by Tim Anderson

Created on: November 30, 2008

In the NFL, or any football league for that matter, the spotlight players are the ones who get the ball and score or make the big hit. That is why the well known players in the NFL are Tom Brady, LaDainian Tomlinson, and Peyton Manning. However, there are other players who should be recognized as top players in the game. Yes, the linemen should be recognized, but that's not who I am talking about. I am talking about the fullback. The player who opens the holes for the running back so he can get to the promised land. However, there is one man of this breed who makes more difference than anyone else at the position. This man is Lorenzo Neal.

Lorenzo Neal has been playing in the NFL for 16 years but really came to prominence in 2002 as a San Diego Charger. That year, Neal started 15 of the 16 games for the Chargers blocking for LaDainian Tomlinson. Before Lorenzo Neal came, LaDainian was a good player. However, the affect that Lorenzo Neal had on the stats of LDT is amazing. In 2003, LDT's numbers started to jump. One year before Neal came, LDT rushed for 1683 yards on 372 carries. Once Neal came, LDT rushed for 1645 yards on 313 rushes. His previous high in touchdowns was 14. In 2004, he ran it in a total of 17 times. Then, in 2006, we started to see improvements. LDT rushed for 1815 yards and 28 scores in 2006 breaking many records. A lot of the praises were toward LDT. However, someone should be cheering on Lorenzo Neal who is the main reason for LDT's successes.

The dream was about to end for LaDainian. In 2008, it became a nightmare. Lorenzo Neal left the San Diego Chargers for the Baltimore Ravens. The effects that the move had on Tomlinson were tremendous. Through twelve weeks, Tomlinson has 5 touchdowns, 770 yards, and an average of 70 yards per game. All of those stats are lows for Tomlinson's career.

LDT's Stats with Neal (5 yrs)

7731 Yds

91 TDs

97.74 YPG

LDT's Stats w/o Neal (3 yrs)

3689 Yds

29 TDs

84.16 YPG

Lorenzo Neal's move to Baltimore killed Tomlinson but made Willis McGahee, Ray Rice, and Le'Ron McClain happy campers. In 2007, Le'Ron McClain rushed for 18 yards and a total of zero score. Then, Lorenzo Neal shows up and McClain suddenly rushes for 459 yards and 6 scores. At one point this season, McClain was a sough after fantasy free agent pick up. Also, Neal turned Ray Rice into a good back in his rookie year by averaging him 38.2 yards per game. Neal turned a weak Ravens rushing team into one of the premier running trios in the NFL.

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