Is LaDainian Tomlinson washed up? (1 Viewer)

[Ghost Rider]

It's evidence-based. Tomlinson was one of the more impressive players in training camp this season, looking like the quick, explosive version of himself, not the injury-slowed 2008 version. (Camp practices were closed to the public this year, so I'm basing that on quotes from players, coaches, and reporters; not personal observation.)

In the first game, he looked very good to me. I went back and watched each of his 13 runs several times. I know he averaged only 4.2 yards per carry, which isn't all-world (although it is much better than any of the other Chargers so far), but he got everything that was there. More importantly, he made several cuts he couldn't have made last year.

The evidence I'm aware of leads me to think that Tomlinson will play well as long as he's healthy. (And I think predicting future injuries is a matter of faith.)

I remember a play, that was a sweep to the left, I think, and a defender met him in the backfield for what should have been a big loss, but Tomlinson made a nice cut, making the defender miss, and somehow got a 1 or 2 yard gain out of the play.

 

[davearm]

It's evidence-based. Tomlinson was one of the more impressive players in training camp this season, looking like the quick, explosive version of himself, not the injury-slowed 2008 version. (Camp practices were closed to the public this year, so I'm basing that on quotes from players, coaches, and reporters; not personal observation.)

In the first game, he looked very good to me. I went back and watched each of his 13 runs several times. I know he averaged only 4.2 yards per carry, which isn't all-world (although it is much better than any of the other Chargers so far), but he got everything that was there. More importantly, he made several cuts he couldn't have made last year.

The evidence I'm aware of leads me to think that Tomlinson will play well as long as he's healthy. (And I think predicting future injuries is a matter of faith.)

I remember a play, that was a sweep to the left, I think, and a defender met him in the backfield for what should have been a big loss, but Tomlinson made a nice cut, making the defender miss, and somehow got a 1 or 2 yard gain out of the play.

Well this begs the question, how much is LT worth if the Chargers' run blocking is currently so putrid that the upshot of LT being fully healthy and quick/explosive is that big losses can be turned into short gains?

 

[Chaka]

It's evidence-based. Tomlinson was one of the more impressive players in training camp this season, looking like the quick, explosive version of himself, not the injury-slowed 2008 version. (Camp practices were closed to the public this year, so I'm basing that on quotes from players, coaches, and reporters; not personal observation.)

In the first game, he looked very good to me. I went back and watched each of his 13 runs several times. I know he averaged only 4.2 yards per carry, which isn't all-world (although it is much better than any of the other Chargers so far), but he got everything that was there. More importantly, he made several cuts he couldn't have made last year.

The evidence I'm aware of leads me to think that Tomlinson will play well as long as he's healthy. (And I think predicting future injuries is a matter of faith.)

I remember a play, that was a sweep to the left, I think, and a defender met him in the backfield for what should have been a big loss, but Tomlinson made a nice cut, making the defender miss, and somehow got a 1 or 2 yard gain out of the play.

Well this begs the question, how much is LT worth if the Chargers' run blocking is currently so putrid that the upshot of LT being fully healthy and quick/explosive is that big losses can be turned into short gains?

FWIW Starting guard Luis Vasquez (i think that's his name) returned to full practice yesterday too.

 

[Ghost Rider]

It's evidence-based. Tomlinson was one of the more impressive players in training camp this season, looking like the quick, explosive version of himself, not the injury-slowed 2008 version. (Camp practices were closed to the public this year, so I'm basing that on quotes from players, coaches, and reporters; not personal observation.)

In the first game, he looked very good to me. I went back and watched each of his 13 runs several times. I know he averaged only 4.2 yards per carry, which isn't all-world (although it is much better than any of the other Chargers so far), but he got everything that was there. More importantly, he made several cuts he couldn't have made last year.

The evidence I'm aware of leads me to think that Tomlinson will play well as long as he's healthy. (And I think predicting future injuries is a matter of faith.)

I remember a play, that was a sweep to the left, I think, and a defender met him in the backfield for what should have been a big loss, but Tomlinson made a nice cut, making the defender miss, and somehow got a 1 or 2 yard gain out of the play.

Well this begs the question, how much is LT worth if the Chargers' run blocking is currently so putrid that the upshot of LT being fully healthy and quick/explosive is that big losses can be turned into short gains?

a. That was an isolated play in a game where Oakland's defense played extremely well for the bulk of it, yet LT still averaged 4.2 YPC. b. My example was to demonstrate that, when healthy, Tomlinson still has the ability to make defenders miss, and to make something out of nothing.

 

[SSOG]

Well this begs the question, how much is LT worth if the Chargers' run blocking is currently so putrid that the upshot of LT being fully healthy and quick/explosive is that big losses can be turned into short gains?

Actually, it raises the question. Also if a back can turn big losses into short gains, then he can just as easily turn short gains into big gains. Unless you think that the only running plays San Diego are ever going to run will naturally result in big losses if not for some herculean effort by the primary back.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Well this begs the question, how much is LT worth if the Chargers' run blocking is currently so putrid that the upshot of LT being fully healthy and quick/explosive is that big losses can be turned into short gains?

Actually, it raises the question. Also if a back can turn big losses into short gains, then he can just as easily turn short gains into big gains. Unless you think that the only running plays San Diego are ever going to run will naturally result in big losses if not for some herculean effort by the primary back.

I think davearm's concern about whether the Chargers' run-blocking will continue to suck, while overstated, is a legitimate one.In 2006, the line played really well -- especially the left side of the line with LT McNeil, LG Deilman, and C Hardwick. But RG Goff had a great season as well -- the only relative weakness was RT Shane Olivea, and he was fine as a run-blocker. (His trouble was pass-blocking.)

In 2007, the line was really inconsistent even though it returned all five starters. It started the year terribly, but eventually improved. Jeromey Clary started the last part of the season at RT when Olivea was hurt, and proved to be an upgrade. So the job was his to keep as the Chargers released Olivea the following offseason.

In 2008 the line was inconsistent again, but McNeil and Hardwick were playing through injuries. Goff got old and his play really fell off. So at least there was an excuse/explanation.

It's 2009. Coming into the season, the line had four of the same five starters that it had when it played well at the end of 2007, and everyone was healthy. The new starter at RG, even though he was an unproven rookie (third-round draft pick Luis Vasquez), was sure to be an upgrade over the 2008 version of Goff. So it looked like everything was cool.

But they came out really flat against the Raiders. It was like the beginning of 2007 again. Then C Hardwick and RG Vasquez got hurt, and the Chargers had to scramble to fill their spots. (The top backup guard was also the backup center; so to fill the RG spot they turned to an inexperienced tackle who'd never played guard before.)

Predictably, the OL has struggled over the past two games. But what's really weird -- and disappointing -- is that the left side of the line manned by Pro Bowlers McNeil and Dielman has struggled as much as the right side. Getting Vasquez back at RG this week should help since Dombrowski was clearly over his head. But (a) it's not a good sign when you're counting on a rookie to provide a big improvement in the OL play; and (b) even if Vasquez plays really well, that won't fix whatever's wrong with McNeil and Dielman.

I don't think the line will stay sucky all season. I'm hoping it will be like 2007 when they eventually played much better after a terrible start. But it's hard to say. It's quite possible that they'll just continue to suck this year. That possibility should reduce fantasy owners' enthusiasm for Tomlinson at least somewhat.

 

[fsufan]

As a Benson owner I wouldn't trade him for LT. I can't believe I just typed that.

that just sounds dirty

 

[davearm]

Well this begs the question, how much is LT worth if the Chargers' run blocking is currently so putrid that the upshot of LT being fully healthy and quick/explosive is that big losses can be turned into short gains?

Actually, it raises the question. Also if a back can turn big losses into short gains, then he can just as easily turn short gains into big gains. Unless you think that the only running plays San Diego are ever going to run will naturally result in big losses if not for some herculean effort by the primary back.

I think davearm's concern about whether the Chargers' run-blocking will continue to suck, while overstated, is a legitimate one.In 2006, the line played really well -- especially the left side of the line with LT McNeil, LG Deilman, and C Hardwick. But RG Goff had a great season as well -- the only relative weakness was RT Shane Olivea, and he was fine as a run-blocker. (His trouble was pass-blocking.)

In 2007, the line was really inconsistent even though it returned all five starters. It started the year terribly, but eventually improved. Jeromey Clary started the last part of the season at RT when Olivea was hurt, and proved to be an upgrade. So the job was his to keep as the Chargers released Olivea the following offseason.

In 2008 the line was inconsistent again, but McNeil and Hardwick were playing through injuries. Goff got old and his play really fell off. So at least there was an excuse/explanation.

It's 2009. Coming into the season, the line had four of the same five starters that it had when it played well at the end of 2007, and everyone was healthy. The new starter at RG, even though he was an unproven rookie (third-round draft pick Luis Vasquez), was sure to be an upgrade over the 2008 version of Goff. So it looked like everything was cool.

But they came out really flat against the Raiders. It was like the beginning of 2007 again. Then C Hardwick and RG Vasquez got hurt, and the Chargers had to scramble to fill their spots. (The top backup guard was also the backup center; so to fill the RG spot they turned to an inexperienced tackle who'd never played guard before.)

Predictably, the OL has struggled over the past two games. But what's really weird -- and disappointing -- is that the left side of the line manned by Pro Bowlers McNeil and Dielman has struggled as much as the right side. Getting Vasquez back at RG this week should help since Dombrowski was clearly over his head. But (a) it's not a good sign when you're counting on a rookie to provide a big improvement in the OL play; and (b) even if Vasquez plays really well, that won't fix whatever's wrong with McNeil and Dielman.

I don't think the line will stay sucky all season. I'm hoping it will be like 2007 when they eventually played much better after a terrible start. But it's hard to say. It's quite possible that they'll just continue to suck this year. That possibility should reduce fantasy owners' enthusiasm for Tomlinson at least somewhat.

Perhaps I was being too flippant, but this is what I was driving at:The deterioration of the Chargers' O-Line play over the last few years may well be hindering LT's numbers more than his own age, injury, losing a step, etc.

Now whether that trend is soon to reverse itself is anyone's guess, but Maurile did a fine job of illustrating the changes for the worse that have occurred over the last few years.

 

[DaWidowMaker]

Well this begs the question, how much is LT worth if the Chargers' run blocking is currently so putrid that the upshot of LT being fully healthy and quick/explosive is that big losses can be turned into short gains?

Actually, it raises the question. Also if a back can turn big losses into short gains, then he can just as easily turn short gains into big gains. Unless you think that the only running plays San Diego are ever going to run will naturally result in big losses if not for some herculean effort by the primary back.

I think davearm's concern about whether the Chargers' run-blocking will continue to suck, while overstated, is a legitimate one.In 2006, the line played really well -- especially the left side of the line with LT McNeil, LG Deilman, and C Hardwick. But RG Goff had a great season as well -- the only relative weakness was RT Shane Olivea, and he was fine as a run-blocker. (His trouble was pass-blocking.)

In 2007, the line was really inconsistent even though it returned all five starters. It started the year terribly, but eventually improved. Jeromey Clary started the last part of the season at RT when Olivea was hurt, and proved to be an upgrade. So the job was his to keep as the Chargers released Olivea the following offseason.

In 2008 the line was inconsistent again, but McNeil and Hardwick were playing through injuries. Goff got old and his play really fell off. So at least there was an excuse/explanation.

It's 2009. Coming into the season, the line had four of the same five starters that it had when it played well at the end of 2007, and everyone was healthy. The new starter at RG, even though he was an unproven rookie (third-round draft pick Luis Vasquez), was sure to be an upgrade over the 2008 version of Goff. So it looked like everything was cool.

But they came out really flat against the Raiders. It was like the beginning of 2007 again. Then C Hardwick and RG Vasquez got hurt, and the Chargers had to scramble to fill their spots. (The top backup guard was also the backup center; so to fill the RG spot they turned to an inexperienced tackle who'd never played guard before.)

Predictably, the OL has struggled over the past two games. But what's really weird -- and disappointing -- is that the left side of the line manned by Pro Bowlers McNeil and Dielman has struggled as much as the right side. Getting Vasquez back at RG this week should help since Dombrowski was clearly over his head. But (a) it's not a good sign when you're counting on a rookie to provide a big improvement in the OL play; and (b) even if Vasquez plays really well, that won't fix whatever's wrong with McNeil and Dielman.

I don't think the line will stay sucky all season. I'm hoping it will be like 2007 when they eventually played much better after a terrible start. But it's hard to say. It's quite possible that they'll just continue to suck this year. That possibility should reduce fantasy owners' enthusiasm for Tomlinson at least somewhat.

This is the type of insight that non-Charger fans (LT owners) need to read. Thanks for your input buddy

 

[footballnerd]

Well this begs the question, how much is LT worth if the Chargers' run blocking is currently so putrid that the upshot of LT being fully healthy and quick/explosive is that big losses can be turned into short gains?

Actually, it raises the question. Also if a back can turn big losses into short gains, then he can just as easily turn short gains into big gains. Unless you think that the only running plays San Diego are ever going to run will naturally result in big losses if not for some herculean effort by the primary back.

I think davearm's concern about whether the Chargers' run-blocking will continue to suck, while overstated, is a legitimate one.In 2006, the line played really well -- especially the left side of the line with LT McNeil, LG Deilman, and C Hardwick. But RG Goff had a great season as well -- the only relative weakness was RT Shane Olivea, and he was fine as a run-blocker. (His trouble was pass-blocking.)

In 2007, the line was really inconsistent even though it returned all five starters. It started the year terribly, but eventually improved. Jeromey Clary started the last part of the season at RT when Olivea was hurt, and proved to be an upgrade. So the job was his to keep as the Chargers released Olivea the following offseason.

In 2008 the line was inconsistent again, but McNeil and Hardwick were playing through injuries. Goff got old and his play really fell off. So at least there was an excuse/explanation.

It's 2009. Coming into the season, the line had four of the same five starters that it had when it played well at the end of 2007, and everyone was healthy. The new starter at RG, even though he was an unproven rookie (third-round draft pick Luis Vasquez), was sure to be an upgrade over the 2008 version of Goff. So it looked like everything was cool.

But they came out really flat against the Raiders. It was like the beginning of 2007 again. Then C Hardwick and RG Vasquez got hurt, and the Chargers had to scramble to fill their spots. (The top backup guard was also the backup center; so to fill the RG spot they turned to an inexperienced tackle who'd never played guard before.)

Predictably, the OL has struggled over the past two games. But what's really weird -- and disappointing -- is that the left side of the line manned by Pro Bowlers McNeil and Dielman has struggled as much as the right side. Getting Vasquez back at RG this week should help since Dombrowski was clearly over his head. But (a) it's not a good sign when you're counting on a rookie to provide a big improvement in the OL play; and (b) even if Vasquez plays really well, that won't fix whatever's wrong with McNeil and Dielman.

I don't think the line will stay sucky all season. I'm hoping it will be like 2007 when they eventually played much better after a terrible start. But it's hard to say. It's quite possible that they'll just continue to suck this year. That possibility should reduce fantasy owners' enthusiasm for Tomlinson at least somewhat.

Interesting when looking at Michael Turners stats it is reflective of the SD O-lines in 06 and 07. 06 was his best year, and 07 he avg less than 4.0/carry in many of the games. And this year Turner is avging 3.5/carry in ATL and everyone knows he can do better than that.

 

[ttea]

Well this begs the question, how much is LT worth if the Chargers' run blocking is currently so putrid that the upshot of LT being fully healthy and quick/explosive is that big losses can be turned into short gains?

Actually, it raises the question. Also if a back can turn big losses into short gains, then he can just as easily turn short gains into big gains. Unless you think that the only running plays San Diego are ever going to run will naturally result in big losses if not for some herculean effort by the primary back.

I think davearm's concern about whether the Chargers' run-blocking will continue to suck, while overstated, is a legitimate one.In 2006, the line played really well -- especially the left side of the line with LT McNeil, LG Deilman, and C Hardwick. But RG Goff had a great season as well -- the only relative weakness was RT Shane Olivea, and he was fine as a run-blocker. (His trouble was pass-blocking.)

In 2007, the line was really inconsistent even though it returned all five starters. It started the year terribly, but eventually improved. Jeromey Clary started the last part of the season at RT when Olivea was hurt, and proved to be an upgrade. So the job was his to keep as the Chargers released Olivea the following offseason.

In 2008 the line was inconsistent again, but McNeil and Hardwick were playing through injuries. Goff got old and his play really fell off. So at least there was an excuse/explanation.

It's 2009. Coming into the season, the line had four of the same five starters that it had when it played well at the end of 2007, and everyone was healthy. The new starter at RG, even though he was an unproven rookie (third-round draft pick Luis Vasquez), was sure to be an upgrade over the 2008 version of Goff. So it looked like everything was cool.

But they came out really flat against the Raiders. It was like the beginning of 2007 again. Then C Hardwick and RG Vasquez got hurt, and the Chargers had to scramble to fill their spots. (The top backup guard was also the backup center; so to fill the RG spot they turned to an inexperienced tackle who'd never played guard before.)

Predictably, the OL has struggled over the past two games. But what's really weird -- and disappointing -- is that the left side of the line manned by Pro Bowlers McNeil and Dielman has struggled as much as the right side. Getting Vasquez back at RG this week should help since Dombrowski was clearly over his head. But (a) it's not a good sign when you're counting on a rookie to provide a big improvement in the OL play; and (b) even if Vasquez plays really well, that won't fix whatever's wrong with McNeil and Dielman.

I don't think the line will stay sucky all season. I'm hoping it will be like 2007 when they eventually played much better after a terrible start. But it's hard to say. It's quite possible that they'll just continue to suck this year. That possibility should reduce fantasy owners' enthusiasm for Tomlinson at least somewhat.

Thanks for that, great info!

 

[Knobs]

Maurile,

Realizing the o-line may or may not revert to its potential anytime soon, do you still like LT as much as you did a couple weeks ago when you had him ranked above Turner, DeAngelo, etc?

 

[fozzy fosbourne]

I'm wondering if he's being projected a little low right now. He obviously faces a tough matchup, but I think if he hadn't missed the last couple weeks he would be projected alot higher. So obviously we take coming back from and injury and rustiness into consideration, but does that often play a big part in a player's fantasy production? It seems like there are always predictions that a guy comes back rusty, and then he does fine or even unleashes a half of armageddon like P. Thomas.

Probably not going to start him, but just noticing that the projections seems a bit bearish with him.

 

[RamMan]

I may need to start him with K. Smith also ailing. Any reports on how LT's looked in practice this week?

 

[Knobs]

I believe Couch Potato did a study some time ago that showed if a guy is starting coming off an injury then you should start him without concern about the injury.

So unless there's a setback today, I'm playing him over Moreno. And I'm sorry if it wasn't CP that did that study - someone please correct me.

 

[Moniker]

Definitely washed up.

lol, LT looked good when he got to touch the ball. The defense looked absolutely terrible and the line still looked like swiss cheese.

 

[sho nuff]

Definitely washed up.

lol, LT looked good when he got to touch the ball. The defense looked absolutely terrible and the line still looked like swiss cheese.

He looked better for sure.And the one run near the goalline he slipped on, the announces acted as if there was some big hole...what I saw from the reverse angle was Pitt getting 3 guys beating their man right in front of him as soon as he took the handoff.

 

[hostile]

The OLine play was pretty bad in run blocking last night.

Pass protection was good. McNeill dealt with Harrison quite nicely, except when it counted most at the end.

 

[Brutis]

People that think this guy is still good for 10-12 td's and 1200 yards is fooling themselves IMO.

 

[sjdogs]

he looks good to me. he will produce against weaker defenses and do average at best most of the time. he will be servicable on this team and offense, if the line gets it together, he could be strong

 

[HF21]

Definitely washed up.

The Chargers only had the ball for 19 minutes and they had to pass because they were playing catch-up the whole game. What were you expecting him to do coming off an injury against the Steelers run-D with so little time and with Rivers having the throw the ball?

 

[Gr00vus]

People that think this guy is still good for 10-12 td's and 1200 yards is fooling themselves IMO.

Is they?

 

[Johnny Ice]

Week 7 @KC we'll definitely see if he's washed up or not. No excuses.

 

[Sweetness_34]

Looks like the FF Gods are giving LT owners the pay back we probably deserve for killing other teams with the God that was LT the last decade or so. But the funny part is when I watched LT run last night, he seemed to have the speed and ability he always did. Too bad he did not get the ball many times because the Chargers were so bad in the 1st half and fell behind so much. I am looking fwd to still starting LT as my flex against Denver, Oak and KC etc etc

 

[qimqam]

8 touches for 14 yards with a long of 5 yards ... How can anybody say he looked good?

To me it looks like he is going out of his way to do unecessary jump cuts, just to prove that he still can, and he is tripping over his own feet in the process.

He also looks like .... he shrunk?

 

[Gr00vus]

8 touches for 14 yards with a long of 5 yards ... How can anybody say he looked good?To me it looks like he is going out of his way to do unecessary jump cuts, just to prove that he still can, and he is tripping over his own feet in the process.He also looks like .... he shrunk?

So you've never seen him play before last night I guess.

 

[Steed]

Lots of excuses being made here. Bottom line - you drafted him, your 1st/2nd rounder is a bust

 

[urbanhack]

Definitely washed up.

lol, LT looked good when he got to touch the ball. The defense looked absolutely terrible and the line still looked like swiss cheese.

I disagree. He made a few decent runs. But he dropped a pass, missed a blocking assignment and fell down behind the line of scrimmage on a crucial run near the goal line. That is nowhere near the LT that I'm accustomed to watching.

 

[theplayer11]

LT is tripping over his own feet more than anyone I can remember..in game 1 it happened as well..multiple times

 

[thehornet]

he looks good to me. he will produce against weaker defenses and do average at best most of the time. he will be servicable on this team and offense, if the line gets it together, he could be strong

Let it go brotha

 

[EdwardCat]

Definitely washed up.

lol, LT looked good when he got to touch the ball. The defense looked absolutely terrible and the line still looked like swiss cheese.

I disagree. He made a few decent runs. But he dropped a pass, missed a blocking assignment and fell down behind the line of scrimmage on a crucial run near the goal line. That is nowhere near the LT that I'm accustomed to watching.

He also made some seriously awesome cuts and bounces. The dude only had a handful of touches against one of the best run defenses in the game. Do not use this game as an example of what is to come.

 

[urbanhack]

Definitely washed up.

lol, LT looked good when he got to touch the ball. The defense looked absolutely terrible and the line still looked like swiss cheese.

I disagree. He made a few decent runs. But he dropped a pass, missed a blocking assignment and fell down behind the line of scrimmage on a crucial run near the goal line. That is nowhere near the LT that I'm accustomed to watching.

He also made some seriously awesome cuts and bounces.

All the way to 15 yards on 7 carries. Awesome.

 

[billjohnson]

LT will be fine. Looked quick again last night....only wasn't a running back's night. Stop hating on LT skills and jump on some of these guys...

Kevin Smith--19 carries; 30 yards

Julius Jones---11 carries; 25 yards

MJD---6 carries; 14 yards

Steve Slaton--21 carries; 65 yards (and 32 of those yards on one run)

Yeah, these guys had some TDs between them, but LT will get his touchdowns as well. Plus, having pretty much taken off half the season, hoping LT will be mid-season fresh during weeks 14,15, and 16.

Let's do this....

Bill

PS. Even though I do understand the frustration if you started him last night over moreno, etc!! But repeat...he will get his before year is over!

 

[EdwardCat]

All the way to 15 yards on 7 carries. Awesome.

The point is that he didn't look washed up physically. How many times in his career did he do nothing with the first 10 carries of the game and then simply explode? He never does well against Pittsburgh. You can't expect a lot out of him with only 7 carries. His physical acuity is there. Wait until they get him 20 carries. Yesterday was an awful game for SD all around. Rivers had a huge game only because they had to throw. Gates had a huge game because he's their best target. LT and Sproles did nothing because, while they can both catch, their phase of the passing game was surpassed due to the urgency to get the ball downfield and score. LT will bounce back (literally and figuratively).

 

[32 Counter Pass]

It is painfully obvious to me that LT is simply ordinary now. (I say painfully because he was my first pick in the WCFF ME.)

Sure his OLine is decimated with injuries, but a great player will lift the performance of those around him. LT longer commands that type of inspiration. What was particularly telling was his opportunity in the Steeler game last nite on the goal line. He was hesitant and missed the hole completely.

LT is no longer a "must" start. You should only start him in good match ups (Chiefs, Raduhs, Browns, as examples). Against the better defenses look for other options.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

Definitely washed up.

lol, LT looked good when he got to touch the ball. The defense looked absolutely terrible and the line still looked like swiss cheese.

I disagree. He made a few decent runs. But he dropped a pass, missed a blocking assignment and fell down behind the line of scrimmage on a crucial run near the goal line. That is nowhere near the LT that I'm accustomed to watching.

He also made some seriously awesome cuts and bounces.

All the way to 15 yards on 7 carries. Awesome.

FWIW LT had 36 yards on 13 carries against the Steelers in his record-breaking 2006 season. I don't think LT is what he was but it's tough to judge him based on his limited work so far this year.

 

[Magnum]

What's really great is that Bennett and Sproles have looked equally poor trying to run behind this o-line........yet.........LT is the only San Diego RB that's washed up.

 

[Moniker]

What's really great is that Bennett and Sproles have looked equally poor trying to run behind this o-line........yet.........LT is the only San Diego RB that's washed up.

lol, Sproles is great, remember...

 

[spider321]

What's really great is that Bennett and Sproles have looked equally poor trying to run behind this o-line........yet.........LT is the only San Diego RB that's washed up.

You're comparing Tomlinson to Bennett and Sproles.Thank you for proving our point.He may have 1 or 2 big games left, but that's about it.LT, as we knew him, is a thing of the past.

 

[Chaka]

What's really great is that Bennett and Sproles have looked equally poor trying to run behind this o-line........yet.........LT is the only San Diego RB that's washed up.

You're comparing Tomlinson to Bennett and Sproles.Thank you for proving our point.LT is done.

Actually I think he was commenting on the state of the Chargers offensive line but you are free to interpret it anyway you like.

 

[Da Guru]

Lt as a FF stud? May he RIP

 

[Gr00vus]

Feeling good Louis!

LT ''felt pretty good''

Casey Pearce

Posted Oct 5, 2009

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson played Sunday night for the first time since the regular-season opener but didn’t get much of a chance to get going.

Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson gave a modest review of his performance Sunday night, his first action since suffering a high ankle sprain in the team’s opener.

“I felt pretty good but I’m still working my way back,” Tomlinson said. “I wouldn’t say I was there. I’m a little rusty. I tripped and fell a couple times. I’ll play better.”

The way Sunday night’s game in Pittsburgh played out didn’t allow many opportunities for Tomlinson. The Chargers fell two touchdowns behind in the first quarter and were forced to throw the ball 36 times. That left LT with just 15 yards on seven carries.

“We got down so fast and we couldn’t run the ball,” Tomlinson said. “We weren’t able to stick to the game plan with what we wanted to do.”

The deficit as well as the Chargers’ inability to sustain drives on offense cost them opportunities to put the ball in the hands of their running backs. They were just 3-of-9 on third down Sunday, 0-for-4 in the first half.

“We have 15 plays through the first quarter and a half,” Head Coach Norv Turner said. “We had a couple situations where we dropped balls early that could have kept us in run down and distance situations.”

The Chargers were also facing a Pittsburgh defense that finish first in the NFL in both total yards allowed and rushing yards allowed a year ago. Tomlinson’s longest run went for five yards.

“Just as far as the cuts and things I was seeing it was there but there were certain times where I felt a little rusty, I wasn’t quite right on reads from just not being in there,” Tomlinson said. “The bye is coming at a good time.”

 

[TommyGilmore]

Week 7 @KC we'll definitely see if he's washed up or not. No excuses.

Yeah, if he gets 100/1 in that one game then it will definitely justify his top-5 ADP.

 

[bonesman]

LT is tripping over his own feet more than anyone I can remember..in game 1 it happened as well..multiple times

This happened alot last year too actually. I think it's the result of a lack of confidence/conviction in his running.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

LT looked good again to me last night. He lost his balance once and fell on his own, just like he did in week one, but he's always done that, even as a rookie. You can't watch him trip over his own feet and say "He doesn't look like he did a few years ago," because he used to do that a few years ago too.

Also just like in week one, he had one run that there's no way he could have made last year. He made a sharp cut to evade one defender in the backfield that not many NFL RBs can make (and the 2008 version of LT certainly couldn't have), then got outside and stiff-armed the second defender as he turned the corner, then was run out of bounds by the third defender.

It's hard to judge him on just the 20 carries he's had this season. But to me, he looks just like he did a few years ago. Meanwhile, the offensive line hasn't gotten anything going yet.

He does get a downgrade this week from FBG:

Downgrade

LaDainian Tomlinson – It is still hard to know exactly what kind of player fantasy owners have in Tomlinson this season. He got just 13 carries in week one when he suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter. Then he sat out the next two games with said ankle injury. Then he got just 7 carries in week four when the Steelers got out to a 28-0 lead before the Chargers had controlled the ball for nine minutes. One thing looks clear, however: the Chargers' running game as a whole appears bound to continue struggling. The offensive line is playing poorly – the team is averaging just 2.7 yards per rush this season. The defense is playing poorly, which has forced the Chargers to abandon the run and play catch-up. Tomlinson himself has looked very good at times – both in week one and in week four he made sharp cuts to elude tacklers that he couldn’t have made last season. But he’s also stumbled and lost his footing a few times, including on his only goal line rush attempt against the Steelers. Going forward, the poor play by the offensive line and the defense, if not by Tomlinson himself, will limit Tomlinson's fantasy production. On the bright side, his ankle did not bother him during the game; so especially with the bye week coming up, that no longer appears to be an issue.

 

[Knobs]

Maurile,

Do you personally still have LT ranked higher than DeAngelo, Turner, etc.? At one point I believe you had him only behind ADP and MJD...this still the case?

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Maurile,Do you personally still have LT ranked higher than DeAngelo, Turner, etc.? At one point I believe you had him only behind ADP and MJD...this still the case?

Adrian Peterson and MJD are way ahead of him. I'd also put DeAngelo Williams, Michael Turner, and Chris Johnson ahead of him. After that I think it gets murky.Steven Jackson? I think Jackson will gain more yards from here on out, but LT should score more touchdowns. I'd rather have LT just because, even though their run-blocking has sucked so far, the Chargers' offense as a whole is miles better than the Rams'.I'd still take LT over Matt Forte, Clinton Portis, Brandon Jacobs, Steve Slaton, yadda yadda.

 

[Da Guru]

Maurile,Do you personally still have LT ranked higher than DeAngelo, Turner, etc.? At one point I believe you had him only behind ADP and MJD...this still the case?

Adrian Peterson and MJD are way ahead of him. I'd also put DeAngelo Williams, Michael Turner, and Chris Johnson ahead of him. After that I think it gets murky.Steven Jackson? I think Jackson will gain more yards from here on out, but LT should score more touchdowns. I'd rather have LT just because, even though their run-blocking has sucked so far, the Chargers' offense as a whole is miles better than the Rams'.I'd still take LT over Matt Forte, Clinton Portis, Brandon Jacobs, Steve Slaton, yadda yadda.

As we speak I am trying to steal LT in one of my leagues. I think LTs glory days are behind him but he still should have some good games down the stretch.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

I admit I drafted him. No, he is not and will not be the LT of old. I was hoping for 8-10 TDs and about 1000 yards in an offense that can score. I don't think I'll get that.

The big question is why SD runs the ball so little? Seems like Norv has become pass happy, which he has done many many times in his career. But why blame him for that? San Diego averages 2.7 YPC, lowest in the NFL. Interestingly, among the 8 worst in YPC are also IND, HOU, ATL, NE and ARI. Those are all high powered offenses. They also run only 28% of the time, from what I can tell, lowest in the NFL. Even to ARI and IND.

Methinks running the ball 30-40 times per game is a lost art in the NFL.

 

[Gr00vus]

The big question is why SD runs the ball so little?

They can't run block. It's that simple.