LT speaks up about less talking

Sunday, Sep 30, 2007
By Tom Shanahan, Chargers.com

Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson has been known since his rookie season as one of those leaders by example rather than a fiery locker room speaker. The seventh-year veteran's actions speak loud enough.

The Chargers' 1-2 start, though, prompted him to go against his nature. He felt an obligation to speak up as the Bolts prepared for the Green Bay Packers two weeks ago and the Kansas City Chiefs this week.

But with the Chargers having now dropped to 1-3 with a 30-16 loss to the Chiefs Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium, Tomlinson feels talking isn't the answer.

"I think from the players' standpoint, there's only so much talking you can do," he said. "You can talk to guys until you're blue in the face. What defines a leader? Are you talking every day and telling people what they need to do or do you go on the field and set an example of the right thing to do. I think for them most part, we've talked enough, to be honest with you."

The game started as if the Chargers had found some answers following the loss to Green Bay. Tomlinson had his best game of the season, carrying 20 times for 132 yards and one touchdown. He had runs of 12, 15, 11 and 37 yards in the first half.

In the second half, though, the Chiefs defense limited him to 16 yards rushing on six carries while catching five passes for 22 yards.

But the only numbers the Chargers discussed after the defeat was their win-loss record. Despite the slow start, the Bolts are only one game back of a three-way tie in the AFC West between the Chiefs, Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders at 2-2.

The Chargers will try to regroup this week as they prepare for Sunday's game at Denver. But whatever subtle answers they work to discover, Tomlinson says peppery talk isn't the answer.

"At some point everybody gets tired of guys talking," Tomlinson said. "I think it's a real fine line. For four weeks we've been doing a lot of talking. I think now we're 1-3 and we have to stop talking. We have to just play football; do your job."

Part of the job of leadership is meeting with the media and dealing with scrutiny after a wins and tough losses alike. Both Tomlinson and quarterback Philip Rivers appeared in the interview room as usual and spoke with in an even voice about getting the team back on track.

"We just finished the first quarter (of the season) and we're going into the second quarter," Tomlinson said. "We obviously need to reverse things in the second quarter. We need to be 3-1, and we'll see where we are after that. Right now we need one win real bad. The next game we're playing is in Denver. We'll see where we're at."

Rivers said the answers we'll be found working together on the field and the meeting rooms.

"We've got the right guys to turn it around," he said. "We always speak about that. When you've got adversity, you've got to pull together."

Chargers coach Norv Turner also says there is plenty of leadership on the team.
"With this group of players, there is great leadership," he said. "We have some tough guys physically and mentally. I know what they want to get down, and they're going to do everything in their power to get it done."