ALAMEDA – Just wrapped up the conference calls with Norv Turner and LaDainian Tomlinson.
Tomlinson’s concern with the Chargers’ running game sounds a lot like LaMont Jordan’s in his one year under Turner.
Tomlinson said the Chargers have not been consistent in running the ball. He referenced San Diego’s loss to Kansas City on Sept. 30.
Tomlinson had 14 carries for 116 yards and a touchdown in the first half and San Diego led 16-6. Tomlinson ran just six more times for 16 yards the rest of the game.
Jordan had similar complaints about the offense in 2005 that seemed to work so well when he touched the ball a lot. But Turner never seemed to be dedicated to running the ball.
So while some players such as Jerry Porter thought Turner should have gotten another year after the 2005 season, there are plenty that aren’t crying over Turner being gone.
Turner's playcalling was a concern then and has been in San Diego.
If giving the ball to Tomlinson, the 2007 NFL MVP, with a lead isn’t a no-brainer, I don’t know what is for a coach.
Some players might miss the good old days of Turner’s 9-23 tenure from 2004-05. Randy Moss famously dissed Turner when asked what he thought of Turner as a head coach by saying nothing.
But Turner is a nice guy. And if you notice, any head coach with failings is often referred to as a nice guy, before anything.
But even though he’s not happy with the running game, Tomlinson isn’t jumping ship on Turner. He said there’s something wrong with you if you don’t like Turner.
That might be true of Turner, the person. But if you like Turner, the head coach, there might be something wrong with you.
*Jordan was at practice this morning. Lane Kiffin should give an update on how much he practiced later.
--Jason Jones
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