Lorenzo Neal injury (1 Viewer)

[greenf7cat]

It was mentioned on "The Herd" earlier today that Lorenzo Neal, lead blocker for LT, has a broken fibula, and is out indefinitely (http://myespn.go.com/s/conversations/show/story/3148701). I do understand that LT is the best RB in the NFL, but do you folks see a slight/moderate drop in production for LT?

Not that any of you care, but I am facing LT in the 1st rd of the playoffs next week, and just trying to gauge how my matchups are looking thus far

 

[patrickmcgroin]

It can't help thats for sure. Still LT is LT.

 

[mad sweeney]

It was mentioned on "The Herd" earlier today that Lorenzo Neal, lead blocker for LT, has a broken fibula, and is out indefinitely (http://myespn.go.com/s/conversations/show/story/3148701). I do understand that LT is the best RB in the NFL, but do you folks see a slight/moderate drop in production for LT?

Not that any of you care, but I am facing LT in the 1st rd of the playoffs next week, and just trying to gauge how my matchups are looking thus far

Lorenzo is a great veteran leader on top of his incredible blocking. He calmed LT down during the game yesterday and I doubt there are many on that team that could do that for LT. I don't know how it will affect him blocking wise but it's a definite loss morale and leadership wise. However, he's LT so what might hamstring another RB might not even affect Darth Tomlinson.It's probably the end of Neal's career. He was pretty much talked out of retirement for this season so I would guess he hangs up the shoes. Too bad that 2 of the best blocking FBs in recent years, possible two of the last true FBs, ended their career* with injuries in the same season (Strong).

*-probably

 

[smcindoe]

Neal was a huge factor in LT's success. Not only was he a great blocker, but he was great at keeping drives alive with short runs on third or fourth-and-one (but never at the goal line, which was nice).

 

[greenf7cat]

it looks like Andrew Pinnock (know nothing about him) is next on the depth chart at FB.

 

[Gr00vus]

it looks like Andrew Pinnock (know nothing about him) is next on the depth chart at FB.

Pinnock is basically a converted large tailback. He doesn't block as well as Neal (obviously) but he's a better runner and pass catcher.With the next 3 against Detroit, Oakland and Denver I wouldn't expect LaDainian's numbers to drop much, if at all. This injury really hurts the Chargers' when the playoffs roll around however.

 

[smcindoe]

Was Pinnock in the lineup yesterday? They seemed to be using a TE as lead blocker (when they had one at all) after Neal left.

 

[Gr00vus]

Was Pinnock in the lineup yesterday? They seemed to be using a TE as lead blocker (when they had one at all) after Neal left.

He made a great catch on a key screen pass that was not thrown well (due to pressure on Rivers) in the 4th quarter and he also had a key block responsible for springing LaDainian on the last TD. He played.

 

[The Man Who Met Andy Griffith]

With the next 3 against Detroit, Oakland and Denver I wouldn't expect LaDainian's numbers to drop much, if at all. This injury really hurts the Chargers' when the playoffs roll around however.

Jeez I didn't realize that was the schedule. That is just unfair.

 

[greenf7cat]

With the next 3 against Detroit, Oakland and Denver I wouldn't expect LaDainian's numbers to drop much, if at all. This injury really hurts the Chargers' when the playoffs roll around however.

Jeez I didn't realize that was the schedule. That is just unfair.

not even right (of course i dont have him either)

 

[mggoilers]

expect to see more Brandon "Gigantic TE" as a blocker, he is more then capable, and pinnock also offers a receiving threat and speed that Neal lacked....LT shoudl be fine.

 

[Despyzer]

expect to see more Brandon "Gigantic TE" as a blocker, he is more then capable, and pinnock also offers a receiving threat and speed that Neal lacked....LT shoudl be fine.

This is a likely scenario. The Chargers have three TEs that they are really fond of. They have frequently used a set where they only employ one WR and two TEs. My guess is you will just see fewer sets that utilize a FB. I wouldn't worry about it though.

 

[SSOG]

Lorenzo Neal was an amazing football player, but his skills had definitely started to erode. He wasn't the same player he once was before he got injured. He might be missed from a leadership standpoint, but as far as from a blocking standpoint, I don't think the dropoff is going to be as great as everyone is saying. It's ironic that when Neal was a stud blocker, no one knew his name, and now that everyone knows his name, he's no longer a stud blocker.

Great player, great career, and it's a real shame that it's probably going to end like this, though.