joelbolt
11-07-2006, 09:41 AM
Many memories for LT (http://www.chargers.com/news/headlines/many-memories-for.htm)
By Casey Pearce. Chargers.com
While the first half of Sunday’s win over the Cleveland Browns may not have gone the way LaDainian Tomlinson and the Chargers’ offense had wanted, LT claims that it truly was a special day from beginning to end.
It started prior to the game when he walked around the corner of the tunnel that leads to the Qualcomm Stadium field and saw NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown waiting to meet him.
“I will never forget that moment,” Tomlinson said. “It was kind of stunning. I was thinking to myself, ‘That’s Jim Brown!’ We just small-talked a little bit and talked about staying healthy. The guy inspired me a lot. To me, he was the best combination of power and speed. He was phenomenal.”
It was the first time that the future Hall of Famer got to meet perhaps the best player to ever don a Cleveland Browns jersey, and while it made for a special moment, it only preceded a pretty incredible day on the field.
With 172 yards, it was LT’s ninth-highest single-game total of his career. It was the 31st 100-yard game of his career and his third this season. More importantly, the Chargers improved to 23-8 when he goes over 100 yards.
But it wasn’t that he had a productive day as much as how it happened. At halftime, the three-time Pro Bowler had 43 yards on just seven carries as the offense struggled to find a tempo. The Chargers fell behind 12-10, and then things started to click. Once he and the offense got rolling, Tomlinson rushed for 83 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter alone.
“I think yesterday was one of my most memorable Sundays, not only because of the yards or whatever, but how we came back,” Tomlinson said. “Struggling a little bit and staying the course in the game.”
As the season has progressed, Tomlinson and the Chargers offensive have continually developed an identity. They’ve identified what center Nick Hardwick called their “bread and butter plays” and are putting them to good use.
“We’ve kind of gotten into our grove of knowing what plays we like to run,” Tomlinson said. “When you start to run the football, there are certain plays that your offensive line likes to run. We know what plays we like to run. I think that’s why the last two games you’ve seen us run the ball really affective.”
LT trails Giants running back Tiki Barber by only two yards for the NFL rushing lead, despite ranking sixth in the NFL in rushing attempts. As a team the Bolts are second in the league in rushing offense.
With a passing game that is on track and keeping defenses honest, the Chargers have achieved balance, which could be scary for their opponents. The Bolts’ ability to attack teams through the air has also helped keep the wear and tear off of Tomlinson, who is second in the NFL in rushing yards while only sixth in attempts.
“I feel great,” Tomlinson said. “I really feel good. If I continue to feel like this, I’m going to be real happy going into January.”
By Casey Pearce. Chargers.com
While the first half of Sunday’s win over the Cleveland Browns may not have gone the way LaDainian Tomlinson and the Chargers’ offense had wanted, LT claims that it truly was a special day from beginning to end.
It started prior to the game when he walked around the corner of the tunnel that leads to the Qualcomm Stadium field and saw NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown waiting to meet him.
“I will never forget that moment,” Tomlinson said. “It was kind of stunning. I was thinking to myself, ‘That’s Jim Brown!’ We just small-talked a little bit and talked about staying healthy. The guy inspired me a lot. To me, he was the best combination of power and speed. He was phenomenal.”
It was the first time that the future Hall of Famer got to meet perhaps the best player to ever don a Cleveland Browns jersey, and while it made for a special moment, it only preceded a pretty incredible day on the field.
With 172 yards, it was LT’s ninth-highest single-game total of his career. It was the 31st 100-yard game of his career and his third this season. More importantly, the Chargers improved to 23-8 when he goes over 100 yards.
But it wasn’t that he had a productive day as much as how it happened. At halftime, the three-time Pro Bowler had 43 yards on just seven carries as the offense struggled to find a tempo. The Chargers fell behind 12-10, and then things started to click. Once he and the offense got rolling, Tomlinson rushed for 83 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter alone.
“I think yesterday was one of my most memorable Sundays, not only because of the yards or whatever, but how we came back,” Tomlinson said. “Struggling a little bit and staying the course in the game.”
As the season has progressed, Tomlinson and the Chargers offensive have continually developed an identity. They’ve identified what center Nick Hardwick called their “bread and butter plays” and are putting them to good use.
“We’ve kind of gotten into our grove of knowing what plays we like to run,” Tomlinson said. “When you start to run the football, there are certain plays that your offensive line likes to run. We know what plays we like to run. I think that’s why the last two games you’ve seen us run the ball really affective.”
LT trails Giants running back Tiki Barber by only two yards for the NFL rushing lead, despite ranking sixth in the NFL in rushing attempts. As a team the Bolts are second in the league in rushing offense.
With a passing game that is on track and keeping defenses honest, the Chargers have achieved balance, which could be scary for their opponents. The Bolts’ ability to attack teams through the air has also helped keep the wear and tear off of Tomlinson, who is second in the NFL in rushing yards while only sixth in attempts.
“I feel great,” Tomlinson said. “I really feel good. If I continue to feel like this, I’m going to be real happy going into January.”