Chargers Lose a Legend

The city of San Diego said goodbye to one of its most prominent stars this week when the Chargers released future hall of fame RB Ladainian Tomlinson. While the release was predictable and even anticipated, I found myself feeling remorse for ever criticizing LT. For several seasons Tomlinson gave San Diegans hope for a successful football team. He never reached the Super Bowl and broke down physically during the playoffs, but he was the driving influence in the expectations of Chargers fans.

Tomlinson was a very rare example of humbleness, class, and talent in the NFL. His community involvement and charitable contributions demonstrated his tremendous heart and generosity. He will be remembered as one of the greatest players in NFL history, but he is also remembered as one of the best humans to wear a professional jersey. He never got in trouble off of the field, never uttered a bad word about teammates or management (even when it would have been justified), and never let money or ego change his core personality.

I have read over a dozen reactions by NFL players and not one has failed to mention that LT is a better person than a player. You can be sure every player in the NFL holds Tomlinson in the highest regard for his ability on the field and his contributions off of it. When you talk about pillars of the community, he is second only to Tony Gwynn, and that is phenomenal company. He deeply loved being a Charger, almost to a fault, because it was his positive outlook and great expectations that led San Diego to believe they would finally capture a Super Bowl ring the last six seasons.

In his time as a Charger, LT broke nearly every franchise rushing record. In 2003, he became the first player in NFL history to have 100 receptions and 1,000 yards rushing in the same season. In 2006, Tomlinson won the MVP after setting NFL records for TDs (31), rushing TDs (28), and points scored (186). He owns the NFL record for consecutive games with a rushing TD (18), most consecutive multi TD games (8), and most seasons with 10+ TDs. He is second to Emmit Smith for most TDs in NFL history.

LT's release shows how brutal the NFL really is. One year you are considered a top player in the league, the next you are searching for work as a backup. No position personifies this more than running back, where 30 might as well be 65. There aren't many RBs that leave the league on their own terms, no matter what their resumes look like. Even Walter Payton had to walk away with a bitter taste in his mouth. For those that criticized Barry Sanders for leaving the league early, take a look at the names that didn't see 32 as an NFL RB. Then there's Shaun Alexander who was forced to retire just two years removed from a league MVP. Tomlinson's finish mirrors Alexander's.

Tomlinson stated he will continue to live and be active in the San Diego community, but hopes to find work in the NFL for another three years. I am not sure this will be a possibility for Tomlinson, but there might be an argument that he still has something left. LT's last two years have been the least effective of his career. He only averaged 3.3 yards per carry last year and looked like he has lost the explosiveness that helped him burst through the line of scrimmage. Almost everyone that watched him play blamed age and diminishing speed.

But it was also two years ago that the Chargers fired head coach Marty Schottenheimer in favor of pass happy Norv Turner. Turner almost immediately turned the reigns over to QB Phillip Rivers. The Chargers all but abandoned the run to fling the ball all over the field to their host of talented pass catchers. Run blocking was clearly the weakness of the Chargers offensive line that hasn't opened a hole since they let FB Lorenzo Neal walk away. No one ever pays attention to the full back, but Neal blocked for 1,000 yard rushers his whole career and was recently named to the NFL's all decade team along with LT. That might not provide much comfort to Tomlinson since Neal is retired, and the full back position seems to be an NFL relic, but perhaps his last two seasons in San Diego set him up to fail. It's not like LT was bad and back up Darren Sproles was running wild. There was no run production from either player. Most of the positive plays for Sproles came from short passes.

The Chargers front office has a reputation for being cold blooded in their approach to players. There is no loyalty to stars, and at times general manager A.J. Smith has been openly critical of players, reminding them through the media that they are replaceable. Many thought Tomlinson would not be back last year after Smith took shots at him through the media before the season began. This thought process also helped usher out QB Drew Brees to make way for the 6'5" Rivers. Smith and the Chargers worried about Brees' arm after surgery, but more importantly they never liked having a 6'0" QB under center. Some of you may have seen Brees hoisting the Vince Lombardi trophy and announcing his plans to visit Disney World recently.

Football is a business where players are cast aside when their production diminishes. As much as players are vilified for being greedy with contracts, owners and GMs would throw them out on the street if they don't see returns on the investment. Even the best player in Chargers history is not immune. That being said, it did seem like the marriage was over for the Chargers and LT. Hopefully he will get signed by a team that needs some leadership and a positive locker room presence because it appears that is all Tomlinson has left to give. If the Saints are unable to re-sign Reggie Bush, perhaps LT can rejoin Brees in New Orleans and try to ride his right arm to the Super Bowl he never got to play in.

I wish Tomlinson the best of luck, and hope the Chargers repair their fractured running game. No matter how the landscape of the NFL tilts in favor of passing, you still need a running game that can bang out four yards on the ground. That was something that Tomlinson was successful doing most of his career. That is something the Chargers lost that cost them yet another chance to get to the Super Bowl. I would be much happier writing about the Chargers releasing K Nate Kaeding, but all things come to an end, especially in the NFL.

Last Call

It has taken a great deal of effort to sit down and post my thoughts about championship Sunday in the NFL after last week's debacle. As late as this is going out, I imagine this won't get read until after the games are over, so I will keep it short.

New York Jets vs. Indianapolis Colts

No team of recent memory has been more fortunate than the Jets. After getting walked into the playoffs, they played two teams that went a combined 0-5 kicking field goals. Neither the Bengals or Chargers gave a good effort at home, and the defense of the Jets was enough to keep them in games. They have done a pretty good job of ball protection and have taken advantage of their opponents mistakes.

That being said, I can't imagine there is any way that the Colts fall victim to the Jets brand of football. Indy should understand what they are up against unlike the Jets previous two opponents. The most important difference this week is Colts QB Peyton Manning, the consummate professional. Manning has not had the postseason success you would expect for a QB of his caliber, but every team that has been a thorn in his side is watching on TV.

The path to the Super Bowl could not be more perfect for Manning. Doesn't it seem inevitable that he will have two Super Bowl championships? He can't be known for tying his brother in Super Bowl victories. The Colts played a warm up last week when they beat the Baltimore Ravens who could be the twin brother of the Jets.

Once again it will be strength against strength. The Colts passing offense against the Jets blitzing defense. The Jets pressure QBs 60 percent of the snaps but Manning has a QB rating of 118 against the blitz this year. Indy boasts a more consistent defense than San Diego or Cincy. Without a passing attack, I don't see the Jets putting up enough points to keep up with Manning. Jets DB Darrelle Revis will cover Colts WR Reggie Wayne which should be Revis' toughest challenge this postseason.

The outcome shouldn't be taken for granted since a similar argument has been made against the Jets for the past two rounds by nearly everyone. The Jets have shown great resiliency to match their tremendous luck, but their luck has to run out this week. I like the Colts BIG. I think Manning leads at least four TD drives, and the Colts eclipse 30 points.

Colts 31 Jets 13

Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints

It seems like the best matchups this postseason have been in the NFC, but the games have all turned out to be lopsided. I thought Minnesota vs. Dallas would be a very competitive game, but the Vikings pounded Dallas like veal. Suddenly WR Sidney Rice is on top of the world and RB Adrian Peterson has taken a back seat. Brett Favre has not disappointed this year, and the playoff win has to give him confidence.

The Saints reminded the world why they are the number one seed as they pummelled the Cardinals last week. All purpose back Reggie Bush came up with a great game which occurs about every ten. QB Drew Brees was sharp early, and they put away the Cards by the start of the second quarter. The Saints offense was clicking on all cylinders, but they also faced a team that gave up 45 points the previous week. More impressive was their ability to shut down QB Kurt Warner and the Cardinals high powered offense.

The Saints weren't really tested last week, and they will actually have to play against a real NFL defense. Minnesota should feel very confident after last week's win. They have been able to win several games without Peterson getting his usual yards, and they have the best defensive line in the league.

Two things work against the Vikings though. First, they are on the road. The home (or dome) field advantage Minnesota enjoys is one of the biggest in the NFL. The few times the Vikes looked vulnerable were on the road. The second problem the Vikings have is that I will be rooting for them. They have been my safety team after drafting Peterson, and just like always, I will need them to come through to salvage some joy out of this post season.

New Orleans is not immune to some bad voodoo either. Much like San Diego, they have never been a team that has gotten over their playoff woes. In the age of BB (Before Brees), the Saints couldn't make it out of the first round of the playoffs. When I lived in New Orleans, fans would wear monkeys on their backs to try and reverse the jinx of first round losses. Now that Brees has taken over, they have had more success, but still have not made it past the championship game. This would be a monumental win for the Saints and their fans. This is the first year the Saints will host an NFC championship game.

To see Favre against Manning in the Super Bowl would be tremendous. Manning against Brees would be fun, but it just doesn't have the same feel. Favre vs. Manning would be like Magic vs. Bird at the end of their careers. If Peterson can get going, it will give Favre and the rest of the offense a big boost. He's like a power hitter in a slump, and you know he is due for a breakout(for those keeping track, that is an NBA analogy followed by an MLB analogy, both to describe the NFL. Nice.) Eventually a hole will open up for him and he'll take it to the house. If the difference becomes who has the better defense, you have to go with the Vikings.

My heart says Minnesota, my head says New Orleans. Either team can win this game, the real prediction is deciding what kind of game it will be. Turnovers? Sloppy play? More defense than expected? Shootout? All of these factors are involved. Can Brett really make it to the Super Bowl this year? Is it Brees' turn? Enough! I believe the offenses will win out.

Minnesota 30 New Orleans 35