Decision Time for AJ Smith and LaDainian Tomlinson's Future

Is LT's Time Up In San Diego?

Writer: Chris Torres

It's been eight years since LaDainian Tomlinson has been drafted by the Chargers. And he keeps performing great each season. Especially in 2006, after a remarkable game against the Denver Broncos, in which he broke Shawne Alexander's 2005, Single Season record of 28 rushing touchdowns with his 29th touchdown that day.

He would end the 2006 season with a record 31 rushing touchdowns,and the leading rusher of the NFL with 1,815 Yards, and the MVP Title. In 2007 L.T.  led  the year as leading of rusher and rushing touchdonws in the NFL but would cap it off by watching his team from the sidelines in the AFC Championship game. 

An injured L.T. was most of what fans seen in the 2008 season which was one of Tomlinson's not so good season's as a Charger. Most of the 08 season L.T. was fighting a toe injury in which he barley managed to have a 1,110 Yd's and 11 TD's to end a lucky season.

The once MVP went from glory to having a  downfall in the 2008 season. The soon-to-be 30 year old has had reoccurring postseason injuries.

It may have been age catching up to him, his o-line not blocking well enough, or other defenses know how to defend L.T. But whatever it is Tomlinson has been injured the last two times the Chargers have made the postseason.

Last year in Indianapolis he injured his knee and was unable to play in the 2007 AFC Championship against the New England Patriots. Then this year against the Denver Broncos in the final game of the season he strained his groin, which we later found out was a torn tendon and was limited in the first playoff game against the Colts but unable to play in Pittsburgh.

A.J. Smith has seen his once MVP loose his superman cape and become just an average running back.

Is it the age coming about on L.T.? This is a tough question that is on A.J.'s mind this off season. So I ask you the fans what should A.J. do with his star running back who has been injured the last two times the Chargers have made the playoffs?