New Jet Tomlinson not getting much respect
Last Updated: 7:14 PM, March 16, 2010
Posted: 11:30 AM, March 16, 2010
Comments: 14
Print
You would think the Jets signed 51-year-old Lawrence Taylor rather than the other LT, 30-year-old LaDainian Tomlinson.
With the shadow of Thomas Jones lurking, Tomlinson was introduced by the Jets today, answering questions about his declining production, fading career, and limited role.
“I think in any decision, people are going to always have their opinions about certain things, but I think only time will tell,” Tomlinson said on a conference call this morning. “I think we both -- and really me -- have to prove to people where I am in this point in my career that I can still play this game. I'm very confident I can."
The Jets seem confident he can, too, with GM Mike Tannenbaum saying the former Chargers star will play “a lot” for the Jets, calling him an “every-down back” more than once.
“We always say the best players play. He’ll play a lot. We expect him to play a lot. We expect him to touch the ball a lot," Tannenbaum said. “We can’t sit here and say he’s going to carry it eight times or 28 times. I do know this. We’re going to run the ball a lot next year."
The Jets signed Tomlinson in part to fill the running back spot vacated when they released Jones last month. Jones, despite rushing for 1,402 yards last season and a respected locker room presence, was released rather than getting the $5.8 million he had coming to him for this year.
It was reported the Jets then declined to match the two-year, $5 million contract Jones, 31, received with the Chiefs. Tannenbaum was asked several times if he was given that chance but he declined to be specific, saying only the two sides had continuing dialogue and he wished Jones well.
Tomlinson reportedly got a two-year, $5.1 million contract from the Jets, with $500,000 more available in incentives.
“It know there is a natural comparison,” Tannenbaum said of Jones and Tomlinson.
“It’s hard to say that economics was 'x' percent and role was 'y' percent and the incumbent versus bringing in a new player," the GM added.
The questioners – speaking for many fans – wanted to know why. It had to be difficult for Tomlinson if he heard, a likely Hall of Famer with several NFL records perceived to be a shell of his former self.
Addressing his career-low 730 yards last season, and his per-carry average dropping for 5.2 to 3.3 over the past four seasons, Tomlinson didn’t make excuses, specifically for the Chargers’ growing emphasis on the passing game.
“I think it’s a combination of different things,” Tomlinson said. “You look at my career and obviously numbers are meant to go up and down with the type of season you have, but, in this case with a change in philosophy, you can also see that my touches went down.
"It is what it is and I’m ready to move on from that with this new opportunity."
Tomlinson said he is OK with that opportunity as a complementary player rather than the star and featured back. Shonn Greene is thought to be the Jets’ primary back, and free agent Leon Washington could return.
“The Jets made it to AFC Championship (game) without me; how can I go in there and demand to be a starter?” Tomlinson said. “They were very good without me. I just want to be able to have a role on this team and contribute."
Though some may think he no longer can.
“It’s still on me to prove that I can still play in this league,” Tomlinson said. ““Now here we are with the Jets, a team that has a very good offensive line and there’s no more excuses"
PostPics
Today in Pictures-
George Steinbrenner
-
Yankees honor Steinbrenner, Sheppard
-
The Boss 'Covered' In The New York Post
-
Yankees first-half report card
-
Mets first-half report card
Comments (14)
Post Your CommentPink Toilet Paper
03/18/2010 9:44 AM
Tomlinson will get 150 agaisnt a weak defense but when the big hitters come to town he will tighten up and head to the sidelines.
Its his history ie New England game and others.
Hes from the school of keeping the body going as long as ya can for the contracts.
Sit out 3 games here,2 games there and take less pounding.
Brian Pitt
03/18/2010 9:25 AM
What "other" L.T.? There is, and will always be ONLY ONE L.T., and we all know who that is !!! I don't dislike LaDamian, but please stop calling him l t and demeaning our New York Giant Superstar!
thebigO
03/16/2010 9:43 PM
I live in SD and I can tell you that the Chargers offensive line last year couldn't block their way out of a paper bag. One play summed it up. Vs. Baltimore, 4th and goal, game on the line - they ran Sproles up the middle. Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, UNTOUCHED, smashed Sproles in the backfield, game over. Sproles was lucky to be alive after that hit. Game after game LT had to make cuts in his own backfield just to get back to the line of scrimmage.
All I can say is, if the Chargers had the Jets offensive line last season, they would have won the Super Bowl.
If LT really dedicates himself to train this offseason, the Jets will be great.
LoyalJetFan
03/16/2010 9:01 PM
Yankees Pride - based on all the geniuses weighing in we can only conclude that Sproles must be washed up too. After all he only gained about 5 inches more per carry than LT.
Oops, he's only 26.
I love these Giant fans from the Mike Francesa school of cross-town rivalry. Complaining about "LT". Do you knuckleheads know how petty you sound? Like those Buffalo bozos telling us how "they're the only NY team"....
richsnj.gogiants
03/16/2010 6:51 PM
ok so it has already been said... but there is only 1 LT who played football in NY ... and that is all there will ever be... so get used to being called La Dain or LD or go fetch the gatorade............
Yankees Pride
03/16/2010 5:34 PM
oops, I forgot to make my point, didn't I??haha. No, the Charo-gers backs don't suck, Rivers has trouble handing off to them. GO JETS!!
Signed,
Jets Pride
Yankees Pride
03/16/2010 5:30 PM
Does Sproles suck too?? His yardage in 2008 and 2009 were both around 350 but it took Sproles 30 extra carriess in 2009 to get those yards. Sproles' avg yards per carry in 2008 was 5.4 vs 3.7 in 2009. 2 yards per carry less. HUGE differece. And I so Rivers, their wide outs and TE look bad in that game vs the Jets. BTW, is the other LT really 51??D.a.m.n. nyj, stand your ground. GO JETS!!!!!!!!
Signed,
Jets Pride
NJ732
03/16/2010 5:05 PM
The only LT there ever was played for the Giants. Enough with this garbage from "LT"
As for NYJ, did you not see how the Jets D ate up Tomlinson in the playoffs?
He's had a big toe problem/lagging injury for a while. Also San Diego plays 8 home games every year in favorable temperatures. By the 1st week of November he'll be looking for sideline heaters and a giant throwover jacket while not on the field.