After losing Taylor to Bears, Minnesota looking for backup to Peterson. Matt Bowen
This morning, I discussed the Thomas Jones deal — two years for $5 million — that landed the veteran running back in Kansas City to work in a two-back system with Jamaal Charles in Charlie Weis’ new offense.
Now, reports are surfacing that another veteran back, former Charger LaDainian Tomlinson, could agree to a deal with the Vikings, according to Judd Zulgad of the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The running back is scheduled to meet with the club on Thursday.
The sticking point of the deal could be playing time and money for LT.
We know he will play a secondary role if he does end up in Minnesota with Adrian Peterson clearly the No. 1 back for the Vikings. But, the concern I have is that Minnesota could be settling for LT after losing Chester Taylor, who was a vital part to the Minnesota offense and on third downs, via free agency to the Bears.
If you sign LT, are you really replacing Taylor? The goal of NFL teams during free agency is to replace their losses with equal or better talent. It is hard for me to say that LT is of equal or better talent that Taylor at this point of his career.
When you watch Tomlinson from the ’09 season, he had a hard time producing any explosive runs due to the fact that he doesn’t get to the second level of the defense anymore like we were used to seeing. A 15-yard gain would have been a 60-yarder in the past, but LT has trouble getting to the secondary where he can exploit a defensive back in the open field.
I will agree that Tomlinson is still very productive when offenses get inside the red zone — especially inside of the 10-yard line. He was able to score TDs in Norv Turner’s off-tackle power scheme in San Diego last season, but that is AP’s gig for the Vikings.
The last thing Brad Childress wants to do is pull his feature back in Peterson to get LT involved near the goal line.
Tomlinson will bring some positives to this club in the fact that he is a veteran, can pass protect and catch the ball out of the backfield on third down. But, he isn’t equal when matched up against Taylor’s skills.
And, let’s not forget about the money. Just like Jones, who will have a bigger role in the Kansas City offense, you don’t want to overspend for LT. I understand that Tomlinson has star power in his name, but the production tells us otherwise.
If the Vikings do pull off this deal, I don’t see them getting better as a football team.
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the team needs more toughness...not LT
I have to agree with Matt. LT is done. These once great players often have trouble adjusting to a backup role. The Vikes don't have a lot of needs in the draft and could pick up a decent backup in the second or third rounds or even lower. Probably cheaper than LT, will play teams and could be the lead dog if AP got injured.
As a Packer fan, I guess I'd rather the Vikings sign LT instead of finding a good, strong, young player. Any RB is going to produce well behind that line (esp. Hutchinson), and LT can help them out in the screen game, but his days of being an impact player are done, like Matt says. Tomlinson doesn't scare defenses anymore.
Ever since I've seen these reports of what the Vikes are doing I keep thinking exactly what dan said...I'm glad the Vikes are replacing Taylor with a guy who only has one or two years in the tank. Once LT, Farve, P. Williams retire this team will be 8-8 at best.
Is LT going to teach AP how to hold on to the ball?
What about all that big time playoff experience he will bring? Oh wait, there isn't any. This would not be a case of replacing lost talent. Of course, I am a Bears fan, so I hope they sign him. Thinks it makes them a lesser team.
No way in heck I want a rookie or inexperienced player trying to pick up a blitz on 3rd down. I have to agree that Taylor is better than an injured Tomlinson, but all things considered, Tomlinson is the best player available as a Taylor replacement. While the goal may be to maintain and improve in free agency, I think taking on a vet who can help your team can be very beneficial. Seems like the Patriots have done quite well at this over the past decade. As far as cost...what's 2 Million in an uncapped year?
If Tomlinson doesn't pan out, just plug Harvin and Young in for spot duty.
Matt, while I don't see them getting better by making this deal, there certainly shouldn't be a significant drop-off. They'll be contenders in 2010 if Favre comes back and continues to play at a high level. Overall, very poor analysis.
Hey people don't sleep on LT,he's gonna be fine,he's gonna be a leader in the locker room,he's at legendary status, he's a clear shot at for the hall of fame. He's gonna help AP,with carrying the ball,his fumbling problems,and the way he sees the field. Think outside the box people,hes gonna come here so that he can help coach ap. He also does tons of work with the community. He wants to win a ring,he's gonna prove a lot of people wrong, just wait and see.
I watched several Chargers games last season and I can remember at least seven times in the last few games of the season, just off the top of my head, where Tomlinson tried to score on the goal line and was stuffed by the opposing defense. Several on third and fourth down. He looked pathetic. LT is well on his way to the end, just like Shaun Alexander, Edgerrin James, and Emmitt Smith before him. Thanks for the memories, LT.
I can't see spending $$$ on Tomlinson when we have 2 young backs. Albert Young isn't going to completely fill Taylors shoes but either is Tomlinson. If the Vikings are not going to start playing some of their multitude of young players than trade them to fill positions they need like safties or offensive linemen. Tomlinsons help to this team does not outweigh Youngs other than by name and past reputition. In the time Young has played 2nd fiddle to Taylor he must have learned something---please don't tell me we have another player that has reached the top of their learning curve in their rookie year ala Jackson, Peterson.........
LT has more miles on him than Chester Taylor but way more accomplishments too. He was injured but will be back to full power by this fall. Even if he's lost a step he's still faster than Chester. Maybe not as rugged a blocker but just as good out of the backfield as a receiver and able to get the short west coast third down yardage. I'm sure he has a few big plays left in him. I'd love to see him Favre & AP in the same backfield.
I sure hope he likes blocking Julius Peppers. Remember what he did to Favre in the Panthers game?
As a Bear fan I hope it happens. he's a mediocre' pass protector & has lost two steps. They talk about the Bears being desperate this move would be insanely desperate. I do still think they'll get a back in the draft. Minnys talent is so deep they can just add players for depth & future purposes as opposed to trying to add to produce now like my Bears have to do. I'm starting to hear Spiller being linked to the Vikings 1st pick. That or a DT to take over for Williams. A.P.'s fumbling issues are a major concern. If not for that Minny would be celebrating the off season as super bowl champs.
Really? LT? When he was here in San Diego he never played in the BIG game for the Chargers? Meaning, he was either hurt, (physically, or ego-wise)? I can't tell you how frustrating to see one of your best players on the sidelines with his helmet on sitting there, while Rivers plays hurt? Leader? Are you kidding me? The last 3-4 yrs LT has stood for "looking tired", it would be a slap in the face to Brett and AP put him in the same backfield. Sproles would have been a better choice for the Vikes? Tomlinson has been a great community guy for SD, but never really got into a big game against the Pats, Colts, or Steelers? It was always Sproles.
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Mar 10, 2010
12:48 PM
Well in terms of LT being better and more well rounded than both Ian Johnson and Albert Young, it most certainly makes them better.
Is he better than Peterson, no. Neither was Taylor though.
They've lost a good back up and signed a good back up.
Nothing lost, nothing gained.
Im interested in who you think they could have signed at the running back position that woud make them better?