SAN DIEGO ---- From the moment that LaDainian Tomlinson raced onto the field during pregame introductions, it was clear that he had a little extra jump in his step on Monday night.

Tomlinson accounted for 100 yards from scrimmage against the Denver Broncos ---- 70 yards on 18 carries and 30 more on three receptions, including a two-handed chest pass from Phillip Rivers that he took 25 yards to help set up the Chargers' first score, a 20-yard field goal by Nate Kaeding.

It was just the second time in the Chargers' last 10 games dating back to last season that Tomlinson accounted for 100 yards from scrimmage.

"We did some things in the running game," Tomlinson said. "And we'll build on it."

But Tomlinson was clearly frustrated when he was not on the field for a third-down, goal-line play on the Chargers' second possession. Instead, diminutive Darren Sproles got the ball and was stuffed for no gain at the Denver 2-yard line, and the Chargers had to settle for Kaeding's short field goal.

"Coach had a play he wanted to call," Tomlinson said. "That's the only thing I know."

Coach Norv Turner said he used Sproles in that situation because he originally called a pass play. But, Turner said, the Chargers checked out of that into the ill-fated line plunge.

Following the play, Tomlinson was seen fuming on the sideline. As Tomlinson walked away after Sproles was stopped, he lightly tossed his helmet to the ground.

"I want to be in the game. I don't think there's any question about that," Tomlinson said.

In the offseason, Tomlinson bristled at charges that he has lost a step and his best days are behind him. Then he missed two games this season with an ankle injury before returning against Pittsburgh and rushing for just 15 yards as the Chargers had to resort to the pass to come back from a 21-point halftime deficit.

That the Chargers' offense struggled after halftime was no surprise. Denver had not allowed a point in the second half of any of its last four games, and it played Dallas and New England during that stretch, teams with much more formidable rushing attacks than the Chargers.

Tomlinson, Turner and quarterback Phillip Rivers all pointed to the team's second-half struggles as the key to this loss.

"We all have things we can do better, everybody" Tomlinson said. "We've got to find it and play better."