I don't know if you watched much this year, but LT is NOT a red zone specialist any more. I love LT, but the Chargers almost disgustingly force-fed him the ball inside the 10 yard line this year and they left a lot of points on the field having to kick FGs because they were trying to get LT the ball there. That said, he did get a lot better towards the end of the year, but still not great. If they can get him at a minimal cost without the expectation of getting the ball too much, he can be an asset to the team. But I think he wants to go somewhere that he will get more touches and that is not something I would give him.
Put aside the proper roster management approach for a second Owen Daniels, as good as he is no one's going to the games to see him. LT even with his legs about to fall off, if he were on the Texans I can think of at least 3 fringe Texans fans right NOW who's interest level would be raised at least 2 games. Texans past few years is like the NBA dunk contest. Sure its nice and all with the fancy displays of offense, but people still like having big names involved.
This is a decent point, and the only one I'd give in favor of bringing him in. There is a business side to sports, and whenever a single player brings in significantly more revenue than he costs, it's worth at least entertaining. If he does not bring anything negative to the locker room, he's a positive in that he "subsidizes" other expenses. Drayton was happy to increase payroll during the Clemens era, because Roger hauled in plenty of cash for the organization, offsetting the budget increases. Philly was fine bringing in Iverson for the minimum, because he paid for himself in box office receipts and merchandise after only a couple games. Even though Yao won't play a minute this season, he still brings in enough revenue to the team (directly or indirectly) that he helps Les Alexander balance the books. That's a major reason the Rockets have been buyers, not sellers, during this era. With the NFL, it's a little more tricky. The hard cap, big rosters, and revenue sharing mute the effect of a individual cash cow. Reggie Bush is one good example, ridiculously overpaid versus his production and on-field value, but he showers the Saints with revenue return. Has anyone else done so little but has their jersey covering the stadium? It comes down to two things, in my eyes: What's the right salary number - what's he worth from a revenue standpoint alone. How okay are we using a roster spot and a RB slot on a guy that is almost certainly going to be a waste on the field? He finished #29 in yards last year, but that was due in a good part to being force fed the ball - no one else in the top 39 had a per carry average as low as LDT (Larry Johnson #40 with identical yds/per). Hell, LDT, Larry Johnson, and Steve Slaton were the only backs in the top 70 with a 3.3/carry average. Upside? He's still somewhat durable, and has only lost 4 fumbles in the past 8 years. I just don't know what sort of situation you'd use him in as a situational back. The power's gone, the explosiveness is gone, the lateral quickness is gone....he's just a half-speed back. He's iffy catching passes out of the backfield (20 total receptions last year), so-so in pass protection.
You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to emjohn again. great post all the way through On the last point, it is worth noting that he didn't catch many balls last year because, in most cases, Sproles was in the game on passing downs and for designed screen plays. At the same time, Sproles was in the deservedly because, not only is Sproles good at that stuff, but LDT has fallen off in that respect as much as any other. So I agree with you--just saying that the numbers are even lower than they would be otherwise because of Sproles
Are you kidding me?....playoffs?....LT the great: 1st RB to rush for 1236 yards his 1st 6 years...NOBODY has done that!...LT with 12,490 yards in less years than green who sits at 9,100... LT, the man with 3 NFL season records... LT is top shelf Hall of Fame right NOW...He is the David Beckham of American football..Frankly his presence alone will benefit others. He wants to be here...Let's get him here! (If this were an instance of just another above average runner who is past his prime, I'd say heck no...But LaDanian Tomlinson is a unique situation.)
I would bring LT in for the sheer fact that he would bring this team a much-needed veteran presence. He's walked the walk and talked the talk in this league for many years, and this team just hasn't had that kind of leadership ever since Aaron Glenn left. It's clear to me that this team has the talent and the desire to compete at the highest level, but they just lack a rallying point to unite them when things get tough. LT has been the face of the Chargers ever since he came into the league, and I think he would add a great veteran element to this team. His on-field production will probably be hit-or-miss but his locker-room presence is undeniable.
I want him...He can try out Chris Browns role...good thing is that he wont fumble and he throws TD passes.
Wow I nominate you for WORST comparison of the year poster. I don't think you should ever post about football again if you are going to honestly compare LT's accomplishments to Greens. Ahman Green's best year ... 1883 yards rushing (15 Rushing TDs) 367 Rec yards (5 Receiving TDs) LTs best year 1815 yards rushing (28 Rushing TDs!!) 508 Rec yards (3 Receiving TDs) 2 Passing Touchdowns Sorry, but there is absolutely ZERO comparison there. LT did a lot of his running near the end zone which makes a huge difference on yardage and TDs is what its all about. That said, I still don't think the Texans need or should get LT, but it should not be a comparison of his and Green's career.
John McClain on twitter: "I'm going to say this once and for all: The Texans have no interest in L.T. no matter what you read, see or hear."
But he's not wrong often. He is by far the closest source to the Texans- they feed him first. Although at this point, I doubt anybody has made a definite stance on LT. The Texans do claim a lot that they perform their due diligence with all free agents, and that's all that Rick Smith said they are doing with LT. Doesn't mean we have any real interest in him.
