"Move Over Sweetness, Make Room For.................
by ANYTIME09 on Feb 24, 2010 5:29 AM CST
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LaDainian Tomlinson?!?!?!?!?!?"
Alright before everyone starts freaking out and accusing me of making the up-most blasphemous statement ANY Bears fan can make, in no way am I even thinking that LT is anything but a level below what the late great Walter Payton was. The title of the post was merely a play on the infamous Emmitt Smith call as he passed Sweetness to be the all time leading rusher in NFL history.
I am however turning over a new leaf in the should we pursue LaDainian Tomlinson debate. I will be the first to say that I was waiting for the first predictable simple minded fool to post on the subject, but after reading into David Haughs writeup, I have become that predictable simple minded fool that P.S.D.B and I were just ripping on not but 3 days ago. I guess it didnt take me too long to start drinking that offseason kool aide that we all love soo dearly (especially us Cubs fans!), who knows maybe its all this Peppers talk thats getting my mind racing down this slippery slope. But at any rate, I have been a huge proponent since the offseason has started in acquiring a worthy compliment to Matt Forte, Ive had enough of him having to shoulder all the responsibilities that of a veteran running back already in his first two years in the NFL.
After a breakout rookie season Forte set all sorts of records, such as being the second rookie RB of all time to rush for over 1,000 yards and catch over 60 passes as well as breaking the franchise records for rushing yards and total yards from scrimmage as a rookie, not to mention leading the league in first downs and having the 3rd most total yards from scrimmage in ALL of the NFL his rookie year and is sixth in ALL of the NFL with 3,115 yards the past two seasons, trailing only the Titans’ Chris Johnson, the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson, the Rams’ Steven Jackson, the Texans’ Andre Johnson and the Jaguars’ Maurice Jones-Drew (not too shabby).
However, the back end of his rookie year and his entire second year have been plagued with injuries of all kinds from an ankle, to a hamstring, to a nagging season long MCL sprain that occurred way back in week 3 of the regular season against Seattle. And this is exactly why the Bears need to be serious about bringing in someone to help shoulder the load at RB. Sure its not our biggest need now, but if they continue to make Forte do all the work as he has the past two seasons, it will quickly become our BIGGEST need. Right now its about 4th on my list of important needs right behind FS, DE, and OL.
In my opinion, you can never have too many RBs, you just cant. Take the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints for example, they had a trio in Bush/Thomas/Bell, the Cowboys have Barber/Jones/Choice, the Giants had a solid trio in Jacobs/Ward/Bradshaw and even the League Leaders in Rushing the New York Jets had a nasty threesome of Jones/Greene/Washington. And as I look at the Bears and their RB situation it really gets me concerned, yea sure Forte/Bell/Peterson is an OK trio but nothing to get excited about and with all the injuries our RBs sustained it makes me even less excited and more worried.
Bringing in another RB is only going to amplify Matt Fortes skill set. Some say, this guy is not an elite runner he hasnt even averaged 4 yards a carry on a season. To those people, I would say two things, first take a look at his yards per touch (You will find that he is over 4 yards in that department) and two, with another proven RB in the fold, Forte may get less touches but more breathers which could equate to more yards per carry. Which ironically is exactly what the doctor ordered in Tomlinson's case as well.
LT is also a guy that needs help shouldering the load at RB, he is not that young RB rushing for 31 TDs in a season anymore, but if utilized correctly could still be a solid contributor to a contending team. And as broke down as everyone says he is, Tomlinson still found the end zone 12 times last year which pales in comparison to our RBs who only managed to find the end zone 5 times last year collectively. And he also holds the record for most seasons with 10+ rushing touchdowns with 9;(consecutive) 2001-2009 and that ones still going.
If Mike Martz could come up with a crafty way of splitting up the 300 carries or so between a trio like Forte/Tomlinson/Bell, I would be in favor of a move like this. I have the luxury of having the NFL Ticket and I actually thought LT started to show signs of that quick burst at the back end of the regular season and he also proved that he could finish the season out healthy, which was in question at the start of the season. He finished with 9 rushing TDs in the last 7 games he started in the regular season (Sat out week 17 after clinching bye) before eventually getting beat to the #1 rushing defense in the NFL the New York Jets in the playoffs.
He has also always been a solid Red Zone/Goal Line RB his whole career. I don't have it right in front of me but I know a fair share of those 151 rushing TDs were of the short yardage mold, something the Bears had trouble with. Who knows, with the relationship he has with Tommie Harris, maybe he actually could get him to play some inspired football as well, wouldn't that be nice?? I have seriously changed my view on this guy, especially if his price is as low as some say it will be.
Cause when I read about a guy that has his trainer yell, "Come on Walter, lets go.", to get him pumped up and also shows the respect of the players that have paved the road before him like he always has, that shows me integrity and character, something this franchise has been lacking. I know, hes a risk, hes had his share of injury problems, and hes never really had success in the playoffs, you dont have to tell me, I understand what Im saying is very glass half fullish, but this is a HALL OF FAME running back who has yet to reach the pinnacle of his football career by playing in a Super Bowl and winning it and as many records as he had with the Chargers (28), Im sure he would give all of them away to have that elusive ring around his finger. Im not going to have to worry about this guy putting it all out there everytime he hits the field, again something this franchise has been lacking. If you could get him on a short term contract at a reasonable price, why wouldn't you want this guy backing up and mentoring a guy like Matt Forte?
LaDainian Tomlinson, Lendale White, Reggie Bush, Thomas Jones, Chester Taylor, Chris Brown, Darren Sproles, Brian Westbrook, or even some projected late rounders like my boy LaGarrette Blount or Toby Gerhart are some names that have been thrown around the water cooler and trust me I think Ive brought most of these names up at some point when I talk about improving our running game. But you have to admit, LT capping off a Hall of Fame career by winning a Super Bowl Title on the very team his childhood idol played for, now that would be one hell of a story.
Let The Debate Begin
BEAR DOWN!!!
This FanPost was written by a Windy City Gridiron member, and does not necessarily reflect the ideas or opinions of its staff or community.
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LT is low on that list of guys IMO...
I would rather see the Bears get Leron McClain or Toby Gerhart or even Blount. LT is not really a short yardage guy and I see getting a RB to compliment Forte as being more useful. If he signed cheap it might be OK, but I see LT on the Pats next season. Or maybe the Eagles.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!
Well if hes good enough for those two teams, why not us??
I agree with LaGarrette Blount as well, Ive had a few heated debates about him. But I would disagree that LT is not a short yardage back, hes actually very good near the goal line.
And the word is he should come cheap. So we shall see.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
+1
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Feb 24, 2010 8:08 AM CST up reply actions
It's not if he's good enough for the Bears...
it’s whether the Bears are good enough for him. He doesn’t indicate any desire to mentor young RBs or help “build” an offense. My guess is he ends up like Corey Dillon or even Shawn Alexander, a shell of his former self. He’s really beat up and the Bears need a better long term solution to pair with Forte. I just see LT needing a better interior line than the Bears are likely to produce and I question if he can stay healthy enough to be of any use on the Soldier field turf behind the Bears o-line. Honestly, I’d rather the Bears go after someone like McClain or Gado or some late round draftee because I see LT as an older (albeit more talented) Forte-style guy. Maybe they can get LT and McClain and dump McKee and AP. Now that would work well.
Oh yeah…and I’m still a little hot about the Payton comparison. Even with a “just sayin’” comment, it’s a bit in poor taste! ;>P
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!
Thats why I put the disclaimer.
It really wasnt a just sayin comment as much as it was on play on the old Emmitt Smith call, but I totally expected somebody to not enjoy it, I found it to be witty myself though.
McClain would be good a big bruiser with some speed actually.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
Only really about 10% serious...
You always post well and I don’t take your comments as poorly thought out. Just givin’ you a little sh
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO FIRE LOVIE!
Oh yeah...
Emmitt Smith. The guy who made a career out of running for five yards behind a massive offensive line and stepping out of bounds.
"More cowbell" - Bruce Dickinson
"More bell cow" - Lovie Smith
I know LT idolized Walter Payton.
I heard that he used to watch video footage of Walter before his games. I have been pushing for CT since the end of the season, but you gotta like that about LT. I think for that reason alone, he would like to become a Bear.
Walter Payton lives on!!!
by monsterman34 on Feb 24, 2010 11:12 PM CST up reply actions
And possibly revitalize his career,
Thats kind of what changed my whole mind on the subject.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
I would take him...
over any of the guys we have as backups now. Well, if that happens, I think we should keep Bell and mix him in there with Forte and LT. NO did it with three RB’s last season winning a SB, why not.
Walter Payton lives on!!!
by monsterman34 on Feb 25, 2010 8:24 PM CST up reply actions
the Bears would have to get near the goal line first
for LT to have an impact …
as much as I’d love LT in a Bears uniform, i just don’t see it happening. but now that i think about it, he would look bad as hell with that visor in a Bear helmet.
Thats exactly what our problem was..........
We couldnt punch it in once we got into the goal line and red zone last year. We had NO problems moving the ball, it was scoring that killed us, and leadership.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
That picture kinda makes me want to throw up.
I think I did a little. In my mouth.
I'm a firm believer in the philosophy of a ruling class. Especially since I rule. -Randal Graves
Writer at windycitygridiron.com -/-I http://www.twitter.com/kdoggers
by Kev H on Feb 24, 2010 8:28 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Want to wash it out with some LT Kool-Aid?
You can have mine, I’m not drinking it anyway.
by Steven Schweickert on Feb 24, 2010 8:40 AM CST up reply actions
+1
"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton
by Ashley Czuba on Feb 24, 2010 11:39 AM CST up reply actions
I actually found it to be kind of cool.
Youre going to tell me that you dont even want people looking up to sweetness?? Thats how great he was, that doesnt make much sense. That article gave me the upmost respect of LT, I mean we dont even have Bears players that show that kind of love, respect, appreciation that LT has exuded about the Bears and LT.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
I agree with this
In my opinion, you can never have too many RBs, you just cant.
But I’d rather take my chances with a young fella. LT was real good, but those days are past…
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Feb 24, 2010 8:57 AM CST reply actions
Still 12 TDs last year, 10 in the last 9 years.
He may be older but hes consistent, you have to give him that.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
This picture make me feel sad
I can’t even read the article, i look at the picture, go to the article, come down here to write, go back to picture, get upset… repeat.
"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden
by BearNecessities on Feb 24, 2010 9:30 AM CST reply actions
I dont get this, I thought people would be surprised about how much LT looked up to Sweetness and that made him who he is today.
I find it pretty cool that he would rock a BEARS LEGENDS jersey in a San Diego presser.
But I appreciate not reading my aritcle, I would at least read yours before I commented on a post, but whatever. Its a FA RB with a Bears twist to it. Its was post worthy. Would you just read the story cause that kind of pisses me off.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
I dont need to read the story to understand
whats happening here. LT is washed up and would bring down the Bears running game, if at all possible. we already have one back, who, while great with hands out of the back field, averages in the 3 ypc area.
next thing you know we’ll be be seeing Tim Shaw prancing around in a #54 Jersey
"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden
by BearNecessities on Feb 24, 2010 4:04 PM CST up reply actions
Tim Shaw = LT comparison?? I dont quite get that.
If youre trying to say that IF Tim Shaw was a huge Urlacer fan that I think he should be our new middle linebacker youre crazy. Does LT not have the numbers to show for it.
And as broke down as everyone says he is, Tomlinson still found the end zone 12 times last year which pales in comparison to our RBs who only managed to find the end zone 5 times last year collectively. And he also holds the record for most seasons with 10+ rushing touchdowns with 9;(consecutive) 2001-2009 and that ones still going.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
Listen
I quite usually enjoy your posts and your comments in the threads, but for me it’s a disservice for the LT in a #34 jersey… call me whatever you want, that’s just my opinion.
"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they're bigger than everybody else, and that's what make them the biggest guys on the field." -Madden
by BearNecessities on Feb 25, 2010 2:58 AM CST up reply actions
Why cause hes not like every other star whos all, look at me look at me.
Cause he actually has respect for the greatest RB of all time. Im sorry Im just not gonna see it that way. But you are more than welcome to have your own opinion. I just dont understand how as a Bears fan you dont have love for another Bears fan (as in LT) thats all, but its all good.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
by your logic
you are saying that just because someone wears a Payton jersey that means it’s a “disservice”. so when i wear my 34 jersey to a game am i doing a “disservice”?
Do or do not there is not try-Master Yoda
by suckmyditka on Feb 26, 2010 12:57 PM CST up reply actions
+1
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Feb 28, 2010 9:05 PM CST up reply actions
Yea but to go out of your way to say "I cant even read this article" ............
Is kind of a slap in the face.
If you want to have a say on the subject at least hear out my points.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
Tim Shaw is a BEAST
Do or do not there is not try-Master Yoda
by suckmyditka on Feb 26, 2010 12:51 PM CST up reply actions
Doesn't bother me a bit....
Not because I think LT is in the same league, but because I thoroughly believe LT owns like 50 Payton jerseys. Have ou ever heard him talk? He idolizes Walter. He places Payton on a pedestal and worships him. Some of the best praises of Payton I have ever heard have come from LT mouth during interviews. So I have no problem seing him wear the Jersey, cause he would never claim to be able to fill it. He would wear it humbly.
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Feb 24, 2010 8:26 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Two words
Chester Taylor- he’s younger and better at this point in his career. If the Bears don’t have to overpay for him, he’s a perfect fit in Martz’s offense. Since he’s 30 and has only been a “featured” back one year in his career, it’s very likely teams won’t overpay for him.
"The country is full of good coaches. What it takes to win is a bunch of interested players." -Don Coryell, ex-San Diego Chargers Coach
So LT being 30 and Taylor being 30 makes Taylor younger????? Not by age
But yes definitely by amount of carries, hits, etc…… I wouldnt mind Taylor but I think his price will be too steep. Dont forget we are getting Peppers!!!!!
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
I'm not so sure that....
Taylor’s price tag will be as high as some suggest. Remember that he’s been a backup/compliment for 3 years now. That hurts his value. This year is generally considered to be shallow at all positions, and RB is especially shallow. I don’t think your going to see any of the running backs get big bucks, relative to other positions.
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Feb 24, 2010 10:17 PM CST up reply actions
The fact that he has been a backup for 3 years actually helps him................
Because he doesnt have that wear and tear that a starter would have and that alone makes him desirable. He has already proven he can be effective, he has never had the opportunity to prove it.
Look at Michael Turner as a perfect example.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
Except....
Michael Turner was 26 when the Falcons acquired him. That’s a huge 4 years in the NFL. I’m not saying Taylor can’t get that kind of money. I’m just saying that there’s a lot more stacked against him.
On a side not, I’m not sure what you meant by: “He has already proven he can be effective, he has never had the opportunity to prove it.” The statement kind of contradicts itself, so I’m not sure what you meant here. Can you rephrase it for me? Thanks bro.
Some days it's not worth chewing through the restraints - T-Train.
Two things are infinite: The universe and human stupidity. And I am not sure about the universe. - Albert Einstein.
by Timothy Hockemeyer on Feb 25, 2010 12:37 PM CST up reply actions
I believe he had one year where he had to take over for a little while cause of injuries and he ended up with like over 1200 yards.
But youre right that Turner wasnt as good of an example as I thought, I was just looking at it in a backup perspective.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
If it means getting Peppers
by not signing CT, then certainly I’d take it.
CT is a lot younger than LT, cause of low mileage (like you said). Think of a car that’s been placed in a garage, and only comes out on nice, summer days.
"The country is full of good coaches. What it takes to win is a bunch of interested players." -Don Coryell, ex-San Diego Chargers Coach
I think we would be able to get this guy after the draft once his price plummets.
Chester Taylor is going to cost too much.
IFthe Bears are seriously going after Peppers, Tomlinson could end up being that guy still looking for a job during OTA’s and we could very well be that team that has yet to address the backup running situation, with all the other needs we have before it.
Thats exactly why I felt this post had some actual validity, cause I could see something like that happen.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
By how much though?
I’m not sure how much CT will cost in comparison to LT. On ability alone Taylor is better at this point of their careers, but LT could hold out for more money based on reputation. I just tend to believe RB is of high-importance after Forte’s uninspired year, and Martz’s arrival. His offense puts a premium on quick, fast, soft-handed runners who can run in space.
"The country is full of good coaches. What it takes to win is a bunch of interested players." -Don Coryell, ex-San Diego Chargers Coach
Thats why he will cost more, because ability wise he is better than LT.
That is why it is reasonable to suggest that he could come here. The longer he holds out the more his price will drop, youll see.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
Bring it on ...
…But how do we buy ourselves a RB when we need a guard, a free safety, a pass rusher and a big WR ?
by Irish Bears Fan on Feb 24, 2010 10:50 PM CST reply actions
you have to admit,
we have been settling for mediocrity since the great WP. Anderson was pretty good and he was mentored by him. With the acception of TJ, we really have had an above average RB. Even Walter played behind some poor OL’s throughout the years, didn’t stop him from being great.
Walter Payton lives on!!!
by monsterman34 on Feb 24, 2010 10:53 PM CST up reply actions
sorry...haven't had an above average RB
Walter Payton lives on!!!
by monsterman34 on Feb 24, 2010 10:54 PM CST up reply actions
Who could we get just by paying their salary ?
I guess we find out on March 5th – but whos’s likely to be let walk due to roster/bonus considerations ? Anyone who is UFA looks to be finished ….
From NFL Fanhouse :
RUNNING BACKS
1) Pierre Thomas (New Orleans), RFA: He was a Godsend for the Saints in ‘09 and now may be their back of the future, given that Reggie Bush is slated to make a whopping $13.5 million in the final year of his contract (the Saints don’t really want to pay it, either). Thomas, who was huge in the Super Bowl, should get a high tender, but he’s the kind of all-purpose guy that might warrant a sniff from another team. Don’t think for a second that Sean Payton will let him go, though.
2) Jerome Harrison (Cleveland), RFA*: Few outside the Midwest had even heard of Harrison; for good reason. His 301 yards through the first 14 weeks of the ‘09 season didn’t exactly capture our imaginations. But his 561 in the final three weeks — including a near-NFL single-game record 286 against Kansas City — definitely got our attention. Ditto for new Browns President Mike Holmgren. The club may not know what to do at quarterback, but look for Holmgren to build the running game around Harrison.
3) Le’Ron McClain (Baltimore), RFA: He rushed for more than 900 yards in ’08, but the emergence of Ray Rice — who, along with Willis McGahee, makes up the two-headed Ravens running game — relegated McClain back to mostly a blocker (only 46 carries) in ’09. McClain can do a little bit of everything.
4) Darren Sproles (San Diego), RFA: Diminutive bolt of lightning who is easy to cheer for and, at times, dazzles like one of the game’s most exciting players.
5) Leon Washington (NY Jets), UFA: The change-of-pace guy to Thomas Jones suffered a grotesque broken leg in Week 7. Washington has averaged 4.8 yards for his career and is a good receiver, but potential employers will want to see if his speed and ability to change direction are back.
6) Chester Taylor (Minnesota), UFA: After signing a nice free-agent deal to jump from Baltimore, Taylor rushed for 1,216 yards in ’06 … then Adrian Peterson showed up in ’07. Taylor went from featured to third-down back. Teams will have to determine how good he is at either.
Among the rest:
Mike Bell (New Orleans), RFA*: Even with Thomas and Bush, Bell got 172 carries for the Super Bowl champs.
Ronnie Brown (Miami), RFA*: “Mr. Wildcat” suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 7, so he’ll have to show he’s healthy enough and worth the investment.
Kevin Faulk (New England), UFA: He’s been a productive and consummate third-down back for 11 seasons as a Patriot, but he’s 33.
Larry Johnson (Cincinnati), UFA: Roll the dice with this guy.
Jerious Norwood (Atlanta), RFA*: Averaged 5.8 per carry through first three seasons, but just 3.3 in an injury-plagued ’09.
Willie Parker (Pittsburgh), UFA: Slowed by a slew of injuries in each of the last three seasons.
Tony Richardson (NY Jets), UFA: The 2000 version would be worth a look. The ’10 version is 38.
LenDale White (Tennessee): RFA*: Had a nice view of Chris Johnson’s season from the sidelines.
Carnell “Cadillac” Williams (Tampa Bay), RFA*: His comeback from two devastating knee injuries showed his heart and determination. But how much does he have left?
by Irish Bears Fan on Feb 25, 2010 12:46 AM CST up reply actions
When it comes to FA RB's. My first choice is CT. Second choice would be Leon Washington and third LT.
I understand what you mean by other needs though, we definitely have a lot of holes that need filled. Even with differences of opinions on here about what the teams priorities are, I sure hope they address most of them somehow. You do have the picture of WP on there and it would be nice to have an above average RB.
Walter Payton lives on!!!
by monsterman34 on Feb 25, 2010 8:37 PM CST up reply actions
Three little ....
…. letters kill most of those guys …. RFA .
by MidWayMonster54 on Feb 25, 2010 12:52 AM CST up reply actions
I am a huge Walter Payton fan, who of us isn't.
I had to stop reading at Emmitt Smith, just can’t stand the guy. Records are meant to be broken, I just would have rather seen Barry Sanders do it and thats all.
Walter Payton lives on!!!
I think you should read the story it does have some bearing on Walter Payton
The post really has nothing to do with Emmitt. This is exactly why I even put the disclaimer out there, because I figured no one would get the historical reference.
"How sad, another victim of the Night Nurses from Jersey."
I got past the ES thing...
good article man.
Walter Payton lives on!!!
by monsterman34 on Feb 25, 2010 8:17 PM CST up reply actions
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