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Ten Facts You Need to Know About LaDainian Tomlinson
Posted by tomvanwyheLaDainian Tomlinson’s 2008 season was regarded by most as a disappointment, and considering his performances in seasons past one could justify that argument on a relative basis. Truth be told, disappointment can be argued almost solely on a basis of relativitity, and even then I believe it has been greatly exaggerated.
The following ten facts concerning Tomlinson may shed some light on his season and its misperception.
(1) Tomlinson was a very big part of the Chargers’ offense last season. It’s misleading to consider Philip Rivers’ season numbers and come away with an accurate depiction of the season. Tomlinson was the eighth ranked running back in the NFL in terms of carries per game and sixth in total carries for the season. He was also one of San Diego’s top receivers, finishing with 52 receptions — only Antonio Gates (60) and Vincent Jackson (59) had more.
(2) LT was used less often than in previous seasons, however. 2008 was the first season of his career in which he had fewer than 300 carries — he had 292 — but in terms of receptions, he was on par with his season totals dating back to 2004. The 52 receptions with which he ended the year was just short of his previous four years’ average of 55.
(3) Perhaps the biggest criticism levied against Tomlinson was lack of scoring, probably because he hadn’t scored fewer than 18 times since 2003. But while he scored six fewer times than in 2007, the Bolts’ leading back was tied for eighth in the NFL in touchdowns. He also finished seventh in terms of rushing scores, three short of being tied for third.
(4) Worried about the big 3-0? The respective years they turned 30, Barry Sanders rushed for 1,491 yards, Marshall Faulk scored 11 touchdowns, Emmitt Smith carried for 1,397 yards, and Walter Payton broke 2,000 yards from scrimmage. The reason? They were the best of the best. So is Tomlinson.
(5) Was Tomlinson’s biggest flaw last season his uncharacteristic yard per carry average? 3.8 is well short of his career 4.4 average, but it wasn’t the first time he failed to break four-point-oh. In 2001 and 2004 he was short of the mark, posting averages of 3.6 and 3.9. 2001 was his rookie season and in 2004 he led the league in rushing touchdowns. Don’t worry about the low mark — he gets enough carries to negate the effects and it’s a rare occurrence.
(6) I didn’t mention this before, so I may as well mention it now: Tomlinson posted an average of 8.2 yards per reception last season. That mark is the third highest of his career. It’s also only the second time he’s averaged more than seven yards per catch and failed to make the Pro Bowl.
(7) Speaking of Pro Bowls, 2008 was the second year since 2002 and the first since 2004 Tomlinson didn’t get enough votes. The man oozes consistency and greatness — falling short of absolutely incredible is evidently viewed by the public as being an unworthy season.
(8) Including 2008, Tomlinson has never finished a season with fewer than 1,500 yards from scrimmage. That fact speaks for itself.
(9) He’s also finished just one season with fewer than 16 starts. In 2004 he played 15 games, breaking the streak. For the record, he has played 127 of 128 possible regular season games. And as a p.s., the game he didn’t play was in week 17 of the regular season, after the Chargers had already won the AFC West.
(10) One last note: Tomlinson is one rushing touchdown short of averaging one touchdown per game for an entire career. Including receiving touchdowns he is averaging 1.11 touchdowns per game since entering the league.
(Bonus) Though many fans may already be aware, Tomlinson is second all-time in terms of rushing touchdowns, 38 scores behind Emmitt Smith’s mark of 164. Tomlinson is entering his 9th NFL season and, purely in terms of seasons after entering the league, is 14 touchdowns ahead of Smith, who played 15 seasons.
Tags: Fantasy Football, History, LaDainian Tomlinson, LT, LT2, NFL, Numbers, RBs, Running Backs, San Diego Chargers, Statistics, Stats, top ten
