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Tomlinson asks for patience after offseason of changes

By: JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | Saturday, April 8, 2006 11:59 PM PDT ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- LaDainian Tomlinson hears the talk. The elite running back's ears aren't immune to offseason rumblings of Chargers fans bemoaning the loss of Pro Bowl quarterback Drew Brees.

"I say if we don't win this season, they should be upset,'' Tomlinson said. "But give us a chance to prove that we are winners.''

It pains a miffed Charger Nation, and Tomlinson, that their winning quarterback has hung his shingle in New Orleans. To Bolts boosters and Brees' teammates, the man with a 20-11 record the past two seasons was a saint before becoming a Saint.

"Drew went through hard times at one point here, and he was a guy that never pointed the finger at anybody,'' Tomlinson said. "He said, 'You know what, I'm going to play better and not talk about it ---- that I'm worthy of being the quarterback and leading this team to an AFC West championship.'

"That is the reason the guys loved Drew so much.''

But love often ends in divorce. That's how the Chargers' relationship with Brees finished after the team and quarterback failed to agree on a long-term contract. Tomlinson realizes the pact he had with Brees is now shared by others.

"No doubt, because Drew is a leader,'' said Tomlinson, who has known Brees since their Texas prep days. "He's going to walk in there and automatically change the perception of that franchise.''

Tomlinson revealed a recent conversation with Will Demps, the New York Giants safety and former San Diego State standout.

"He was saying, 'I met Drew, and he's such a good guy. I understand why you would want him at quarterback. After five minutes of talking to him, I understand this is what a quarterback is supposed to be like,' '' Tomlinson said. "That is just a perfect explanation.''

Clarifying the Chargers' offseason moves ---- Tomlinson declined ---- is another matter.

The team lost wide receiver Reche Caldwell, tight end Justin Peelle, defensive tackle DeQuincy Scott, cornerback Jamar Fletcher, linebacker Ben Leber and Brees. Its left tackle, Roman Oben, still can't wear cleats because of foot surgery.

The Chargers, with the draft on the horizon, added safety Marlon McCree.

Are the Chargers, a third-place finisher at 9-7 in 2005, better than last season's model?

"That's yet to be seen; I really can't tell you right now,'' Tomlinson said. "I do know we are a little bit more experienced, talking in terms of the young guys --- like Shawne (Merriman) and (Luis) Castillo. We have the potential to already be better.''

Potential is a frequent word escaping the Chargers' lips, especially when the discussion turns to Brees' replacement, Philip Rivers.

Rivers was a fourth overall selection in 2004 but has thrown only 30 NFL passes. Rivers was a North Carolina State star but has four fewer NFL touchdown tosses than Tomlinson.

So, L.T., is Rivers ---- he never has started an NFL game ---- going to be A-OK?

"I had a conversation with him about two-three weeks ago after (Brees' exit), and we both understand it's all about winning. That's all he is about, and that is great to know,'' Tomlinson said.

"He's not one of those guys who said, 'That's great I'm a starter, I can't wait to start partying and being the star.' That's not what he was talking about, so we are on the same page.''

Tomlinson said it's obvious Rivers' childhood was right.

"I give his father a lot of credit because he raised him the proper way to be a quarterback and handle different situations,'' Tomlinson said. "Not once did Philip ever complain in the locker room about wanting to play more. Not once.

"Instead he was out on the football field, telling (Antonio) Gates, Keenan (McCardell) and Drew what he saw. What I've learned about Philip is that he is a team player.''

Few first-year starting quarterbacks avoid the NFL's humbling learning curve. Tomlinson, though, said it can be minimized by running the ball more and Rivers relying on his supporting cast.

"I really feel like we have a good enough team with the guys around Philip,'' Tomlinson said. "There's our defense, the running game, a good tight end. We can take a lot of the pressure off of him. He won't have to do a lot.

"And look at his pedigree. He was what, the winningest quarterback in ACC history? He knows how to win, and he has all the guys around him. That's the reason I'm optimistic about him.''

Tomlinson was once optimistic about him and Brees ---- both members of the team's 2001 draft class ---- leading the Chargers to a Super Bowl title. These two proud and stubborn Texans were positive about flipping the Chargers' persona from doormats to dominant.

Despite earning an AFC West crown on their watch, they never won a playoff game, let alone hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy over their heads.

"But hardly anything is ever the way you draw it up,'' Tomlinson said. "We draw up plays in the classroom that look great, then we get out on the field on Sunday and it doesn't work.''

What worked for the Chargers was letting Brees and his mending right shoulder flee and putting the weight of the franchise's future on Rivers' shoulders.

Tomlinson just shrugs, proving he reads the tea leaves on the Chargers' executive walls as easily as deciphering a path to the goal line.

"I guess I always kind of prepared myself for what could happen, so when you do that you are not really shocked at all about it,'' Tomlinson said.

"It's a business, but at the same time you have to keep on pushing. If you don't, you are going to be left behind, and it might be you that they try to replace.''

Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com.

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Pre-Registration Comments[-]Go to Top

LT & Rivers Mutual Respect wrote on Apr 9, 2006 12:32 PM:It`s good to hear Tomlinson`s thoughts on Rivers it sounds like he respects him & feels as though w/ the high caliber of players surrounding Rivers the team will be fine.Tomlinson can honor Brees by giving him one of his championship rings he acquires in the near future.

katherine wrote on Apr 10, 2006 9:16 AM:We in Athens know Phillip has what it takes. He is a great leader on and off the field. The Chargers will find him playing his heart out. With his talent,his team playing spirit and his awesome desire to win, there looms a great future for the Chargers.

The Rivers Bolts wrote on Apr 11, 2006 6:56 PM:Katherine it`s great to hear from someone who got to witness Plilip in all his NC state glory. Buy some tickets for a road trip. I for one will be wearing my new NC state jersey the summer white version I suggest the home opener against Norm Chow & the Titans of Tennessee. Purchase your tickets ASAP the opener will probably sellout & get loud for Philips new team The Rivers Bolts

The Rivers Bolts wrote on Apr 11, 2006 7:41 PM: Correction, I meant my new P. Rivers Chargers jersey the summer white version, it will be a best seller here in SD.

Johnny wrote on Apr 13, 2006 1:45 PM:It's nice to read the comments of some real Chargers fans. Phillip will be great. He has a stronger arm and better view of the field. I love Drew but I really want to win the Superbowl!

P.R. Southern Hospitality wrote on Apr 13, 2006 5:59 PM: I`m telling you the NFL wants Rivers to succeed it`s obvious did you see the easier 1st half of the schedule The powers that be know Rivers is the next poster MAN for the NFL, step aside dumb & dumber AKA the Manning looooosssserrrrs & see what it takes to garner MVP votes in a BOWL Game.

Jimbo wrote on Apr 16, 2006 1:29 PM:Every QB in the NFL had a stellar college career, but success at the college level does not necessarily translate to success in the NFL: ask Joey Harrington, Ryan Leaf, and many many others who bombed out. All I ask of Rivers is two things: 1) protect the football 2) More TDs than INTs Asking anymore of a new QB is asking too much, especially one who could not beat out his predecessor. If PR can do this and the swiss cheese pass defense and porous OL can play like a playoff contender instead of the bottom of the NFL, we will definitely be in the playoffs.

chaz 21 jump st. wrote on Apr 18, 2006 7:18 PM:let's go I'm ready 4 some football. all this talk of rivers is tirersome,fire marty.

FuBAR wrote on Apr 19, 2006 8:06 AM:FIre marty? why... there is nthing wrong with marty. he's done a good job these past 2 season all though he made a few questionable calls hes still done quite well

Gil wrote on Apr 19, 2006 8:31 AM:Charger fans, I don't think we should panic at all with Rivers. Perhaps he should be used like Rothlisberger was used with the steelers, short passing and running the hell out of the football with tomlinson.

Derek wrote on Apr 19, 2006 8:47 AM:It's great to hear everyone getting behind Rivers. I think he will do just fine. And for Jimbo you have to remember when comparing Leaf to anyone that Leaf did not have a stellar college career. He had a great Junior season and left school early as opposed to Rivers who started all 4 seasons and didn't miss a start and also won several bowl games. Let's go Chargers!!

Bolts619G wrote on Apr 19, 2006 8:48 AM:But who really makes the calls? Cam Cameron is the one that doesnt call the deep passes and the one that doesnt know how to use the best RB in the game. Fire Cam

Aaron wrote on Apr 19, 2006 10:34 AM:You HAVE to get behind rivers to prove that you are a REAL SD FAN!!! Just look at all of the success that he has had, he can air it out 70 yards EASILY, and he wont make the same 4th quarter mistakes that Drew made becasue we will be ahead BY SO MUCH!!!! IVE got my tix to the opener in OAK, AND THE SD vS TEN game!!!! CANT WAIT!!!!!!IZ IT AUGUST YET???????????????????????????

Shazam wrote on Apr 19, 2006 12:33 PM:The rivers thing, ONLY time will tell, but I have faith in one person beside LT in this organization and that's AJ. AJ has shown that him and his scouting group have done a great job over the years in picking the right people, with the exception of his 1st draft which because of Butler's death I don't think he was very prepared. I do wish that he would dish out more money, because not overpaying for some players stops other to even consider Chargers. So I just say that he should overpay sometimes just so that chargers don't look stingy and overlooked by great free agents. I can not wait for draft to start. GO CHARGERS. I for one will backup the decision to go with rivers. If I remmember corectly, everyone in SD was against Drew about 3 seasons ago.

alaskanspartan wrote on Apr 19, 2006 2:33 PM:I'm behind Rivers all the way. I agree with the philosophy of handing off to LT a lot and letting Rivers make the short passes. LT is tough enough to handle the carries, and we've got "The Burner" in reserve to help out. And with Gates, McCardell and Parker to throw to, Rivers will be fine. What we really need to worry about is the secondary. I mean, c'mon...Jamar Fletcher, Quentin Jammer and Drayton Florence pulled three picks last season, combined.

LT for MVP In 06 wrote on Apr 19, 2006 6:29 PM:I spoke to someone affiliated W/ the Chargers & asked what the general consensous regarding our departed QB is, his response was that the Breeser was a systems QB who rode the coattails of some very talented play makers...Tomlinson,Gates,Neil,McCardell,etc.. I`m sure owners around the league gasped When Tomlinson was signed to a world record contract for a RB. Aaron if you are attending the game in Oakland you had better be extra careful they are not very gracious losers, they`re basically savages. Dress neutral.

Screaming for AFC vengence wrote on Apr 23, 2006 6:55 PM:LT,Antonio,Lorenzo,Philip,Keenan,Eric,Merriman,Castillo,Jamal,Igor,Foley,Edwards?,Jammer,Phillips,AJ,Florence & supporting cast, Marty included...one for all & WIN for all.The AFC`s Got another thing commin`& to the Mischieveous Linebackers stop Breaking the Law, Breaking the Law, Breaking the Law or you`ll be Heading ouy to the highway.Judas Preist Titles use`d for effect

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