Tomlinson released.

[pensodyssey]

I started the other thread but then realized I had something serious to say about it and so started a second.

If the price is right, I'd have no problem with Tomlinson in B+G.  Parker's gone, we could cut Mewelde Moore (though I know Tomlin loves the dude, and IMO, rightly so) to make room for LT.  Let LT play as COP/3rd down and teach MM the ropes.  Then transition LT to RB coach and watch him become the next Doak Walker.

OK, maybe that's excessive.  And LT will probably sing with the Pasties and play the villain for 2 years.  But still.

[jonzr]

I think LT thinks that LT can still be THE guy.  Agree with the Patsy angle though and the way he should be used.

[Finnegans Wake]

Agree with jonzr that LT still thinks LT can be the guy.  Not sure why Pens would have us release FWP and cut MM to get LT, unless for cap reasons: who takes the RB3 spot then?  Isaac Redman?  Frank the Tank?  Draft pick?  Don't think I'd cut MM, period.

As a player, I've always enjoyed LT immensely.  Plus we've pretty much shut him down cold every time we faced him, so little animosity there.  But I have a feeling he's at that Edgerrin James stage, where you may think he can have some sort of Roman spring if he goes to another team, but it turns out reality is a cold hard bitch. 

I'll put the over/under on LT's remaining career rushing yards at 1172.  That's the difference between Bettis, at 5 on the all-time rushing list, and Tomlinson at 8. 

5. Jerome Bettis 13,662
6. Eric Dickerson 13,259
7. Tony Dorsett 12,739
8. LaDainian Tomlinson 12,490

If you think LT's easily got the gas to pass Bettis, consider the top 10 active rushing leaders, their ages, and our perception of what they have left.

1. LaDainian Tomlinson (30), 12,490, 2001-2009
2. Edgerrin James (31), 12,246, 1999-2009
3. Fred Taylor (33), 11,540, 1998-2009
4. Jamal Lewis (30), 10,607,    2000-2009
5. Clinton Portis (28), 9,696, 2002-2009
6. Thomas Jones (31), 9,217   , 2000-2009
7. Ahman Green (32), 9,205,    1998-2009
8. Ricky Williams (32), 8,892, 1999-2009
9. Steven Jackson (26), 6,707, 2004-2009
10. Larry Johnson (30), 6,200, 2003-2009

Kinda puts it all into perspective, IMO.  Steven Jackson can still run, but does anyone look at the guy and think he's not gonna break down?  Thomas Jones still has some juice, but you get the feeling it's not long before the torch is passed.  Portis seems older than 28, and he's another guy who just looks broken.

As for LT as coach, I just don't know.  He could be a great coach or a terrible coach -- not sure if he can communicate the theory of what he does.  For as freaky as he is, I almost think Ricky Williams might make a good RB coach.  He might not be a guy who has the drill sergeant bark, but he might be a bit more cerebral than some of the other RBs out there.

[LambertsFrontTeeth]

Portis seems older than 28, and he's another guy who just looks broken.

No shit, when I saw that Portis was 28,  I couldn't believe it. Coulda sworn he was well over 30.

[jonzr]

Portis came out young though, didn't he? 

That perspective Finny mentions, when you consider his list it illustrates how special Bettis was.  I know he isn't under appreciated around here (the board) but he certainly is around here (DFW area) and probably most other non-Steelers-fan places.

He's a no-doubt, first-ballot HOFer.  Gotta be.  And I think he'll be eligible after next season, yes?

[aj_law]

I like LT, but he soft.