All of a sudden, things are clicking for the San Diego Chargers.
Philip Rivers is passing as well as ever. Vincent Jackson constantly makes big receptions.
Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips are back to making sacks.
But on the other hand, there is one thing missing:
Production from LaDainian Tomlinson.
As much as some people may blame it all on the (lack of) blocking, it looks like LT is near the end of his career with the Chargers.
This is not the worst line Tomlinson has ever been behind. He has done much better behind much worse offensive lines.
The sad thing is that when Tomlinson was injured in the 2007 playoffs, it all came down to one of two things: Either his injury was a fluke or the beginning of a trend.
Sadly, the trend continues.
LT, a certain Pro Football Hall of Fame player, is having his worst year ever in 2009.
He rushed for 15 yards at Pittsburgh and 22 yards at the New York Giants; two of his three-lowest producing days in his nine-year career.
He’s averaging a career-low 3.2 yards per attempt this season and has only three rushing TDs. In every previous season, he has scored rushing TDs in double figures.
Darren Sproles is a great change-up to Tomlinson in the backfield but will never be a full-time running back at 5-foot-6.
The Chargers already knew they needed succession planning at RB in the 2009 draft. They didn’t take a RB until the fourth round in Gartrell Johnson, who is no longer with the team.
It’s too bad that LT will likely never again be the player he once was in San Diego. And it’s too bad the Chargers haven’t had the foresight to take care of their problems at RB.
Philip Rivers is passing as well as ever. Vincent Jackson constantly makes big receptions.
Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips are back to making sacks.
But on the other hand, there is one thing missing:
Production from LaDainian Tomlinson.
As much as some people may blame it all on the (lack of) blocking, it looks like LT is near the end of his career with the Chargers.
This is not the worst line Tomlinson has ever been behind. He has done much better behind much worse offensive lines.
The sad thing is that when Tomlinson was injured in the 2007 playoffs, it all came down to one of two things: Either his injury was a fluke or the beginning of a trend.
Sadly, the trend continues.
LT, a certain Pro Football Hall of Fame player, is having his worst year ever in 2009.
He rushed for 15 yards at Pittsburgh and 22 yards at the New York Giants; two of his three-lowest producing days in his nine-year career.
He’s averaging a career-low 3.2 yards per attempt this season and has only three rushing TDs. In every previous season, he has scored rushing TDs in double figures.
Darren Sproles is a great change-up to Tomlinson in the backfield but will never be a full-time running back at 5-foot-6.
The Chargers already knew they needed succession planning at RB in the 2009 draft. They didn’t take a RB until the fourth round in Gartrell Johnson, who is no longer with the team.
It’s too bad that LT will likely never again be the player he once was in San Diego. And it’s too bad the Chargers haven’t had the foresight to take care of their problems at RB.
1 comment:
It sure seems like you hit the nail on the head. It does appear that LT's days in not only San Diego but the NFL may be numbered. You have seen him more than I but has he lost a step or two; what is going on with him? As a TCU and Charger fan I hope that he can turn it a round soon but I am afraid it may be too late.
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