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Running back LaDainian Tomlinson knew it was coming. If San Diego kept relying solely on the arm of quarterback Philip Rivers to get them into the end zone, there was going to be some awfully loud squawking going on in town. So he was thrilled Monday night to finally touch that painted blue grass at Qualcomm Stadium, running in for two scores in the Chargers’ 48-29 win against the Jets.

“I almost forgot what it felt like,” Tomlinson said with a grin. “It was like, ‘Jeez, the next thing is the media is going to start getting on us about no rushing touchdowns.’ … I was happy to get a rushing touchdown to keep you guys off our backs.”

LaDainian, who had never started a pro season with three straight games without a touchdown, jumped over the line for a 2-yard score in the third quarter to give the Chargers a 38-14 advantage, and he added another pounding 2-yard run to make it 45-23. Still hampered by an injured big toe on his right foot, Tomlinson ran for only a 2.6-yard average on the night — 67 yards on 26 carries — but he got the work done in the red zone after some nice setup efforts by backup Darren Sproles (38 yards on five carries).

“Today was going to be one of those physical running days,” Tomlinson said. “Making one cut and going straight ahead is not a problem for me.”