OT: Tomlinson will not play a down in the preseason - smart strategy or not? - New England Patriots Forums

PATRIOTSFANINPA · 08-15-2007, 05:19 PM

Norm has decided to sit Ladanian Tomlinson out for the preseason instead of risking injury to the player,He is reportedly going to not play 1 down till week 1

Now if that does not emphasize who is the piece that keeps the puzzle together in San Diego nothing will.

San Diego is an also ran without Ladanian in the lineup so the team knows that and takes no chances.

Is that smart or should he get in real game action before the regular season starts - I guess it can be looked at both ways

I know I would rather see Brady,Wilfork and Maroney and Moss ect not play in the preseason to avoid injury but do you think this would be a good thing or should they get out thereif not for a quarter or two and get ready for the real stuff starting in week 1?

spacecrime · 08-15-2007, 05:27 PM

I'm fine with Maroney sitting all preseason.

I don't think sitting Tomlinson shows that the team is crap without him. It shows that RBs don't need to play to develop timing like QBs and receivers do, or that defenses do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PATRIOTSFANINPA

Norm has decided to sit Ladanian Tomlinson out for the preseason instead of risking injury to the player,He is reportedly going to not play 1 down till week 1

Now if that does not emphasize who is the piece that keeps the puzzle together in San Diego nothing will.

San Diego is an also ran without Ladanian in the lineup so the team knows that and takes no chances.

Is that smart or should he get in real game action before the regular season starts - I guess it can be looked at both ways

I know I would rather see Brady,Wilfork and Maroney and Moss ect not play in the preseason to avoid injury but do you think this would be a good thing or should they get out thereif not for a quarter or two and get ready for the real stuff starting in week 1?

PATRIOTSFANINPA · 08-15-2007, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spacecrime

I'm fine with Maroney sitting all preseason.

I don't think sitting Tomlinson shows that the team is crap without him. It shows that RBs don't need to play to develop timing like QBs and receivers do, or that defenses do.

I think without Tomlinson San Diego is an 8-8 team - Thats how good I think Tomlinson is to that team - Rivers IMO is not yet capable of putting the team on his shoulders and if Tomlinson went down thats exactly what would happen.

If Maroney went down we have enough offense to withstand the loss IMO

Vincent Jackson is the only true WR threat on that team,not including the TE Gates

desi-patsfan · 08-15-2007, 05:32 PM

LT not playing is great for them. Playing 4 snaps every game in the pre-season isnt going to help him much.

Mix · 08-15-2007, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PATRIOTSFANINPA

I think without Tomlinson San Diego is an 8-8 team - Thats how good I think Tomlinson is to that team - Rivers IMO is not yet capable of putting the team on his shoulders and if Tomlinson went down thats exactly what would happen.

If Maroney went down we have enough offense to withstand the loss IMO

Vincent Jackson is the only true WR threat on that team,not including the TE Gates

Chargers would still make the playoffs without Tomlinson. The team is stacked and Turner is the best backup in the league, I'd take him over a lot of guys starting for other teams. Rivers is good enough to lead that team to 10+ wins this year even if Tomlinson went down with injury.

SoonerPatriot · 08-15-2007, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mix

Chargers would still make the playoffs without Tomlinson. The team is stacked and Turner is the best backup in the league, I'd take him over a lot of guys starting for other teams. Rivers is good enough to lead that team to 10+ wins this year even if Tomlinson went down with injury.

All of the above is VERY debatable.

Keegs · 08-15-2007, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mix

Rivers is good enough to lead that team to 10+ wins this year even if Tomlinson went down with injury.

Ummmmmm NO

zippo59 · 08-15-2007, 06:18 PM

Preseason is pointless for these already established players. I would be fine with him sitting. The only thing I would be worried about is that he might not be in "football" shape by the time the season starts and won't be used to getting hit, but if he gets hit a little in practice then it shouldn't be a very big deal.

OntarioPatsFan · 08-15-2007, 06:47 PM

I'm pretty sure he sat the entire 2006 preseason and I think the 2006 season worked out pretty well for him....

the 2006 post-season, however, not so good.

patriot lifer · 08-15-2007, 06:59 PM

I'm pretty sure LT didn't play one snap last year too. As for Mike "The Burner" Turner, he's pretty good, but remember they have maybe the best offensive line and fullback in the game. They pretty much just need someone who's fast and won't fall down from a moment's contact as a backup.