SportsNation Blog Archives
LaDainian Tomlinson
- Rank: Where would a healthy Shawne Merriman rank among pass rushers?
- Vote: Would you have wanted your favorite team to pick up Merriman?
The speed at which a player in the National Football League can go from All-Star to waived is frankly astounding. A few years ago, LaDainian Tomlinson was setting records for rushing touchdowns -- this season, he had to search for a job before rejuvenating his career with the Jets. A few years back, Randy Moss was setting records for receiving touchdowns with the Patriots -- this season, he's found himself traded and waived within the space of a month.
It's Shawne Merriman's turn to tumble from his perch. A few years back, Merriman was one of the most feared pass-rushers in all of football. Now, he's been placed on waivers by the Chargers. The move comes as no real surprise -- San Diego had announced that they would release Merriman after he came off the injured reserve list -- but the idea of such a defensive force as Merriman having to look for a job is a bit disconcerting. We're sure some team will give him a chance -- and that team is the Buffalo Bills.
Brad (Beverly, MA)
Do you think Merriman's lack of productivity is due to steroids? Ever since his suspension he hasn't been the same, but you never hear anyone mention it. If he were playing baseball that is all you would hear.
Chris Mortensen
I've heard it discussed with Merriman. But the injuries have also deterred him. Of course, there are experts on PEDs who say that injuries are a byproduct of usage. However, Merriman has been tested frequently and randomly year-round since his steroid positive and he has tested clean. Full transcript
- Vote: Will LaDainian Tomlinson help Jets? | Will Brady Quinn succeed with Broncos?
- AFC bloggers: West's Bill Williamson | North's James Walker | East's Tim Graham
The Jets sign a future Hall of Famer in LaDainian Tomlinson, and he might not even be the best player they got from the Chargers this month. The Browns? Well, we imagine season tickets are just flying off the shelves with Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme in the house.
Mike Holmgren is in charge of the Browns, but a Browns fan says the faithful in Cleveland are used to channeling Norman Dale when it comes to authority figures. As in, "I would hope you would support who we are -- not who we are not." So is Eric Mangini Shooter?
- "Then they traded for Seneca Wallace, who seemed to be good at little more than keeping the curtain up. Fine. A backup. All right. Then came Jake Delhomme, a veteran who's best days are likely behind him. A better backup, maybe? Put Brady on the trading block to keep him on his toes, or if someone can be duped into overpaying for him. ... But this? A sixth in next year's draft, a conditional pick in 2012 and a fullback? What are you going to get with that sixth round pick? A backup safety? That's what our hopes were worth?" -- Read SNight322's full post.
“Statistically, Tim Couch was a better QB over his first 14 games than Quinn has been. Sad but true.
” -- Henta469
“LT is a much better receiver out the backfield than TJ and it would not surprise me if he gets most of the downs as the lone back on passing plays. I can only imagine how much more damage he can do given the chance to work behind the Jets O-line.
” -- heyjacleu
- 1. Is being Minnesota's No. 2 back better than being the No. 1 back on a bad team?
Kevin Seifert blogs: "But to me, the Vikings must determine if [LaDainian] Tomlinson is ready to subordinate his pride and accept a role secondary to [Adrian] Peterson. Last season, [Chester] Taylor carried the ball 94 times, less than a third of Tomlinson's career average. ... If Tomlinson is willing to accept that reduction, along with third-down responsibilities, this is a win-win situation for both sides." | NFC North blog | Vote - 2. Would Derek Anderson be a better bet than Matt Leinart for Cardinals?
Mike Sando blogs: "[Cardinals coach Ken] Whisenhunt, speaking Tuesday on XTRA910 radio in Phoenix, said the Cardinals would sign a quarterback to compete with Leinart. Not to back up Leinart, but to fight for the job. Whisenhunt said he has a "great deal" of confidence in Leinart, but he also told Leinart the team would bring in competition." | NFC West blog | Vote - 3. Will Thomas Jones be a better back than Jamaal Charles for the Chiefs?
Bill Williamson blogs: "Jones has shown he is the rare tailback who can succeed after the age of 30. He has rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his two seasons after turning 30. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Jones can tie the record -- held by Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton and John Riggins -- for having three 1,000-yard rushing season after turning 30." | AFC West blog | Vote - 4. Is Brady Quinn the answer at QB for the Browns?
James Walker blogs: "The move leaves [Seneca] Wallace and Brady Quinn currently as Cleveland's two quarterbacks heading into next season. The Browns have been very active in searching for trades at the quarterback position, which could continue." | AFC North blog | Vote - 5. What role will Michael Vick play in 2010?
Matt Mosley blogs: "Vick's remarkable athleticism is what used to set him apart from other quarterbacks. But as he approaches 30, those rare skills will soon be on the decline. My prediction is that general manager Howie Roseman will desperately try to land a third-round pick for Vick leading up to the draft but then have to settle for a fourth-rounder." | NFC East blog | Vote
Derek Anderson didn't hesitate to burn bridges while leaving Cleveland. Then again, in a place where the rivers used to catch on fire, people are used to that sort of thing. After the Browns released him, Anderson labeled Cleveland fans "ruthless" and said he couldn't wait to come back through town (he's since apologized). The Cardinals don't play in Cleveland next season, but would Anderson fit throwing to Larry Fitzgerald? That's one question we've got for you, with some insights provided by ESPN's NFL bloggers.
Chad (Luke AFB, AZ)
Whats your take on the Browns picking up Wallace? Do you really think he will give Quinn a fighting chance for the starting job?
James Walker
The trade tells me Holmgren is going to put in principles of his West Coast system. The team has yet to admit that publicly. As far as a QB competition, Holmgren is trying to avoid it this year. So Quinn will either be traded or the team will make a predetermined choice on who starts before training camp. Full transcript
Griff (MN a.k.a. Southern Canada)
Bill Williamson just reported that the Vikings are showing interest in L.T. That said, which of the FA RBs, in your opinion, would be the best fit for the Vikings?
Kevin Seifert
If he's healthy, Brian Westbrook might be the most ideal fit. But the concussion situation is awfully worrisome. Full transcript
Dave (Columbus)
Do you think Cleveland should dump Quinn and start over at QB? With Quinn being a semi-local kid, there's always going to be a QB controversy among fans while he's there.
Lomas Brown
I think they should dump the QB that they can get the most value for. Look to go in a different direction. I haven't seen anything out of Quinn or Anderson, even though they're young, to make me think they are going to be franchise QBs. Full transcript
- Rank 'Em: Is Brian Westbrook the best over-30 potential free agent?
- Vote: What's next for the Eagles?
It's not a good month to be a formerly-dominant NFL running back. First, LaDainian Tomlinson got the boot from the Chargers; now, Brian Westbrook is getting the same treatment from the Eagles.
Westbrook has been plagued by concussions in recent years, including one this season that put his career in jeopardy. Still, when healthy, he's a dual-threat, dangerous out of the backfield as a rusher or receiver. That's one big IF, however.
Westbrook and Tomlinson aren't the only veteran free agents on the market, as big names like Julius Peppers and Terrell Owens could make an impact on a contender. Only one thing is certain; the Eagles are left with a huge hole to fill.
J.B. (Dunmore, PA)
M-Dub: With Westbrook now out in Philly, can you see Andy Reid actually giving McCoy a chance to run the football?
Matt Williamson
No. His role will grow. Weaver should remain in the mix and they will prob add another RB in the draft. But, as always, they are going to throw and throw a ton. McCoy needs to improve on his protection, but you need to remember, that this is still a very young player-came out as a Soph. Full transcript
Steve (Atlanta, GA)
Do you think Westbrook will find a home or is he destined to retire this year?
Matt Williamson
Can he pass a physical? Will a doc clear him with his concussions? Could see him as a 3rd down RB still, but not an everydown guy. Full transcript
- Rank 'Em: Is LaDainian Tomlinson one of five best running backs in NFL history?
- LT Interest? Blog Network Chats: NFC East, 12 ET | NFC North, 2 ET | AFC North, 4 ET
You talked yesterday about what the future may hold for LaDainian Tomlinson in the wake of the league's ninth leading rusher all time getting his walking papers from the Chargers, but the morning after brings a chance to think about LT's place in history (and not just because, as John Clayton suggests in the video above, there aren't any guarantees he has a future in the NFL).
Tomlinson once seemed like a lock to break the all-time rushing record, but now he'll need to find more than 1,600 yards somewhere just to claim fourth behind Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton and Barry Sanders. All the same, for about seven or eight years, the guy dominated the league. So whether you measure against Smith's longevity or the brief dominance of guys like Sanders and Jim Brown, where does Tomlinson stack up among the best ever?
Back to the present, Matt Williamson and KC Joyner looked at Tomlinson's situation in recent chats, and one SportsNation blogger is bummed at how things went down.
- "The Chargers should have at least tried everything they could to bring him back not only as a part of a package with either Darren Sproles and whoever they pick up in the upcoming NFL Draft. I have never liked GM AJ Smith. It seems like he will do whatever it takes to run the marquee players (see Drew Brees, and now Tomlinson) and a coach (Marty Schottenheimer) who lost to a guy (Tom Brady) who won three Super Bowls in favor of his own guys." -- Read the TimValenzuela's full post.
Mike (Iowa City)
What about possibilities of LT coming to the Bears?
ESPN NFL Insider KC Joyner
Only question is why would the Bears want him? He has very little tread left on the tire. He'd be a great fit for a team making a Super Bowl run that only needs him for spot play (maybe as a RB/WR or GL specialist). Full transcript
Dallas (Chicago)
Do u think darren sproles is the legit rb now that lt is going away? if not who do u see the chargers replacing lt?
Matt Williamson
No. I see Sproles as a nice guy to have, but a complementary piece. They need a heavier guy to carry the load and establish a physicality on that offense. Make play action work. I am not positive who that guy is though right now. I don't like Dwyer that high. Maybe trade down a smidge and take that monster from Stanford? Not sure of the fit just yet. He doesn't fit my description to a T, but I like Chester Taylor a lot. Full transcript
- Rank 'Em: Is LaDainian Tomlinson one of the five best backs ever?
- Vote: Is Darren Sproles the answer for the Chargers?
Greatest quarterback of all time? Peyton Manning gets a chance to strengthen his case in that debate on the field in Super Bowl XLIV. Greatest wide receiver of all time? Jerry Rice doesn't get much argument and will assuredly hear his name called Saturday as one of the newest members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Greatest running back of all time?
Well, it sure looked at one point in time like it might be LaDainian Tomlinson.
Tomlinson said Thursday he doesn't expect to be back in San Diego next season, which would end a tenure with the Chargers in which he rushed for 12,490 yards (eighth all time) and scored 153 touchdowns (third all time). But after back-to-back subpar seasons, how much does he have left?
Ladanian Tomlinson (Texas)
Do you think I could end up in Houston? Some people are saying Tennesse but I just don't see me fitting into a place with a guy that wants the ball so much.
ESPN NFL Insider KC Joyner
LT just isn't the back he used to be but he still has some tread left of the tire. Tennessee would seem to be a better fit in that they could use his pass receiving skill more than Houston. Full transcript
Garrett (Richmond)
Who do you see having a better NFL future, Adrian Peterson or Chris Johnson?
Marshall Faulk
I think Chris Johnson because he doesn't play the game as violent as AP does. Peterson loves to take the contact and Johnson doesn't really get into all that. I also love Johnson's ability to catch the ball and make plays in the open field. Full transcript
There's little doubt who the best running back in football is these days; he's the guy that has more states than Minnesota native Walter Mondale carried in 1984 voting for the Vikings to win the NFC North despite Brett Favre's decision to stay retired.
As long as you have Adrian Peterson, you have a chance. Then again, that's not altogether different from how people felt about Larry Johnson as the 2007 NFL season approached.
You remember Johnson, the guy who rushed for 1,789 yards on a record 416 carries in 2006, a year after topping 1,700 yards with 20 touchdowns in a breakout campaign. Back in June, 2007, voters said he was the second-best back in the game (granted, Secretariat's margin of victory in the Belmont was a photo finish in comparison to LaDainian Tomlinson's lead) and clearly the Chiefs' most indispensable player.
Now it's 2009 and despite better than 800 yards last season, Johnson can't get a sniff when it comes to the backs "SportsNation" (4 p.m. ET, ESPN2) is asking voters to rank for Thursday's show. Just more proof that success can be fleeting at one of the NFL's most physically demanding positions. Be forewarned, Vikings fans.
- Voters say Tomlinson is not the player Chargers can least afford to lose.
- Jim Brown beat out Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith as SN's all-time best.
“wonder where RBs that had a goodly amount of carries combined with a goodly amount of receptions fit in in all this? For example: Matt Forte had 316 carries last year, far below the 370 curse mark, but also caught 63 passes...combined touches 379, so he's over the limit. May not mean anything at all, but I expect to see a drop off in his production this year simply because teams will scheme to shut him down more, IMO.
” -- The Mini Ditkas
“L.T. will duplicate his numbers from last season, and I can tell you now.. I spent too much time watching him log around 50 yards with zero scores to rest easy. Time to find a new horse for my squad.
” -- noodlerii
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Do you still want to see the tape of LeBron getting dunked on?
Has time dulled your desire to see the footage that Nike confiscated of Jordan Crawford dunking on LeBron?
Is Kobe playing for Team USA in 2010 and 2012 a good idea?
Kobe has a gold medal and NBA title in the same year, and he isn't getting any younger. He can help the U.S. maintain supremacy, but what about the Lakers?
Do you prefer youth or experience at running back?
Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson is now the wily veteran, but the NFL is notorious for using up backs by the time they reach their 30s.
Whom would you rather have replace your quarterback?
Michael Vick brings fresh legs but the rust of an NFL layoff. Brett Favre has years of success but an aging body and shoulder.
Which is a better option for Stephen Strasburg right now?
Scott Boras isn't afraid to hold players out if they don't get the deal he says they deserve. But what if a big-name prospect gets injured playing this game?
And our final question ...
A recent theory in the running world proposes that running without shoes is better for you. Would you consider running barefoot?
What is "SportsNation" TV and how do you make your voice heard on the broadcast? Read about the new ESPN show that features fan opinions with calls, tweets, polls, rankers and more.
The NFL season is right around the corner, and in its own way, so is the end of the decade -- in geologic terms, it's practically yesterday. So even though there's technically one more season to play before we hit double digits in this century, it's never too early to start looking back (which is also decent advice for Matthew Stafford when he plants in the pocket this season behind the Lions offensive line).
ESPN.com's NFL bloggers have been putting their minds to the task of sorting out our current decade, with the Patriots topping the Power Rankings, Ray Lewis and Derrick Brooks among those leading the all-decade defense, and Tom Brady edging out Peyton Manning as the all-decade quarterback and MVP.
- Today's chat: All-decade chat extravaganza begins at 1 p.m. ET
- These guys weren't threats to make it; rank the NFL's most overrated players.
“how can the patriots possibly be considered in ANYTHING?!!? THEY CHEATED...let me spell that out C H E A T E D. NO team in NFL's glorious history has EVER been caught cheating. It's too bad the NFL just swept this under the rug to save face instead of call them out for what really is...what a discrace, not a champion...
” -- RIPredskins21
“Manning Should be MVP! What the heck he has 3 NFL MVPs this decade and Brady 1.....Doesn't that right there tell you Manning is more Valuable? Plus Matt Cassel proved that the Pats are a decent team without Brady, making Brady not as valuable. I wonder how the Colts would do with Sorgi as starter?
” -- pucrepeap
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