Even a calm player like the Chargers’ LaDainian Tomlinson can get hot under the collar once in a while. Especially after a playoff loss. Especially after watching the opponents dance in the middle of his own field after a victory.
That’s what happened Jan. 14, following the Chargers 24-21 loss to New England in the AFC divisional playoffs.
Tomlinson, who has been the heart and soul of the Chargers during their march to a 14-2 regular season record “” the best in the NFL “” was visibly upset and expressed his displeasure.
“I’d never react in that way,” Tomlinson said. “I was very upset. When you go to the middle of our field and start doing the dance (Chargers linebacker) Shawne Merriman is known for, that is disrespectful. They showed no class, and maybe that comes from the head coach.”
Tight end Antonio Gates was no less happy with his team’s performance, saying, “That was the worst game we played all year.”
Despite accusations that the Patriots lacked class, they were the better team in the end at Qualcomm Stadium.
Tom Brady, who is shooting for a fourth Super Bowl ring, threw three interceptions but led the Patriots’ comeback from a 21-13 deficit with 3:26 to play in the game. Brady connected with former Charger Reche Caldwell for a 4-yard touchdown pass. Kevin Faulk ran in a two-point conversion for a 21-21 tie and Stephen Gostkowski kicked the game-winning, 31-yard field goal with 1:10 to play.
San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers tried valiantly to put the Chargers in position for a game-tying field goal and overtime, but came up a few yards short. Nate Kaeding’s 54-yard kick fell short and wide with :03 left.
Tomlinson, who ran for 123 yards and two touchdowns, seemed to put the game away when he ran for a 3-yard touchdown with 8:35 to play in the fourth quarter, giving the Chargers an eight-point lead.
But the cool Brady led his team back, and he now has six winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime in the postseason.
The Chargers did their part, though, to keep New England in the game. They turned the ball over four times, including a muffed punt that led to a field goal. San Diego safety Marlon McCree intercepted a Brady pass late in the fourth only to have the ball stripped from him by Troy Brown for the game-tying score.
In-between, Vincent Jackson was unable to drag his back toe in the end zone following a would-be TD catch that was ruled out-of-bounds. And a 15-yard penalty put the Patriots in position for a 34-yard field goal that trimmed the lead to 14-13.
Not a great way to end a great season.