Four Reasons you should pick Shaun Alexander over LaDainian Tomlinson
by the Tower of Power
To start, NO, I am not smoking crack.
The standard thinking is that Tomlinson should be the first back drafted this year. I am simply going against the grain and presenting four legitimate reasons Alexander may end up being the better choice for the 2005 season.
1) Contract Year
This one is a biggie. Historically, players who are doubted, while still in their prime, tend to produce career numbers in the years their contract expires. Alexander happens to fit these criteria. At 27 and coming off his best season statistically, he no doubt felt slighted by the fact the Seahawks would not give him a long-term deal. Compounding this insult was the searing reality that no team would trade a first round pick for him. Alexander rushed for 1696 yards last year and scored 20 touchdowns. How scary will it be if history holds up and this year proves to be a career effort!? 2000 yards? 25 touchdowns? Neither stat is out of the question.
2) Consistency and Durability
Over the last four year seasons, Alexander has averaged 17.5 touchdowns and 1406 rushing yards. On top of this, he hasn’t missed a regular season start in four years. In the Underdog Sport’s book, consistency + durability = sure thing. Alexander is as close to perfect as a fantasy running back can be.
3) The Offensive Line
The left side of the line is led by elite tackle, Walter Jones and perennial Probowl guard, Steve Hutchison. The rest of the unit if filled out by Chris Gray (RG), Robbie Tobeck (C), and the infamous, “Porkchop” Womack (RT). Besides the quality play of each individual, the unit has been together for the last four years and, with the exception of Womack, each member of the line started and played all 16 games last season. Combine high quality talent and a cohesive environment and you have one darn good front five. The point – Alexander gets the luxury of avoiding injury and a pounding behind this fortress.
4) Additional Selfish Motivation
"This is the first time I've ever been back-stabbed in my life"
-Shaun Alexander
This was Alexander’s initial reaction after a play call cost him the rushing title by one yard to Curtis Martin. This is the mindset of a selfish person - a bad quality in the locker room, but a bonanza for fantasy owners. Alexander will hit the hole often and hard to gain the recognition he feels that is rightfully his.
To comment on this article, you can reach the Tower of Power at underdogsportsblog@yahoo.com
posted by The Underdog @ 5:02 PM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Good article, now I know why I should pick Alexander when the chance comes. But you left be hangin on the LT part, why should I pick Alexander over him if I have the opportunity to pick either or? You didn't give me a reason as to why Alexander is better than LT, but why Alexander is good.
I won't ever be put in that position as I never get the #1 pick so no worries :P
To clarify:
LT IS the top choice.
I was attempting to go against the grain and challenge our readers.
Thanks for the reply. Tell all of your friends.
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