With a choice between LaDainian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook to fill the role as the Vikings’ No. 2 running back, Dean Dalton said he “probably prefers” Tomlinson. Dalton, the former Vikings running back coach who is now an NFL media analyst, was asked about Tomlinson and Westbrook because one of them could sign with the Vikings during the off-season and fill the role left by the departure of Chester Taylor to the Chicago Bears.
Taylor was a much admired backup for three seasons to All-Pro Adrian Peterson. Taylor’s contributions included his pass blocking and receiving, two qualities that haven’t always been strengths of Peterson’s. Taylor was also an effective runner, even capable of breaking off long gains, and last year ran for 338 yards and had 389 yards in receptions.
Both Tomlinson and Westbrook have enjoyed productive NFL careers, establishing themselves among the best running backs of the past 10 years. Westbrook, 30, played in Philadelphia while Vikings head coach Brad Childress was an assistant there so he’s familiar with the offensive system used here.
Westbrook has a history of head injuries. “The thing that scares you about Westbrook of course is the concussion situation,” Dalton said. “He would be a natural fit in the system, but the injuries and the wear and tear on Westbrook make him a little less desirable than someone like LaDainian Tomlinson.”
Tomlinson, 30, isn’t the same player he was when he led the NFL in rushing during the 2006 and 2007 seasons. Still, Dalton said Tomlinson has run for a lot of touchdowns (23) the last two seasons and he can still be effective. Last year, for the first time in his nine year career in San Diego, he rushed for less than 1,000 yards (730). Dalton estimates Tomlinson is “80 to 90 percent” of the player that he once was, and that he can no longer be a 25 carries per game running back.
“One of the things that people don’t realize about LaDainian Tomlinson, because he’s been such a good running back, is that he is a tremendous pass protector,” Dalton said. “And that was quietly where Chester Taylor was so valuable to the Vikings’ offense. He’s (Tomlinson) a tremendous…receiver out of the backfield (too). You retain that when you bring in someone with the experience of LaDainian Tomlinson. …”
Dalton has scouted both Westbrook and Tomlinson since even before they came into the NFL. He said either would be assets in the locker room.
There’s another benefit to bringing in a player like Tomlinson, according to Dalton who said it sends the right message to quarterback Brett Favre who is trying to decide whether to retire or play again for a franchise serious about winning a Super Bowl. “…It (signing Tomlinson) keeps the backfield exceptional and that locker room strong,” Dalton said. “So if he accepts that role and that offer, Minnesota should remain on the top tier as the team that has a chance to win it all.”