In Charge
Every NFL season produces magical moments and memorable performances by the numerous stars in the League. In recent years, we have seen the incredible fortitude and the unbreakable will of the New England Patriots. The tremendous running and receiving performances of running backs such as Priest Holmes and Marshall Faulk have awed us, culminating last year when Shaun Alexander had a record-breaking season. Indianapolis Colts star quarterback Peyton Manning has put on a relentless attack on Dan Marino’s once thought unreachable passing marks. However, none of these performances approaches the greatness we are witnessing while watching running back LaDainian Tomlinson in the San Diego Chargers’ backfield.
Tomlinson has always been considered amongst the best backs in the League. This season, however, LT has become the greatest back in League history. When you compile a list of the top running backs of all-time, the names Walter Payton, Jim Brown, Earl Campbell, Barry Sanders, O.J. Simpson, Emmmit Smith and a handful of others are always among the discussion. While each of these backs brought there own unique style and skills to the league, no one had the combination of skills that LaDainian offers. People can argue for the numbers of Smith or Brown, the electric style of Sanders or Payton, or the magnificent power game of Simpson or Campbell. The difference between all of these great backs and LT is that he shows each style in his game.
At times, there seems to be nothing that Tomlinson cannot do on the football field. Along with his many rushing skills, Tomlinson also adds the unique option of the halfback pass to the Chargers’ offense. Opposing defenses are so consumed with the idea of trying to stop him from running that he seemingly has open teammates all over the field from which to pick. It is one thing to run the play called by the coach, but LT seems very comfortable with the option play, having thrown five touchdown passes in the last two years and six for his career. This aspect of his game only furthers separates him from his fellow great running backs.
Tomlinson has the unique ability to make the game look easy at all times. He can make linebackers shake in their cleats or run through them with ease. LT has appeared to reach that next level of stardom; the level at which you leave your opponents in awe. Few players throughout sports ever reach this point. Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Tiger Woods and possibly few others have achieved this lofty status. This level of greatness is very rare to see. When, as a fan, you get the opportunity to witness it, you must cherish every game you see him play.
This season, the Chargers finally have combined the maturity and the skills needed to become Super Bowl contenders. As football fans, or sports fans in general, you owe it to yourself to watch this great player in action. You never know when a player may achieve this level of greatness again.
Tomlinson has always been considered amongst the best backs in the League. This season, however, LT has become the greatest back in League history. When you compile a list of the top running backs of all-time, the names Walter Payton, Jim Brown, Earl Campbell, Barry Sanders, O.J. Simpson, Emmmit Smith and a handful of others are always among the discussion. While each of these backs brought there own unique style and skills to the league, no one had the combination of skills that LaDainian offers. People can argue for the numbers of Smith or Brown, the electric style of Sanders or Payton, or the magnificent power game of Simpson or Campbell. The difference between all of these great backs and LT is that he shows each style in his game.
At times, there seems to be nothing that Tomlinson cannot do on the football field. Along with his many rushing skills, Tomlinson also adds the unique option of the halfback pass to the Chargers’ offense. Opposing defenses are so consumed with the idea of trying to stop him from running that he seemingly has open teammates all over the field from which to pick. It is one thing to run the play called by the coach, but LT seems very comfortable with the option play, having thrown five touchdown passes in the last two years and six for his career. This aspect of his game only furthers separates him from his fellow great running backs.
Tomlinson has the unique ability to make the game look easy at all times. He can make linebackers shake in their cleats or run through them with ease. LT has appeared to reach that next level of stardom; the level at which you leave your opponents in awe. Few players throughout sports ever reach this point. Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Tiger Woods and possibly few others have achieved this lofty status. This level of greatness is very rare to see. When, as a fan, you get the opportunity to witness it, you must cherish every game you see him play.
This season, the Chargers finally have combined the maturity and the skills needed to become Super Bowl contenders. As football fans, or sports fans in general, you owe it to yourself to watch this great player in action. You never know when a player may achieve this level of greatness again.
posted by marinjos at 11:30 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home