Tomlinson takes rushing lead as Chargers win
LOS ANGELES: LaDainian Tomlinson grabbed the NFL rushing lead and scored a touchdown as the San Diego Chargers won their fifth consecutive game with a 23-3 home victory over the Denver Broncos on Monday.
Tomlinson picked up 107 yards on 19 carries to give him 1,418 yards for the season in his bid for a second successive league rushing title.
"It would mean a lot," Tomlinson told reporters when asked about his quest for a repeat title, "especially with the adversity we had this season (starting 1-3).
"I know the offensive line wants it. I definitely want it, so we will go after it next week."
Injured Pittsburgh Steeler Willie Parker had led this season's rushers with 1,316 yards but broke his right leg on Thursday and is out for the season.
Tomlinson topped the 100-yard mark for the fourth consecutive game and the sixth time this season.
His 17-yard touchdown run gave the Chargers (10-5) a 10-0 lead late in the first quarter, and he saw little action in the second half.
Nate Kaeding's second and third field goals made it 16-0 at intermission.
Philip Rivers then put the Chargers ahead 23-0 with a 14-yard touchdown pass to Chris Chambers in the third quarter.
Denver (6-9) finally scored on Jason Elam's 23-yard field goal with 2:47 left in the third quarter.
Rivers completed 17 of 25 passes for 189 yards.
Agencies
(China Daily 12/26/2007 page24)
