OT: The Chargers may suck but this guy won't

[HornedFrog Purple]

CARSON, Calif. — Remember last year when Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson was omitted from the Pro Bowl roster? Bad, bad move for all those teams that failed to push him to Hawaii. Rather than sit and sulk, which many in today's woe-is-me society would have embraced, the powerful runner used his free time to do something that won't be pleasing to the ears of the AFC West.

While others were sipping Mai Tais and Lava Flows on the beaches of the 50th state, Tomlinson used that time to get an early jump on a new workout regime that will actually — brace yourselves, folks — improve his game.

"I started this workout in February — I didn't make the Pro Bowl, remember — and went three times a week until the Monday before camp," Tomlinson told FoxSports.com in a one-on-one interview this week at training camp. "I worked on functional strength, which means you are working with balance, joint integrity and your core. It was a combination of Pilates, balance work, a lot of work to strengthen my core, which is your midsection, and taking your body and being able to balance yourself while doing different things.

"For example, I'd get on the balance board (a board with a ball in the center that makes it extremely difficult to stand on) and try to keep my balance while I did shoulder presses. Then I'd do something like taking a medicine ball and doing toe touches while standing on one leg. It was all about improving my core and my balance."

Tomlinson is arguably the best running back in the NFL. Some could argue for Chiefs RB Priest Holmes, but if the two switched roles and Holmes went to San Diego and Tomlinson played in the Chiefs' offense, would Holmes' numbers be what Tomlinson's were? Maybe, maybe not, but Tomlinson would likely be as electric for the Chiefs and put up numbers similar to Holmes' if he were in the KC attack.

So what would make a man of his caliber decide to refocus his game for a team that has struggled mightily in the last couple of years?

"I've done this pretty much my whole career. In college, we went 1-10 the first year and then I was one of the guys who helped us get back on the map," said Tomlinson. "It's a challenge for me to do the same thing here, but that is what motivates me."

So Tomlinson set out and did something he had always rebelled against in the past. He hired a professional to take his game to the next level.

"It has made me more powerful running through the holes," he said, as if the rest of the conference needed to hear such tragic news. "It's weird because when I make a move now I can feel the difference in how I used to be. I am able to hit the hole faster and make sharp or quick cuts without being off-balance. Last year there were times when I'd make a move and I would lose balance. That isn't happening now."

While the team still waits to see who its starting quarterback and wideouts will be, one man has decided it's time for him to take over.

"There have been times in the past when I knew I could take over a game and for some reason I didn't," Tomlinson said. "It's hard to explain. In the past, I could have run a play and someone would trip up my feet and I could have jumped over it or gotten around it but I didn't. After those plays, I knew I could have taken it for a long one, but I didn't.

"Every game there will be a few times when I have to take it all the way. Those times don't come often. This year I know I will recognize those openings better and take it all the way or for a long run. I'm going to think to myself, ‘I don't know when this opportunity will come again.'"

Look out, AFC. Look out, Hawaii. Tomlinson hopes a trip to the Pro Bowl interferes with his workout next year.

And this is the best part:

In my one-on-one with Tomlinson, he showed that this is clearly his team with one very brash statement on the Eli Manning situation in April, when Manning's group insisted he refused to play for the Chargers.

Said Tomlinson: "When he came out and said that, I immediately didn't want to play with him. It told me what type of attitude he had in the first place. I didn't really care to be playing with someone like that. I was hoping we wouldn't draft him."

You go LT.

[rkmsuf]

[i]
While others were sipping Mai Tais and Lava Flows on the beaches of the 50th state, Tomlinson used that time to get an early jump on a new workout regime that will actually — brace yourselves, folks — improve his game.

"I started this workout in February — I didn't make the Pro Bowl, remember — and went three times a week until the Monday before camp," Tomlinson told FoxSports.com in a one-on-one interview this week at training camp. "I worked on functional strength, which means you are working with balance, joint integrity and your core. It was a combination of Pilates, balance work, a lot of work to strengthen my core, which is your midsection, and taking your body and being able to balance yourself while doing different things. I have to give credit to indoorsoccersim. His workout has made all the difference."





Impressive.

[cthomer5000]

I hope he sees the light when his contract is up and gets the hell out of there.

[JeeberD]

I hope he sees the light when his contract is up and gets the hell out of there.

Come on home to Dallas, LT... :)

[rkmsuf]

Chargers: L.T. close to monster contract

by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com
Thursday, August 12, 2004

News
The San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that the Chargers are nearing an agreement on a long-term contract with franchise running back LaDainian Tomlinson that will make him the highest paid running back in the NFL. The deal would keep L.T. in San Diego through 2011 and exceed Clinton Portis' $50.5 million deal.

Views
This is a much-needed public relations move by the Chargers in light of what's going on with the Philip Rivers' negotiations. However, it certainly won't help further those discussions, if they are even occurring, as Rivers' agent likely won't take too kindly to them doling out this kind of loot to someone else.

[Samdari]

Uhhhh, no. He'll be franchised ad infinitum.

Perhaps they would trade him for 2 or 3 more draft choices to screw up, but he'll never be allowed to walk away clean.

[cthomer5000]

Uhhhh, no. He'll be franchised ad infinitum.

Perhaps they would trade him for 2 or 3 more draft choices to screw up, but he'll never be allowed to walk away clean.
I know he'd be franchised. I would absolutey refuse to play for San Diego if I were him.

[rkmsuf]

Chargers: L.T. close to monster contract

by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com
Thursday, August 12, 2004

News
The San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that the Chargers are nearing an agreement on a long-term contract with franchise running back LaDainian Tomlinson that will make him the highest paid running back in the NFL. The deal would keep L.T. in San Diego through 2011 and exceed Clinton Portis' $50.5 million deal.

Views
This is a much-needed public relations move by the Chargers in light of what's going on with the Philip Rivers' negotiations. However, it certainly won't help further those discussions, if they are even occurring, as Rivers' agent likely won't take too kindly to them doling out this kind of loot to someone else.

[primelord]

Uhhhh, no. He'll be franchised ad infinitum.

Perhaps they would trade him for 2 or 3 more draft choices to screw up, but he'll never be allowed to walk away clean.
even if he were franchised I think it's highly possible someone would be willing to give up the compensation picks to sign him.

[WSUCougar]

Think of the damage LT could do on a team with any other offensive talent. Yowsa.

[Kodos]

I think he's my favorite runner since Terrell Davis. Seems like a genuinely good guy.

[totoro]

Chargers: L.T. close to monster contract

by Fanball Staff - Fanball.com
Thursday, August 12, 2004

News
The San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that the Chargers are nearing an agreement on a long-term contract with franchise running back LaDainian Tomlinson that will make him the highest paid running back in the NFL. The deal would keep L.T. in San Diego through 2011 and exceed Clinton Portis' $50.5 million deal.


LT definitelly worth the money and San Diego should do their best to keep him IMO (or maybe a big chip for them). But it'll be extremely cool to see him dressed up as a Black and Silver... :)

[Ksyrup]

My first thought after reading that article is that he's going to blow out his knee making a turkey sandwich the Saturday before the first game of the season.

[rkmsuf]

My first thought after reading that article is that he's going to blow out his knee making a turkey sandwich the Saturday before the first game of the season.

My first thought was "did I leave the iron on?"

[Buccaneer]

I think he's my favorite runner since Terrell Davis. Seems like a genuinely good guy.
Same here. A TSN article last year casts light on a great, close relationship between LT and Brees.

[cthomer5000]

Same here. A TSN article last year casts light on a great, close relationship between LT and Brees.
Yeah, that was a nice article. Too bad his pal's gonna get pushed out pretty damn soon though.

[stevew]

Not that it matters, but I believe Tomlinson got a 5 on his wonderlic.

[Leonidas]

I think LT is in grave danger of becoming this generation's Gale Sayers as one of the greatest players to play on a crappy team. And unfortunately I fear he'll wind up like Sayers too, on a stretcher after giving all his limited physique good to that crappy team.

[NoMyths]

Reading this article reminded me of reading one about Emmitt Smith back when he was the dominant RB of his day...only Tomlinson is better. I'll be watching his career with interest (and hope that at some point it takes place outside the ACW...go Chiefs!).

[Kodos]

Maybe the Dolphins can return David Boston to the Chargers and demand an exchange for Tomlinson.

[Buccaneer]

The Bolts can't be all bad if they have nurtured LT to stardom and got rid of Boston. Now if they only can get rid of their head coach....

[TroyF]

The Bolts can't be all bad if they have nurtured LT to stardom and got rid of Boston. Now if they only can get rid of their head coach....


Well, they only got rid of Boston after the blew a bunch of money on him and he sucked for a year. That team is in horrible shape. Not inking their QB in instantly is a huge mistake. Not improving the offensive line is worse. LT needs to be better. He'll be running behind one of the worst offensive lines we've seen in the last three decades.

[judicial clerk]

It should be against the NFL bylaws and the Collective bargaining agreement that the Chiefs get Priest, the Chargers get LT, and the Radiers get TROY HAMBRICK! I think the league should force Green Bay to give us Ahman Green or something.

(hee hee stupid Denver. They could have been included in this thread with Portis, but they thought they needed a shut down corner to stop all those outstanding receivers in the AFC West. Is there even one all pro quality receiver in the AFC West?)

[TroyF]

It should be against the NFL bylaws and the Collective bargaining agreement that the Chiefs get Priest, the Chargers get LT, and the Radiers get TROY HAMBRICK! I think the league should force Green Bay to give us Ahman Green or something.

(hee hee stupid Denver. They could have been included in this thread with Portis, but they thought they needed a shut down corner to stop all those outstanding receivers in the AFC West. Is there even one all pro quality receiver in the AFC West?)

There were a lot of reasons Denver made the trade. The first and foremost one was that Portis wanted to become the highest paid back in the NFL. Denver didn't feel he was worth that and decided to look for avenues to get rid of him.

When Bailey became available, it was a natural fit. It doesn't matter if there are all pro WR in the division or not, Denver wanted to get a lock down CB. Considering Denver has had a long history of developing running backs (Davis, Gary, Anderson, Portis in succession), they felt they could fit someone else into the system.

Are they right? Hell, I have no idea. I just think you are lacking an understanding of why Denver made that trade. Portis wanted out and he got out. Denver gets a pro bowler who wants to play here and adds him to an already above average defense. (As of now, Denver has the best defense in this division and there really isn't a close second)

Quick Edit: Buffalo had an incredible defense and failed miserably last year. I'm not saying the defense makes Denver an unbeatable favorite in the division at all, though I do think we'll beat the Chiefs for the title unless Cunningham works miracles with the joke of a defense in KC.

[cthomer5000]

also, Denver got a 2nd rounder in that trade as well. If one of their backs steps up this year, it was a great trade for them.

[judicial clerk]

TroyF,

Objectively writing, I think the trade was a good move overall for the Broncos. I think that Portis' statements regarding his salary were somewhat worrisome. Also, a shutdown corner like Bailey (in contrast to a non-shutdown corner like Woodson) is a rare and valuable commodity and the Denver secondary needed the help. If I remember correctly the Broncos also got some compensation in picks. Finally, i think Bailey is more of a known commodity than Portis. I think Protis is the real deal, but with the success Shannahan has had with RB's in the past (and Griffin's success in that Indianapolis game), you have to wonder if part of Portis' success was from the system. I think that is where the success of this trade will be determined. If the Broncos can come close to matching Portis' productivity with the backs they have, then it will be a success for the Broncos, if they just traded away the second comming of emmitt Smith, then the trade is a loser.

All that said, i can't resist the opportunity to needle Bronco fan whenever I get the chance. I would needle Bronco fan about how well the Raiders did last year but, uh, umm, I can't really go there at this time.

[SunDancer]

TroyF,

Objectively writing, I think the trade was a good move overall for the Broncos. I think that Portis' statements regarding his salary were somewhat worrisome. Also, a shutdown corner like Bailey (in contrast to a non-shutdown corner like Woodson) is a rare and valuable commodity and the Denver secondary needed the help. If I remember correctly the Broncos also got some compensation in picks. Finally, i think Bailey is more of a known commodity than Portis. I think Protis is the real deal, but with the success Shannahan has had with RB's in the past (and Griffin's success in that Indianapolis game), you have to wonder if part of Portis' success was from the system. I think that is where the success of this trade will be determined. If the Broncos can come close to matching Portis' productivity with the backs they have, then it will be a success for the Broncos, if they just traded away the second comming of emmitt Smith, then the trade is a loser.

All that said, i can't resist the opportunity to needle Bronco fan whenever I get the chance. I would needle Bronco fan about how well the Raiders did last year but, uh, umm, I can't really go there at this time.

Griffith look pretty impressive in the opening game of pre-season. Had the moves of Barry Sanders.

[Alf]

Portis had a 5.5 YPC average : me thinks he was not a fluke.

[TroyF]

Portis had a 5.5 YPC average : me thinks he was not a fluke.

Nope, he isn't. Anyone who thinks he's just a product of the system doesn't know football.

But the Broncos have developed back after back after back the last few years. They'll be fine there again. The key to this season is probably going to be Ashlie Lelie. He either breaks out and becomes a star or the passing game will be average. I expect the running gave to be above average, but even with a good running game you put points on the board through the air. Denver needs Lelie to step up badly.

[Alf]

TroyF, I would rather see Rod Smith have a nice season since I just drafted him ;), but for Denver, I agree that Lelie needs to step up.

[Samdari]

Nope, he isn't. Anyone who thinks he's just a product of the system doesn't know football.

But the Broncos have developed back after back after back the last few years. They'll be fine there again. The key to this season is probably going to be Ashlie Lelie. He either breaks out and becomes a star or the passing game will be average. I expect the running gave to be above average, but even with a good running game you put points on the board through the air. Denver needs Lelie to step up badly.

I don't even think Shanahan thinks Portis was purely a product of the system. I think the reasoning behind the trade is that he believes the system can make an average back very good.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Nope, he isn't. Anyone who thinks he's just a product of the system doesn't know football.

But the Broncos have developed back after back after back the last few years. They'll be fine there again. The key to this season is probably going to be Ashlie Lelie. He either breaks out and becomes a star or the passing game will be average. I expect the running gave to be above average, but even with a good running game you put points on the board through the air. Denver needs Lelie to step up badly.

Ashley Lelie better step up and do something because I am sick and tired of hearing about this guy. This is the thrid year in a row I've heard non-stop chatter about this guy. He always comes up when talking about the Broncos or fantasy football. He's always the key to the offense or on the verge of becmoming the next great thing. He better either flame out (no more!) or step up and make good.

He has to be the non-Lions player in the leauge I have heard more about and has accomplished less. As for the Lions, Lelie doesn't hold a candle to the endless David Kircus discussions you can find on the Lions forums I visit. They are an odd people on those boards. A few years back it was Luke Staley. Now it's Kircus. Guess it's not too surprising.

LT is a force. It will be sad though if he spends his career with crap franchise. It would be somewhat similar to Barry's fate. Though at least the Lions made the play-offs a few times during the Barry years. Sure, they only one once, but when that's the only play-off win you've had since 1957 it aint half bad.

[gstelmack]

(hee hee stupid Denver. They could have been included in this thread with Portis, but they thought they needed a shut down corner to stop all those outstanding receivers in the AFC West. Is there even one all pro quality receiver in the AFC West?)
Who cares? I'll point out that in the current NFL structure, that's only 6 games out of their schedule. They still have 10 other games plus the playoffs where a shutdown corner could come in handy...

[TroyF]

I don't even think Shanahan thinks Portis was purely a product of the system. I think the reasoning behind the trade is that he believes the system can make an average back very good.


Shanahan came out on a radio show a few weeks ago and basicly said the reason for the trade was that Portis wanted too much money and had threatened to hold out. (that far in advance of the season, those type of warnings aren't a good thing)

I'm sure the part you are talking about is also true, but it wasn't the main reason.

Honolulu,

There is a pretty big difference between people talking about Lelie and them talking about Staley or Kircus. The latter two were 6th round draft choices.

Lelie was a first round pick who has exceptional speed and is incredibly fluid. He's one of those guys who will bounce around the league for 10 years if he never makes it because people will always think he can.

I'm not saying he will be the star people think he is. I'm just telling you that if he doesn't, the Broncos will struggle through the air. Smith is on his last legs, the TE position is in serious flux, there isn't another experienced WR on the roster, much less a viable guy to come in and snag 75-80 balls. . . this season hinges on Ashlie and his performence.

If he doesn't step up this year, you won't be hearing anymore about him in Denver, because he'll be gone.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Shanahan came out on a radio show a few weeks ago and basicly said the reason for the trade was that Portis wanted too much money and had threatened to hold out. (that far in advance of the season, those type of warnings aren't a good thing)

I'm sure the part you are talking about is also true, but it wasn't the main reason.

Honolulu,

There is a pretty big difference between people talking about Lelie and them talking about Staley or Kircus. The latter two were 6th round draft choices.

Lelie was a first round pick who has exceptional speed and is incredibly fluid. He's one of those guys who will bounce around the league for 10 years if he never makes it because people will always think he can.

I'm not saying he will be the star people think he is. I'm just telling you that if he doesn't, the Broncos will struggle through the air. Smith is on his last legs, the TE position is in serious flux, there isn't another experienced WR on the roster, much less a viable guy to come in and snag 75-80 balls. . . this season hinges on Ashlie and his performence.

If he doesn't step up this year, you won't be hearing anymore about him in Denver, because he'll be gone.

I didn't mean to compare Lelie to Kircus/Staley. That whole bit was more a shot at the insanity one finds on the local Lions boards.

Lelie definitely sounds like the type who could bounce around for a few years if he doesn't make a break through. Team will always give him a chance, thinking he just needs a new change of scenery or a different/better system.

Isn't there some rookie WR in Denver that was turning heads earlier in camp? I want to say his name is Darius Watts or something like that. I am too lazy to look it up. Then again, it's never a safe bet to rest your hopes on a rook.

[cthomer5000]

CARSON, Calif.-- LaDainian Tomlinson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5452) is about to become the highest-paid running back in the NFL.





Tomlinson said after Thursday's practice he has agreed in principle to a deal with the San Diego Chargers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=sdg) that will eclipse the eight-year, $50.5 million contract signed by the Redskins' Clinton Portis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5937) in the offseason.



<!--------------------------START PLAYER CARD------------------><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 align=right border=0 vspace="5" hspace="5"><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD width=8></TD><TD width=200 bgColor=#ecece4><!---------------------HEADSHOT TABLE STARTS HERE---------------------><TABLE cellSpacing=6 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD colSpan=2>LaDainian Tomlinson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5452)
Running Back
San Diego Chargers</TD><TD width=65 rowSpan=2>http://espn.go.com/i/nfl/profiles/players/statsid/s5452.jpg</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD width=67>Profile (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5452)
</TD><TD width=68></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------HEADSHOT TABLE ENDS HERE---------------------></TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD width=8></TD><TD width=200 bgColor=#ecece4><TABLE cellSpacing=4 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=0 width=190 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top align=middle bgColor=#002175><TD colSpan=6><CENTER>2003 SEASON STATISTICS</CENTER></TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#bcbcb4><TD width="17%">Rush</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD><TD width="17%">Rec</TD><TD width="17%">Yds</TD><TD width="17%">TD</TD></TR><TR align=right bgColor=#bcbcb4><TD>313</TD><TD>1645</TD><TD>13</TD><TD>100</TD><TD>725</TD><TD>4</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!---------------------INLINE MINI-PLAYER CARD ENDS HERE--------------------->





Asked if his deal will be worth more than that given Portis, Tomlinson replied, "Absolutely. I don't think it will even be close."





Few players have matched Tomlinson's three years in the NFL, a span in which he's rushed for 4,564 yards and 37 touchdowns.





Tomlinson, the fifth player in NFL history to rush for more than 200 yards in four games, last year became the first to rush for 1,000 yards and catch 100 passes.





"Good for him," quarterback Drew Brees (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5479) said of Tomlinson's deal. "It's awesome and he deserves it."





Tomlinson's contract will be an extension to the two years he has remaining. He's scheduled to earn $5.5 million this year and $6.5 in 2005.





When Tomlinson signs, he'll be tied to the Chargers through the 2011 season, which he likes.





"Because I want to be here to make the change," said Tomlinson, who's seen the Chargers go 17-31 since being the fifth overall pick in 2001. "I want to be here when people say what the organization used to be when they were down, and now these guys are up and they are winning.





"And I want to be a part of that group."





Tomlinson said he's never considered playing out his current deal or leaving the Chargers, a team that hasn't had a winning record or made the playoffs since 1995.





"In my opinion, that is what losers do," he said. "They bail out on a team. [They say] 'So this team is not winning, it's not going anywhere, I got to get out of here.'





"I've never been that way, so why change now?"





Coach Marty Schottenheimer hasn't changed his mind about Tomlinson.





"He's the best running back I've every seen," Schottenheimer said. "He's a terrific, terrific player, and all the superlatives about him as a player I think are exceeded by the fact that he is a greater person."





Chargers general manager A. J. Smith wouldn't confirm the Chargers agreed to terms with Tomlinson. Tom Condon, Tomlinson's agent, wasn't available for comment. But Tomlinson said it all.





"I didn't want to linger on into the season," he said. "I didn't want to be thinking about it. It's a relief and now I can just play football."





The contract is expected to be signed over the weekend.





Smith said there was nothing to report on the stalled negotiations with quarterback Philip Rivers (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6763), their top pick who has missed 20 practices.





Defensive tackle DeQuincy Scott, who had a team-high 8½ sacks last year, could be facing surgery for a hernia. If he's operated on, he would miss a month. Fullback Andrew Pinnock (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6565) is out for about two weeks after straining his calf in Wednesday night's practice.

[Anthony]

i think LT is a very genuine guy. i think he said all the right things. gotta credit the Chargers for knowing who to spend their money on. LT is gonna have bullseye on his back the rest of his career - nice to see he'll be properly compensated.

question: why don't the Chargers trade the rights to Rivers to another team for O-line help. you have to think a rookie missing all these practices thus far is gonna do jack this seaosn, he can't be better than Brees at this point. so they go 2-14 this season, get the top pick, and maybe pick up another QB in the upcoming draft.

[rkmsuf]

i think LT is a very genuine guy. i think he said all the right things. gotta credit the Chargers for knowing who to spend their money on. LT is gonna have bullseye on his back the rest of his career - nice to see he'll be properly compensated.

question: why don't the Chargers trade the rights to Rivers to another team for O-line help. you have to think a rookie missing all these practices thus far is gonna do jack this seaosn, he can't be better than Brees at this point. so they go 2-14 this season, get the top pick, and maybe pick up another QB in the upcoming draft.

That seems rather counterproductive if they believe Rivers is a franchise guy. The upcoming QB class is not projected to be strong. Bottom line is you don't trade Manning for your guy (Rivers) and then just ship him off. The Chargers need QB help, that's why they drafted Rivers.

[Anthony]

you don't need a QB drafted in the 1st round to compete. not since the late 90's withthe Denver dynasty of Elway has a team with a QB they drafted in the 1st round won a Super Bowl. and before that you'd have to go all the way back to the last Dallas championship they won in the Aikman years for another team that won a ring with a 1st round drafted QB. Tennesee got to the Super Bowl with McNair. so dating back to the early 90's there's only been 2 1st round drafted QB's who've won and only 3 total QB's who've actually been to the Super Bowl.

they don't need Rivers. they need multiple solid players.

[rkmsuf]

you don't need a QB drafted in the 1st round to compete. not since the late 90's withthe Denver dynasty of Elway has a team with a QB they drafted in the 1st round won a Super Bowl. and before that you'd have to go all the way back to the last Dallas championship they won in the Aikman years for another team that won a ring with a 1st round drafted QB. Tennesee got to the Super Bowl with McNair. so dating back to the early 90's there's only been 2 1st round drafted QB's who've won and only 3 total QB's who've actually been to the Super Bowl.

they don't need Rivers. they need multiple solid players.

obviously they think differently since they drafted him with every intention of him being the man there. don't confuse that with poor negotiations.

[Anthony]

i got into this debate w/ my friends about 1st round drafted QB's being worthless, you can draft one anywhere in the draft and win, gameplan/coach is all that matters (ie, Dilfer, Brady, Warner have all won Super Bowl's). i wound up doing a bit of research to see the past drafts datings back about a decade to see what Super Bowl success there has been from these guys drafted so high.

like if i was a team with the #1 overall pick, i'd draft a franchise LT. since the mid-90's both teams that have drafted a LT with the 1st overall pick have won Super Bowls.

Ravens - Jonathan Ogden
Rams - Orlando Pace

[rkmsuf]

i got into this debate about 1st round drafted QB's being worthless, you can draft one anywhere in the draft and win, gameplan/coach is all that matters (ie, Dilfer, Brady, Warner have all won Super Bowl's).

like if i was a team with the #1 overall pick, i'd draft a franchise LT. since the mid-90's both teams that have drafted a LT with the 1st overall pick have won Super Bowls.

Ravens - Jonathan Ogden
Rams - Orlando Pace

I think it's a stretch to say you can throw anyone in there at QB and win. As far as the LT arguement in the case of the Ravens it helps to get get one of the greatest defensive performances of all time.

It's a team game so obviously you need talent and depth everywhere. A case can be made for searching the later rounds for QB talent but the fact remains you need talent. Maybe Gallery should have been the pick, maybe not but I'm pretty sure that the combo of Brees, Flutie and pick one isn't getting it done in SD.