LT to the Jets: A Good Thing...I Think

A surefire Hall of Famer is heading to New York. Did we mention it's to the Jets? Last time this happened, my giddiness should've been tempered. I should have known a bit better. Still, we were staring Kellen Clemens right in the face, and the indecisive one seemed a low-risk, high-reward gift from the heavens. In retrospect, he was neither bearer of misery nor messiah. I am almost two years older and wiser now. Perhaps that gives me a clearer head in assessing the latest superstar name addition to the Jets - LaDainian Tomlinson.

Gut reaction? I like it. I am under no illusions that this is the old L.T., and I've at times knocked his toughness (maybe without warrant). Regardless, though, this is a man who still knows how to run the football (as well as some other things on the field), and the departure of Thomas Jones has made this a not-nonsensical move. Assuming the Jets find a way to keep Leon around...and assuming Washington is most of the player he was pre-injury...and assuming the Shonn Greene of the second half is really ready to shoulder the load...it's a great move.

Buried amid those assumptions, of course, is a whole lotta funky stuff and uncertainty. For starters, one can debate the dismissal of Thomas Jones who, despite being a tad older, was infinitely more productive than LT this past year. Throw in the reality of an uncapped year, and I can't argue with those who feel getting rid of TJ was a mistake - even some of the guys in the locker room (particularly them).

Fact is...Jones is a Chief. Given said fact, there are not many more attractive, proven running back entities out there in the free agent market. Let's even assume that entity is only a 730 yard, 12 TD entity. I'm OK with that as my back-up. Sure, we're floating back towards assumption land, but nothing is certain in this league. As of this second, though, the Jets have three talented, versatile running backs who can put the ball in the end zone on the ground for a team that desires nothing more than to "ground and pound."

Bringing a three-time MVP and five-time Pro Bowler into the mix, who has a nose for the endzone, can catch the ball out of the backfield and, hopefully, still play the role of feature back if duty calls, is not a bad thing. Does his 3.3 YPC average from last year cause me some trepidation? Sure. Does the idea of LT playing on the East Coast in crappy, colder weather make me think twice. It has to. But, for now, I'm in.

Let's see what the kid's still got in the tank. I'm of the mind it's not as empty as folks would have you believe. I tend to believe that a new line that ranks among the league's best (if not at the top) and a little chip on the shoulder might produce some intriguing results. LT and a slimmer Ryan heading back to NY this summer? Whudda thunk it. Should be some interesting sights from the Green and White nation. I, for one, am already raring to go.

posted at 9:39 PM