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Tomlinson Is Non-Factor After Re-Injuring Knee

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By IRA KAUFMAN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 21, 2008

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - By the middle of the opening quarter, LaDainian Tomlinson wore a parka and the Chargers wore a frown.

The two-time league rushing champion and 2006 NFL MVP said he re-injured his sprained left MCL on the first play of Sunday's 21-12 loss to New England in the AFC Championship Game.

Tomlinson carried twice for 5 yards and added a 1-yard catch before heading to the frosty sidelines at Gillette Stadium.

"I didn't have my burst," Tomlinson said, "and it was a helpless feeling when you know you can't help your team at all. I'm kind of at a loss for words."

While Tomlinson was unable to contribute, QB Philip Rivers played despite a sprained knee and hobbled TE Antonio Gates went most of the way with a dislocated toe.

"L.T. is a warrior and if he's not playing, you know there's something really wrong," said LB Shawne Merriman, one of San Diego's eight Pro Bowl representatives.

Tomlinson and Rivers each suffered knee injuries during last week's divisional playoff win at Indianapolis. Rivers, intercepted twice while completing 19 of 37 passes for 211 yards, said he was not hampered by his reduced mobility.

"We had some guys make remarkable commitments in terms of laying it on the line when they probably shouldn't have been out there," first-year coach Norv Turner said. "L.T. tried to go and he just couldn't go. The pain in the knee, what he felt, he couldn't push off it and he couldn't go."

SECRET WEAPON: Veteran RB Kevin Faulk has emerged as Tom Brady's go-to target in two postseason victories.

While record-setting WR Randy Moss has been limited to one reception in each game, Faulk has caught 13 passes the past two weeks. He led all players with eight catches Sunday and added an 8-yard run, accounting for 90 yards for the unbeaten Patriots, who have won their last 11 home playoff games.

"My role is simple ... be prepared," said Faulk, a second-round pick in 1999 who has stuck with New England because of his versatility. "You might be in on third down, you might be in on first or second down, we never know. If the opportunity comes, you have to be ready no matter what."

Coach Bill Belichick has learned to rely on Faulk to come through in clutch situations.

"He always does," Belichick said. "He's been big for us all year."

THE BIG SHOW: By advancing to the Feb. 3 Super Bowl at Glendale, Ariz., the Patriots joined the Cowboys (8) , Broncos (6) and Steelers (6) as the only franchises to make at least six appearances in the NFL's showcase event.

After losing their first two Super Bowls, the Patriots have beaten St. Louis, Carolina and Philadelphia, all by three points apiece.

"The older you get, the more you appreciate the opportunities you get," said 35-year-old S Rodney Harrison, who posted seven tackles Sunday. "It's pretty special to be part of this team. We're 18-0 and just to have the opportunity to go to Arizona after all the distractions and to keep our focus, I'm just proud of it."

EXTRA POINTS: The Patriots tied the 1984 San Francisco 49ers and the 1985 Bears, who each finished 18-1, for the most victories in an NFL season. ... Brady registered his 100th career win as a starter, including a 14-2 mark in the postseason. ... Forty of San Diego's 60 snaps came before intermission.

Ira Kaufman

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