LaDainian Tomlinson had played 9 years in San Diego, for the Chargers. He was a beast running the ball, a perpetual danger to break one at any given time. Not only was he a running threat, but catching the ball out of the backfield as well. His career 547 receptions rank 8th all time for running backs. And likely will end up around 4th by seasons end at his current pace. Not only was he a tough cover, but the Chargers were a team to be cautious about, they had 4 seasons winning 11 or more games, and made it to AFC divisional game, 4 times and the AFC conference game once. Regrettably for Chargers fans, they just never made it to the next level of success.
Then in a not so unexpected move, the Chargers dumped off Tomlinson to the New York Jets. Many were skeptical over the move, being that in 2009 the Jets drafted Shonn Greene from Iowa in the 3rd round. Greene was going to be expected take over the teams RB1 slot with the strange dumping of another veteran running back, Thomas Jones (31). Jones had just come off a huge season, with 1402 yards and 14 rushing TDs. So it appeared the Jets were going in a youth move with Greene as first back, LT as 3rd down back with out of the backfield catching possibilities. How much would Tomlinson actually play?
After 5 weeks, and a 4-1 record Tomlinson has simply become the RB1, putting up fantastic numbers, 435 yards on 76 carries, for a 5.7 avg per run. Greene still gets his carries with 62, but obviously, LT has become the focal point in the running game this season, at the seasoned old age of 31.
I think this states several things at work here. Firstly, how amazing the offensive line is in New York, with D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Nick Mangold and young Matt Slauson being the foundation, to have helped some of the older fellas have surprising yards over the last 3 seasons, 4.8 per carry as a team in that period, pretty remarkable if you ask me.
Secondly, the age factor, the dreaded number of 30 year old running backs, and how their numbers drop off at this terrifying age amazes me. And now LT is doing his thing, showing he, too, is capable of putting up youthful numbers again. Unfortunately, 32 year old Thomas Jones, last years wonder from the Jets currently has 236 yards only getting 3.9 a carry with the Chiefs, which is only good for 26th in the league.
What’s even more remarkable is since 2002, only 7 times has a 30+ year old Running back rushed for over 1000 yards. It’s a rarity indeed, so it’s pretty special.
Tomlinson has had a fantastic career, with tons of carries, averaging 21 a game over his career. He and 25 year old Shonn Greene have given the Jets a dominant running attack, which is going to be a lot for any team to handle this season.
I am glad for Tomlinson, he is one of the best I have ever seen play the game, and I hope to enjoy watching him dip and dash for another couple years, or will this be his swan song? Either way you look at it, this sure fire hall of famer is showing he’s still got it.
Written By Tony Karpinski for VegasTopDogs.com
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