(Chargers) Think Before You Act

 San Diego Chargers fans:  Yes, your team was so close to Super Bowl XLII and you (as well as me) were extremely disappointed.  We are tired of hearing “next year” when speaking of a Super Bowl championship for San Diego but ladies and gentlemen let’s not make any rash decisions.

I heard some small whispers from a number of both Chargers fans and sports talk radio hosts that say it’s time to explore options for trading Chargers star running back LaDainian Tomlinson. This ridiculous idea is entirely due to his 2008 playoff performance, which was highlighted (or low lighted) by Tomlinson playing only three plays in the AFC championship game on January 19^th 2008 in a loss against the New England Patriots.  These “Brain Surgeons” could not be more off the mark.  Did they forget Tomlinson is off back-to-back NFL rushing titles?  Tomlinson is in the prime of his career as an NFL running back and he has been compared to the all-time greats.  Would you trade Jim Brown, Walter Payton, or Emmit Smith in the prime of their career?  I didn’t think so!  Besides, what players on the NFL trade block would be equal value for Tomlinson?  No one, that’s who!  Talks of trading him are foolish and don’t even need to be entertained. 

Looking at the Chargers next season would give even more reason not to trade Tomlinson, who is commonly known as LT.  LT’s back up for the past four seasons was Michael Turner, who many think could start on any other NFL team, will be an unrestricted free agent for the 2008 season.  Trading LT would have the Chargers lose their number one and two running backs on the depth chart all at once. Tell me how to replace that. 

As much as I don’t want to say it, Chargers fans: Wait until next year because San Diego with the great LaDainian Tomlinson along with a young and talented team at all the skill positions will compete, plus they seemed to gel with Head Coach Norv Tuner in the second half of last season and during the playoffs.  Hey, the Chargers were two successful red-zone possessions from beating those almighty Patriots and playing in the Super Bowl. Trust me if the front office of San Diego is smart, LT and the Chargers will be back for more success next season, together.