CHARGERS: Offense can't run or hide

By JAY PARIS - Staff Writer | Sunday, November 30, 2008 7:20 PM PST ∞

SAN DIEGO ---- The Chargers have many woes in this late-season skid, but none is more evident than what's front-and-center: the offensive line.

Once again, the Chargers' big uglies turned in an unsightly performance.

"We couldn't get any consistency in the run,'' Chargers coach Norv Turner said.

The running game was once a San Diego staple. Now it's a mere memory.

"We don't run it as much as we used to because we have a lot more playmakers," left tackle Marcus McNeill said.

But when the blocking doesn't allow quarterback Philip Rivers time ---- he was sacked three times and called for intentional grounding in the end zone for a safety ---- does it matter?

"If you don't have (blocking), it makes it tough on the skill position, whether you play running back or quarterback,'' LaDainian Tomlinson said.

Tomlinson rushed for a season-low 24 yards on 14 carries ---- the second fewest yards for a game in his career. Overall, the Chargers managed 70 yards on the ground, and 28 came from Jacob Hester on a fake punt.

"It was just not a good offensive performance,'' right tackle Jeromey Clary said.

The line was juggled when Pro Bowl left guard Kris Dielman was sidelined with the flu. Scott Mruczkowski filled in and was exposed in the final drive.

With about two minutes remaining, John Abraham and Jonathan Babineaux broke through the left side to sack Rivers for 9-yard loss.

"You wish you could have some plays back, but unfortunately you can't,'' Mruczkowski said. "It was a key mistake ... you can't give up the sack, and that is the play that is on my mind and will be on my mind for a while.''

Added McNeill: "He had his head down after that, but he played a great game. I know everybody would like to have back one or two plays.''

Mruczkowski wasn't the only lineman with a blemish, though he stood strong in the face of reporters.

Center Nick Hardwick, who had a holding penalty, was mum.

"I'm not commenting on the team; it's not my job to evaluate,'' he said.

Right guard Mike Goff, who along with Clary had a false start, rebuffed a reporter and bolted from the locker room.

Rivers had no explanation on the absent running game.

"I don't know other than what you see,'' he said. "That's what it is. I don't really have a grasp or real evaluation of it.''

What's so troubling about the Chargers' anemic rushing production is it came against the NFL's No. 21 run defense.

But the Falcons looked stout while the Chargers were left down-and-out.

"We got our butt kicked,'' Tomlinson said. "Plain and simple, we got our butts kicked today."