Sometimes, we get reminded just how small the windows are for athletes to perform at an elite level. LaDainian Tomlinson, who looked like a threat to many NFL rushing and scoring marks just a few years ago, was released by San Diego Monday, failing to last even a decade with the team that drafted him in 2001.
Of course, we have to look at the fantasy ramifications of the move, and I'm going to argue that you need to pay close attention to who steps into the San Diego void, as that person is almost automatically going to have more fantasy value than LT going forward. Tomlinson has fared okay in fantasy circles over the last couple of years thanks to the Chargers offense and the multutude of scoring opportunities that they provided for their lead dog in the backfield. BUT, LT the okay fantasy player should not have been confused for LT the elite NFL running back. His skills have eroded drastically over the years which, when combined with the fact that his next team will likley not have the explosive offense the Chargers provided and the almost certain fact that he'll move into a part time role, will certainly take away much of the fantasy value going forward.
However, the remians of the Charger backfield don't produce a lot of electricity for me. Sure, Darren Sproles has his supporters, but he is a change of pace guy at best, and he isn't going to start reminding anyone of Marcus Allen at the stripe. Expect San Diego to go out and get a workhorse back capable of 20+ carries a game and able to punch it in the end zone...Tashard Choice? Thomas Jones? Brandon Jacobs? Jonathan Dwyer? Whoever that guy ends up being, I want him on my team.
Cheers,
TFAM
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