Tomlinson has proven his durability with years of production

By Tom Robinson  |   Thursday, July 17, 2008  |  Comments( 20 )

San Diego Chargers
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LaDainian Tomlinson’s knee problems during last season’s playoffs should not hide the fact that the defending NFL rushing champion has been highly durable throughout his professional career. Tomlinson, the San Diego Chargers running back, has played in 111 of a possible 112 games as a pro with remarkable consistency. After rushing for 1,236 yards as a rookie, he has scampered for at least 1,335 yards in each season since, including 1,474 in 2007. Moreover, he has caught more than 50 passes every season and averaged 4.3 yards or better per carry five times.

An ever deeper look at Tomlinson’s statistics shows an athlete who, instead of getting tired late in games or seasons, gets stronger when others would be breaking down. Life as an NFL running back, particularly one who carries as often as Tomlinson does, is supposed to be more tiring -- but not for him.

Tomlinson, who at times had trouble getting started, had no difficulty finishing during the 2007 regular season. After averaging 4.0 yards per carry in the first quarter, 4.6 in the second and 4.3 in the third, Tomlinson amassed a 5.6-yard average (51 attempts, 287 yards) in the fourth. Additionally, Tomlinson averaged 3.8 yards per carry in his first 10 attempts each game and 4.9 in tries 11 through 20. Once he reached 21 carries, that average shot up to 7.8 with 22 attempts for 172 yards and three touchdowns.

Right in the middle of San Diego’s six-game winning streak to end the season was a streak in which Tomlinson had four of his six 100-yard rushing efforts.

A San Diego lead and a Tomlinson carry are a tough combination. With the Chargers in front by one to eight points, Tomlinson churned out 6.6 yards per carry (63 for 415) last season. Such production was not isolated to the 2007 campaign, though, as Tomlinson averaged 6.1 yards per carry in situations where the Chargers led by one to eight points or when the game was within seven points or fewer in the fourth quarter. He rushed 119 times for 730 yards protecting the narrow leads, tallying 321 yards on 53 carries in the fourth quarter of tight games.

The fourth quarter was Tomlinson’s best in 2005, evidenced by his production (4.9 yards per carry) in the final 15 minutes of games. He also showed the tendency to get stronger as he got busier, averaging 6.6 from his 21st carry of the game on.

NFL fans and analysts are quick to name the Vikings' Adrian Peterson as the league's top back, but the 29-year-old Tomlinson's durability will continue to set him apart for the foreseeable future.
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