L.T. leaves Alworth in his wake

By: MICHAEL KLITZING - Staff Writer | Sunday, October 15, 2006 8:38 PM PDT ∞

SAN FRANCISCO ---- In all but one respect, LaDainian Tomlinson didn't have his typical monster game on Sunday at Candlestick Park.

He didn't bust a big one as the Chargers belted the 49ers 48-19. He gained a modest 71 yards rushing on 21 carries and even fumbled once.

"It's tough to run the ball right now," Tomlinson said, acknowledging the way teams have been keying on the run and daring the Chargers to throw.

"Of course, I want to have more yards, but was long as we're throwing the ball like we are and we're winning, I'm happy."

Then again, four rushing touchdowns can help turn a frown upside down, too.

Tomlinson's feat Sunday was something he had never done in a game.

And that wasn't the only milestone he reached.

Tomlinson's first score of the game ---- a 5-yard scamper after a pitch on a misdirection play ---- was the 84th of his career, moving him past Hall-of-Fame wide receiver Lance Alworth for most in franchise history.

"Obviously you have to have some consistency to get that record, and obviously I think it's just a tribute to staying healthy," Tomlinson said. "Any record is good, records are meant to be broken. It's nice to have a record."

It didn't take long ---- in time or distance ---- for him to put a little more room between himself and Alworth, adding Nos. 85 and 86 on 1-yard runs in the second quarter. The latter was of the high-flying variety as Tomlinson launched himself over the line for what coach Marty Schottenheimer called the highest vertical leap he'd seen a player take.

Tomlinson might pay for that one later, however.

"Each time I do it, my wife is just killing me, man," a smiling Tomlinson said of his risky aerials. "I'm just going to wait and see what she says when I get home.

"Honey, I'm sorry."

Tomlinson's goal-line savvy is far from it, as he showed again on a 5-yard burst late in the fourth quarter for No. 87.

"He's just got a knack down there of finding the little seam or jumping over the pile, whatever it is," said center Nick Hardwick. "He's just got a real good idea of how things are going to unfold.

"He's a smart football player and he doesn't get credit for that all the time."

Tomlinson reached 87 touchdowns in only 84 games as a pro. For a little historical perspective, Jim Brown scored 90 touchdowns in his first 80 NFL games. Emmitt Smith reached 90 in 86 games.

Looking ahead, Tomlinson feels more monster games of the conventional variety are in the offing.

"People are going to ease up some," he said. "As the season goes on, I'm going to start to have some big games on the ground."

Contact staff writer Michael Klitzing at mklitzing@nctimes.com. Comment at sports.nctimes.com.