LT: Chargers passed on run

Kentucky Jet · 04-01-2010, 08:08 PM

Updated: April 1, 2010, 6:15 PM ET
LT: Chargers passed on run

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- LaDainian Tomlinson says you shouldn't believe everything you see on film when it comes to his last few seasons in San Diego.

The New York Jets' newest running back said Thursday after a team workout that several factors led to his decreased production with the Chargers.

"The things that happened in San Diego, everything was taken away from me," Tomlinson said. "There wasn't an emphasis on running the football anymore, my best fullback was gone, the linemen were pass blocking and it was a passing quarterback and a passing coach. So, the situation's kind of misleading when you look on film."

Tomlinson, who signed a two-year deal worth about $5.2 million with the Jets last month, has a point about San Diego's offensive focus. He was no longer the center of the Chargers' attack the last few seasons. Instead, coach Norv Turner increasingly allowed Philip Rivers to throw the ball down the field.

The eighth-leading rusher in NFL history was cut in February after nine seasons in San Diego and a career-low 730 yards rushing and 3.3 yards per carry. There was speculation after the 2008 season that the Chargers might try to trade or even release him, and Tomlinson said he was unhappy with the team after last season.

"To be honest with you, I felt like last year was going to be my last year in San Diego," he said. "After the problems we had the previous year with the organization, I knew it was time to leave. The transition wasn't as hard because I kind of prepared myself for it and I was ready to kind of move on to something else."

Tomlinson turns 31 in June, but insists he hasn't lost a step and can still make defensive players miss. He's also motivated by those who say he's washed up -- the 30-and-done running back rule -- and is no longer a dangerous player.

"It really doesn't bother me as much because I accept everything as a challenge and that's fine with me," he said. "I can stick that on my wall and look at it everyday and it can motivate me to go out and work hard. At this stage of my career, I've got to outwork everybody else and prove that I can still play."

That's a big reason he's participating in voluntary workouts this offseason.

"I think the most important thing is getting here and working out, having guys see how I work," Tomlinson said. "You build a chemistry through the offseason by lifting weights and running. Guys see how you work and judge it from there."

With the Jets, Tomlinson is expected to be a complement to Shonn Greene, who was promising during his rookie season. Tomlinson thinks they can help each other stay fresh by sharing carries.

"Shonn and I work well together," said Tomlinson, whose locker is next to Greene's. "Hopefully we're like Jordan and Pippen."

Tomlinson chose the Jets over the Minnesota Vikings because of his familiarity with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's system and the chance to win a championship. He also relishes the opportunity to play in the AFC East, particularly against the Patriots.

"It's going to be fun," he said. "The Patriots have always been one of them teams that, it's hard for me to swallow that pill of losing to them, so it's going to fun to play them twice a year. And, it's going to be one of my main goals to beat them twice."

The dining options have also made for a smooth adjustment from Southern California to New York.

"Well, I never was a sushi guy," he said, laughing. "I love Italian food and pizza, obviously, so it's been great. With my wife being pregnant, she loves that type of food, so all the better."

Notes
New CB Antonio Cromartie said his paternity issues are taken care of, but added that the Jets' decision to advance him $500,000 of his $1.7 million contract to help wasn't because he asked. "There was no request made at all," said Cromartie, who has fathered seven children in five states with six women. "The Jets wanted me to get all my off-the-field issues settled. It's done. That was the biggest thing for me."

WeskerLogan · 04-01-2010, 08:24 PM

welcome to the jets fellas, glad to have ya :yes:

FakterX · 04-01-2010, 10:15 PM

Reading articles like this just make me think back to the offseason before the '08 season. We have added so many HUGE names since then and that is a huge credit to Tanny, Woody, even Mangini in more ways than one. So many names you wouldn't have bet a dime on being here, and these were some of the biggest names after the '07 season. Look at this list of names:

1. Alan Faneca
2. Kris Jenkins
3. L. Tomlinson
4. Antonio Cromartie
5. Braylon Edwards
6. Brett Favre

Kentucky Jet · 04-01-2010, 10:31 PM

LT is a quiet, self-assured leader. His locker is next to Green's. They are always together talking about football. That will translate to team chemistry. LT is at camp lifting weights with the guys. Favre is at home playing with his ....aw never mind! I like LT's kind of leadership.

WeskerLogan · 04-01-2010, 10:46 PM

[QUOTE=FakterX;3544390]Reading articles like this just make me think back to the offseason before the '08 season. We have added so many HUGE names since then and that is a huge credit to Tanny, Woody, even Mangini in more ways than one. So many names you wouldn't have bet a dime on being here, and these were some of the biggest names after the '07 season. Look at this list of names:

1. Alan Faneca
2. Kris Jenkins
3. L. Tomlinson
4. Antonio Cromartie
5. Braylon Edwards
6. Brett Favre[/QUOTE]

+1/37/37

Ven0m · 04-01-2010, 10:53 PM

As much as everything Tomlinson said was true about them not being built to run, nor planning to run. I'd rather not hear it from him. It comes off as excuses. Welcome to the Jets LT, just go about your buisness and let your game do your talking for you.

Dcat · 04-02-2010, 01:18 AM

[QUOTE=Kentucky Jet;3544325]Updated: April 1, 2010, 6:15 PM ET
LT: Chargers passed on run

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- LaDainian Tomlinson says you shouldn't believe everything you see on film when it comes to his last few seasons in San Diego.

Tomlinson chose the Jets over the Minnesota Vikings because of his familiarity with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's system and the chance to win a championship. [B][SIZE="4"]He also relishes the opportunity to play in the AFC East, particularly against the Patriots.
"It's going to be fun," he said. "The Patriots have always been one of them teams that, it's hard for me to swallow that pill of losing to them, so it's going to fun to play them twice a year. And, it's going to be one of my main goals to beat them twice." [/SIZE][/B]

[/QUOTE]

Like the sound of that. Belichick can nail that to his locker door.

NY's stepchild · 04-02-2010, 01:21 AM

Remember those Charger fans crying over Greene disrespecting LT. I wonder how those guys feel now. I mean their whole organization has disrespected him. I don't see how they could possibly remain fans, and still look themselves in the mirror.:yes: Wish I could remember who they were,so I could ask them about it.

BigJet85 · 04-02-2010, 01:49 AM

[QUOTE=WeskerLogan;3544335]welcome to the jets fellas, glad to have ya :yes:[/QUOTE]

I AGREE man this is going to be something special i just feel it big

GreenWave · 04-02-2010, 07:23 AM

[QUOTE=Ven0m;3544412]As much as everything Tomlinson said was true about them not being built to run, nor planning to run. I'd rather not hear it from him. It comes off as excuses. Welcome to the Jets LT, just go about your buisness and let your game do your talking for you.[/QUOTE]

Exactly. As much as we'd all like to believe we're getting the L.T. of a few years ago, the truth of the matter is that this is what athletes say when their skills are declining. "The team was moving in a different direction...I haven't lost a step...etc." Once the excuses come out, it typically means that part of the problem is that the player is not what he once was.

The good part is that it doesn't matter here. With his reduced role and better blocking, Tomlinson can still be a factor. It's all about expectations. If he came here wearing #25 and changed his name to Danny Thomason, I bet we'd all be happy during the season with the 3rd-down back we signed from the Chargers.

Schadenfreude · 04-02-2010, 08:23 AM

[QUOTE=GreenWave;3544556]Exactly. As much as we'd all like to believe we're getting the L.T. of a few years ago, the truth of the matter is that this is what athletes say when their skills are declining. "The team was moving in a different direction...I haven't lost a step...etc." Once the excuses come out, it typically means that part of the problem is that the player is not what he once was.

The good part is that it doesn't matter here. With his reduced role and better blocking, Tomlinson can still be a factor. It's all about expectations. If he came here wearing #25 and changed his name to Danny Thomason, I bet we'd all be happy during the season with the 3rd-down back we signed from the Chargers.[/QUOTE]

You never know, you could get 2 good years out of him. The Browns did that with Jamal Lewis.

sameoldjets · 04-02-2010, 08:36 AM

here's to hoping he still has the fire he needs to play hard. imo, at 2.5m per season he came pretty cheap. i would be suspect too. but one the other hand the whole sd mentality with norv turner could have also played a huge part.

Green&White51 · 04-02-2010, 08:43 AM

I like what he says about beating the patriots and working well with Greene

Zombo · 04-02-2010, 10:20 AM

[QUOTE=GreenWave;3544556]Exactly. As much as we'd all like to believe we're getting the L.T. of a few years ago, the truth of the matter is that this is what athletes say when their skills are declining. "The team was moving in a different direction...I haven't lost a step...etc." Once the excuses come out, it typically means that part of the problem is that the player is not what he once was.

The good part is that it doesn't matter here. With his reduced role and better blocking, Tomlinson can still be a factor. It's all about expectations. If he came here wearing #25 and changed his name to Danny Thomason, I bet we'd all be happy during the season with the 3rd-down back we signed from the Chargers.[/QUOTE]
it is very possible that lt has lost a step. in fact, i think he has. i still think that he can have a role like marcus allen had on the chiefs: no longer a 20 carry a game guy, but someone who makes an impact running a catching the ball. marcus allen provided a lot of production for the chiefs when he went there and i don't think he had a single 1000 yard season, but he was a vital part of the offense. i think lt could do that for the jets.

chirorob · 04-02-2010, 10:56 AM

[QUOTE=Zombo;3544692]it is very possible that lt has lost a step. in fact, i think he has. i still think that he can have a role like marcus allen had on the chiefs: no longer a 20 carry a game guy, but someone who makes an impact running a catching the ball. [B]marcus allen provided a lot of production for the chiefs when he went there and i don't think he had a single 1000 yard season, but he was a vital part of the offense[/B]. i think lt could do that for the jets.[/QUOTE]

That is it right there. LT should get the ball 10-15 times per game. Get some screens, keep him fresh. Allen was one of the best goal line players in history, he could get that last 2 yards better than everyone. Hopefully, LT can be that same type of player

04-01-2010, 08:08 PM	#1
Kentucky Jet A NY JETS fan! Go Jets! Hall Of Fame Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ormond Beach, Florida Posts: 10,880	LT: Chargers passed on run Updated: April 1, 2010, 6:15 PM ET LT: Chargers passed on run FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- LaDainian Tomlinson says you shouldn't believe everything you see on film when it comes to his last few seasons in San Diego. The New York Jets' newest running back said Thursday after a team workout that several factors led to his decreased production with the Chargers. "The things that happened in San Diego, everything was taken away from me," Tomlinson said. "There wasn't an emphasis on running the football anymore, my best fullback was gone, the linemen were pass blocking and it was a passing quarterback and a passing coach. So, the situation's kind of misleading when you look on film." Tomlinson, who signed a two-year deal worth about $5.2 million with the Jets last month, has a point about San Diego's offensive focus. He was no longer the center of the Chargers' attack the last few seasons. Instead, coach Norv Turner increasingly allowed Philip Rivers to throw the ball down the field. The eighth-leading rusher in NFL history was cut in February after nine seasons in San Diego and a career-low 730 yards rushing and 3.3 yards per carry. There was speculation after the 2008 season that the Chargers might try to trade or even release him, and Tomlinson said he was unhappy with the team after last season. "To be honest with you, I felt like last year was going to be my last year in San Diego," he said. "After the problems we had the previous year with the organization, I knew it was time to leave. The transition wasn't as hard because I kind of prepared myself for it and I was ready to kind of move on to something else." Tomlinson turns 31 in June, but insists he hasn't lost a step and can still make defensive players miss. He's also motivated by those who say he's washed up -- the 30-and-done running back rule -- and is no longer a dangerous player. "It really doesn't bother me as much because I accept everything as a challenge and that's fine with me," he said. "I can stick that on my wall and look at it everyday and it can motivate me to go out and work hard. At this stage of my career, I've got to outwork everybody else and prove that I can still play." That's a big reason he's participating in voluntary workouts this offseason. "I think the most important thing is getting here and working out, having guys see how I work," Tomlinson said. "You build a chemistry through the offseason by lifting weights and running. Guys see how you work and judge it from there." With the Jets, Tomlinson is expected to be a complement to Shonn Greene, who was promising during his rookie season. Tomlinson thinks they can help each other stay fresh by sharing carries. "Shonn and I work well together," said Tomlinson, whose locker is next to Greene's. "Hopefully we're like Jordan and Pippen." Tomlinson chose the Jets over the Minnesota Vikings because of his familiarity with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's system and the chance to win a championship. He also relishes the opportunity to play in the AFC East, particularly against the Patriots. "It's going to be fun," he said. "The Patriots have always been one of them teams that, it's hard for me to swallow that pill of losing to them, so it's going to fun to play them twice a year. And, it's going to be one of my main goals to beat them twice." The dining options have also made for a smooth adjustment from Southern California to New York. "Well, I never was a sushi guy," he said, laughing. "I love Italian food and pizza, obviously, so it's been great. With my wife being pregnant, she loves that type of food, so all the better." Notes New CB Antonio Cromartie said his paternity issues are taken care of, but added that the Jets' decision to advance him $500,000 of his $1.7 million contract to help wasn't because he asked. "There was no request made at all," said Cromartie, who has fathered seven children in five states with six women. "The Jets wanted me to get all my off-the-field issues settled. It's done. That was the biggest thing for me."

04-01-2010, 08:24 PM	#2
WeskerLogan I think, therefore you're out Hall Of Fame Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cedar Grove, New Jersey Posts: 6,762	welcome to the jets fellas, glad to have ya :yes:

04-01-2010, 10:15 PM	#3
FakterX Veteran Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 120	Reading articles like this just make me think back to the offseason before the '08 season. We have added so many HUGE names since then and that is a huge credit to Tanny, Woody, even Mangini in more ways than one. So many names you wouldn't have bet a dime on being here, and these were some of the biggest names after the '07 season. Look at this list of names: 1. Alan Faneca 2. Kris Jenkins 3. L. Tomlinson 4. Antonio Cromartie 5. Braylon Edwards 6. Brett Favre

04-01-2010, 10:31 PM	#4
Kentucky Jet A NY JETS fan! Go Jets! Hall Of Fame Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Ormond Beach, Florida Posts: 10,880	LT is a quiet, self-assured leader. His locker is next to Green's. They are always together talking about football. That will translate to team chemistry. LT is at camp lifting weights with the guys. Favre is at home playing with his ....aw never mind! I like LT's kind of leadership.

04-01-2010, 10:46 PM	#5
WeskerLogan I think, therefore you're out Hall Of Fame Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cedar Grove, New Jersey Posts: 6,762	[QUOTE=FakterX;3544390]Reading articles like this just make me think back to the offseason before the '08 season. We have added so many HUGE names since then and that is a huge credit to Tanny, Woody, even Mangini in more ways than one. So many names you wouldn't have bet a dime on being here, and these were some of the biggest names after the '07 season. Look at this list of names: 1. Alan Faneca 2. Kris Jenkins 3. L. Tomlinson 4. Antonio Cromartie 5. Braylon Edwards 6. Brett Favre[/QUOTE] +1/37/37

04-01-2010, 10:53 PM	#6
Ven0m a shutdown poster Hall Of Fame Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: NY Posts: 18,349	As much as everything Tomlinson said was true about them not being built to run, nor planning to run. I'd rather not hear it from him. It comes off as excuses. Welcome to the Jets LT, just go about your buisness and let your game do your talking for you.

04-02-2010, 01:18 AM	#7
Dcat I think I see one Jets Insider VIP Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 8,101	[QUOTE=Kentucky Jet;3544325]Updated: April 1, 2010, 6:15 PM ET LT: Chargers passed on run FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- LaDainian Tomlinson says you shouldn't believe everything you see on film when it comes to his last few seasons in San Diego. Tomlinson chose the Jets over the Minnesota Vikings because of his familiarity with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's system and the chance to win a championship. [B][SIZE="4"]He also relishes the opportunity to play in the AFC East, particularly against the Patriots. "It's going to be fun," he said. "The Patriots have always been one of them teams that, it's hard for me to swallow that pill of losing to them, so it's going to fun to play them twice a year. And, it's going to be one of my main goals to beat them twice." [/SIZE][/B] [/QUOTE] Like the sound of that. Belichick can nail that to his locker door.

04-02-2010, 01:21 AM	#8
NY's stepchild Here's hoping that GS3 under center, and Coples on the edge works out. All League Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Hawthorne NJ Posts: 4,713	Remember those Charger fans crying over Greene disrespecting LT. I wonder how those guys feel now. I mean their whole organization has disrespected him. I don't see how they could possibly remain fans, and still look themselves in the mirror.:yes: Wish I could remember who they were,so I could ask them about it.

04-02-2010, 01:49 AM	#9
BigJet85 OL HELP! Veteran Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North Shore of Long Island. East Setauket Posts: 1,561	[QUOTE=WeskerLogan;3544335]welcome to the jets fellas, glad to have ya :yes:[/QUOTE] I AGREE man this is going to be something special i just feel it big

04-02-2010, 07:23 AM	#10
GreenWave Veteran Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 2,401	[QUOTE=Ven0m;3544412]As much as everything Tomlinson said was true about them not being built to run, nor planning to run. I'd rather not hear it from him. It comes off as excuses. Welcome to the Jets LT, just go about your buisness and let your game do your talking for you.[/QUOTE] Exactly. As much as we'd all like to believe we're getting the L.T. of a few years ago, the truth of the matter is that this is what athletes say when their skills are declining. "The team was moving in a different direction...I haven't lost a step...etc." Once the excuses come out, it typically means that part of the problem is that the player is not what he once was. The good part is that it doesn't matter here. With his reduced role and better blocking, Tomlinson can still be a factor. It's all about expectations. If he came here wearing #25 and changed his name to Danny Thomason, I bet we'd all be happy during the season with the 3rd-down back we signed from the Chargers.

04-02-2010, 08:23 AM	#11
Schadenfreude Practice Squad Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 335	[QUOTE=GreenWave;3544556]Exactly. As much as we'd all like to believe we're getting the L.T. of a few years ago, the truth of the matter is that this is what athletes say when their skills are declining. "The team was moving in a different direction...I haven't lost a step...etc." Once the excuses come out, it typically means that part of the problem is that the player is not what he once was. The good part is that it doesn't matter here. With his reduced role and better blocking, Tomlinson can still be a factor. It's all about expectations. If he came here wearing #25 and changed his name to Danny Thomason, I bet we'd all be happy during the season with the 3rd-down back we signed from the Chargers.[/QUOTE] You never know, you could get 2 good years out of him. The Browns did that with Jamal Lewis.

04-02-2010, 08:36 AM	#12
sameoldjets All Pro Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 6,483	here's to hoping he still has the fire he needs to play hard. imo, at 2.5m per season he came pretty cheap. i would be suspect too. but one the other hand the whole sd mentality with norv turner could have also played a huge part.

04-02-2010, 08:43 AM	#13
Green&White51 All League Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 4,172	I like what he says about beating the patriots and working well with Greene

04-02-2010, 10:20 AM	#14
Zombo Braylon Edwards is a sight for sore eyes after watching this mess of an offense. All League Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Elizabeth, NJ Posts: 3,393	[QUOTE=GreenWave;3544556]Exactly. As much as we'd all like to believe we're getting the L.T. of a few years ago, the truth of the matter is that this is what athletes say when their skills are declining. "The team was moving in a different direction...I haven't lost a step...etc." Once the excuses come out, it typically means that part of the problem is that the player is not what he once was. The good part is that it doesn't matter here. With his reduced role and better blocking, Tomlinson can still be a factor. It's all about expectations. If he came here wearing #25 and changed his name to Danny Thomason, I bet we'd all be happy during the season with the 3rd-down back we signed from the Chargers.[/QUOTE] it is very possible that lt has lost a step. in fact, i think he has. i still think that he can have a role like marcus allen had on the chiefs: no longer a 20 carry a game guy, but someone who makes an impact running a catching the ball. marcus allen provided a lot of production for the chiefs when he went there and i don't think he had a single 1000 yard season, but he was a vital part of the offense. i think lt could do that for the jets.

04-02-2010, 10:56 AM	#15
chirorob Draft the best available player. All Pro Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: In transit Posts: 5,804	[QUOTE=Zombo;3544692]it is very possible that lt has lost a step. in fact, i think he has. i still think that he can have a role like marcus allen had on the chiefs: no longer a 20 carry a game guy, but someone who makes an impact running a catching the ball. [B]marcus allen provided a lot of production for the chiefs when he went there and i don't think he had a single 1000 yard season, but he was a vital part of the offense[/B]. i think lt could do that for the jets.[/QUOTE] That is it right there. LT should get the ball 10-15 times per game. Get some screens, keep him fresh. Allen was one of the best goal line players in history, he could get that last 2 yards better than everyone. Hopefully, LT can be that same type of player