FanHouse JacobHester

I'm generally of the opinion that selecting a running back in the first round is a waste of money. Players of similar talent can be found later in the draft for a fraction of the salary-cap space, and it allows teams to address other, less fungible needs in the meantime.

There are exceptions, of course -- the Vikings and Adrian Peterson, the Rams and Steven Jackson, and the Chargers and LaDainian Tomlinson. But as we're constantly reminded, the NFL is a business with no room for sentimentality. Last offseason, the Seahawks dumped Shaun Alexander two years after he rushed for 1,880 yards, 27 touchdowns and was named league MVP.

On Thursday, LaDainian Tomlinson sounded optimistic about returning to the Chargers, a team he'd given eight years and almost 12,000 rushing yards.

A day later, things seem less certain, even if it's all speculative at this point.

If you watched the Chargers - Broncos game last night, you know that San Diego was mildly warm on offense. They scored 52 points, the game was never really close, and LaDanian Tomlinson, Darren Sproles and Jacob Hester all ran roughshod over the Denver defense. Additionally, Philip Rivers was his season-long MVP candidate self as the Chargers rumbled to an AFC West division title.

Add in the fact that the Broncos lost to Oakland and Buffalo to close out the season (and by losing they, naturally, gave up some unnecessary points) and you would think that Mike Shanahan would be fed up with defensive coordinator Bob Slowik. Oddly, he's not.

Asked directly after the game whether Bob Slowik will return, Mike Shanahan indicated there would not be a change.

That vote of confidence came despite his team allowing the most points in a game since Oct. 31, 1988, and the seventh most in franchise history.

"I'm definitely happy with him as coordinator," linebacker Jamie Winborn said. "We played like (dirt). We didn't play to win. You play a good team like that, and that's what's going to happen. They came out fiery and took advantage of their opportunities."

It's nice that he has the full support of his players and all, but that doesn't really excuse giving up 374 yards per game (and 6.1 per play from scrimmage). Nor does it excuse sitting in first place in the AFC West for an entire season, only to choke away the division title at the end of the year because your defense coughed up an insane 112 points over the final three games of the season. Not saying Shanny has to can Slowik, but throwing out a vote of confidence after that little run seems a bit shortsighted.

For the first time all season, LaDainian Tomlinson looked like his old, dominating self. Hampered by a toe injury for most of the year, LdT treaded the defense-less Broncos for 96 yards on 14 carries, including three touchdowns, as San Diego eked out a 52-21 win and the AFC West title.

Despite a strained groin that kept him on the sidelines for most of the second half, Tomlinson was understandably elated about his performance and the outcome.

"I was at a point where I was finally healthy, and finally had a chance to really show that I've still got it and can still be highly successful when given the opportunity," Tomlinson said. "It is gratifying to be able to come out here and prove (to) people all the naysayers and what have you that this old man can still run."

And he won't even have to worry about Ellis Hobbs disrespecting the game this January, either.

The Chargers will host the Colts next week, and just like last postseason, Tomlinson's health could be an issue. According to the North County Times' Jay Paris, LdT will undergo an MRI today on his strained groin. And hopefully, unlike a year ago, we won't be subjected to more of this.

I mean, if Philip Rivers can play without an ACL, certainly Tomlinson can suit up with a strained groin. On the upside, even if LdT can't go, there's always Jacob Hester.

With Fantasy Football season ready to kick in high gear, Fantasy FanHouse is here to preview each and every team. Listen closely, you're almost guaranteed to win your FREE fantasy football league, only over at Fleaflicker.

Meet The ...
2008 Super Bowl Champions. Sure, saying that has little to do with fantasy football. I just wanted to get my prediction out there before the billion main-stream experts made theirs. It's not just the star power of LaDanian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, Philip Rivers, Shawn Merriman, and Antonio Cromartie. They are loaded everywhere except head coach. The stigma follows Norv Turner in the public eye, however, he did lead the team to the AFC Championship game last season after a troubling start. A proverbial corner has been turned ...

The Breakout
The big boys are all well-established, so you have to dig a bit deeper to find the next one to step up. I'm going with Chris Chambers. He's had so much talent wasted by the dregs at QB in Miami -- and he still had an incredible 2005 campaign -- and is now clearly the top wideout on a prolific offense. He's had over a half-season to acclimate himself to the Chargers offense and develop a rapport with Rivers. After a full pre-season with the squad, you can expect Chambers to come on like gangbusters this season. His career highs were all set in '05 (82 catches, 1118 yards, 11 TDs) and will be challenged this season; especially the yards as the Chargers look to spread the field vertically.

With Fantasy Football season ready to kick in high gear, Fantasy FanHouse is here to preview each and every team. Listen closely, you're almost guaranteed to win your FREE fantasy football league, only over at Fleaflicker.

Meet The ...
2008 Super Bowl Champions. Sure, saying that has little to do with fantasy football. I just wanted to get my prediction out there before the billion mainstream experts made theirs. It's not just the star power of LaDanian Tomlinson, Antonio Gates, Philip Rivers, Shawn Merriman, and Antonio Cromartie. They are loaded everywhere except head coach. The stigma follows Norv Turner in the public eye, however, he did lead the team to the AFC Championship game last season after a troubling start. A proverbial corner has been turned ...

The Breakout
The big boys are all well-established, so you have to dig a bit deeper to find the next one to step up. I'm going with Chris Chambers. He's had so much talent wasted by the dregs at quarterback in Miami -- and he still had an incredible 2005 campaign -- and is now clearly the top wideout on a prolific offense. He's had over a half-season to acclimate himself to the Chargers offense and develop a rapport with Rivers. After a full preseason with the squad, you can expect Chambers to come on like gangbusters this season. His career highs were all set in '05 (82 catches, 1,118 yards, 11 TDs) and will be challenged this season; especially in yardage as the Chargers look to spread the field vertically.