Chiefs wary of Tomlinson, Chargers / LJWorld.com

Archive for Sunday, October 25, 2009

Doug Tucker - Associated Press Sports Writer

October 25, 2009

Kansas City, Mo — Like just about every other NFL player, coach or fan, Kansas City safety Mike Brown has long been an admirer of LaDainian Tomlinson.

He has marveled at L.T.’s quickness. He has shaken his head in amazement at his versatility. When he wasn’t playing against him, Brown took delight in watching the Chargers’ great running back stop, start, cut and dart, appearing at times to knife through the defense.

“I’ve met him a few times and I can tell you this is not only a great football player,” Brown said. “He’s also a great person. I really admire him. He’ll go straight into the Hall of Fame.”

But how many more times will he go into the end zone?

The Chargers (2-3) will be in Kansas City today seeking a fourth straight win over the Chiefs (1-5), and the man who has gouged them for 1,378 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing might be slowing down a bit.

“Don’t you believe it,” said Kansas City linebacker Derrick Johnson. “Sometimes when you look at numbers, they’re skewed a little bit. You can’t look at numbers, especially with a guy like L.T.”

In a 34-23 loss to the Broncos on Monday night, Tomlinson had his best numbers of the year: a combined 100 yards, including 70 yards on 18 carries. Running and receiving, he also broke off plays for 17 and 25 yards.

He seems to always have good games in Arrowhead Stadium. Two years ago in the Chiefs’ noisy home, he rushed for 177 yards and two TDs while the Chargers cruised, 24-10.

It’s almost as though he’s been picking on the Chiefs: two of his seven touchdown passes have come against them.

To Johnson, who’s spent the past five years chasing him around, he looks like the old L.T.

“He could have broken several runs, but he got tripped up (on Monday night). It’s just little things that probably haven’t been happening for him,” said Johnson. “He’s still a great player. We’re going to give him all the respect.”