Jeff Walcoff, Staff Writer
11.02.2006
Browns starting middle linebacker Andra Davis was asked Thursday if
the San Diego Chargers, whom the Browns play Sunday at QUALCOMM
Stadium, have the best offense the team will have faced off against
this year.

"I don't know," Davis said. "Cincinnati is pretty good, but they rank
up there with Cincinnati."

That certainly is up for debate. While the Bengals have the more
proven quarterback in Carson Palmer, and the more dangerous receiving
threats in Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, the Chargers are
averaging almost 9 more points per game than the Bengals so far in
2006.

The Chargers, in fact, average an AFC-best 30.9 points per game.

But when asked if running back LaDainian Tomlinson was the best
player the Browns defense will have seen this year, Davis didn't
leave any doubt.

"Yeah, definitely," Davis said. "He's one of the best in the league."

Keep in mind the Browns already have matched up against the likes of
Reggie Bush, Johnson, Randy Moss, and Steve Smith.

But the stats, both this year and throughout previous seasons,
certainly back up Davis' assessment.

So far in 2006, Tomlinson ranks first in the AFC with 656 rushing
yards, first in the NFL with 9 rushing touchdowns, first in the AFC
in receptions by a running back with 35, first in the NFL in scoring
by a non-kicker (66 points), and, well, the list goes on...

As for past seasons, he finished first in the AFC in scoring by a non-
kicker in 2005, '04, and '03. He has never finished lower than fifth
in the AFC in rushing during his five seasons as a pro.

In his short career, the three-time Pro Bowl selection already has
rushed for 8,017 yards with 81 touchdowns and has racked up 2,695
receiving yards and 10 scores.

To make matters worse for the Browns, Tomlinson has a history of
caving up the Orange & Brown defense.

In three career games vs. the Browns, Tomlinson has recorded at least
100 rushing yards all three times including a 200-yard performance
vs. the team in 2003 in a game for which he was named AFC offensive
player of the week.

Overall in his career against the Browns, Tomlinson has managed 413
yards on 71 carries (5.8. avg.) with 4 touchdowns. The Chargers won
two of the three matchups.

Romeo Crennel discussed the prospect of defending the playmaker.

"It's hard for one guy (to stop him)," Crennel said. "Your teammates
need to help you by having leverage on him. You have a guy outside of
him, inside of him, closing on him and have a guy taking care of the
bounce-out."

Rookie linebacker Kamerion Wimbley added, "He's a dangerous guy we
have to be aware of at all times. Time and time again he's been in on
a lot of big plays. He has excellent burst and athleticism. He has
everything you want in a back."

But as soon as a defense pays too much attention to Tomlinson is when
one of the many other weapons on the Chargers offense can rear its
head.

Tight end Antonio Gates finished second in the AFC last season in
receptions (89). Receiver and former Brown Keenan McCardell,
meanwhile, ranks 17th in NFL history in receiving yardage.

"It's a challenge," Davis said. "LT is probably the best running back
in the league right now, but it's not only him. Their whole offense
is good with Gates, (receiver Eric) Parker, Keenan McCardell -- all
those guys. They have some weapons."

But none quite approach the legend of Tomlinson. At age 27, some are
already calling the 2001 first-round pick from TCU one of the best of
all time.

Right now, Tomlinson averages a little more than a touchdown per
game. If he continues at this pace, he could overtake Emmitt Smith as
the league's all-time leader in touchdowns by a running back (175) in
as few as five seasons from now. He's already more than halfway there.

But Tomlinson doesn't listen to that kind of rhetoric.

"I'm in my sixth year and I have a long way to go," Tomlinson
said. "I want to be considered as one of the greatest to play the
game. I don't think about it. I just know I have to go out and prove
it to my opponents who are trying to shut me down. That's my
approach."

So far, so good. The Chargers are 5-2 and Tomlinson is on his way to
yet another Pro Bowl season.

"We have a great team," Tomlinson said. "Since I've been here, this
team is the one I've liked the most. We have a great chance at
winning now and later. If we get some luck and guys stay healthy, I
think this could be our year."