Patsfan wrote on Jan 16, 2008 1:33 AM:It will be an excite game.
Play your best, Bolts.

rgucwa wrote on Jan 16, 2008 4:43 AM:What are you Nuts !!! Pats are going to run all over the Chargers..Then you wil be bad mouthing the Pats again !!!!

I believe wrote on Jan 16, 2008 7:36 AM:we can do it, then the Pats will whine and make some lame excuse for our winning...... watch out Pats, here we come.

To rgucwa wrote on Jan 16, 2008 7:49 AM:You and all your trash talking patriots fans need to get a life. Remember it is just a game, ENTERTAINMENT. No matter who wins their are more important things worthy of getting worked up over. The patriots will not always be on top and if this is where your identity comes from you are going to be in one sad state when they fall. That goes for anyone, have fun but keep it in it's proper perspective. It is going to be a fun game to watch.

TXBoltFAN wrote on Jan 16, 2008 8:00 AM:Ok, 2 down 2 to go, and I, just like Bobby, like our chances. I was sitting down with my son yesterday discussing our chances and decided to make a little match up chart. it goes something lke this

Chargers-------PATS
QB x
WR1 x
WR2 x
RB x
TE x
OL x

DL x
OLB x
ILB x
Saf x
CB x
ST x(although keeding will be a problem, i think punter and return make the diff)

When I look at that and the way we match up with the Pats I am encouraged

We have to put pressure on Brady if we allow him the time he will pick us apart. I believe that forcing him to move or rushing his throws will create oppertunities. New England will score 3 TD's and 2 FG but in the end if Rivers Plays(and he is the key...Tomlinson is Great but we have a tremendious back up in Turner that is capable of carrying the load for the Bolts) we win...31-27...this will be a fun game...

Go Bolts

JK wrote on Jan 16, 2008 8:25 AM:After the Shawns put the hurt on Mrs. Brady early in the first quarter he will have happy feet and be throwing interceptions for the rest of the game. Then all the Pats fans will go stand in one of the Big Dig tunnels until the next collapse to end their misery.

Lemon wrote on Jan 16, 2008 8:34 AM:I just hope the Bolt fans don't complain like they do everytime they lose that they got robbed! Sometimes the other team is just better, as in this case. Bitter is no way to go through life Bolts fans. Accept the loss and move on Sunday.

TXBoltFAN wrote on Jan 16, 2008 9:06 AM:guess this the space thing didnt work.

let me clairify the matchup thing.

-----Bolts--------PATS

QB---------------- x
RB--- x
WR1----------------x
WR2---x
TE----x
OL-----------------x

DL----x
OLB---x
ILB----------------x
saftey-------------x
CB----x
ST----x------------x

All I am saying here is I love the match ups...I think the analysist need to be carful...Brady is Awsome.....but the Bolts Have gotten to him in the past...It will be close...closer than 14pts the sheese wish i had a lot of extra money I would take the points and RUN....

GO BOLTS

BoltDan wrote on Jan 16, 2008 9:09 AM:If you beat us Lemon then we wont complain... IF by chance the NFL ref's start throwing Phantom hold calls like last week (simular to your loss to the Ravens) then we will all complain... let's hope it is a straight up game and no bad calls either way... I hate controversy when we win. I will make a prediction for you though: 1. PR will talk trash to someone, 2. Merriman will do his sack dance at least twice, 3. Rodney Harrison will be flagged for roughing someone, 4. The Patsies are looking past the Bolts to the superbowl and will lose because of it- 28 - 14 BOLTS BABY!!!! Oh and 5. when we win we will not dance on your field emblem and mock your team... we have class!

Steve wrote on Jan 16, 2008 9:37 AM:Poor, misguided SD fans. SD has NO chance to win this game even if healthy. NE can play any type of game necessary to win. That's what makes them as good as they are. Pressure or no pressure, great game plan or not, NE will make the right in game adjustments and as good as the SD defense is, there's no way it holds NE to less than 31 points. Even with breaks, SD isn't scoring more than 20. Game. Set. Match. Feel good though. You had a nice season.

JK wrote on Jan 16, 2008 10:16 AM:The Pats fans myopic point of view on the invincibility of their team will surely lead to their whining, crying and dog kicking on Sunday afternoon after Mrs. Brady gets repeatedly pounded into the turf. The Chargers are on a mission while the Pats think they should be annointed.

Jon Boltz wrote on Jan 16, 2008 10:45 AM:This is one of the most anticipated games of the last decade for us Charger fans. And it is all about Redemption. Redemption for those idiots who celebrated and mocked our team last year. Redemtion for the lack of respect this team gets. The preassure is all on the Patriots. Nobody expects the Chargers to win. Except for the true fans and the organization. We will show the rest of the country that we believe in our team. Chargers 28-20.

Lose Chargers Lose wrote on Jan 16, 2008 12:03 PM:I am already doing the Lose Chargers Lose Dance. The vibes are strong and foretell a BIG Charger Loss. Then I will laugh laugh laugh at all the long faced Chargers fans who will have to wait another decade to make it to the playoffs again. ha ha ha

Dream On wrote on Jan 16, 2008 12:34 PM:How did the chargers make it this far? LUCK --nothing wrong with luck although it will run out this weekend.

boston rob wrote on Jan 16, 2008 12:57 PM:Redemption? You lost on your home field and your steroid blown up Lb dances when his team is behind! This city complains about respect, respect is earned, not obtained by crying. The first big game the Chargers or Padres win will be the first big game ever won!Win something then bitch about respect.

whitey wrote on Jan 16, 2008 1:09 PM:I enjoyed the player by player matchup that one guy made. especially giving the edge to the chargers on second receiver. There isn't a charger WR that can hold wes welkers jock.

supporting rgucwa wrote on Jan 16, 2008 1:57 PM:What do the presidential candidates stand for? Why does Bush think Iran is a real threat? Who are your kids' teachers' names? What is the interest rate on your credit card? How many people and charitable organizations could use just a few hours of our time a month?

Seriously people. How many hours have you wasted reading Pats / Bolts articles and coming up with clever arguments about how the MLBs can contain Welker in the slot? Because there are lots of more importnat things out there. And by lots, I mena practically everything.

Rgucwa is right - it's about entertainment. This is not life or death stuff. If you fall down and break your leg and get fired because of it, Merriman won't care. Neither will LT, or Brady, or Moss, or Sproles, or anyone on these teams. They don't care if you live or die. But you people hang on their every word and pretend like you're part of the team. The REAL Patriots and the REAL Chargers couldn't care less - they'd play just as hard for any other fan if the money was right. If you're hell-bent on wasting your time, at least move on and start "wasting" our time on things that matter a little more meaningful.

Maine-e-ack wrote on Jan 16, 2008 1:57 PM:How can anyone call SD classy. If P. Rivers mouthing off to anyone who is in hearing distance is class then thanks for calling the Pats classless.
The fact of the matter is the SD did have a great end of the season but they peaked two games early. They are worn down, and you cannot expect back ups to perform at levels of seasoned veterans for sustained periods of time. Good run Bolts, but I just don't see it happening this weekend.

Rico wrote on Jan 16, 2008 2:05 PM:I love reading the posts by the Raider fans who sneak on this site and try to blend in with the Patriot fans. Funny, but sad. SUPER BOLTS!

NFL is always close wrote on Jan 16, 2008 2:37 PM:Though the Patsies clearly have the edge in personell and coaching, this game isn't decided on paper. Even the Dolphins and Jets (two of the worst teams in the NFL) gave a "better than expected" performance vs. the Patsies this year. Anything can happen. All it takes is one missed tackle, one special teams blunder, or one Tom Brady sack --> injury to make the game closer.

Go Bolts!

Concerned-1 wrote on Jan 16, 2008 3:32 PM:Yeah Rico, like the ha ha ha guy and his Lose Chargers Lose Dance. It hasn't so well so far, but he's still dancing. Typical Raiders fan.

Concerned-1 wrote on Jan 16, 2008 3:36 PM:The Bobby Bethard interview got me thinking. When the season is over and we move on in our lives, this team will be put in perspective. When I think about the great Charger teams of the past I see Fouts, Joiner, Chandler and JJ and remember that game in Miami. I loved those guys. Then there are the Stan Humphries Natrone Means days and they were good too. Now we have a third very good team, maybe the best of all. I'm proud of these Chargers and I'm going to enjoy the game Sunday, win or lose. Go Bolts!

bolthead wrote on Jan 16, 2008 3:57 PM:To say that the chargers have no chance is ridiculous and does nothing but help to motivate a team that has plenty...like to knock off a team pursuing history and 19-0, one that knocked the 14-2 bolts out last year on a bad play by marlon mcree, then danced (like a bunch of unprofessional a-holes), the lights out dance on our field...not to mention the drubbing they took earlier in the season while still feeling out their coaching staff and needing to come together as a team..1994 the chargers had no chance to beat the steelers and like beathard said this team can't hold a candle to today's squad.. as long as the shawns can pressure and knock the crap out of brady, the patriots and their fans have a rude awakening coming.

JK wrote on Jan 16, 2008 4:11 PM:I agree Concerned-1, last Sundays Charger win over the Colts was the best feel-good win I have ever witnessed, and those Charger haters will never have one like it.

bolthead wrote on Jan 16, 2008 4:14 PM:Maine-e-ack, before you go off on being class-less lets not forget who narrowly escaped a playoff loss last year because marlon mcree decided to try and run back the pick then they danced on our field disrespecting a good player like they pulled off the upset of the century...as long as we can beat the steelers in 94 and the colts last week when we have "no chance" then we can knock off a bunch of guys who want records and a legacy especially if the shawns can knock the crap out of brady,especically since hes not used to pressure

PDXBOLTSFAN wrote on Jan 16, 2008 7:57 PM:Norv!...if your reading this..please utilize more plays and LT, M.Turner& Sproles..can ALL contribute to tire the Patsy defense..due more 10 or 15 yard short passes also..and a few plays threw the air to L.T, V.J and Chambers..our defense needs to stay consistant and get some pics from all the pressure..all I wanted for X-mas was a championship..make it happen.
GO CHARGERS!!

Adrian wrote on Jan 16, 2008 8:46 PM:"It's suicide! You've seen them... you've seen how strong they are... YOU CAN'T WIN!!!"

WhereWereThey wrote on Jan 16, 2008 11:08 PM:Meaning, "The Shawns" in the first matchup between these two teams. The only thing I've seen in recent history with less class than the Charger's fans praying for a Brady injury so they have a chance at winning this one would be the Colt's fans who boo'd a 14 year old girl because she was a Pat's fan. The Chargers are hurting. One good hit on LT, Rivers and maybe Gate's foot ending up under Vince Wilfork and the game gets out of control fast!

NEFan wrote on Jan 16, 2008 11:48 PM:The Chargers are playing very good football and will pose a stiff challenge for the Patriots and because you do have to play to win - the Chargers can win. No doubt about it.

That being said – I have some comments on a few Charger fan comments.

BoltDan: "The Patsies are looking past the Bolts to the superbowl and will lose because of it."

While the Pats may have gotten a little weary at the end of the season with everybody taking their "Superbowl" best shot at them - they never looked past anyone. If they had – they would not be 17-0. It’s proven in their history - consistent, high level of play against all levels of teams and especially against excellent teams. The Chargers are an excellent team – they beat the Colts twice this season – the Pats are looking SQUARELY AT THEM.

JK: "After the Shawns put the hurt on Mrs. Brady early in the first quarter he will have happy feet and be throwing interceptions for the rest of the game."

Huh? Exactly what playoff game has this ever happened to Brady? Or any specific game this season? Where he's gotten roughed up and then went interception happy the rest of the game? You must have Brady confused with a few other quarterbacks in the league. The “Mrs. Brady” talk is pure drivel with no real basis in current facts or history.

This year alone, Brady and the Pats offense faced ferocious blitz packages and tight, well played coverage schemes against the Colts, Eagles, Ravens, and Giants. Indeed those were close, physical games in which Brady was hurried, harassed, knocked down, and sacked (hard in many cases).

The results?

Brady threw 0 or 1 interceptions in three of those games and only once threw 2 picks (against Indy). Those numbers IN NO WAY reflect a QB getting hit hard and then "throwing interceptions for the rest of the game." It’s wishful thinking at best.

The Chargers defense - while playing excellent - will not be able to bring any more or better pressure or coverage than any of the teams mentioned above.

And the FINAL RESULT EVERY TIME in those 4 games - PATRIOTS WIN.

Why?

1 - Tom Brady hit receivers (open and not open) under heavy pressure and excellent coverage to WIN the game or put it out of reach in EVERY GAME. In the face of THE PRIMARY FOCUS of all talk of stopping the Patriots – GET BRADY – he never failed to deliver the winning knockout in any of those high-intensity games. There’s no REASON to think that will change on Sunday.

2 - The Patriots Defense (all old and worn out supposedly) came up with late game-clinching or game-changing picks or stops in every game. PManning (fumbled away last possession), Feeley (ill-advised late game pass - picked off), Boller (picked off and late ineffective rush selections that got stuffed to turn the ball over to Pats for winning drive), EManning (late game pass - picked off).

3 - The Patriots special teams pitched in several times including giving the Pats offense excellent field position when it needed it.

4 - The Patriots coaching staff made solid, active adjustments in some facet of every game that helped setup all of the above opportunities.

And one more to point to boot - the Patriots running game - so much maligned all season - is now reaching its full stride just in time for the playoffs.

The Chargers will go full throttle and push the Patriots much like the 4 teams mentioned did. In the end though – for all the reasons above - the Patriots will play the Chargers just as hard and ultimately I see the Pats WINNING a close game to claim the AFC Championship – the ONLY accomplishment that will matter that day.

James wrote on Jan 16, 2008 11:55 PM:Who's the moron who said the Chargers are here because of luck?

Two words for you, you ...: TUCK RULE

As far as I'm concerned you guys did not win the SuperBowl that year..The Raiders beat you're !@# and I hate the Raiders.

There has never ever been one PAT FAN ever who can actually make a convincing argument that, that wasn't B.S. AND ALL YOU ... PATS FANS KNOW IT!

TXBoltFAN wrote on Jan 17, 2008 8:10 AM:NE FAN nice post well thought out and very convincing.....couple of things....

the difference between those teams and the Bolts are

1. Our Defense has stopped making game costing mistakes.(2 4th Down holding penealties on Baltimore anyone?)

2. We are a better offense than 3 of the 4 teams mentioned....and equal to the 4th(colts)

3. We Take advantage of opertunities to force and create turnovers(kinda like the Ravens and Bears)

We are now the best team you will have faced all year and in weather that favors a physical game......The question now becomes, not can we frustrate, confuse, Pressure, Brady but rather can your LB's and Recivers keep up with the game.....we will see..

IF the Chargers get 3 turnovers...WE WIN that simple....

Michael wrote on Jan 17, 2008 9:51 AM:Im glad the SD players, after being upset about the Patriots showing no class in divisional round, have been so classy this year. Rivers himself is so respectful, quiet, and polite. *end sarcasm*

Steve Young wrote on Jan 17, 2008 9:57 AM:To the person saying this will be "motivation". Were the chargers motivated in the Super Bowl vs the 49ers when everyone they had no chance leading up to it? How did THAT work out for ya?

Ron B... wrote on Jan 17, 2008 10:00 AM:Stay classy San Diego!

sue wrote on Jan 17, 2008 10:28 AM:Do you think that San Diego cloned Ryan Leaf? Every week Rivers acts and looks like Leaf more and more.It looks like San Diego has an unnatural attraction to Leaf and its creeping me out man!!!

ABA wrote on Jan 17, 2008 10:41 AM:I can't wait to see the Lights Out dance..performed by the Patriots of course!

The Bolts were healthy last time in the playoffs and couldn't beat the Pats, so what makes people think that with Rivers/LT/Gates banged up that it will happen?

Bradygirl wrote on Jan 17, 2008 12:15 PM:If the Chargers wanted revenge don't you think they had the perfect chance to do so week 2? And I don't want to hear how they are on a winning streak! They played the WORST teams leading up to the playoffs! Sure the Pats had a easy going with the teams they played at the end,but, all of those teams played their best games against them,their so called Super Bowls,and they still lost!

RobertM wrote on Jan 17, 2008 1:03 PM:In 1995 the Steelers were talking about the Chargers in just the same way the Patriots are doing now. When asked about the Charger game then, Bill Cower said something like, "We're looking ahead to the Super Bowl." Well, on any given sunday...

Mr. Bolt wrote on Jan 17, 2008 11:13 PM:I've seen 1995 game with the chargers stunned Pittsburgh and their all mighty defense...history repeats itself...this coming sunday, the chargers will once again make history by running over the patriots....LT, Sproles, Cromatie, S phillips, Jackson, Chambers, Chandler all have big days....Chargers 38, NE 24.

Rivers wrote on Jan 18, 2008 12:33 PM:ouch! my partialy torn ACL! Is it too late to get Brees back?

FnL wrote on Jan 18, 2008 3:00 PM:Lets put cameras aimed at the Pats sideline to take advantage of their calls and formations WAIT...somebody already got caught doing this..Now, who was it...??? And what, they were doing it for years and they won? three SuperBowls doing it, two by last second field goals and the third by just a TD.....And the comish/NFL destroys the evidence without anybody outside the NFL can look at it....Sounds like the Bush/Nixon Adm. It sound fishy and don't mean the Dolphins...??? Win or Lose those games are suspect at best....I wish the Bolt luck, its us against the world......

NEFan wrote on Jan 20, 2008 8:30 PM:Thank you TXBoltFAN. Your counter analysis was appreciated.

I too thought the team who wins the turnovers would win the game.

At first look - it doesn't seem that way (SD 2 INT / NE 3 INT).

But all those SD field goals - against the Patriots - those are like turnovers in my book - especially when you get that close to the Endzone.

And after some post-game scrutiny, I'd say overall my take on the game was more right than wrong.

- I did think the potential for one or more int's was there. I did not expect that 3rd SD pick in the endzone. A pass from the 3 yard line straight into the middle of the field with how good the SD secondary was playing seemed risky and I for one was calling out to the TV "RUN the BALL - it's TOO DANGEROUS to throw this close to the Endzone!" Ah well.

- The picks were heads up plays from the SD secondary and not "happy feet" from Brady.

- Brady did hit the receivers when he needed to including the TD that put the game out of reach.

- The Patriots Defense came up with game-changing picks and stops, this time early and often instead of just late in the game.

- The Patriots specials teams, especially the kickoff returns, gave the Pats execellent field position most of the game.

- The Pats coaching staff made THE KEY ADJUSTMENT - tight-end sets and RUN THE BALL with Maroney and hit shorter run-like passes to Faulk. (I knew that Pats run game was on the move.) On the other side - this might be 20/20 hindsight - I don't think the Chargers should have settled for that 2nd field goal near the goal line. You CANNOT beat the Pats with field goals.

- Overall the game was what I expected and predicted: A tough game with the Pats winning a close one because they do so much so well more then anyone else.

2007-2008 AFC Champions - NE Patriots.

First team in NFL history to go 18-0 in one season (no matter how far back you go).

Another hard game in the Superbowl vs Giants (WOW - what an ending to that NFC game) - and I'll take the Patriots.

Michael wrote on Jan 21, 2008 12:43 PM:better luck next year Charger fans!