L.T.'s talk lifts those clouds

By: JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | Monday, January 7, 2008 4:16 AM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO -- He walked into Sunday's misty night, emerging from the bowels of Qualcomm Stadium leaving behind -- for now -- the heartbreak of two playoff losses. His stride was slow but confident, as he was trailed by six reporters and two security guards.

"One more question guys then I got to get him over to his car,'' the muscular man in the red jacket said. "It's rough over there."

The man in the dark, pinstripe top coat and gray turtle neck was LaDainian Tomlinson. Not that he needs an introduction, as everywhere his gait took him there was an outstretched hand, a back slap or just a smile that goes to a playoff winner.

The parking lot scene -- honking horns penetrated the evening -- mirrored the landscape inside. High-fives and big grins were all around as the Chargers defeated the Tennessee Titans for their first playoff win since the 1994 season.

The black cloud hanging over this franchise had dissipated. Mother Nature's black cloud didn't dampen the enthusiasm.

Tomlinson was as happy as the team's long-frustrated fans. But those fans should praise his oratory skills as much as his athletic ones. If not for a fourth-quarter, heart-to-heart talk with coach Norv Turner, this game might have ended differently.

Tomlinson thought Turner was set to kick a field goal on fourth down at the Titans 1.

But Tomlinson stiff-armed that notion, telling Turner if the Chargers were going to take flight, L.T. had to do likewise.

"I went over and told him, 'Norv, I'm going to jump, so do a play straight ahead,' " Tomlinson said.

Turner agreed, and Tomlinson provided the day's best flyover -- no disrespect to the one at the national anthem's conclusion. Tomlinson glided toward the east end zone for the clinching touchdown. It was one giant step for him and one giant leap for a franchise known for its playoff crash landings. ...

Mellow Yellow? Not quite.

While Chargers backers aren't keen on the wet weather, they know how to dress for it. The stadium was ringed with yellow slickers to handle the elements.

And could there be any better than kicker Dave Rayner to start the soggy action? ...

Can we just go ahead and name AC/DC the official band of San Diego sports? We know about "Hells Bells" for Trevor Hoffman, and the Chargers tipped their hat to the ensemble with a rousing version of "Thunderstruck," which accompanied a highlight film on the scoreboard. ...

Saw a fan with a Tomlinson No. 21 jersey covered by Superman's cape. Good thing he didn't have to change into the Superman get-up. When was the last time you saw a phone booth? ...

The coffee lines rivaled the beer quest for the longest at halftime. Get this, a cup of coffee cost $4 -- and you don't have to say Grande soy latte with an extra shot to reach that figure.

Water? It was $4.50 for the stuff not falling from the sky. ...

You can have the Shawne Merriman's "Lights Out" dance and Shaun Phillips' bowling pose after sacks. Give me the Luis Castillo salsa number following his big plays. No wonder they call him, "Dancing Bear." ...

Hanging out in the third quarter in the View section, aisle 16, row 18 was interesting and an eye-opener, No, not the panoramic view of the rocking stadium, but the comments from those in attendance: "Norv Turner, boo, Norv Turner, boo!" or "C'mon Rivers. We didn't trade Brees for nothing." Betcha they weren't saying that around 4:30 p.m. ...

The throng of reporters in the Chargers' locker room was unprecedented. But one scene never changes -- minority owner George Pernicano fiddling with his cigars, eager to give them out to his winning boys.

For once, the Chargers are close and have a cigar.

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