Raiders Can’t Stop Tomlinson or Free Fall

Led by a record-setting performance by running back LaDainian Tomlinson, the San Diego Chargers beat the rival Oakland Raiders, 21-14, Sunday, adding to the Raiders’ precipitous decline from last season’s Super Bowl appearance.

Plagued by injuries and age, particularly the midseason loss of quarterback Rich Gannon, the Raiders finished 4-12, the worst record of any team after a Super Bowl appearance.

“It’s so bad I can’t be mad,” said Raider defensive tackle Rod Coleman. “I don’t know what was going on out there.

“Some guys came to play, some didn’t,” Coleman said.

The Chargers also finished 4-12, winning the first pick in the NFL draft in April.

A crowd of 62,222 displayed banners begging Charger owners not to abandon San Diego.

“Chargers Stay in San Diego, Get Rid of Mayor Murphy,” read one banner, a reference to the mayor’s refusal to consider the team’s request for a new stadium, a matter now in the courts.

With eight pass receptions and 243 yards rushing, Tomlinson became the only running back in NFL history to catch 100 passes and rush for more than 1,000 yards in a season.

The third-year pro ended the season with 1,645 yards, down from 1,683 in 2002.

Tomlinson scored twice, each time on a two-yard run.

Quarterback Drew Brees threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver David Boston.

The Raiders scored touchdowns on an 80-yard punt return by cornerback Phillip Buchanon and an 85-yard kickoff return by wide receiver Doug Gabriel.

Brees, who was benched twice this season by Coach Marty Schottenheimer because of fumbles and interceptions, completed 15 of 28 passes for 97 yards, with no turnovers.

“He did today what I challenged him to do: Take care of the damn ball,” Schottenheimer said.

Although the team may not have played like past Raider teams, they followed one team tradition: tumult in the locker room.

Only hours before kickoff, Raider Coach Bill Callahan suspended cornerback Charles Woodson and running back Charlie Garner for an unspecified violation of team rules.

Callahan refused to discuss the suspensions.

“They were here, and then they left,” Coleman said.

“Why are you going to stick around when you can’t play?” Coleman said.