Link: Neal Thinks LT ‘Will Fly’ With the Jets
Former teammate of LT FB Lorenzo Neal sounds like he was pretty excited about the Jets acquisition of the running back. In an article full of great quoes, here’s some that we liked.
“Running the ball is an attitude. San Diego stopped running the ball and when they took that out of San Diego, the team changed its direction. That hurt [Tomlinson].”
Neal said he recommended the Jets all the way in his talks with Tomlinson because of their commitment to running the ball.
“Now he’s in a place where he knows they have a running game with a purpose,” Neal said. “This guy will fly; I think he’s going to fly. He’s been backed into a corner like a caged cat and he’s going to scratch and fight.”
Neal said Tomlinson’s “biggest impact” to the Jets will be in the passing game with his receiving skills out of the backfield. That was an area of significant weakness last year, particularly after Leon Washington was lost for the season with a broken right leg.
Jets running backs combined for only 36 receptions all last season. Washington’s 15 catches led all backs — and he missed the final nine games.
While reading about Neal, and thinking about running backs, fullbacks and a lack of depth should Shonn Greene get hurt, something that occurred to me. While I do want the Jets to bring back Tony Richardson, I’d also like to see the team draft – not a traditional running back – but a LeRon McClain style fullback. Someone who can carry the ball should the team need him to.
49 Responses to Link: Neal Thinks LT ‘Will Fly’ With the Jets
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igs, the double agent says:
Gimme a break. You TJB guys buying into this bullcrap? This is downside of Tannenbaum, he doesn’t know when to chill. He hit a home run with Chomratie and Bodden was a good pickup,then he goes and drops 3 years of Jets history to bring in a RB that has produced WAY less than TJ last season. Bad idea.
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Brendan says:
^ I was referring to the FB/RB hybrid, btw.
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PA Matt says:
History is exactly that, history. I’ll buy the DVD.
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TOON2388 says:
I live in San Diego – LT has plenty left in the tank. The Chargers OL, in year 3 of Norv has completed the transformation from a physcial run blocking machine to a finesse Miami 1984-1999 finesse pass blocking OL.
And if someone wants Leon, we get a 2 back and now we have a more than capable receiving threat out of the backfield with LT
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Marvel says:
igs
Your completly correct , I too wanted to sign TJ to a lifetime contract .. I also want coles & baker back .. The way this organization does business is waaaaay too modern for me ..
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ramble914 says:
igs,
LT wasn’t brought in to replace TJ, Shonn Green has already done that. LT was brought in as insurance for Leon Washington, who probably won’t be 100% by opening day.
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Yeah, LT is way more current than Thomas Jones. I mean, the way LT put up that 1400 yards last season, he’s right in his prime. I’m glad the Jets dropped Thomas Jones actually. He was barely producing last season. And he’s a locker room cancer. You guys are right. My bad.
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igs,
No body is saying TJ was not good for the team, we just don’t need him anymore, we have Shonn. LT was brought in as a “change of pace” RB.
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Igs
Know I knew you’d see the light .. All it took was a little direction .. Gooo Jets OL .. Think BRONCOS think SHANAHAN … (Davis, bell, droughns, me, you, etc) it doesn’t matter .
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Back to being on topic:
yes, this idea of bringing in a FB/RB hybrid has been bounced around the comments sections for a good month now. I would definitely like to see the team bring in someone for T-Rich to groom and if he is a hybrid who provides backup in case Greene turns out to be a guy who is perennially nagged by injuries, so much the better.
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Cory Vega says:
the rumors are flying! While I would love to see Marshal opposite Edwards (even though the article says the trade may include Edwards) I wouldn’t be crushed if this didn’t happen either…we can bring back Coles or a similar type slot rec and/or draft a good WR and I would still be happy
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Brandon Marshall is a luxury we can’t afford!
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igs,
Is it really worth it to still gripe about the TJ thing? He’s gone. LDT is here. It’s pointless to complain about it a week later.
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david i says:
They just don’t make too many guys like Richie Anderson…
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Eric says:
igs – its over its done with – watch Jones next year in KC – you wont see 1400 yards thats for sure – and the team saved 3 million letting him walk. gotta look at the whole picture man – he was here for 3 years yea, 1 of which he was horrible – were all sad to see him go but i mean its not like we just cut a Super Bowl winning liftime jet hall of fame running back.
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cold_old_steelers_fan says:
Comparing TJ with LT is wrong. Compare TJ with Shone. That is why TJ is gone.
LT is here because I think Tanny is worried Leon won’t be here and he is covering his butt.
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JetsFanInSouthFlorida says:
Bassett,
So what do you think, Gerhart or maybe Dixon from Mississippi State? Both of those guys are big, not necessarily fast, and have the body to play either position. Don’t know if either of them have ever had to lead block before. Both are considered 2-3 round talents from all of the reports I have seen.
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BKWRXWgn says:
Whoa TJ a locker room “cancer”!? I’m a big Jones fan and it’s a sad that he got let go, but at the end I’m still a Jets fan and since it’s already been done you just gotta look forward and expect the best from LT. No point in beating a dead dog now. TJ was replaced by Shonne, LT is Leon’s insurance I think. Moving along we should be more concerned with the pass rusher issue and further depth for both the O and D lines….
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Phil T. says:
I actually do love all the negativity around this signing (another article linked below).
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/whos-more-deluded-lt-or-the-jets
I think Rex will use this to his advantage. Just more us against the league mentality. And Tomlinson will do everything in his power to prove everyone wrong. All we want is one season from him and I believe he can do it.
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Yeah, you guys are right, I should just forget TJ. He didn’t mean anything to the team last season. You don’t need to keep good veterans around to win a super bowl. Just have dan sny… I mean Mike Tannenbaum sign a former super start to replace him. Excuse my gripe. We’re not worthy. We’re not worthy.
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lgs, we’ve all had favorite players get cut, get traded or leave as an UFA. Move on, the sky is not falling. FWIW. I didn’t want them to let TJ go either and if the stories are true that they could’ve matched KC’s offer, I would’ve wanted that to happen.
But it didn’t happen that way.
Move on. -
Hey, I’m allowed to voice my opinion too. I’ll move on when I’m ready. But right now I’m just pointing out, as I always have, that Tannenbaum giveth and Tannenbaum taketh away. The guy needs to learn ow to relax sometime. And I wouldn’t be surprised if a one Woody Johnson had something to do with this pickup.
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AKA Jack says:
It’s interesting the relationship that Neal has with LT. As I said the other day, I think a key to the success LT has in NY will be because of Tony Richardson.
When LT was racking up yards and breaking records he ran behind a road grader line with a top blocking fullback, Neal, in a Schottenheimer (Marty) offense. Now he gets to play in that system again with a great line, great fullback and with a monster chip on his shoulder. Should be interesting.
And I agree we need to get a replacement for Richardson. He’s almost as old as Favre, he just doesn’t whine like he does. Interestingly enough, he wasn’t always just a blocking fullback. He had as many as 147 carries for 700 yards and 58 receptions for 470 yards earlier in his career with the Chiefs.
Also kinda interesting that Richardson’s last stop before the Jets was the Vikings.
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Bent says: We need a lead blocker. Drafting a big back and hoping they can handle it immediately is not a viable plan (see Caulcrick).
Much better to get a proper blocker and see if they can handle carrying the ball even if they didn’t do it much in college (that’s what happened with McClain).
In terms of vets, what about trading a late round pick for BJ Askew? He’s improved as a lead blocker (pro bowl alternate), has carried the ball in the past and always wanted more touches, is still only 29 and would probably be cheaper with the Bucs cutting payroll costs. Just an idea.
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Bkkilla says:
i really liked tj too but rbs r easily replaced, especially ones that r 32. resigning richardson n douglas would b good cause than we have all our starters in place before the draft!
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Give Leon The Damn Ball says:
I love TJ but he was toast at the end of the season. I think LT can be at least as good running the ball and far better catching it
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SackDance99 says:
I’ve been beating the drum for an RB/FB hybrid since before the whole TJ/LT/Leon-tender situations occurred. Personally, I want Gerhart who has the size AND speed (4.53 for a guy 6-1, 230+ is VERY good and was faster than Beanie Wells’ time last year)) to become a good NFL FB. I know he’s not an FB now, but being a football player is in his DNA and there’s no better mentor than T-Rich.
Plus, the Jets have a proud tradition of versatile FBs, like Richie Anderson, Emerson Boozer, John Riggins, Mike Augustyniak, etc. When Sanchez improves enough for teams to avoid 8 men in the box, FB dives could be an effective way to grind out 4-5 yards a few times a game and the FB is a good safety valve for 7-10 yards on a swing pass.
igs, you’re a little late to the party on the TJ/LT debate. I think we’re all exhausted by it already. Bottom line, TJ is gone and whether it’s a smart or dumb move won’t be answered until the 2010 season is over. Remember, there were a ton of folks who flamed Tanny for not re-signing Baker and Hobson. Where are they now?
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Bent,
Is Askew healthy? He was in a car crash, right?
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DHarvey says:
I cannot wait to see the yardage LT racks up with our O-line..especially as a rested ’3rd’ back. Add to that his receiving abilities and LT is a solid improvement over TJ.. sorry guys but that’s how I see it.
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owine says:
Tim Tebow for FB.
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Eddie DiGio says:
#
igs, the double agent, on March 16th, 2010 at 11:37 am Said:Gimme a break. You TJB guys buying into this bullcrap? This is downside of Tannenbaum, he doesn’t know when to chill. He hit a home run with Chomratie and Bodden was a good pickup,then he goes and drops 3 years of Jets history to bring in a RB that has produced WAY less than TJ last season. Bad idea.
We never picked up Bodden it was Brodney Pool…
While I agree with you about TJ, you cant fault the Jets for what they did. Its standard operating procedure in the NFL. And something happened between the Jets and TJ that we dont know about that probably made it impossible for him to return.
LT2 and TJ both have about 2 productive seasons left- but LT2 runs behind the Jets o line and TJ is running behind one that probably has to use a first rounder on a LT
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igs,
Tanny does not need “to relax”. In case you’ve missed it, since he’s been here the team has become increasingly competitive and the overall talent on the team has increased. The guy’s nickname is “Trader Mike” it’s not his style to stand pat. I don’t know why this endless griping with the way Tanny builds a team (which is pretty damn good) continues. TJ brought it upon himself by no renegotiating his deal, he knew he would be cut. Know what that tells me? He wanted to be cut so he could seek a new deal. WHOOPS! He didn’t find it. He found that Tanny was going to give him more than market value, and when he left the Jets moved on. I’m not going to fault Tanny because TJ overvalued himself and Tanny valued him realistically.
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BigKatt wants a ring says:
Igs – Jesus man. Quit crying about Thomas Jones. Didi you happen to watch the last half of the season? Did you see when almost every time TJ got the ball he would run a yard or two then fall on his face? He has lost his productivity also. Those great numbers he put up are due to our commitment to run the ball and our O-line. And like peoplesaid, LT IS NOT coming here to replace TJ!! Shonny is gonna do that. LT is here for 10-12 carries a game, to spell Greene, and to add an option to the passing game that TJ never could. TJ has been gone and he’s not coming back. What’s done is done. So you can sit on these posts and badmouth Tanny and LT all you want, it’s your right, i just wanted to let you know it’s a waste of time.
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Harlan Lachman says:
I like the idea of Gearhart better than an old, worn out BJ (bad pun to be sure).
Too bad we don’t have a three.
Gearhart solves the problem of a back-up for Shonn and T Rich and leaves open new options for the future given his versatility.
I only saw him a few times but he is the type of back I could envision being a Jet.
harlan
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SackDance99 – I’m totally on board for Toby G, i’ve been saying that for a while now. Wether we draft him as an actual RB or a RB/FB depends on what the coaches think he can do. I know he’s one hell of a runner, anyone who wacthed stanford last year does. He also must be a pretty smart kid, so i’m sure the move to HB wouldn’t be that hard for him to understand. I see this kid as a true H-back, someone who can run,block, and catch the ball. Like a really good Chris Cooley. He’ll definitely be around at #61, and he seems like a kid T-Rex would love. I hope we get to see TG in green and white.
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Bent says:
Big Katt – igs has every right to vent. In his defense, it’s not like he was complainingabout the move before it happened, so let him get his opinions off his chest.
You know we don’t allow namecalling and personal attacks here, so I have toned down your last post.
Everyone take note.
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Ok, here’s my opinion.
Anyone who thinks Tannenbaum is making these personnel decisions by myself has not been watching this team over the last year. All of the players who have been brought in and let go have the imprint of Rex Ryan all over them.
Tannenbaum negotiates and may make suggestions but Rex is making the personnel decisions.
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Bent says:
Sack – good point. His status is “uncertain” but they are hoping he’ll be back.
The suggestion was just an idea because we should recognize how important a lead blocker is to the running game, so I’d rather spend a 7th rounder on a guy who definitely can block (if he can pass his physical), than a 2nd rounder on someone who might be able to block. The ball carrying is a luxury.
Now, if T-Rich returns too and can mentor such a player, then it would still be a good pick, but if he can’t return we need viable alternatives. Some big back who never played FB in a platoon with Ben Hartsock just doesn’t cut it.
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Bent – what is T-Rich’s status? Is he a FA or are we waiting for him to decide if he wants to play another year?
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himself not myself.
I suck at mutl-tasking.
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Bent says:
He’s a UFA.
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Bent says:
Too late, Jack, or should I say Mike? You’ve been rumbled!
:o)
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Damn, I hope he comes back. Can’t see why we wouldn’t make an offer to try to get him to sign.
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Bent says:
Sounds to me like he has an open invitation.
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mole57 says:
What’s the deal with Brad Hoover? If T-Rich decides not to come back, is he a viable option? He’s been the lead blocker for a great Carolina running attack.
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Bent says:
Hoover was cut, so is an option, but might retire.
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GP says:
Question, how are Gerhart’s hands? I don’t remember Stanford throwing the ball to him too much, but man when they put the ball in his hands, he was an absolute monster. His running style actually kinda reminds me of Shonn Greene.
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brightfuture says:
Please get Gerhart and STOP talking about JONES he WANTED OUT!!!!!!!!!
Bassett has seen the light. Sackdance brought this up weeks ago and I have been fully supportive since day 1. Jason Snelling, Leonard Weaver, Brian Leonard are all examples of guys that can do this.