So, something that has really surprised me the past couple days is the release of LeDanian Tomlinson and Brian Westbrook. I wanted to start a debate here about 30 year old running backs, because I don't see why a team like SD or PHI would release either of these two when it is an immediate downgrade, when, if they wanted to get some more talent, they could just release a 3rd/4th string back. This pertains to us because of Portis, and he is probably the one guy on the Skins most likely to be cut before FA

What gets me is that there is an ever increasing trend of never giving a 30 year old back a legitimate chance. In so many cases, Shaun Alexander, Deuce McCalister, and Edgerrin James, the team that grabs them (or the teams that don't) expect a starter or a complete back-up, not a red-zone, or 3rd down back. Shaun Alexander and McCalister were two, strong power backs that, if given a proper chance, could have been a great red zone RB, and Edgerrin James was given a good shot with ARI, and he even looked great in the playoffs. I don't see why a guy like LdT couldn't come in for a team and be a red-zone RB; he ran for little yards, but scored many TDs, and why Westbrook (or Portis) couldn't be a 3rd down RB because they both do everything required of a RB VERY well. I'm curious to hear your opinions, and, before anything is said, this is in no way a campaign for these running backs, I am INDIFFERENT on LdT and Westbrook, but I do believe Portis should be retained.