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Jets' Tomlinson: A blast from the past
Injuries limited LaDainian Tomlinson for much of his last two seasons in San Diego, but he's been rejuvenated in New York.
By MARK CRAIG,NCAA Jerseys, Star Tribune
Last update: October 8, 2010 - 6:21 AM
LaDainian Tomlinson would rather be the old LT than the new Chester Taylor Jersey.So when the Jets and Vikings courted him heavily in March, Tomlinson reached for the chance at a leading role in New York rather than replace Chester Taylor Jersey as a third-down back behind Adrian Peterson in Minnesota.
"I'm not going to lie, that was also a factor," said Tomlinson, who also cited the Jets' familiar offense as a reason. "My sense was when I came [to Minnesota] they needed me more in a Chester Taylor Jersey-type role. When I came here to the Jets, I sensed that they needed me in a bigger role. Obviously, that was a no-brainer for me."
The thought of Tomlinson regaining his old form at age 31 seemed unlikely in March. The Chargers had released him Feb. 22 and he was coming off the worst two years of his nine-year career.
But seven months later, it's Tomlinson who is getting a weekly last laugh on a Jets team that's 3-1 heading into Monday night's game against the visiting Vikings (1-2). Tomlinson has more carries than 25-year-old Shonn Greene (56-52), and his 6.1-yard average per carry is by far the best he's posted after four games.
"I just thought he was going to be outstanding, but he's been better than that," Jets coach Rex Ryan said. "He's amazing."
Ryan calls Tomlinson and Greene his "1-2 punch" and said "it's almost like we have two No. 1 backs." But Tomlinson has quickly emerged as the first punch in that 1-2 combination.
Earning his second start of the season last week against Buffalo, Tomlinson carried the Jets down the field for a touchdown on the game's opening drive. The nine-play, 63-yard drive included Tomlinson's six touches for 53 yards and a 1-yard touchdown run.
The Bills were missing starters at all three levels of their defense, but that doesn't diminish the fact Tomlinson looked like he did in 2007, the last of his great seasons in San Diego. LT outran defenders to the edge, changed direction quickly with hard cuts and was explosive through the hole.