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Perfect Patriots Beat Chargers for AFC Title, Defense Leads New England to Super Bowl

by David Kindervater on January 21st, 2008

Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL

The New England Patriots took yet another step toward a perfect season. But their 21-12 win over the San Diego Chargers in the AFC Championship game was anything but perfect. It certainly wasn’t Tom Brady’s best game. And it certainly wasn’t the way he imagined this AFC Championship game would play out. But that’s really not what matters. There are no style points in the NFL. What matters are wins and losses and the Patriots, of course, have 18 straight victories against no defeats — a simply mind-boggling accomplishment.

It’s not like Tom choked in this one. I think we hold him to such a high standard it’s hard to conceive that he might even be human on the football field. But his three interceptions proved just that. The Chargers have a confident and opportunistic defense. And they weren’t about to be intimidated by the highest-scoring offense in the history of the National Football League. Thus a trio of picks. But Tom also threw two TD passes and finished 22 of 33 including eight completions to RB Kevin Faulk. It just further proves that when a defense eliminates one or even two players from the Patriots’ plan of attack (as San Diego masterfully did), someone else will step up. Kevin had a great game, including a key third-down as the Patriots played keep-away in the fourth quarter (ol’ reliable Wes Welker also had seven catches and a TD). And the Patriots leaned on their running game with Laurence Maroney (25 carries for 122 yards) in the second half, including a key TD in the third quarter.

I believe the Patriots’ defense won this game, though. There’s been a lot of talk about New England’s aging linebackers and how susceptible this team is against the run. Statistically, it’s true. But when a game is on the line, I’ll take these old guys with lots of smarts and enough ability. DBs Ellis Hobbs and Asanti Samuel (not old guys) each had an interception. And Junior Seau (old guy) made a key defensive play in the third quarter, forcing a Chargers field goal. The Bolts were forced to settle for field goals all day and that was the difference in the game. That’s playing Championship style defense as they overshadowed their much-heralded offense.

Despite losing, San Diego has plenty to be proud of. They came into this game battered and bruised. And you need look no further than their “Big 3″ (QB Philip Rivers, RB LaDainian Tomlinson, and TE Antonio Gates) for proof. LT gave it a try with his bad knee but could only manage a couple early carries for five yards. He watched most of the game from the bench, wrapped in a parka. I can guarantee he was extremely frustrated and disappointed. Philip was hobbled as well but managed to survive the entire game with respectable numbers (19 of 37 for 211 yards but with two picks). Antonio was a non-factor on his bad toe — only two catches for 17 yards. But, I would say the San Diego defense was as advertised. Any team that can hold the mighty Patriots to 21 points (and the aforementioned three turnovers) is going to be right in that football game. All-Pro DB Antonio Cromartie was in on nine tackles with a huge, touchdown-saving INT to his credit.

This game was a great example of the New England Patriots playing team football. For much of the game, San Diego fans had a glimmer of hope. It looked like the Chargers might have a chance. But the Pats are too prepared and too good for — well — any other team in the NFL. Can they do it one more time? We’ll find out in two weeks at Super Bowl XLII.

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POSTED IN: New England Patriots, San Diego Chargers