Hall of Famer, LaDainian Tomlinson has recently stirred up controversy by suggesting that former Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron altered his play calling, particularly limiting Tomlinson’s carries, to sabotage the 2006 AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots
LT Accuses Former Los Angeles Chargers OC of Throwing Playoff Game
The 2006 AP MVP joined The Pivot Podcast with former NFL stars Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder on April 5th and shared his theory that Cam Cameron wanted to end his season as offensive coordinator for the Chargers by ensuring a loss despite having an 11 point lead late in the second quarter.
Cameron was hired as head coach by the Miami Dolphins five days after the loss in question. Cameron was interviewed for a number of head coaching jobs, including the Houston Texans, St. Louis Rams, Arizona Cardinals, and Atlanta Falcons. Miami was the only club that made an offer. His head coaching career was brief. Cameron was fired after going 1-15 in 2007.
Crowder, who played for the Dolphins from 2005 to 2010 doesn’t recall Cameron’s stint favorably, saying “If that [man] was on fire, I wouldn’t piss on him.”
Statistical Validity To LT’s Claim
Tomlinson’s usage did wane in the second half, but the splits are not dramatic. He totaled 23 carries in the game, which is on target with his season average of 21 carries per game, 13 first-half carries, and 10 second-half.
In the 4th quarter, the Chargers mounted a nine-play, nearly five-minute scoring drive to go up 21-13 with 8:40 left in the game. The Patriots scored to tie the game. On the ensuing drive, with 4:30 left on the clock, Tomlinson’s last run play was called. He picked up five yards. Cameron called two passing plays, both failed and they punted the ball back to the Patriots. They kicked the game deciding field goal on the next drive. The Chargers had an opportunity to tie the game with a field goal, which was missed.
Tomlinson was averaging over 5 yards per carry during the season and the Patriots were no better at stopping him in this game. He averaged 5.3 yards per attempt. He also led the team in receiving yards with 64.
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