Tomlinson prefers wins to rushing title
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Monday, Dec 17, 2007
By Casey Pearce, Chargers.com
On Monday, Chargers Head Coach Norv Turner was presented with a host of scenarios as he discussed how he’ll approach the final two games of the season. Turner spoke of being wise as his team finishes the season. He hopes to find balance between resting players and keeping them sharp.
Then he was asked what he’d do if he found out running back LaDainian Tomlinson was just shy of his second-consecutive rushing title.
“Put LT’s jersey on (Darren) Sproles and let him go in there,” Turner said. “I can’t answer that. That’s a ‘what if.’”
Whether or not that situation plays out is remained to be seen, but the fact that it’s a topic of conversation is impressive in its own right. After answering so many questions about the running game during a 1-3 start, the Chargers are now 9-5 thanks in part to Tomlinson. After recording his third-consecutive 100-yard game Sunday, LT sits just six yards shy of Pittsburgh’s Willie Parker for the league lead in rushing heading into the final two weeks of the season. Tomlinson has rushed for 1,311 yards on the year.
Tomlinson rushed for 116 yards against the Lions and could have had much more had he played in the second half. The NFL’s reigning MVP concedes that a second-consecutive rushing title would be nice. However, if the Chargers find themselves with big leads in the final two weeks like they did Sunday, he’s fine with being on the sideline.
“If it was a situation like yesterday, obviously that’s not important,” Tomlinson said. “If it presents itself where I have to play the game and the game is close and we need the win, then obviously you do so.”
Tomlinson was healthy enough to be on the field. While LT said he felt a small tweak in his hamstring, Turner he joked that he had to fight him at a couple different points in the second half.
“He was trying to get back in,” said Turner, noting that Tomlinson did some sprints Monday and felt fine. “He’s getting ready to put his chinstrap on and it was 3rd-and-1. I said, ‘We’re going to throw it,’ and he undid his chinstrap.”
While winning and being healthy are most important, LT also said that if he is within a few yards of the rushing title in the team’s final game, he would like to know.
“That’s something that a lot of guys take pride in,” Tomlinson said. “Not only me but the offensive line and the tight ends and fullbacks. A lot of guys take pride in that. You do want to know, especially the way this season has unfolded.”
The way that the season has unfolded has been remarkable for both the team and for LT. A year after winning his first rushing title and breaking the NFL record for touchdowns in a season, Tomlinson has continued to reach milestone after milestone.
Early in the first quarter Sunday, Tomlinson surpassed 1,200 yards on the season. By reaching the mark, he joined Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson as the only two players in NFL history to rush for more than 1,200 yards in each of their first seven seasons in the league. Tomlinson voiced pride in the fact that the statistic shows his durability.
“I’ve been pretty consistent the first seven years of my career,” Tomlinson said Monday. “I think that’s what it states. I think it’s probably safe to say that you now know that that’s an average year for me as a running back. You’re going to get at least 1,200 yards.”
LT also raised his career rushing total to 10,487 yards to move into 19th place on the NFL’s all-time rushing list. He started the day ranked 21st, but during the game, made his way past Eddie George, who had been 20th with 10,441 yards and Tiki Barber, who had been 19th with 10,449 yards.
With two touchdowns Sunday, the 126th and 127th of his career, Tomlinson moved past two Hall of Famers, Walter Payton (125) and Jim Brown (126), and into seventh place on the NFL’s all-time touchdowns list.
Still, Tomlinson’s biggest concern is playing his best football when January arrives.
“I know what LT wants to do,” Turner said. “He wants to be at his best when we start playing in the postseason. I think he’s beyond the individual records and recognition. I think they’re important. I know what he wants to do. He wants to have success in the playoffs.”
Mike Nowak, Chargers.com
LaDainian Tomlinson has a chance to lead the league in rushing for the second-straight season, but he and his head coach promise to be smart in pursuit of the title.
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