Now that the New York Jets have agreed to terms with future Hall-of-Famer LaDainian Tomlinson(notes) on a two-year deal, the question can be asked: By releasing Thomas Jones(notes) and signing LDT -- have the Jets improved their running game?
Both players are over 30, which is generally the death knell for backs, but Jones was far more productive last season by any measure. In 2009, Jones gained almost twice as many yards as Tomlinson did (1,402 to 730) on 108 more carries. His yards per carry average was almost a yard better (4.2 to 3.3), which is a worrisome thing when you're talking about a back presumably expected to haul the rock at least 200 times in 2010.
One thing that works in Tomlinson's favor is that his key supporting cast will be better in New York -- the guys blocking for him. According to Football Outsiders' Adjusted Line Yards and other line metrics, Tomlinson is avoiding the fate so common to aging running backs in going to a new team with an inferior line. The Jets
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