vaguely racist
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
Richard Wade - "I feel like me from four years ago would punch present me in the face. I like to think that's because I've grown as a person."
by John Gennaro on Jan 13, 2012 3:30 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Also, because it doesn't need one
Bolts from the Blue - Destroying your opinions with facts.
Richard Wade - "I feel like me from four years ago would punch present me in the face. I like to think that's because I've grown as a person."
by John Gennaro on Jan 13, 2012 3:30 PM PST up reply actions
The cat's out of the bag now though
"The biggest thing..." - Norv Turner
by Cake or Death on Jan 13, 2012 5:31 PM PST up reply actions
He should come back
LT should come back to mentor Mathews who would be totally be star-struck and when LT is in the Game our play action would work a whole lot better and that is Norv’s bread and butter not only could we do that but we could sign him as a running backs coach as well
by Umberto Varagnolo on Jan 13, 2012 7:47 PM PST reply actions
I'm still over him for his complaining....
and constant shots at the organization over the past few years, so hell no, let him go unsigned and eventually retire.
Nobody on this blog is a TRUE Charger fan....
Ladanian Tomlinson is not JUST a player, he is a CHARGER, no matter what Norv or AJ think. (log onto Youtube and watch his record setting year and It just might make you understand). Bringing LT back would put butts in the seats and create excitement for our ho-hum team. Yes, he has lost a step or two and is not the same back as he was but……..who says Tolbert will be here next year? (lots of teams are probably foaming at the mouth). What does Hester really give us? A pass blocker, LT is a way better pass blocker than Hester will ever be. That brings me to Ryan Mathews. He is really good when he is healthy, WHEN HE IS HEALTHY! He cant play more than about 4 or 5 games until he is dinged up! So, sign LT and give the fans something to be excited about because we sure dont have anything now. Start Mathews and keep LT in the cage until (not if but when) Mathews gets hurt and then turn him loose and see what he can do! Nothing to lose in my opinion and more to gain. Our team only goes as far as our front office takes us anyways so what would it hurt except help the fan PR. Peyton Manning is 35 and LT is 32 and I know the differences between a QB and a RB are way different but its not always about wins and losses its about the organization and what they stand for (we all know what the Chargers stand for-mediocrity). Jim Irsay made the right move to start over but we didnt (thanks Dean). There are teams in the league chomping at the bit to have a star on their team and someone will get Peyton so why cant we have our star……a ticket seller for no other reason? This TRUE Charger fan wants LT back in powder blue, not just to retire, but to play and make a difference. You dont throw the baby out with the bathwater and believe me if know ANYTHING about this team and organization, LT was not or is not in the bathwater. Do the right thing and sign the man (disagree if you want too) but he made this team. I am going to wear my powder blue 21 jersey opening day next season and if you dont than shame on you! You are not a TRUE Charger fan!
by boltbeliever17 on Jan 14, 2012 12:32 PM PST reply actions
Please....
Why would I want a guy who did nothing but whine and complain about everything upon leaving, was disliked by many in the locker (showing he wasn’t at team guy…allegedly), quit on his team against Indy, and is washed up?
“Jim Irsay made the right move to start over but we didnt (thanks Dean).”
What?1!? Irsay hasn’t made any decision yet. Not to mention, how is signing a completely washed up player gonna help “start over.” Your whole Peyton, LT, Irsay thing makes no sense to me.
“There are teams in the league chomping at the bit to have a star on their team and someone will get Peyton so why cant we have our star”
LOLZZZZZZ!!!! Comparing Peyton to LT nowadays?!?!!? Wow.
“…but its not always about wins and losses…” “……a ticket seller for no other reason?”
I guess “TRUE” Charger fans want names and not wins. Wear your old 21 jersey.
Matthews>Tolbert>Hester>Brinkley>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>LT>Natrone Means
Watch YouTube for hours. Reminisce ofthe good ol’ days when LT was breaking records and sitting out games with a flu (cheap shot…sorry), but don’t come on here trying to convince people he still is worthwhile as a back in this league.
God bless
Maybe or maybe not....
Ok maybe Im just more of an LT fan than most but…….what do we really have to lose? So if the Chargers go 8-8 with LT on the team is a total loss? I dont believe so because he will sell tickets. I go into every season as a Charger fan with high expectations and am always disappointed. The team lacks intensity (because there coach has as much intensity as Elmer Fudd). It will only get worse from here. Is there any real gems that are going to be left in the first round of the draft at #18? Doubtful. So, my point is….Dean Spanos has already stated that being mediocre is okay with him with his “cup half full” statement so be mediocre and sell some tickets by bringing LT back.
“The team lacks intensity (because there coach has as much intensity as Elmer Fudd). "
Intensity does not win games alone. So sick of hearing Norval needs to yell and scream. Rex Ryan does that. He finished with the same record as the Chargers and a locker room that is a complete mess right now. I don’t think Tony Dungy knows how to yell and he seemed to do alright. There is not one right or wrong way to coach, or play. Some players get up for yelling, some players don’t need it.
“Is there any real gems that are going to be left in the first round of the draft at #18? Doubtful”
Come on. There are great players available at every spot in the draft. You just have to be able to find them. Unfortunately AJ seems to have lost his touch for high round picks, and that is a huge reason this team has struggled.
“So, my point is….Dean Spanos has already stated that being mediocre is okay with him with his "cup half full" statement so be mediocre and sell some tickets by bringing LT back”
If you are for bringing back a mediocre player, isn’t your attitude the same as you claim Spanos’ to be?
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