stormdriver

It's become apparent this year that the game is changing. Instead of the traditional QB standing in place behind the line and throwing long passes to WRs, we now have all kinds of new plays that make the game more interesting. QBs run back and forth behind the line, block for rushers, fake handoffs and then rush for touchdowns themselves. The "QB draw " is again popular, and the lateral pass is making a comeback too. Running Backs, however, are at the forefront of these new trends. We see Gado taking a play action fake, then getting open to catch a screen pass. We see Alexander rushing to the line of scrimmage just to lateral the ball back to the QB for the long pass. We see all kind of fakes, reverses, shovels, and other before-unheard of RB plays to drive any defensive coordinator up stadium walls. RBs are at the forefront, and the standout in versatile RBs is without a doubt LaDainian Tomlinson. He can pass, catch, rush, block, all for TDs, and that's only in one game. So before I get any more long-winded than I already am, How does LT stack up against the all-time great RBs like Emmit Smith, Walter Payton and OJ Simpson? He's without a doubt the best currently playing, but does he compare to the past heroes?

Manster

Yes he is the best right now but it is still to early to see how he stacks up against the all time greats. Most of them play 10+ years. If LT keeps going the way he has been then in time he will be counted as one of the top backs ever. But you still have to wait because I remeber how all the Denver fans were saying T. Davis was the best ever and were allready talking about him in the HOF and you see what happened to him.

jeter4982

I think it may be a bit premature to compare him to those legendary NFL running backs, but he definitely is a very special athlete. Part of the reason I think the NFL is changing as you described, is because all players are getting bigger, faster, stronger, whereas in the past, it was typically only the linemen getting bigger and stronger, and the skilled players getting faster. In the modern NFL, the linemen are not only bigger and stronger then they were in the past, but they also are faster, allowing them to get out on screen passes and other trick plays. The skilled players are also getting stronger, where a 200 pound running back in Tiki Barber, can block a 300 pound defensive lineman coming at the quarterback. This allows the quarterback more time to throw the ball, and the receivers to run longer routes. Ladanian Tomlinson fits into this new NFL perfectly, as he has blazing speed, is very strong, and an above average sized running back. I think by the time his career is over, you will definitely be comparing him those NFL greats you mentioned.

__________________
-Tom

till.death.do.us.part

LT is definitely todays primetime RB. I should know!! He runs my team ragged twice a year!!!

P-Rez25

if he stays healthy he has an excellent chance of bein among the greats. you cant really compare different eras of football but i cant think of anyone like him. he is the total package.

__________________

Professor

marshall was just like him, but he go injured a bunch late in his career, it definitely benefits LT2, playing on grass.

__________________

J-Unit

I think LT has had the most touches of any NFL RB in history in his first 5 years. SO in the long haul, durability could become a question.

__________________




University of Tennessee Lady Vols 2007 National Champions

SUPER_MAN_#65

He will always be the best in my eyes. He may not always lead the NFL in rushing yds, yds per carry, rushing tds, reicing yds for a rb, recieving tds for a rd, and other rb stats, but most years he is in the top 10 in all of those stats. He also has the record for most rushing yards in 1A football. I believe it is a little over 400 yards. He can also throw good for a runningback. He is a complete package.

__________________




JOIN, PRETTY COOL TEXT BASED MMO>>>> http://www.contractedassassin.com/register.php?REF=113

till.death.do.us.part

Durability. Damn good observation J. And Proff, that LT2 was right on the button. Everybody knows who those initials REALLY belong to.

Carbo04

If he stays at his current level a few more years and stays healthy no doubt he'll be a top RB of all-time. Imagine him behind Alexander's line of last year.. Can we say WAY above 2,000 on the year?

__________________