WATERCOOLER CHAT
After two sub-standard and disappointing seasons for his measure, there is a lot of talk in many fantasy circles asking “where does LT rank?” Before 2008, LT was hands down the number one rated runner in fantasy, but in more recent times there has been chatter that he could be done.
That hardly seems the case when you look over his numbers the past two seasons; 1,500-total yards of offense with 12 touchdowns in 2008 and 1,950-total yards and 18 touchdowns the previous year. Certainly there has been a slight decline, but LT’s numbers still make him a legit RB1 in most fantasy formats.
With training camp underway and every indication that Tomlinson is well and his injuries behind him, how does he rank this season. Our numbers put him in as a top-ten runner, but certainly in the Charger’s offense, if he is healthy he always has the opportunity to be much better.
The telling sign may not come early either with Tomlinson historically doing his most damage in the second half. Fantasy owners may have to run the risk and ride the storm before they see any reward, but injuries will be what to watch for with Tomlinson. A healthy LT through the first half of the year is a good sign for second half domination.
Where does he rank? As we suspect Tomlinson should still be considered a top-ten back with potential to move up the ladder. If his assertions this summer are any indication, owners should be in for a big treat throughout the season. With Rivers blossoming into one of the leagues best quarterbacks, Tomlinson could have a much easier time shredding softer defenses covering the pass.
Play it as you may, but if you LT falling down the charts just know, he’s a much better value pick as the draft progresse, so don’t let him fall too far.
Playing the GM…
Should the Jets trade Thomas Jones
There’s been some scuttle-butt swirling around and even if a credible newspaper decides to refute the story, once it’s out, it has a life of its own. This could be exactly what is happening in the Jets camp concerning running back Thomas Jones. A recent story leaked out that the team could be shopping him and whether there is any truth to the story, if I am the GM, it could be something worth considering.
The GM Game…
If you have Leon Washington holding out wanting more coin and you know Thomas Jones has already indicated his desire to get paid, what options are you left with. If I am Mike Tannebaum I have to consider this move since Jones will be turning 31-years of age. The team just auctioned away some of its future to grab rookies quarterback Mark Sanches and running back Shonn Greene, so the youth movement has already began.
For all intended considerations, Greene is built very similar to Jones and could easily figure to be his replacement. With Washington holding out, getting him resigned becomes a priority and this may mean Jones will have to accept his current deal or alternative options.
Although Jones was very productive in 2008 rushing for more than 1,300-yards and 13 touchdowns, the Jets have to wonder how long he can continue. He’s not likely to improve upon those numbers this season in New York will a full back-field that will more than likely include both Washington and Greene, but he could still prove to have some value on the open market. It just might be get what you can, while you can.
Potential landing spots that could give Jones the most trade value could be places like Seattle, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Miami. These teams will enter the 2009 season a little thin in the backfield and lacking some proven quality depth. At 31, Jones won’t go anywhere, including these stops to start, but his experience and toughness will serve any new team well and give them added depth. Obviously trading away Jones, you have to consider what you will get; the Jets offense needs help at the receivers spot. Draft picks would be a consideration as well, since the team has to be looking to continue rebuilding.
The Jets have a pretty good team defense and a solid running game (ranked 9th in 2008), so a trade may not necessarily be on the current agenda, but if a move is made down the road this could make a lot of sense for a team trying to rebuild without having to take too many steps backward.
And considering the sense of this, Thomas Jones should be considered a risky fantasy option with his current stock slowly sliding down the board.
Keep checking back for more football....
By David G. Ortega
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