BY NICK ST. DENIS
LaDainian Tomlinson's job with the Jets in 2011 was to help move the chains on third down, whether he was running the ball, blocking in pass protection or running routes.
Looking deeper into Tomlinson's numbers, the veteran tailback appears to have been an important part of getting the passing game going in the first half of games.
Tomlinson was incredibly efficient in the first half of games this season when running routes. Eight of his 24 first-half receptions were for first downs, his only two receiving scores came in the first half of games, and his three receptions of 20 or more yards were also all before halftime. One went for 74 yards.
The future Hall of Fame running back retired this offseason, and his presence will surely be missed. The Jets hope now third-year back Joe McKnight can supplement the absence of Tomlinson's pass-catching and route-running out of the backfield.
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