This past week the Jaguars traveled to San Diego and had the task of stopping star running back and, in many people's opinion, the best offensive player in the entire NFL, LaDainian Tomlinson. Well, the team was able to shut him down when it came to running the ball. Tomlinson gained just 56 yards on 19 carries (2.9 YPC). However, the 4 catches for 78 yards LaDainian had was nothing to brag about.
Believe it or not, Tomlinson was not the star on this day. As a matter of fact, he didn't even finish the game. He needed to be taken out late in the third quarter as a result of a groin injury.
Antonio Gates and Jesse Chatman haunted the Jags defense. Gates seemed to be open on every play. Jacksonville had trouble matching up with the athletic tight end all day. Gates finished the day with 8 catches for 93 yards and two touchdowns. Jesse Chatman provided the Chargers with the crushing blows that buried the Jaguars for good.
Shortly after Byron Leftwich ran in a 2-yard touchdown on a QB sneak, Chatman broke off two long runs of 31 and a 41-yard touchdowns. It was a two play, 72 yard drive that took just 42 seconds. The touchdown run made Jesse Chatman, of all people, just the third player dating back to the 2003 season to break the century mark for rushing yards in a game vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars defense.
Now comes the next test for the Jaguars. They will take on the Kansas City Chiefs, who are currently second in rushing offense. First Chris Brown, then Edgerrin James, then LaDainian Tomlinson (and Jesse Chatman) now Priest Holmes. This team is certainly facing a gauntlet of tough running backs.
How about a look on the bright side? Byron Leftwich was marvelous. I continue to praise the kid, and it is well deserved. He's showing guts, and a never-quit attitude. All Leftwich wants to do is to win. His career highs for passing attempts (54), completions (36), and passing yardage, (357) all mean nothing to the young gunslinger.
“I'd rather be five for eight for 40 yards and win,” Leftwich told reporters.
That might be the perfect quote to hear from a second-year quarterback, and not something you would expect from a 24-year old kid. The attitude, the skill, and the poise are all there. Number seven is ready to emerge as a star. He cannot do it all himself, however. This week versus the Kansas City defense, which has been run over by just about everyone for two years now, and the Chiefs high octane offense, the Jaguars offense and defense will have to click together.
