What's with the Tomlinson love affair? - The Orange Mane

crazyhorse · 08-14-2006, 05:22 AM

Year in and year out if someone is asked, "who is the best back in the NFL" the most popular answer is Ladanian Tomlinson?

Dont get me wrong. I think the guys is a very versitile good all around RB. However, he seems to get dubbed best back in the league without ever having to produce "best back" seasons.

Back when Priest was lighting it up and was clearly the best back at the time, it was the same. While other backs such as Alexander (28 TDs) Jamal Lewis (2000 yards) Priest Holmes (27 TDs) continue to break records and set new Gold standards for NFL running backs, LT get's all the credit for being better than anyone else without ever having to produce better than anyone else.

I was wondering if anyone else felt the same way.

broncocalijohn · 08-14-2006, 05:32 AM

no. LT not only runs like TD, but he catches a ton of balls. I dont think his line was as good as KC, but he has produced ever since he has been in the league. He is an all around back w/o the fullback that Holmes had.

MechanicalBull · 08-14-2006, 05:38 AM

To me and a lot of others he is the most complete back in the league and I would take him over any RB. The guy averages a about 1500 yds, 14 rushing TDs, 60+ catches a season.

-Slap- · 08-14-2006, 05:40 AM

LT is the best back in the NFL.

crazyhorse · 08-14-2006, 05:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by broncocalijohn

no. LT not only runs like TD, but he catches a ton of balls. I dont think his line was as good as KC, but he has produced ever since he has been in the league. He is an all around back w/o the fullback that Holmes had.

A couple things.

First-LT does not run like TD.

Second- he had a great FB

I will conceed that he is a good reciever out of the backfield.

crazyhorse · 08-14-2006, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MechanicalBull

To me and a lot of others he is the most complete back in the league and I would take him over any RB. The guy averages a about 1500 yds, 14 rushing TDs, 60+ catches a season.

Over the last 4 years Barber has averaged 1500 yards rushing with about 60 catches a season @13 TDs a year. He does it with a higher average yards per carry.

I know Priest Holmes was averageing over 1500 and avaraging 20 TDs a year for about three seasons durring LTs carreer.

Alexander avarages 15 TDs a season or better.

These are just some examples of players who have performed at the same level or higher during LTs carreer.

Again, I am not knocking LT. He's fantastic. But the "Best in the league" title should go to someone who earns it.

Dedhed · 08-14-2006, 06:18 AM

He's more than earned it.

Arkansas Bronco · 08-14-2006, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Slap-

LT is the best back in the NFL.

Exactly what I think as well. This whole thread is prolbably because LJ isnt getting enough respect in your eyes. Watch a few games sqaw and you will see why LT is the best RB in the NFL.

Mediator12 · 08-14-2006, 06:33 AM

Lorenzo Neal is a damn good FB BCJ. Voted best Blocker by his peers if I remember correctly two years ago.

As for LT being the best RB, it will always be subjective but he is the most consistantly good RB from year to year. He also broke a few records CH wehn he had the Consecutive rushing TD's record broken by himjself twice. Plus, every back you mentioned as breaking records, Minus Alexander, has been inconsistent the last three years. Being the best at the moment is fleeting and Tomlinson has been the most consistent since 2002 for sure.

The Moops · 08-14-2006, 06:36 AM

I think Larry Johnson was the best back last year -- at least the last 10 games. Shaun Alexander is the best goal-line back. LT is solid, but if I have either the first- or second-pick in my fantasy football draft, I'm taking Johnson, then Alexander. LT is a distant third.

crazyhorse · 08-14-2006, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mediator12

Lorenzo Neal is a damn good FB BCJ. Voted best Blocker by his peers if I remember correctly two years ago.

As for LT being the best RB, it will always be subjective but he is the most consistantly good RB from year to year. He also broke a few records CH wehn he had the Consecutive rushing TD's record broken by himjself twice. Plus, every back you mentioned as breaking records, Minus Alexander, has been inconsistent the last three years. Being the best at the moment is fleeting and Tomlinson has been the most consistent since 2002 for sure.

Tiki Barber has been as consistent since 02. In fact he has averaged a better YPC since 02.

Iowanian · 08-14-2006, 06:42 AM

I think LT is the best all around back in the league. period.

Johnson may have run better the last 10 games, but Tomlinson
was a better pass blocker and is great catching the ball out of the backfield.

Crimmeny..he's got more passing Touchdowns than the Sandy Eggo starting QB.

Derger_Louis · 08-14-2006, 06:42 AM

I agree Crazy. I do think that he is one of the best backs, but not particulary the best. I think most of it has to do with the fact that he is a very likeable person. He does not run his mouth about what he is going to do, he just does it. He hasn't had the best line, but has still produced. I even find myself rooting for him sometimes, even though I hate the Chargers.

MechanicalBull · 08-14-2006, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyhorse

Tiki Barber has been as consistent since 02. In fact he has averaged a better YPC since 02.

Tatum Bell averages 5.3 ypc his first two years does that make him the best back in the league? eventhough his ypc are better than Tiki and LT the answer is No.

crazyhorse · 08-14-2006, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MechanicalBull

Tatum Bell averages 5.3 ypc his first two years does that make him the best back in the league? eventhough his ypc are better than Tiki and LT the answer is No.

He (Tatum Bell) has not produced at the level over the last 4 seasons as has LT and TB. I am comparing apples to apples here. Comparing apples to apples Tiki has averaged a better YPC than has LT.

Let's stay on task here and try not to go off on a pissing contest.

Iowanian · 08-14-2006, 06:48 AM

If all the team rosters in the nfl were disolved, and you as GM were creating a team similar to a fantasy draft....considering Age, durability, running ability, pass catching, pass blocking and versatility.....which back would you take first?

I like Larry Johnson alot, but I'd take Tomlinson in a second.

crazyhorse · 08-14-2006, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowanian

I think LT is the best all around back in the league. period.

By best all around, what do you mean?

Best production, is not always the same as most versitile.

Though I would agree that he is most versitile I do not believe he has had the highest production over all.

crazyhorse · 08-14-2006, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iowanian

If all the team rosters in the nfl were disolved, and you as GM were creating a team similar to a fantasy draft....considering Age, durability, running ability, pass catching, pass blocking and versatility.....which back would you take first?

I like Larry Johnson alot, but I'd take Tomlinson in a second.

Would you like to get a fantasy league going. I'll even give you 1st pick.

bendog · 08-14-2006, 06:58 AM

Shouldn't there be a rule that CH has to check footballdatabase or something before starting stupid threads? Hey, ya know, I really don't think Ed Podalack got his due.

ps http://www.footballdb.com/players/tomlila01

http://www.footballdb.com/players/holmepr01

And, I'm sure we'll all conceed Priest got the better oline.

Iowanian · 08-14-2006, 07:31 AM

If you can't see it, I can't help you that much.

Johnson runs hard.....but Tomlinson has more elusive and probably has better top end speed. Tomlinson is a proven pass blocker and can pick up a blitz. Tomlinson is better catching the ball out of the backfield. Tomlinson has thrown 4 TD passes in the NFL as a running back. He's an outstanding athlete, and still young enough to have alot of productive years. He's been performing behind a subpar offensive line for his entire career.

I like Larry Johnson alot, and I know his catching has improved, but he's still got to prove trustworthy in blitz pickup for example, to be the better back. He's top 3 IMO, but not the best at this time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyhorse

By best all around, what do you mean?

Best production, is not always the same as most versitile.

Though I would agree that he is most versitile I do not believe he has had the highest production over all.

Iowanian · 08-14-2006, 07:33 AM

I'm already doing all I'm going to do, and am working with Pez on a cp vs mange league, the 6cp spots are filled at this time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyhorse

Would you like to get a fantasy league going. I'll even give you 1st pick.

Mediator12 · 08-14-2006, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyhorse

Over the last 4 years Barber has averaged 1500 yards rushing with about 60 catches a season @13 TDs a year. He does it with a higher average yards per carry.

I know Priest Holmes was averageing over 1500 and avaraging 20 TDs a year for about three seasons durring LTs carreer.

Alexander avarages 15 TDs a season or better.

These are just some examples of players who have performed at the same level or higher during LTs carreer.

Again, I am not knocking LT. He's fantastic. But the "Best in the league" title should go to someone who earns it.

And in 2002 and 2003 Barber was fumbling nine times a year, getting smashed in pass blocking, and averaging under 1300 a year. During that four year period he is averaging 8 TD's rushing, 1.25 receiving, and 1495 yards. LT is averaging 15.5 TD's rushing, 2 TD's Receiving, and 1531 yards. So, while YPC is definitely in Barbers favor that is about it. Plus, he was a big time game fumbler until 2004.

Priest Holmes did put up fantastic numbers until he was injured in 2004. Again, he was also labeled one of the best until he broke down.

Alexander has also been very consistent, but his recieving numbers have really declined as his carries have increased over that four year span. Also, lableled one of the best though.

Here is the deal, I would take LT and put him in KC's offense over the last four years and his numbers would be better than Holmes and LJ's combined IMHO. The SD offense has been nowhere as productive as KC's or even Seattle's.

Finally, There are arguments to be made for everyone you have mentioned as being top 5 Backs in their current systems over the last four years. IMHO, and it is only that, LT is the most complete in terms of Production, value to an offense, and ability to do everything a RB has to do in the NFL.

crazyhorse · 08-14-2006, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bendog

Shouldn't there be a rule that CH has to check footballdatabase or something before starting stupid threads? Hey, ya know, I really don't think Ed Podalack got his due.

ps http://www.footballdb.com/players/tomlila01

http://www.footballdb.com/players/holmepr01

And, I'm sure we'll all conceed Priest got the better oline.

May facts are correct.

Perhaps you should get "Hooked on Phonics".

MechanicalBull · 08-14-2006, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyhorse

He (Tatum Bell) has not produced at the level over the last 4 seasons as has LT and TB. I am comparing apples to apples here. Comparing apples to apples Tiki has averaged a better YPC than has LT.

Let's stay on task here and try not to go off on a pissing contest.

I'm just stating that Tiki having a better ypc does not mean he is a better back than Tomlinson. In my opinion Tomlinson is the best back because he has done it year in and year out and you can argue that Alexander is 1 or 2. Tiki is a very good back he has only produced at an elite level the past 2 yrs. Tiki can be the 4th best back or he can be like the 7th or 8th best back in the league. I think Tiki is bunched in a group with Edgerrin James, Portis, Rudi Johnson and I would probably take James and Portis over Tiki.

houghtam · 08-14-2006, 07:44 AM

You bring up a good point, Crazyhorse.

I think part of it comes down to touchdowns. Sure, Tomlinson doesn't hold a record for TD's in a season, but compared to Tiki Barber, he's averaging 5 more TD's per season. Over his career, he's averaged over 14 TD's per season...that's 2 more than Jim Brown.

Also look at health. You can count on one finger how many games LT has missed in his 5 year career.

LT has the complete package. He's a more prolific scorer than Tiki Barber. He's a better back out of the backfield than Shaun Alexander.

I think Iowanian hit it on the head. If I'm drafting a running back, not for fantasy purposes, but in real life situations? LT in a heartbeat.

08-14-2006, 05:22 AM	#1
crazyhorse All Motor!! You can only hope to contain me Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 7,338	What's with the Tomlinson love affair? Year in and year out if someone is asked, "who is the best back in the NFL" the most popular answer is Ladanian Tomlinson? Dont get me wrong. I think the guys is a very versitile good all around RB. However, he seems to get dubbed best back in the league without ever having to produce "best back" seasons. Back when Priest was lighting it up and was clearly the best back at the time, it was the same. While other backs such as Alexander (28 TDs) Jamal Lewis (2000 yards) Priest Holmes (27 TDs) continue to break records and set new Gold standards for NFL running backs, LT get's all the credit for being better than anyone else without ever having to produce better than anyone else. I was wondering if anyone else felt the same way.

08-14-2006, 06:58 AM	#19
bendog Marginally Continent David Bowens, he'd be an upgrade Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Folsom Prison Posts: 19,935 Adopt-a-Bronco: David Bowens	Shouldn't there be a rule that CH has to check footballdatabase or something before starting stupid threads? Hey, ya know, I really don't think Ed Podalack got his due. ps http://www.footballdb.com/players/tomlila01 http://www.footballdb.com/players/holmepr01 And, I'm sure we'll all conceed Priest got the better oline. Last edited by bendog; 08-14-2006 at 07:15 AM..

08-14-2006, 07:44 AM	#25
houghtam WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION MethWolfeAlliance Member #11001001 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Lansing, MI Posts: 5,104 Adopt-a-Bronco: Demon Eagles	LT vs TB You bring up a good point, Crazyhorse. I think part of it comes down to touchdowns. Sure, Tomlinson doesn't hold a record for TD's in a season, but compared to Tiki Barber, he's averaging 5 more TD's per season. Over his career, he's averaged over 14 TD's per season...that's 2 more than Jim Brown. Also look at health. You can count on one finger how many games LT has missed in his 5 year career. LT has the complete package. He's a more prolific scorer than Tiki Barber. He's a better back out of the backfield than Shaun Alexander. I think Iowanian hit it on the head. If I'm drafting a running back, not for fantasy purposes, but in real life situations? LT in a heartbeat.

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08-14-2006, 05:32 AM	#2
broncocalijohn Famer of Rings My Dog Richard Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Lake Forest, Orange County, Calif. Posts: 18,588 Adopt-a-Bronco: Simon Fletcher	no. LT not only runs like TD, but he catches a ton of balls. I dont think his line was as good as KC, but he has produced ever since he has been in the league. He is an all around back w/o the fullback that Holmes had.

08-14-2006, 05:38 AM	#3
MechanicalBull Interesting Times Ahead Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,825	To me and a lot of others he is the most complete back in the league and I would take him over any RB. The guy averages a about 1500 yds, 14 rushing TDs, 60+ catches a season.

08-14-2006, 05:40 AM	#4
-Slap- Ring of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 31,895	LT is the best back in the NFL.

08-14-2006, 06:18 AM	#7
Dedhed Ring of Famer Fare thee well Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Earth Posts: 9,748 Adopt-a-Bronco: Elvis	He's more than earned it.

08-14-2006, 06:33 AM	#9
Mediator12 OM analyst REAL Front Seven Bandwagon !!! Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: INDY Posts: 9,703 Adopt-a-Bronco: Malik Jackson	Lorenzo Neal is a damn good FB BCJ. Voted best Blocker by his peers if I remember correctly two years ago. As for LT being the best RB, it will always be subjective but he is the most consistantly good RB from year to year. He also broke a few records CH wehn he had the Consecutive rushing TD's record broken by himjself twice. Plus, every back you mentioned as breaking records, Minus Alexander, has been inconsistent the last three years. Being the best at the moment is fleeting and Tomlinson has been the most consistent since 2002 for sure.

08-14-2006, 06:36 AM	#10
The Moops Old School Dude Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Princeton, NJ Posts: 1,115 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	I think Larry Johnson was the best back last year -- at least the last 10 games. Shaun Alexander is the best goal-line back. LT is solid, but if I have either the first- or second-pick in my fantasy football draft, I'm taking Johnson, then Alexander. LT is a distant third.

08-14-2006, 06:42 AM	#12
Iowanian Heeaaaaaaaaw Duke of Donkeyville Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: 1 Arrowhead Drive Posts: 1,990	I think LT is the best all around back in the league. period. Johnson may have run better the last 10 games, but Tomlinson was a better pass blocker and is great catching the ball out of the backfield. Crimmeny..he's got more passing Touchdowns than the Sandy Eggo starting QB.

08-14-2006, 06:42 AM	#13
Derger_Louis Solid Starter Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Madison, AL Posts: 231 Adopt-a-Bronco: Spencer Larsen	I agree Crazy. I do think that he is one of the best backs, but not particulary the best. I think most of it has to do with the fact that he is a very likeable person. He does not run his mouth about what he is going to do, he just does it. He hasn't had the best line, but has still produced. I even find myself rooting for him sometimes, even though I hate the Chargers.

08-14-2006, 06:48 AM	#16
Iowanian Heeaaaaaaaaw Duke of Donkeyville Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: 1 Arrowhead Drive Posts: 1,990	If all the team rosters in the nfl were disolved, and you as GM were creating a team similar to a fantasy draft....considering Age, durability, running ability, pass catching, pass blocking and versatility.....which back would you take first? I like Larry Johnson alot, but I'd take Tomlinson in a second.