Tomlinson, from Tannenbaum’s Perspective
Posted by on March 16, 2010 – 2:09 pmIt was made clear today that the Jets have no intention of bringing in LaDainian Tomlinson in for a cameo role. Holding a media conference call, GM Mike Tannenbaum indicated that LT will be counted on as a key contributor in 2010.
“When we looked at LaDainian’s body of work, being in Brian Schottenheimer’s offense, being able to catch the ball, being able to be — we still think — an every-down, very effective runner, there were a lot of things we liked,” said Mr. T. “We think Bill Callahan is as good as anybody coaching the offensive line and we thought we had a really good story to tell LaDainian about our team, our personnel and his role in our personnel. And obviously he felt comfortable, too.”
Schottenheimer, who is beginning his fifth season as offensive coordinator, served as the Chargers QB coach from 2002-05. During those years, Tomlinson never rushed for less than 1,335 yards or caught fewer than 51 balls. In 2003 he became the first player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards (1,645) and total 100 receptions.
“I know Brian has big plans for him. I think he’s going to do a lot of different things and maybe we’ll see LaDainian and Shonn in the same backfield or LaDainian and Leon,” Tannenbaum said. “We’ll see how it plays out, but I think there are going to be a lot of different ways that we’re going to try to use him and it’s just another club Brian has in his bag now.”
Before being released by the Bolts, Tomlinson rushed for 1,110 yards in 2008 and then a career-low 730 yards in ’09. The 5’10”, 221-pounder has amassed 3,410 touches in his nine-year career, but the Green & White believe he’s got a lot left in those magical legs.
“He’s not had the production the last two years that he had earlier, which are obviously Hall of Fame numbers,” said Mr. T. “But we felt he still had the ability to make people miss, he still had 12 rushing touchdowns [last season] and he was productive in the passing game. He had 52 receptions in ’08 and 20 last year, and he still is a very good pass blocker.”
Tannenbaum also raved about Tomlinson’s character. After losing a locker room leader in Thomas Jones, the Jets think they’ve added another tremendous presence.
“I think we’re getting a 10-plus," Tannenbaum said. "I think we’re getting a rare, rare person, someone with tremendous humility, confidence just about the team. I couldn’t say enough things about him as a human being and I think he’s going to be a great fit for our locker room, a lead-by-example guy, and I think he’s a man’s man.”
With improvement from a pair of critical youngsters — QB Mark Sanchez and RB Shonn Greene — and the acquisition of Tomlinson, Tannenbaum thinks the Jets have a chance to be a more dangerous attack next season.
But much was made about the Jets’ March 5 release of Jones, a player in 2009 whose 1,402 yards set a career high and whose 14 rush TDs earned him a franchise mark. Tannenbaum confirmed today that the club had discussions with Jones’ representation after his contract was terminated, but he says LT and TJ should be viewed as independent cases because “their contracts were different, their structures were different and they’re two different situations.”
“We had ongoing dialogue with Drew Rosenhaus, who we have a great relationship with, and TJ throughout the process,” said the Jets GM. “But at the end they felt comfortable going to Kansas City, and we went in a different direction and we’re comfortable with that.”
It will be interesting to see how Schottenheimer works the backfield with Tomlinson, Greene and Washington (an RFA at present). The Jets have also been complimentary of Chauncey Washington and more help could be on the way in the draft. But LT’s going to be on the field early and often.
Tags: Brian Schottenheimer, LaDainian Tomlinson, Leon Washington, Mark Sanchez, Mike Tannenbaum, Shonn Greene
Posted in Eric Allen | 22 Comments »
By Crucefijo on Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
GM you know what’s going on with your system. Us Fan and the media are looking from outside in and we don’t know what is going on behind closed doors. So what ever negative opinions we give is not right. GM every FA, and Draft picks that you had made the Jets a super contender. You are the best GM that the Jets ever had. Now get rid of that 1st and 3rd pick because we don’t need it and go get our boy from Denver or San Diego. I prefer Denver like you saw he makes new QB look great!
By Ira on Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
EA,
Nice remarks by LT. There is no way they brought him in here and pay him what they did for 3-4 touches a game. I have posted stats about the passing game out of the backfield the past few days and i think we will see a lot of different things this year with the addition of LT. I just hope he has enough in the tank to do it. And i agree there is more on the way not only in the backfield but with the WR’s also. GO JETS!!!!
By BriGuyinFL on Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
LT will be in the endzone early and often. Looking forward to that first monday night football game and then hanging out all lazy watching the Jets on Thanksgiving with my 2 giants fan brothers. I’d like to see us sign sharper but that may be just me being greedy. Any news on Big Jenks? I hope he is doing well on his rehab. He has got to be the strongest player in the NFL. Cant wait to get him back. Year II of the Jets dynasty, lets get it on!!!
By mcphee on Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
What is the plan for D. Woodhead? Is he to be considered a receiver full time going forward? I’m surprised his name doesn’t appear in the conversation next to Chauncey Washington. I don’t know how good Woodhead really is (if he’s not good then preseason certainly is a sham) but he’s versatile and fun to watch.
By Jets Fan Since '64 Tom on Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
What I like about your post, Ira, is the word “more.” Some folks seem to have forgotten that we lost a number of big games last year, like vs. NO and ATL, because we couldn’t score pts. And won a couple over weak teams with not many, like our whopping 19 vs. BUF. Anyone who thinks we don’t need more at RB and WR isn’t paying attention. What would be wrong with some shakeout at those positions? I for one would like to find out if Clown, AA, Smith, C-Wash, and Wood are going to really contribute.
By Jets Fan Since '64 Tom on Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
Another stake in the heart of all this “TJ the Leader” talk: While TJ never seems to tire of talking about his body (the body that goes down the minute anyone touches it), the LT in the other story, talking about earning a role and winning a championship, sounds like the leader to me. Also nice to hear Mr. T. talk of picking an RB “if the opportunity presented itself.” That’s really all I ask, not passing up a great player at any position, considering we have quite a few needs on both O and D.
By Anthony on Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
Does anyone actually think that Edwards and Marshall can coexist. As a Jet fan I don’t know if that is a good mix to have both of them together although that would be sick WR group to have
By Mike jet Vet on Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
Jet 64 …My believe why we didn’t score enough points in 2010 , Sanchez erratic play couldn’t trust him to execute not the RB’s or receivers — Raiders game is one example when he was executing the O, we scored plenty .like I mentioned Rex & Mike-T stated they will open up our offence this season ..next I can’t see at this point any reason in drafting RB’s or Receivers maybe with our 4th or 5th not 1st or 2th (Safety)– Depth across D/L O/L/ LB/ (punter) Field position very important
By Alan on Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
While i love LT and i still think he’s a great player, I’m scared for LW. The kid has played his heart out. I hope he doesnt lose his 2 position. Maybe theyll take Richardson out and put LT and shonn in. or do 3 back sets. or do double screens with LW and Tomlison. I hope Shonn Starts. I have a feeling LT will start and shonn will be 2nd stringer while LW is 3rd/seminole. I just know the jets will be nasty next year.
By Vincent on Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
Mark my words: Regardless of LTs motivation to join us, once he sees the gaps our monster OLine can create he will be licking his lips and looking for a 1500yd season or more. This guy has proven talent and given his quickness (ie: not a bruising RB technique), he will be a force to be reckoned with along with LW and SG. Bring the 2010 season!!! JETS!
By BobbyD on Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
Jets with Marshall = the top wr corps in the league
Jets have top cb tandem
top rushing
top d
Sanchize improves
All without the impact of the draft……….
By Neil Brown on Mar 16, 2010 | Reply
Good signing. Now let’s move up in the 1 st round and get an Elite Pass Rusher!! Then get a speedy Wr in Round 2 or 3, what ever you have left from trading up to get a young Santana Moss/Wes Welker type Wr.
By Jets Fan Since '64 Tom on Mar 17, 2010 | Reply
I’d never deny MS’s 1st shaky yr was one of the main reasons if not the main reason we didn’t score enough pts, Mike Jet Vet, but I think his post-season play hinted at what he’ll be more like next yr. As for reasons to take an RB 1st or 2nd? (1) SG looks great but hasn’t played a full yr (2) LT’s no starter anywhere anymore (3) Leon might be good or never play again, but he won’t be the same Leon for awhile (4) As scjoe says on the other story, who’s to say Best won’t step in just like SG did?
By Jimmy Cheese on Mar 17, 2010 | Reply
LT will work into the O of the Jets perfectly, remember who is blocking for him and the line he’s in front of. SD did not have the O-Line we have. MS will be on a whole new level next year, and looks to really bloom in Brian’s ‘O’. Now.. maybe 1 more receiver, and we’re done… GO GET A DE THAT CAN GET TO THE QB!! I love Elis, but he’s just not getting is paws on enough QB’s. Maybe with Jenkis back, that will change, but we need to put more pressure than using our erratic blitz schemes.
By Nick Devoti on Mar 17, 2010 | Reply
Rather have kept Thomas Jones but still like this pick up now we need a Speed Reciever, D-ENd, and a Safety (if eric Smith doesnt work out)
By Ablity on Mar 17, 2010 | Reply
if we draft a running back we’re have 4 good back, what’s the point. we need a nickle corner/DE/Saftey. we can draft a back in the 7th round or something. we neeeeeeeeeeeed a punter too. someone with a boot.
By Jets Fan Since '64 Tom on Mar 17, 2010 | Reply
Like I been sayin’, Ablity, who are these 3 good backs we have? SG looks great but half of the folks on this site say he’s unproven. Half say LT will be great, half say he’s done, I say he’s a good back-up. Nobody knows anything about Leon yet, and we know less about C-Wash, Wood, Davis, Caulcrick, etc. I don’t see 3 proven, healthy, ready-to-play-every-Sunday runners in this mix. Which is why I think we should pick one in the first few rounds if there’s one worth going for, like we did with SG.
By smoore7 on Mar 17, 2010 | Reply
I’m glad to see all the signings in free agency. Maybe we can trade a few draft picks and get up there on the board and get Suh. If we can rush the passer with a pair of DE’s the way the colts do, quarterbacks won’t have time to throw the ball and that would make things easier fot Scott and Harris. We are so close on defense and so close on offense to having super bowl talent. Either a 6.6 300LB receiver like Rose in the draft which runs a 4.7 40 or a fire breathing speed rusher will do it
By PAjetsfan on Mar 17, 2010 | Reply
We should try and get Marshall next without giving away one of our top players. We need a WR more than a S, we already have Pool and JL as safeties they’ll do. Besides I don’t think S is a position to be concerned about with AC and DR on D.
By Len Gandy on Mar 17, 2010 | Reply
The Jets have recieved a valuable piece in their arsenal with Tomlinson.This player has heart and hunger for a championship. He has accomplished everything else. Jets looks like the next superbowl champs to me!
By Ray on Mar 17, 2010 | Reply
’64 Tom, saying SG “stepped right in” is a bit of a stretch considering he didn’t get his first action until game 4. And with all this talk of injuries possibly happening, those are part of the game and you can’t draft or not draft based on that. If you want to go that route, then “what if” Best comes in and gets a concussion in game 1? What if he blows out a knee on his second carry?
By Jets Fan Since '64 Tom on Mar 18, 2010 | Reply
I’d say SG playing better than any Jets RB in years late in the yr and during the playoffs is stepping right in, Ray. As for injuries, yeah, who was there to take SG’s place in the IND game? Nobody and it all fell to a tired and apparently hurt TJ. Given the short life of RBs in this league, I think you can count on a few injuries during a given year, especially when all 3 of your main backs were hurt the season before. I might see it differently if we’d just gotten the LT of, say, 5 years ago.