Is LaDainian Tomlinson washed up? (2 Viewers)

[Maurile Tremblay]

I can't help but feel that MT sees LT2 through rose coloured glasses. I agree he made some moves that he wouldn't have last year with the toe... but keeping him at 3 in the rankings seems a little too optiistic for me. *shrug*

I like him a lot as a player, so that's always a danger. I'm aware of the danger and try actively to guard against it. But I may not always succeed.Nonetheless, my history on reading Tomlinson's play has been pretty good. At the beginning of 2007 when even more people than now were saying he was done (he averaged about 2 ypc in the first three games), I was saying that he looked basically the same to me, but the OL was blocking horribly. He ended up averaging 4.7 ypc that season and was the #1 fantasy RB. In 2008, he lacked acceleration and cutting ability and I said so. Sproles was clearly the better back in 2008. Tomlinson was limited, either because of age or injury, and I recognized it as quickly as anybody.In 2009, Tomlinson looks like the 2007 version of himself, not the 2008 version. The blocking was bad on Monday night, but Tomlinson himself had his acceleration and cutting ability back. He even threw in a spin-move and a stiff-arm. He's no more done now than he was after the first three games of 2007, IMO.I'm not saying that Sproles isn't better at certain things. But that doesn't matter. Norv isn't going to bench a healthy Tomlinson, and Tomlinson looked good enough to far surpass last year's production (assuming his ankle isn't a bigger deal than it currently appears). The OL won't be horrible in every game. And LT won't have an injured ankle in every game.I'm trying to trade for him in any league I can.

 

[Klimtology]

One of the reasons I drafted Tomlinson in the first round this year was his 3 td performance late in the season last year.

If he was washed up last year then why did he have such a monster game?

 

[footballnerd]

Considering how much Williams' value dropped after the first game (justifiably), this is about an even deal. Williams is splitting 50/50. LT, when healthy, sees a bulk of the carries in the game. LT is still more valuable than Williams. Not sure what Fox is thinking here.

IMO, this isn't even close to being accurate.Carolina was getting BLOWN OUT. Under these circumstances, it is not at all unusual to get your backups some game-time experience, and since Stewart had missed all of pre-season, he has had NO GAME EXPERIENCE this year.

Under normal situations, Williams will probably get approximately 60% of the carries in Carolina. Even with the blow out, Williams got 56% of the carries between he and Stewart.

What's more, LT only got 59% of the carries in his game. Sproles was impacting his numbers as much (even more, when you add in receptions) as Stewart was impacting Williams'. Furthermore, LT was "limping badly" after the game.

So you are saying that trading the lead RB in a RBBC who is over 30 (and appears to have lost some of his talent/ability), and is hurt for the lead RB in a RBBC who is 26, had his best season last year, and is not hurt is an even deal?

Go look at the plays from the CAR/PHI game. Stewart wasn't just getting carries while they were getting blown out. He was getting quite a few touches while CAR was still in the game. If you look at the play flow, Williams and Stewart are clearly on a RB rotation. Stewart will get nearly 50% of the touches this year. It wasn't garbage time by any means. LT isn't over 30 (do your fact checking) and isn't in a RBBC. He was getting 85-90% of the touches until they pulled him at the end of the game for injury.

After last week they got Delhomie on a leash. Only thing he'll be doing is handing off and swing passes to RBs all day. Plenty of touches.

 

[massraider]

Okay let me get this straight.

LT produces 55 yards on 13 carries and Sproles produces 23 yards on 9 carries but LT is done?



Perhaps the Raiders run defense was pretty solid on Monday night.

Let's wait and see how bad the ankle is before we stick a fork in him.

It was. Coulda knocked me over with a feather.Also, there were two startinh O-linemen out for SD on Monday.

 

[JoeyJoeJoeJrShabadoo]

One of the reasons I drafted Tomlinson in the first round this year was his 3 td performance late in the season last year.If he was washed up last year then why did he have such a monster game?

I don't think rushing for 3 TD's in week 17 helped a lot of fantasy owners. He was terrible most of the season last year, by then it was too late for redemption in the eyes of the guys that drafted him 1st or 2nd overall. And now he's starting this season just like last: looks sluggish and already has an injury that everyone will use to excuse the terrible games he's going to have over the next month or two. Still a viable #2 RB in fantasy football, but I's sorry for everyone that picked him in the 1st round.

 

[Michael Brown]

If people wanna pile on and say he's done because of the ankle injury, you can make a valid point. But saying you watched the game and he looked done is utterly ridiculous. He averaged 4.2 YPC in a game where he lost two lineman, the opposing defense played awesome, and coming out of the lineup for Sproles on occasion. So if a guy gets 26 carries and goes for 110 yards, is that done? Of course not. Just because LT's TOTALS were lower doesn't mean he looked bad while compiling them.

Now, if you want to make the case that you don't think he'll get 20-25 carries on a regular basis due to injury, that's another story. But he LOOKED pretty good.

 

[monkeysee]

No offense to the OP, but who is Mike Francessa and why should I revere his opinion? I don't have LT and I don't know if he will be a "big time back" again or not, but this guy is just stating his opinion.

He is a loudmouth loser on WFAN here in NYC. He is Bill Parcells little bi**h

THIS

 

[JoeyJoeJoeJrShabadoo]

If people wanna pile on and say he's done because of the ankle injury, you can make a valid point. But saying you watched the game and he looked done is utterly ridiculous. He averaged 4.2 YPC in a game where he lost two lineman, the opposing defense played awesome, and coming out of the lineup for Sproles on occasion. So if a guy gets 26 carries and goes for 110 yards, is that done? Of course not. Just because LT's TOTALS were lower doesn't mean he looked bad while compiling them.Now, if you want to make the case that you don't think he'll get 20-25 carries on a regular basis due to injury, that's another story. But he LOOKED pretty good.

I watched the game. He looked slow, non-explosive, Benson-esque.

 

[Bruno2]

I don't get it. This shouldn't be shocking news to anyone here on these boards. Clearly LT has lost a step and is on the downside of his career, he even fumbled for the first time in 3 years. And Sproles is the spark plug, the Chargers would have lost that game if it wasn't for him. It's a new era in San Diego. That doesn't mean LT won't put up a 100 yard game here and there, or a multiple TD game from time to time, but the days of him consistenly doing it are gone.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

With all these LT threads currently floating around, how are people going to know which one to bump later in the season?

Should I merge them?

 

[Bruno2]

With all these LT threads currently floating around, how are people going to know which one to bump later in the season?Should I merge them?

What are your thoughts on LT Maurile?

 

[Please See Mine]

i guess all you #####es dissing Francesa never heard of Seton Hall.

 

[JoeyJoeJoeJrShabadoo]

With all these LT threads currently floating around, how are people going to know which one to bump later in the season?Should I merge them?

Just do whatever you did with the Larry Johnson, Shaun Alexander, Priest Holmes, and Marshall Faulk threads over the years, as they all withered away into fantasy insignificance.

 

[Chaka]

Okay let me get this straight.LT produces 55 yards on 13 carries and Sproles produces 23 yards on 9 carries but LT is done?Perhaps the Raiders run defense was pretty solid on Monday night. Let's wait and see how bad the ankle is before we stick a fork in him.

Forget the stat-line. Watch the replay. The writing is already on the wall.

Did anyone NOT watch the game?My goodness most of us, including myself, saw the game. The Raiders defense played lights out, a lesser back would never have come close to 4.2ypc the way the Raiders were playing.I'll stick with the game film over imaginary writing on an imaginary wall.

 

[Buffaloes]

Okay let me get this straight.LT produces 55 yards on 13 carries and Sproles produces 23 yards on 9 carries but LT is done?Perhaps the Raiders run defense was pretty solid on Monday night. Let's wait and see how bad the ankle is before we stick a fork in him.

Forget the stat-line. Watch the replay. The writing is already on the wall.

Did anyone NOT watch the game?My goodness most of us, including myself, saw the game. The Raiders defense played lights out, a lesser back would never have come close to 4.2ypc the way the Raiders were playing.I'll stick with the game film over imaginary writing on an imaginary wall.

That offensive line was getting pushed around early and for most of the game. There are so many knee-jerk reactions on this board this week, it's silly. I'm assuming most of the guys proclaiming LT to be done thought this before Monday's game because although Tomlinson did not look like Tomlinson from 2007, he didn't look washed up either. 13 carries is a very small sample size and anyone trying to jump to conclusions based on his performance against a jacked OAK defense that actually looked very good regardless of who was in the backfield, are doing so way too early.

 

[footballnerd]

I didn't see LT get past the 2nd tier of the defense much last year, thought it was maybe because of his injury. But this year in the preseason it was more of the same. You gotta be able to break one when you get out there to be a top tier back. I'm not so sure LT can do that anymore.

 

[cvnpoka]

I just went back and watched each of Tomlinson's 13 carries several times. (Before that, I watched a bunch of his 2003-2007 highlights to have a basis for comparison.)

Honestly, I don't see any yards he left on the table. I didn't see any plays on Monday night where I thought the 2006 Tomlinson would have gotten more than the 2009 Tomlinson did. He did stumble once (and since he was untouched, he got back up and continued running), but he's done that his whole career. He's always had occasional problems with his footing.

There were four runs, however, where he made cuts or moves that I don't think the 2008 Tomlinson could have made. Especially on a three-yard run at the beginning of the third quarter, Tomlinson made a sharp cut to the left to avoid a tackle that there's no way he would have made last year. Several of his other runs too.

The offensive line played very poorly against the Raiders. But if his ankle is OK, I'm not worried at all about Tomlinson's ability to get yards if he has holes. He did so on Monday night -- looking a lot more like 2007 than 2008.

This is exactly what I saw, as well. I now own LT in every league that I'm in... and no, I neither have nor want Sproles.

i was thinking he looked sharp, quick, and shifty as well. i only remember one poor run, where he tried to bounce to the outside and got strung out and lost a few yards. he coulda got a few yards if he cut up field. perhaps the old lt hits the corner and gets a nice play.still, i wouldnt be trading deangelo for him.

 

[THE UNDERCOVER BROTHA]

I dont think this should have been merged.

My thread was to see what deals was made for him since the monday night game.

Now i have to read through all of this and no one will come here and post what trades there getting or sending out as its a different thread about is he done instead of whats been offered for him.

 

[Johnny Ice]

Well here's the built in excuse for this week "But it's Baltimore and he's gimpy". Ok another week down. On to Week 3.

 

[theplayer11]

I guess some saw a different guy than I did..I saw LT tripping over his feet and constantly diving forward with little contact....I thought he was horrible....and traded him today as soon as possible..

 

[Chaka]

I think some people are mistaking the assertion that LT is far from done with the notion that LT is still the same guy from 2006.

I don't think anyone is saying he is the same 28 TD back rather that rumors of his demise have been greatly exaggerated.

 

[THE UNDERCOVER BROTHA]

I guess some saw a different guy than I did..I saw LT tripping over his feet and constantly diving forward with little contact....I thought he was horrible....and traded him today as soon as possible..

What did you get in return if you dont mind sharing

 

[SSOG]

Football Outsiders has Tomlinson 10th in DVOA despite him playing injured in a game where his offensive line was getting absolutely dominated. FWIW, Sproles checks in at 22nd.

 

[Knobs]

I offered Turner/Holmes for Fitz/LT and was countered with Turner for LT straight up.

I'll probably move Turner for LT but only after I squeeze something else out of him.

 

[Johnny Ice]

Football Outsiders has Tomlinson 10th in DVOA despite him playing injured in a game where his offensive line was getting absolutely dominated. FWIW, Sproles checks in at 22nd.

Why the knock on Sproles as if the Chargers would have won without him. They couldn't call LT's number.

 

[LOCO]

LT in boot; Chargers sign Norman

By BERNIE WILSON - AP Sports Writer

2009-09-16 21:07

SAN DIEGO (AP) -A year ago, fantasy players would have gagged at the sight of LaDainian Tomlinson wearing a protective boot on his right ankle.

It might not be as shocking this year, since his popularity with fantasy geeks has dropped off somewhat. But there he was, limping to the podium for his weekly news conference two days after the season opener.

Tomlinson was one of seven Chargers who didn't practice on Wednesday, when San Diego began preparing for its home opener Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.

How much or if he plays on Sunday remains to be seen. If the Chargers don't want to push it with L.T., they can turn to speedy little Darren Sproles and Michael Bennett.

``Nobody wants to be hurt, but I've had some unfortunate things happen,'' said Tomlinson, who scored a touchdown in San Diego's 24-20 win at Oakland on Monday night, which was a lot closer than most everyone expected. ``At the same time, I'm still optimistic about this injury.''

Tomlinson said there was no comparison between this injury and the toe and groin injuries that hampered him last year. The groin injury was serious enough to sideline him for San Diego's playoff loss at Pittsburgh, the first time in his brilliant career that he missed a game due to injury.

``I've had ankle sprains throughout my whole life of playing football,'' he said.

Tomlinson, who had 55 yards on 13 carries Monday night, was hurt while losing a fumble in the first quarter. He played on and off until the fourth quarter. He wasn't on the field on the winning drive, capped by Sproles' 5-yard run with 18 seconds to play.

``Obviously the more I played on it and got hit a couple more times, that's when it really started bothering me toward the end of the game.''

Also missing practice were center Nick Hardwick (ankle), rookie right guard Louis Vasquez (knee), left tackle Marcus McNeill (thumb, ankle), defensive tackle Jamal Williams (elbow), linebacker Antwan Applewhite and defensive end Travis Johnson.

The Chargers signed Dennis Norman, who can play both center and guard. He was waived by Jacksonville on Sept. 8, the same day the Jaguars signed guard Kynan Forney, who had been waived by the Chargers.

Scott Mruczkowski, who replaced Vasquez and then Hardwick on Monday night, said he'll start at center.

Hardwick, a Pro Bowler in 2006, was wearing a boot on his left ankle. He declined comment on his status for Sunday.

Defensive end Luis Castillo, who hurt an elbow Monday night, was at practice.

Coach Norv Turner wasn't ready to rule any of the injured players in or out for Sunday.

``Obviously each one of them is a little bit different, but I am confident in most cases,'' Turner said. ``I can answer that a lot better after practice tomorrow. I would expect most of them to participate.''

McNeill said he expected to start. He rolled an ankle Monday night but had to stay in the game because the Chargers dressed only seven offensive linemen. He hurt his thumb last week.

``I'm a little beat up, but that's the sport of football,'' McNeill said.

Asked who was in at left tackle during practice, Turner said: ``Well, we just had kind of like in the movies, a stand-in.''

 

[Knobs]

Football Outsiders has Tomlinson 10th in DVOA despite him playing injured in a game where his offensive line was getting absolutely dominated. FWIW, Sproles checks in at 22nd.

Why the knock on Sproles as if the Chargers would have won without him. They couldn't call LT's number.

They couldn't call on him because he was hurt.

 

[Johnny Ice]

Football Outsiders has Tomlinson 10th in DVOA despite him playing injured in a game where his offensive line was getting absolutely dominated. FWIW, Sproles checks in at 22nd.

Why the knock on Sproles as if the Chargers would have won without him. They couldn't call LT's number.

They couldn't call on him because he was hurt.

BINGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!And who delivered?

 

[footballnerd]

LT in boot; Chargers sign NormanBy BERNIE WILSON - AP Sports Writer2009-09-16 21:07SAN DIEGO (AP) -A year ago, fantasy players would have gagged at the sight of LaDainian Tomlinson wearing a protective boot on his right ankle.It might not be as shocking this year, since his popularity with fantasy geeks has dropped off somewhat. But there he was, limping to the podium for his weekly news conference two days after the season opener.Tomlinson was one of seven Chargers who didn't practice on Wednesday, when San Diego began preparing for its home opener Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens.How much or if he plays on Sunday remains to be seen. If the Chargers don't want to push it with L.T., they can turn to speedy little Darren Sproles and Michael Bennett.``Nobody wants to be hurt, but I've had some unfortunate things happen,'' said Tomlinson, who scored a touchdown in San Diego's 24-20 win at Oakland on Monday night, which was a lot closer than most everyone expected. ``At the same time, I'm still optimistic about this injury.''Tomlinson said there was no comparison between this injury and the toe and groin injuries that hampered him last year. The groin injury was serious enough to sideline him for San Diego's playoff loss at Pittsburgh, the first time in his brilliant career that he missed a game due to injury.``I've had ankle sprains throughout my whole life of playing football,'' he said.Tomlinson, who had 55 yards on 13 carries Monday night, was hurt while losing a fumble in the first quarter. He played on and off until the fourth quarter. He wasn't on the field on the winning drive, capped by Sproles' 5-yard run with 18 seconds to play.``Obviously the more I played on it and got hit a couple more times, that's when it really started bothering me toward the end of the game.''Also missing practice were center Nick Hardwick (ankle), rookie right guard Louis Vasquez (knee), left tackle Marcus McNeill (thumb, ankle), defensive tackle Jamal Williams (elbow), linebacker Antwan Applewhite and defensive end Travis Johnson.The Chargers signed Dennis Norman, who can play both center and guard. He was waived by Jacksonville on Sept. 8, the same day the Jaguars signed guard Kynan Forney, who had been waived by the Chargers.Scott Mruczkowski, who replaced Vasquez and then Hardwick on Monday night, said he'll start at center.Hardwick, a Pro Bowler in 2006, was wearing a boot on his left ankle. He declined comment on his status for Sunday.Defensive end Luis Castillo, who hurt an elbow Monday night, was at practice.Coach Norv Turner wasn't ready to rule any of the injured players in or out for Sunday.``Obviously each one of them is a little bit different, but I am confident in most cases,'' Turner said. ``I can answer that a lot better after practice tomorrow. I would expect most of them to participate.''McNeill said he expected to start. He rolled an ankle Monday night but had to stay in the game because the Chargers dressed only seven offensive linemen. He hurt his thumb last week.``I'm a little beat up, but that's the sport of football,'' McNeill said.Asked who was in at left tackle during practice, Turner said: ``Well, we just had kind of like in the movies, a stand-in.''

You gotta be S***in me, a boot!! Def going to be another one of those lingering years.

 

[rascal]

Is Bennett worth rostering?

 

[spacevan]

I know, it's like coming to terms with a family member being an alcoholic. You go through all the emotions, denial, anger, sadness, acceptance.

I hate to break it to you. Yes he's washed up. He won't break a 1000 yds rushing and he won't score 10 tds.

 

[SSOG]

Football Outsiders has Tomlinson 10th in DVOA despite him playing injured in a game where his offensive line was getting absolutely dominated. FWIW, Sproles checks in at 22nd.

Why the knock on Sproles as if the Chargers would have won without him. They couldn't call LT's number.

It wasn't a knock on Sproles. It was a point of reference for the people who were claiming that Tomlinson is done and Sproles was unstoppable.

 

[Ghost Rider]

In 2009, Tomlinson looks like the 2007 version of himself, not the 2008 version. The blocking was bad on Monday night, but Tomlinson himself had his acceleration and cutting ability back. He even threw in a spin-move and a stiff-arm.

In regards to that, I recall them running what I think was a sweep to the left side. He was met with a defender in the backfield, and should have lost about two yards, but managed to spin around the defender, get past the line of scrimmage, and actually pick up two yards. RBs who are completely done do not do stuff like that. Like some of us have said, no, he isn't the RB he used to be, but he isn't as awful as many are making him out to be. Their offensive line won't be that awful every week, and he won't be getting only 13 carries a game.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

If people wanna pile on and say he's done because of the ankle injury, you can make a valid point. But saying you watched the game and he looked done is utterly ridiculous. He averaged 4.2 YPC in a game where he lost two lineman, the opposing defense played awesome, and coming out of the lineup for Sproles on occasion. So if a guy gets 26 carries and goes for 110 yards, is that done? Of course not. Just because LT's TOTALS were lower doesn't mean he looked bad while compiling them.Now, if you want to make the case that you don't think he'll get 20-25 carries on a regular basis due to injury, that's another story. But he LOOKED pretty good.

DONE implies we don't think he CAN do it. Done in a fantasy context is that there is someone faster (and for now healthier), who cuts better than you do. LT could easily start on 10-15 teams in the league. But anyone who watched LT run, then watched Sproles run, has to realize that the writing is on the wall. Not cuz LT is "done" but b/c he has lost a step (maybe 1/2 a step) while having a guy who hasn't, and is faster and more agile with his cuts than LT.If you were playing madden, which would you go with? In my football philosophy it's almost always the faster, more agile guy. Those holes don't stay open forever.

 

[SSOG]

If you were playing madden, which would you go with? In my football philosophy it's almost always the faster, more agile guy. Those holes don't stay open forever.

Funny, that's Al Davis's football philosophy, too.

 

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

If you were playing madden, which would you go with? In my football philosophy it's almost always the faster, more agile guy. Those holes don't stay open forever.

Funny, that's Al Davis's football philosophy, too.

see but I run ball control O with effective play action, not run n shoot n draw...But seriously, Al davis applies that over intelligence, decision making etc, and looks ONLY or primarily at those skills. Sproles has no such holes (that we've seen). I'm not saying that u can stick usain bolt back there and hell run for 2,000. But I f I have 2 backs with skills, the faster/more agile/explosive one is getting the heavy lifting (15-20 carries) while the elder statesman gets his 7-12, and remains healthy for the long haul (playoffs).

Tell me where I'm wrong. S alexander is the perfect example of how quickly it can fade when you lose that extra gear. Now different backs, but the lessons the same. LT (like sproles) was drafted late b/c of size concerns, but thrived largely due to his speed and elusiveness, and when that starts to go, is when you need to deal him off, or you'll get left holding the bag. Especially in dynasty/keeper leagues.

 

[Knobs]

What in the world are you talking about when you say LT was drafted late (like Sproles) due to his size?

LT was drafted 5th overall.

 

[Steady Mooobin]

What in the world are you talking about when you say LT was drafted late (like Sproles) due to his size?LT was drafted 5th overall.

Shhhhhhh.... He's on a roll.

 

[sho nuff]

Okay let me get this straight.LT produces 55 yards on 13 carries and Sproles produces 23 yards on 9 carries but LT is done?Perhaps the Raiders run defense was pretty solid on Monday night. Let's wait and see how bad the ankle is before we stick a fork in him.

Forget the stat-line. Watch the replay. The writing is already on the wall.

I watched it.Running the football LT was better.Sproles longest run was for a whole 7 yards on 3rd and 20 on a draw.Sproles looked great on returns and I think too many people are basing their thoughts on him on his return game not his game running the football.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

But anyone who watched LT run, then watched Sproles run, has to realize that the writing is on the wall.

I love Sproles, but he had a horrible night running the ball against the Raiders. LT fared better. There really wasn't much blocking there for either one, though.

 

[qimqam]

If you were playing madden, which would you go with? In my football philosophy it's almost always the faster, more agile guy. Those holes don't stay open forever.

Funny, that's Al Davis's football philosophy, too.

see but I run ball control O with effective play action, not run n shoot n draw...But seriously, Al davis applies that over intelligence, decision making etc, and looks ONLY or primarily at those skills. Sproles has no such holes (that we've seen). I'm not saying that u can stick usain bolt back there and hell run for 2,000. But I f I have 2 backs with skills, the faster/more agile/explosive one is getting the heavy lifting (15-20 carries) while the elder statesman gets his 7-12, and remains healthy for the long haul (playoffs).

Tell me where I'm wrong. S alexander is the perfect example of how quickly it can fade when you lose that extra gear. Now different backs, but the lessons the same. LT (like sproles) was drafted late b/c of size concerns, but thrived largely due to his speed and elusiveness, and when that starts to go, is when you need to deal him off, or you'll get left holding the bag. Especially in dynasty/keeper leagues.

Actually Sean Alexander is the perfect example ... LT last year and this is starting to look just like Alexander at the end of his rope. Mind says Yes ... Body say No ... then come the injuries

 

[wudaben]

Okay let me get this straight.

LT produces 55 yards on 13 carries and Sproles produces 23 yards on 9 carries but LT is done?

Perhaps the Raiders run defense was pretty solid on Monday night.

Let's wait and see how bad the ankle is before we stick a fork in him.

Forget the stat-line. Watch the replay. The writing is already on the wall.

I watched it.Running the football LT was better.

Sproles longest run was for a whole 7 yards on 3rd and 20 on a draw.

Sproles looked great on returns and I think too many people are basing their thoughts on him on his return game not his game running the football.

Now if all the dissenting people could come to this same rational then we could quit all this Tom Foolery! Sproles looked horrible in the running game...PERIOD! LT actually made a couple decent plays but the Raiders were all over them in this game. The only thing Sproles looked good in was the return game and as a receiver in the final drive.

 

[Kitrick Taylor]

I thought LT looked decent running the ball the other night. Nothing special, but not washed up either. If I owned LT, I'd be more concerned about the injury/injuries this season. Spraining an ankle in week 1 is not a great way to start. It could hamper him for weeks, and leave him more vulnerable to big hits when he does return.

Question for Maurile. If LT is out this week vs Baltimore how do you see the carries going for Sproles/Bennett etc? I see Dodds and Bloom love Sproles as a start this week. Just wondering if you agree.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Question for Maurile. If LT is out this week vs Baltimore how do you see the carries going for Sproles/Bennett etc? I see Dodds and Bloom love Sproles as a start this week. Just wondering if you agree.

It's an afternoon game, so maybe this won't work if you have to choose your starters early. But I'd check the inactive list. If Buster Davis is active, I think Sproles will be the featured runner. If Davis is inactive, I think Bennett will get as many touches as Sproles or more.Norv doesn't want Sproles to be the kick/punt returner and the featured back in the same game. That's too much for him. If Buster Davis is active, it's because they'll use him as the kick/punt returner so Sproles can get more work in the offense.If I had to guess right now, I'd say (if Tomlinson is out) that Sproles will be the kick-punt returner and split the RB load with Bennett pretty evenly.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I hope Tomlinson doesn't play this week, so when Sproles carries the ball 17 times for 38 yards, all of the Sproles owners can make the "but he was playing the Ravens" excuse. :X

 

[Ray_T]

One of the reasons I drafted Tomlinson in the first round this year was his 3 td performance late in the season last year.If he was washed up last year then why did he have such a monster game? :X

I don't think rushing for 3 TD's in week 17 helped a lot of fantasy owners. He was terrible most of the season last year, by then it was too late for redemption in the eyes of the guys that drafted him 1st or 2nd overall. And now he's starting this season just like last: looks sluggish and already has an injury that everyone will use to excuse the terrible games he's going to have over the next month or two. Still a viable #2 RB in fantasy football, but I's sorry for everyone that picked him in the 1st round.

I agree. I think its a case where maybe we should think about grabbing the Oakland defense.I was extremely impressed with that defense on many levels. I looked at the way LT Ran and I saw that he ran to the hole, and saw it was plugged then bumped it outside to save the play on a regular basis. LT played well when you consider the holes were plugged more often than not. then when he found the holes he did the trademark stiff arm and was hard to bring down.LT is fine, but I'm having durability concerns. I'm keeping LT on my roster for now. No point in selling when the value is low.

 

[Chaka]

The only problem with LT is fantasy footballers expectations.

I guess we can blame LT for being so darn awesome for nine seasons.

 

[sho nuff]

The only problem with LT is fantasy footballers expectations.I guess we can blame LT for being so darn awesome for nine seasons.

True...I think some drafted him thinking it was going to be 1500 yards rushing and 18 TDs and they got a steal.I took him at #8 hoping for about 1200-1300 yards and 10-12 TDs.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Question for Maurile. If LT is out this week vs Baltimore how do you see the carries going for Sproles/Bennett etc? I see Dodds and Bloom love Sproles as a start this week. Just wondering if you agree.

It's an afternoon game, so maybe this won't work if you have to choose your starters early. But I'd check the inactive list. If Buster Davis is active, I think Sproles will be the featured runner. If Davis is inactive, I think Bennett will get as many touches as Sproles or more.Norv doesn't want Sproles to be the kick/punt returner and the featured back in the same game. That's too much for him. If Buster Davis is active, it's because they'll use him as the kick/punt returner so Sproles can get more work in the offense.If I had to guess right now, I'd say (if Tomlinson is out) that Sproles will be the kick-punt returner and split the RB load with Bennett pretty evenly.

I agree with this. I would expect slightly more carries for Bennett, and more receptions for Sproles. I will add that Bennett was outstanding in the preseason, showing quickness and agility that I didn't think he had anymore. His legs have tread left due to lack of use over the years, so I wouldn't be surprised at all to see him have a good day given the opportunity. Very sneaky play if LT is inactive and you're filling a hole at RB2 or flex.

 

[tommyGunZ]

The only problem with LT is fantasy footballers expectations.I guess we can blame LT for being so darn awesome for nine seasons.