Honest question:

[Yer mom 2]

Now I dont want to sound bias because Sproles is on my bench, and im certainly not basing it off this Monday night game, but am I alone in thinking Sproles gives SD a better chance of winning if he were the full time back? I love LT, his character, skillset and everything about him, but it seems to me that Sproles is the back that puts the team in a better position to win. If I were the ol ball coach, Sproles would be my starter and I feel fairly confident that the team would benefit.

 

Thoughts?

[Giants Fan 85]

He's too small.

[Yer mom 2]

He's too small.

 

I dont know if youre being serious because youre....fockin...GiantsFan. One of the arguments is that he can hide behind the big guys and his speed gets him past the line, once hes in the open field, goodbye.

[EncyclopediaBrown 0]

I have LT in my money league. Sproles is on my bench. I think Sproles has had one good play in this game, he was also tackled a few times for a loss (although LT hasn't had that many good runs either). If they would leave LT in the game and stop the Sproles experiment I think they would be better off.

[Yer mom 2]

I have LT in my money league. Sproles is on my bench. I think Sproles has had one good play in this game, he was also tackled a few times for a loss (although LT hasn't had that many good runs either). If they would leave LT in the game and stop the Sproles experiment I think they would be better off.

 

Interesting. I think if it were two years ago there would be no question, LT is the guy. But right now, if I were a Charger fan or fellow clubhouse member, id be making a push for Pocket Rocket #2

[AintNoStoppinMeNow 68]

I've been a HUGE Sproles fan since his KSU days but I dont think he can handle being a full time starter for the length of an NFL season. His best role is the one he has now and returning kicks and punts.

[Giants Fan 85]

They used to say the same thing about Tiki. Too small to be an every down back. It wasn't true ... but that's why he was just a 3rd down back for a long time.

 

I'm not saying that it's MY opinion that Sproles is too small ... I'm saying that NFL COACHES do not think a guy that size is durable enough.

 

Mkay?

[Jedi Sensei 17]

Almost as bad a franchise pick as Shane Graham

 

BUT...LT + Sproles FTW, for SD...

 

...just not for fantasy.

[Yer mom 2]

He's too small.

 

 

They used to say the same thing about Tiki. Too small to be an every down back. It wasn't true ... but that's why he was just a 3rd down back for a long time.

 

I'm not saying that it's MY opinion that Sproles is too small ... I'm saying that NFL COACHES do not think a guy that size is durable enough.

 

Mkay?

 

However did I get confused with your point?

[Yer mom 2]

Almost as bad a franchise pick as Shane Graham

 

Im not saying that its a no brainer that they franchise him, but he is probably one of the best, if not the best kick returner in the NFL and he can torch a D from the backfield via run or catch. Youre comparing him to Shayne Graham?

[Yer mom 2]

On cue, Pocket rocket 2 squirts through the line for a score

[VaTerp 0]

You know, Ive been a LT supporter and really thought he would bounce back this year.

 

But the truth is that Sproles brings more to the table at this point. I dont think Sproles will, or should, start as long as LT is healthy. He is too valuable on special teams and Im not sold he could be an every down RB.

 

BUT as it has played out tonite, Sproles should see plenty of work in this offense. And in crunch time he was the one in the game.

 

Who were those people saying Sproles had no stand alone value and he wouldnt get any touches w/ LT healthy???

[EncyclopediaBrown 0]

On cue, Pocket rocket 2 squirts through the line for a score

 

No kidding. I wish I knew when I was drafting LT that I was drafting the #2 back in San Diego. If the rest of the season goes anything like tonight, I'm in trouble. Hopefully it's just one of those first week things.

[RaiderHaters Revenge 4,045]

the simple fact of the matter is this

 

let me start I am a Charger fan

 

The Chargers O-line is Brutal, LT at this point in his career needs a good O-line to open the holes for him, and even when he does hit the holes his legs just dont move as fast as his mind sees it, its called aging it happens to all of us, we all mentally think we are just as fast as ever, but the legs just dont move as fast, thats why he always seems to be tripping or falling on his own.

 

Since the Chargers Oline is Brutal, their best option is Sproles, who can make people miss actually, and going 3-4 wide receivers in the game (Nanee looks like a find), and honestly I think the Chargers should just turn their offense into a semi-run and shoot/west coast hybrid, 75% passing plays, short quick routes, and occasional deep plays

[Yer mom 2]

No kidding. I wish I knew when I was drafting LT that I was drafting the #2 back in San Diego. If the rest of the season goes anything like tonight, I'm in trouble. Hopefully it's just one of those first week things.

 

LT will definately see game time obviously, he still has value and will put up good numbers im sure. I just see Sproles as the go to guy, and in my opinion should be the featured back which is the reason I started this thread and the reason when he was available in the later rounds in my league, I laughed.

 

Both guys will perform no doubt

[mobb_deep 919]

I'll just repeat what I said in another thread. LT looks like he is running in mud. The wheels are finally falling off. All the warning signs were there. The 30 year old RB wall is not some imaginary thing like unicorns or god. It's backed up by years of data on many players. It is what it is.

 

Thanks for all you've done for Fantasy Football LT. See you in the HOF.

[mambokings 0]

LT looks like he is running in mud. The wheels are finally falling off. All the warning signs were there. The 30 year old RB wall is not some imaginary thing like unicorns or god. It's backed up by years of data on many players. It is what it is.

 

Agreed 100%

 

LT appeared very slow tonight and was just awful. He didn't even get in on the TD they gave him. He's running like he's never played the position before.

[Yer mom 2]

Thanks for all you've done for Fantasy Football LT. See you in the HOF.

 

Well said

 

LT, Priest and Marshall to this day are the RB kings of FF, most notably in PPR leagues. Time to make way for Peterson and Maurice

[Antipop 0]

you guys are reading way too far into this. LT had 13 carries for 55 yds and a TD, while sproles had 9 carries for 23 yards and a td.. LT had the much better YPC. LT is still by far the featured back.. To me it looked like LT was dehydrated or something, and on that last drive, its the same deal with chester taylor and AP, sproles is to LT as chester taylor is to AP. The Chargers were in shotgun formation on the 5 yard line, so since sproles is the passing back, LT was out of the game, if LT was in the game, it'd be obvious that they were running it. This is why sproles was able to score so easily. The running game in general was pretty tough this time around. I don't know about next week vs baltimore, but I expect LT to get 20+ carries vs Miami.

[mambokings 0]

you guys are reading way too far into this

I watched every second of this game, rewinding it many times to review. I saw it with my own eyes: LT is not the same back he used to be, not by a mile. In 2008, we became aware of it, but he could safely blame it on groin and turf toe injuries. This year, he's completely healthy and pain free, by his own admission, and carrying a chip on his shoulder - and he still doesn't have it any more. Tonight he looked just like he did last year: slow, indecisive, and really weak in his both his movements and decision making.

[Cstriker 2]

you guys are reading way too far into this. LT had 13 carries for 55 yds and a TD, while sproles had 9 carries for 23 yards and a td.. LT had the much better YPC. LT is still by far the featured back.. To me it looked like LT was dehydrated or something, and on that last drive, its the same deal with chester taylor and AP, sproles is to LT as chester taylor is to AP. The Chargers were in shotgun formation on the 5 yard line, so since sproles is the passing back, LT was out of the game, if LT was in the game, it'd be obvious that they were running it. This is why sproles was able to score so easily. The running game in general was pretty tough this time around. I don't know about next week vs baltimore, but I expect LT to get 20+ carries vs Miami.

 

 

dont agree one bit. LT might have an occasional big game, but the burst and elusiveness are not there anymore.

[nobody 2,461]

I have to draft the feature back for the one team in the league that's going to put a Hall of Famer on the Bench. Can't get Jamal Lewis to take a play off. LJ is still flailing in Kansas City. Eddie George spent three years inventing the 3 yards and a cloud of a dust offense, but of course Norv Turner the coaching genius is going to recognize that Sproles brings something to the table and cuts LT's touches.

 

Only team in the damn league.

[mambokings 0]

I have to draft the feature back for the one team in the league that's going to put a Hall of Famer on the Bench. Can't get Jamal Lewis to take a play off. LJ is still flailing in Kansas City. Eddie George spent three years inventing the 3 yards and a cloud of a dust offense, but of course Norv Turner the coaching genius is going to recognize that Sproles brings something to the table and cuts LT's touches.

 

Only team in the damn league.

 

Great point. It's not that LT couldn't be given 20+ touches and still produce fairly well. Norv just refuses to do it. You provide great current and historic examples of over-the-hill backs who remained fantasy relevant despite their diminishing skills. But LT is going to sink like a rock if Norv starts over handicapping (which is what he did tonight). LT was in one play and out for the next several. Establishing a feel for the game is impossible under those circumstances, even if he didn't look old and slow. It was just a nightmare for LT owners.

[Antipop 0]

Turns out LT actually tweaked his ankle. Sproles is not the man by any means.

 

EDIT. Well I guess he is if LT misses time, lol.

[the spanker 28]

Well said

 

LT, Priest and Marshall to this day are the RB kings of FF, most notably in PPR leagues. Time to make way for Peterson and Maurice

 

And now Sproles

[Antipop 0]

San Diego RB Ladainian Tomlinson injured his ankle in the game vs. Oakland on Monday, September 14.

Our view: No other details are known yet, but it's hard to not feel like this was an omen about how Tomlinson's season was going to go. Whether it was because of the injury or not is beside the point that Darren Sproles is just a better RB than Tomlinson at this point in both RBs careers.

 

Yeah, it does seem like when he gets too tired or sucks theres some mystery injury.. I don't know anymore

[mambokings 0]

LT looked bad from the start of the game so unless he rolled his ankle during warmups I call BS on that injury excuse

[Antipop 0]

September 14 11:12 ET Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson, coming off a season marred by toe and groin injuries, suffered an ankle injury tonight against the Raiders. Coach Norv Turner said Tomlinson "rolled" an ankle. Many of the key carries went to Darren Sproles. Tomlinson had 13 carries for 55 yards.

[Antipop 0]

How did he look bad, he ran for a 4.2 YPC, he started out slow, because the D was honing in on him, but he picked it up. Sproles couldn't rush for shat either..

[the spanker 28]

How did he look bad, he ran for a 4.2 YPC, he started out slow, because the D was honing in on him, but he picked it up. Sproles couldn't rush for shat either..

 

 

It's not about how you start but how you finish.

[Antipop 0]

He wasn't able to finish, the coach held him out for precaution cause of his ankle

[RaiderHaters Revenge 4,045]

How did he look bad, he ran for a 4.2 YPC, he started out slow, because the D was honing in on him, but he picked it up. Sproles couldn't rush for shat either..

 

because the runs he did have should(would have pre 2008) gone for 100+ yards, multiple times he tripped over his own feet, and his cuts were pathetic

[Colt 45 0]

Agreeing with those that examined the YPC...LT(4.2 YPC) had it all over Sproles(2.6 YPC)

 

That being said...could the Raiders D have gotten better vs. the run? It sure looked that way...

 

By the same token, did Michael Turner lose a step?(3.0 YPC vs. Miami)

or Grant(3.8 vs. Bears)

or Addai(2.5 vs. Jags)

or Kev. Smith(1.3 vs. Saints)

or Steve Slaton(1.9 vs, Jets)

or DWill(2.6 vs. Eagles)

or LJ(okay let's not go there)

or C.Johnson(3.8 vs. Steelers)

or Jacobs(2.9 vs. Skins)

or FWP(okay he has lost a step)

Heck MJD only averaged .4 more YPC

and Westbrook only .7 more

 

I guess he's done...

Give it more than a week before you give the old RIP to a brilliant LT's career.

 

Owner, or not, he has been a joy to watch through the years and still has some left.

[jcuadrado 0]

Agreeing with those that examined the YPC...LT(4.2 YPC) had it all over Sproles(2.6 YPC)

 

That being said...could the Raiders D have gotten better vs. the run? It sure looked that way...

 

By the same token, did Michael Turner lose a step?(3.0 YPC vs. Miami)

or Grant(3.8 vs. Bears)

or Addai(2.5 vs. Jags)

or Kev. Smith(1.3 vs. Saints)

or Steve Slaton(1.9 vs, Jets)

or DWill(2.6 vs. Eagles)

or LJ(okay let's not go there)

or C.Johnson(3.8 vs. Steelers)

or Jacobs(2.9 vs. Skins)

or FWP(okay he has lost a step)

Heck MJD only averaged .4 more YPC

and Westbrook only .7 more

 

I guess he's done...

Give it more than a week before you give the old RIP to a brilliant LT's career.

 

Owner, or not, he has been a joy to watch through the years and still has some left.

 

you could also add

Frank Gore's 1.36 ypc - he got the tds but his ypc was simply atrocious

Portis - 3.88

Matt Forte - 2.2

 

talk about overreacting. It's only been a week people...

[Shakespeare 0]

Great point. It's not that LT couldn't be given 20+ touches and still produce fairly well. Norv just refuses to do it. You provide great current and historic examples of over-the-hill backs who remained fantasy relevant despite their diminishing skills. But LT is going to sink like a rock if Norv starts over handicapping (which is what he did tonight). LT was in one play and out for the next several. Establishing a feel for the game is impossible under those circumstances, even if he didn't look old and slow. It was just a nightmare for LT owners.

 

Several times last night LT motioned to the sidelines to get taken out after a run. I kept thinking that the old LT would've never come out after a 10 yard run. This tells me he was either winded or hurt (or both).

 

Meanwhile, Sproles stayed in after hard runs - sometimes after getting sacked hard in the grill by Oakland defenders.

 

You can't put LT's performance on the coaches when he's the one asking to come out of the game.

[Laurence Maroney's Nuts 2]

I wasn't buying the "LT has lost it" arguments this past offseason and was hoping he slipped to me in the draft. After watching him run last night, I'm glad he was taken before me. Could be that he still isn't healthy -- but he looked slooooooow. And Sproles had an explosive burst.

[Antipop 0]

sproles just appears to have an explosive burst because hes a borderline "little person" and has to move his legs really fast just to go forward

[Terpnut 5 0]

Here are the real issues that concern me from last night:

 

1. He looked slower from the start and hesitant on cuts

2. He asked to come out on numerous occasions

3. He's clearly no longer the 3rd down back (which is where he scored a lot of fantasy points over the years)

4. He said he could have played if? If what? If the game was on the line. If it was close? Well it was and he wasn't out there because they have a better option.

 

That's the bottom line and what really hurts is now LT will cut into Sproles potential (if you own Sproles) and we'll have two average backs in an offense that should produce one solid scorer. Pretty much the norm in the NFL now anyway.

 

Don't get me wrong, LT was a stud and I've always liked him as a player but you can't chirp all off-season about rushing titles and being the best back in the league and then put on a performance like that.

[mambokings 0]

Here are the real issues that concern me from last night:

 

1. He looked slower from the start and hesitant on cuts

2. He asked to come out on numerous occasions

3. He's clearly no longer the 3rd down back (which is where he scored a lot of fantasy points over the years)

4. He said he could have played if? If what? If the game was on the line. If it was close? Well it was and he wasn't out there because they have a better option.

 

That's the bottom line and what really hurts is now LT will cut into Sproles potential (if you own Sproles) and we'll have two average backs in an offense that should produce one solid scorer. Pretty much the norm in the NFL now anyway.

 

Don't get me wrong, LT was a stud and I've always liked him as a player but you can't chirp all off-season about rushing titles and being the best back in the league and then put on a performance like that.

 

Dead on. Welcome to FF Today

[DeaLerZ 0]

sproles just appears to have an explosive burst because hes a borderline "little person" and has to move his legs really fast just to go forward

 

haha... pretty true