Lynch is familiar with big games; Broncos' safety geared up for Chargers showdown

By: JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | Saturday, November 18, 2006 12:00 AM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO -- Big-game week? Denver Broncos safety John Lynch knows it well.

"Yeah, that was too bad because we usually beat them,'' Lynch said.

While everyone looks ahead to the Chargers-Broncos tussle Sunday, Lynch is looking back: He is miffed that Torrey Pines High, his alma mater, lost to La Costa Canyon last week in a Palomar League showdown.

Just the Chargers' luck -- they will face a ticked-off Lynch when they play for first place in the AFC West. Not that Lynch's motor can run any faster.

"You can always tell he really does enjoy playing,'' Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson said. "And when we go play against him, you see he enjoys it because he is having fun.''

It has been a hoot of a 14-year NFL ride for Lynch -- not bad for the 82nd pick overall.

"I just tried to make the team my first year, and then it didn't happen right away for me,'' the 6-foot-2, 220-pound Lynch said. "I didn't start until my third year, then I realized how much I loved the game and the passion I had for it that I wanted to stick around. I thought, 'Gosh, if I can make it 10 years, that would be something.' "

Lynch is something. There are the four All-Pro honors, seven Pro Bowl selections, the Super Bowl he won in San Diego as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, and now the final chapter -- in Denver -- of what some are calling a Hall of Fame career.

Funny how things develop. Much like Lynch opening Monday's newspaper and doing a double-take over the Chargers' 49-point outburst in a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.

"Forget about Martyball,'' said Lynch, who owns a home in Del Mar. "This is Air Coryell, like the teams I used to watch growing up in Jack Murphy Stadium.

"I was looking at the standings for the whole year, and it showed (Indianapolis) with 249 points and the Chargers with 297. I said, 'Wow, they have been lighting it up.' "

Meanwhile, the Broncos' defense is dimming many a scoreboard bulb. Denver has allowed only eight touchdowns en route to surrendering 12.3 points per game. The Broncos could break the Baltimore Ravens' record, set during their Super Bowl-winning season of 2000, for fewest TDs (18) allowed.

"First of all, we got some big-time players,'' Lynch said. "I've played for a long time and played with some good players -- two defensive players of the year in Derrick Brooks and Warren Sapp. And (Broncos cornerback) Champ Bailey is the best I have played with.''

Lynch also mentioned the stout linebacker corps, led by Al Wilson, and sound schemes. No surprising, the modest Lynch didn't single himself out. But he's far from invisible, with 46 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

"I see a guy that knows the game,'' Tomlinson said. "He knows the game so well that he makes up for maybe losing a step after playing 14 years. He still can get in position to make the play, make the big hit.''

Lynch biggest impact -- to him -- comes off the field, when he delivers goodwill with the ease of a teeth-rattling tackle. The John Lynch Foundation has funded everything from college scholarships to tickets for youngsters to attend NFL games.

The annual John Lynch/John Allred Celebrity Golf Tournament has raised more than $1 million. Next year's event will take place May 6-7 at Rancho Santa Fe's Fairbanks Ranch County Club.

"You know, he's just a great guy,'' said Tomlinson, who has played in the tournament. "I just love to talk with him and love to compete against him.''

Added Lynch: "People ask me all the time, 'What do you love most about getting to do what (you) do every day?' It's the opportunity to make good things happen around you. I always say, 'You get back a lot more from these kids than what you give.' And to have the opportunity to help is really something.''

Ditto Sunday night's stare down between two of the NFL's elite teams. For once, Lynch hopes his squad plays the recent part of La Costa Canyon, with the Chargers taking on Torrey Pines' role.

"I think it's always fun when anyone gets to play against the team they got to grow up watching,'' Lynch said. "And this is a big-time game with both teams at 7-2 and at the top of the division. I think people are starting to realize this is the NFL's best division.'' Ý

CHARGERS NOTES: DE Luis Castillo (ankle) didn't practice on Friday and won't play Sunday, giving way to Jacques Cesaire. It's the second straight game Castillo has missed. ... WR/PR Eric Parker (neck) and the other mending Chargers were able to practice. ... T Roman Oben, though back on the active roster, is expected to be listed as inactive Sunday. ... An NFL official said S Marlon McCree will not be suspended for his hit on Cincinnati WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

-- Contact staff writer Jay Paris at jparis8@aol.com. Comment at sports.nctimes.com.