Everyone knows that L.T. is a dominate player, but...?

Question

Will he continue to be the dominate player this season?

Do you think Larry Johnson, Steve Jackson or Frank Gore have a remote chance at advancing or keeping up with the pace of LT... or is it HIGHLY unlikely?

I'm not denying the talent of LT, but just like it's hard to win back to back superbowls, could it be that much more difficult to be the most dominate player two seasons in a row?

Even if you disagree with the people I have listed, who do you think has a chance?

Answer 1

I know what you are saying about the inability for players to be dominant year in and year out but i think there is at least one more year in store for LT.
Some reasons;

He is the top of solid player who avoids injury. An injury can happen to any player at any time but he is less likely than some others to suffer minor problems that turn into big ones.
He is a prototypical back for the system he is playing in. The Chargers also have enough weapons that defenses can not just key on LT exclusively. Between Rivers, Jackson, Gates and Lorenzo Neal, as well as Michael Turner, the Chargers can spread the ball around and build leads early. Their defense will also keep them in games so they should rarely be forced to take to the air on every play.
Norv Turner is not a great head coach but he is a great offensive coordinator. I suspect that the team will deteriorate a bit each year under Turner which doesn't bode well for LT down the road but, in his first year I fully expect Norv to be able to ride the coat tails of last years success without messing with too much. He is also one of the games best game day play callers which always keeps defenses on their heels. This added dimension will make the offense, and LT, even better.

The players you mentioned all are great players but are on teams that don't have the talent and diversity that the Chargers do. Those guys simply will be the focal point of every defense they face which will make it harder to accomplish the things that LT will.

Answer 2

everyone thought that Shaun Alexander would continue to dominate last season after posting 1880 yds and 27 TD's the year before, right?

LT has been a dominant force in the league since he came in, and barring injury, there is no reason that he should not continue to be among the best. But will he be THE best again? I doubt it.

I would think the most likely guy to take over the crown would be Frank Gore or Stephen Jackson. They both have incredibly easy schedules this season. Given that they are in the same division, the only real difference is that Gore has to play Minnesota/NY Giants, while Jackson plays Green Bay/Dallas.

LJ has too much uncertainty around him. No more threat at QB (Trent Green) the line is not very good, and the receivers have been awful for years.

Answer 3

I'm not going to say LT won't be dominant, but then again I won't actually say he'll have the success he had last year...at least not off the bat. He's playing in a diffrent system now (the Chargers lost their head coach, offensive and defensive coordinators this off-season). A change in the scheme might not spell dominance (i.e. Edgerrin James in Arizona last year). No doubt he'll be productive...as he's one of the most talented RB's to play in the NFL (period..not just in recent years). I'll have to see how well his system works for him before I can answer this with confidence.

As far as who might have the kind of season LT had last year, I might be inclined to vote for Frank Gore (barring injury). He showed a lot last year for the 49ers, and this team is finally starting to put the pieces together. Larry Johnson will have to deal with a patchwork O-line (Will Shields and Willie Roaf both retired), and the shaky QB situation in KC will allow their opponents to stack 8 men in the box (until the Chiefs QB...whoever that'll be), can prove he can beat teams with his arm and smart decision making. Stephen Jackson could sneak in....only if the Rams defense could get their opponents off the field more (which will give him more touches).

Answer 4

LT will dominate again, this will be easy since most are going to running back by commission these days and not giving the bulk to one guy like LT. He rules, Larry Johnson is very good an the only one close,,, lol on steve jackson an frank gore tho.

Answer 5

yes he will continue to be the most dominate player in the season.. maybe not this year but maybe 2 or 3 years more Steve Jackson will advance more than Ladanian Tomlinson but you have to take into consideration that LT would be a little bit older that would give Steven Jackson the edge over Tomlinson.....so my answer is that Steven Jackson probably has the better chance...........

Answer 6

I think LJs going to fall off a bit. he had 416 carries last year. If you look at backs that carry a lot like that, they always have a bad year the next year. Gore is already hurt again (broken hand) and has had both knees reconstructed so I don't think he's going to be around very long. Jackson's a possiblilty and so is Joseph Addai. Both are good all purpose backs. It never happens that one back is the best every year. There's alway some fluctuation between the guys at the top.

Answer 7

Barry Sanders did it year after year in my estimate. LT will also do it. LT just has the superior talent and work ethic that can't be replicated. The Chargers still have the weapons. LT doesn't have injury problem.

LT will be #1 again.

By the way nice smile.

Answer 8

I think there's a slight chance. The people you named are pretty good runningbacks. But LT is already being considered by SOME(not me) as the best in history. And he is REALLY good. I'm not saying it's impossible for someone to keep up with LT but it's really unlikely.

Answer 9

LT won't be the same but he will still dominate. I don't think he will lead the league in rushing or touchdowns but will be in the top 5 for sure.

Answer 10

I think LT is one of the greatest players to ever play the game. I like him and his attitude. He seems like a good man.