In Volek we trust

Did you notice the exchange between LaDainian Tomlinson and Philip Rivers during the second half of Sundays’ AFC Divisional playoff game between the San Diego Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts?

Rivers had just returned to the sideline after having his injured knee examined, and Tomlinson, also sidelined with a knee injury, must have asked Rivers if he would return to the game. When the quarterback said no, Tomlinson’s head jerked to his left, and he wore a pained expression as he disappeared among his teammates.

Calm down, LaDainian.

No Rivers, no problem.

The most stunning story of the weekend was Billy Volek, the Chargers' seldom-used backup quarterback, who replaced Rivers and eventually led the Chargers on an eight-play, 78-yard touchdown drive, covering the final yard himself to compete the Chargers' 28-24 upset over the defending Super Bowl champions.

You can understand Tomlinson’s reaction. Chargers were limping off the field in bunches, and what chance did they really have of knocking off the Colts without their No. 1 quarterback, right?

Sure.

We all saw it coming, right?

Sure.

Volek completed 3 of 6 passes during the regular season for 10 yards and zero touchdowns.

Tomlinson completed one pass during the regular season that went for a 17-yard touchdown.

So the No. 1 running back had more passing yards and passing touchdowns than the backup quarterback.
And, still, the Chargers won.

Volek moved the Chargers all the way to the AFC title game.

Even the great Peyton Manning couldn’t produce that kind of magic.

Rivers, with a sprained MCL, is listed as questionable for this Sunday’s AFC Championship Game at New England.

The Chargers are going to need an awful lot of Tomlinson, or they will all be wearing the same expression Tomlinson flashed to Rivers last week.