The Blame Game

As we work our way towards the Super Bowl we are seeing the return of the blame game. Who is to blame for my team losing?

In San Diego, the fickle finger of blame seems to be pointing at one LaDainian Tomilson. He isn't running like he used to, he isn't running hard enough, maybe he has lost a step. The list goes on and on.

The finger is not just being pointed at L.T the offensive line is also under scrutiny. They are ranked 18th which is more like a mediocre line.

Now that L.T. is under the microscope will he remain with The Bolts. Already there is speculation that Tomlinson will be traded or cut in the off season.

The biggest single reason for cutting LaDainin is the money. L.T. would receive a $2 million dollar roster bonus, cutting him would save the Chargers $4 million.

What would they get in return? Tomlinson is a proven commodity and there are no guarantees who ever replaces him can supply Tomlinson production.

This season he was off his usual game averaging just 3.3 yards per carry. Yet the other running backs were not any better with Darren Sproles contributing 3.7 and Michael Bennet 2.8 yards per carry.

Maybe its time to blame the offensive line, they are ranked 18th and but finished dead last in the yards per carry category. While teams like Minnesota managed good running games. Of course having Adrian Peterson carrying the mail and Brett Favre delivering the passing attack does make things easier.

Yesterday Favre demonstrated he still has the moves to get away from pressure and can still deliver the ball, while handing the Dallas Cowboys their second worst play off loss in their franchise history.

What is the problem with the LaDainain Tomlison, perhaps all of the above, he needs a better O-Line and perhaps a stronger supporting cast at the skill positions. Perhaps the Chargers should look at offensive line coaching problems.

In the Chargers defense the Jets came to play. They played hard every down and earned that win.

While the press plays the blame game they should look at the overall picture and not assign guilt to one player or one unit. As we all know, it takes an entire team to win or lose a game, and sometimes the winning team is just that much better.

Personally I hope they Bring L.T. back and make adjustments in the O-Line and their offensive strategies instead of buying into the blame game.