When the Eagles released Brian Westbrook, I was heartbroken. Westbrook is one of my favorite NFL players, and I could not believe the Eagles actually let him go. But I can't imagine one of my favorite teams releasing their top two running backs in the same week. Unfortunately for Chargers fans, that's what they will be dealing with for the next few weeks. San Diego released future Hall of Famer Ladainian Tomlinson four days ago, leaving everyone to conclude they would use Darren Sproles in a two-back system and hope to acquire another running back in the draft or free agency. But the Chargers have now told Sproles that he will become an unrestricted free agent as well.
Who would have thought that this would happen? For the last two years, San Diego has been a popular Super Bowl pick with a great defense, terrific running backs and a young, exciting quarterback. Now, the Chargers clearly have a problem at tailback. Their Pro-Bowl wide out from last year, Vincent Jackson, is a restricted free agent who recently pleaded guilty to DUI. Their defense ranked 22nd in passing yards allowed, and they have their best cornerback on the trading block. With the releasing of Sproles, the Chargers lose a vital part of their special teams. Maybe the whole Chargers front office is questioning their team's ability. Let me put it this way: to me, the Chargers have to make some more moves, whether that's during the draft or not, to be back in the Super Bowl picture.
I personally felt that the two running backs were on their way towards a better season in San Diego. They were 31st in rushing last year, but Tomlinson is just two years removed from a 1400-yard season while Sproles has a 4.5 yards per carry average for his career. Still, San Diego will definitely miss his four career kick/punt return touchdowns. Sproles will definitely make an impact on whatever team picks him up this offseason. As for Tomlinson, I feel he could work very well in a two-back system. I think he would be a good fit for teams such as the Patriots, Chiefs, Seahawks and Texans. I'm not saying he's going to one of these teams, I'm just saying they may be good fits for him. The Patriots have brought in many older players for a year or two. The Chiefs could use him with Jamaal Charles while the Texans could use him with Steve Slaton. The Seahawks could maybe sign him and draft a running back (possibly C.J. Spiller of Clemson) that Tomlinson could help develop.
The Chargers have a huge task ahead of them now: they need at least one running back (their leading rusher from last year after Sproles and LT is Mike Tolbert, with 148 rushing yards). It will be a new journey for both the two running backs and the Chargers this year, but look for the tailbacks to make impacts on their new teams, whatever teams they may be.
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