Courtesy of nfl.com

What is the best situation for Ladainian Tomlinson now that the San Diego Chargers released him today? Maybe I’m not the best person to start this blog considering I’m a Broncos fan, but I’ll kick it off even if it’s more of MC’s interest.

Well, it’s kinda interesting to me considering the Chargers are an AFC West rival of the Denver Broncos and I’m curious as to what the Chargers will do now that their primary playmaker in LT is gone and also how it will affect their play and status in that division. We all know since Norv Turner took over as the head coach, he’s placed more emphasis on Philip Rivers and the passing game than the running attack. Was LT’s abilities diminishing then? OR was it a slew of injuries that hampered him the past few years that took him out of most offensive equations? Maybe both?

A running back that can put up 100 catches in a single season is unheard of. Great hands, elusiveness, with a dash of power can all describe this great running back. While I have dislike for the Chargers for being in the same division, I still got love for players like LT. In 9 seasons, he’s had some good seasons. There’s no denying that LT has put up Hall of Fame numbers in his 9 years in San Diego:

Yrs Games Att Yds Avg Yds/G TDs

9 141 2880 12,490 4.3 88.6 138

Rec Yds Avg Yds/G TDs

530 3955 7.5 28 15

LT only needs 2 more rushing TDs to break Emmitt Smith’s All-Time record for rushing touchdowns. At 30 years-old and that being considered ancient as an NFL running back, I still think LT’s got a good 2-3 years in him if put in the right system. With that said, what NFL team is best suited to have him on their roster in some capacity? Here’s my possibilities:

1-Houston Texans (Best situation for LT and consider the fact he is from Texas as well. The Texans are a young team with an explosive passing offense and in need of some veteran leadership in the running game. Steve Slaton has trouble holding onto the ball(10 fumbles in 2 seasons) and has a similar running style with passing catching ability. The defense had potential last couple seasons and will continue getting better. This team may be better than the San Diego team he was on last season but do they want an over the hill running back? Hmm…)

2-New England Patriots (This team is all about Tom Brady and the passing offense. Kevin Faulk, Laurence Maroney, and Sammy Morris are all ‘role players’ that fill the running back position. They haven’t had a solid runner since Corey Dillon. LT could fit into a running back carousel perfectly and his superior pass catching abilities could add another Wes Welker type coming out the flats for Brady. If LT wants a ring, this might be his best bet)

3-Denver Broncos (I know what you’re thinking…Hey I’m a LT fan and who knows…he could fit. Correll Buckhalter was the #2 guy behind rookie Knowshon Moreno last year. In today’s NFL, it’s better for a team to have a two or even a three headed running back system for better durability and effectiveness. Buckhalter has been injury prone his whole career and he had somewhat of a revived season last year with the Broncos. Am I lying? I think LT could compliment Moreno perfectly. With a few more tweaks on defense and special teams, things could sparkle for LT and the Broncos. Just a thought)

4-New Orleans Saints (There’s no logic behind this other than Drew Brees played with him in San Diego and they’ve been buddies for a very long time. I think I’ve heard Brees wants him but where do you honestly see him fitting in with Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas there? Well, he could fit in as a goal line/short yardage back like Mike Bell was…hmm)

5-New York Giants (Am I crazy? Perhaps…I’m going out on a limb here, but the Giants need to revive their running game from a few years ago when they won the Super Bowl. Brandon Jacobs is an intimidating force…a bruiser, but he cannot keep taking that kind of punishment. Ahmed Bradshaw is quick and elusive but a little on the small side. Imagine Jacobs, Bradshaw, and Tomlinson in the backfield as a renewed 3-headed running back system? You never know!)

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