Cottrell has a big task in front of him
By: MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | ∞
SAN DIEGO ---- A challenge of unbelievable proportions is facing Chargers defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell as he studies the record-setting New England Patriots in search of deficiencies while preparing for Sunday's AFC Championship Game.
The Patriots set an NFL record by scoring 589 points in the regular season. Tom Brady threw a record 50 touchdown passes, and Randy Moss caught a record 23 scoring passes.
"It's the ultimate, isn't it?" Cottrell said Thursday of the challenge. "There is no question they are one of the best teams ever put together."
Cottrell said the Chargers must get pressure on Brady, the calm and poised quarterback who owns three Super Bowl rings.
"You can't let him have a lot of time, no matter what you do," Cottrell said. "He moves around and he can extend a down because he's very knowledgeable with where to go with the ball. He knows that offense inside and out."
Then there's Moss, the rejuvenated receiver who has appeared unstoppable at times this season.
"He's the best receiver I've ever seen," Cottrell said. "What you do is you've got to hope Randy gets sick the night before the game.
"He's just so talented, and you hope your guys can stay with him. He has that added gear that he used to have in his younger days, and it looks like he has regained that now."
Rivers remains hopeful
Quarterback Philip Rivers missed practice for the second consecutive day because of his injured right knee but said he's "optimistic" he'll be able to play Sunday.
Rivers said the knee is feeling better. He did throw on the side and would like to participate in at least a portion of today's practice.
"You don't want to overdo it," Rivers said. "You want to test it a little bit. You don't want the first time to be the first play on Sunday."
Coach Norv Turner said that trainer James Collins vetoed Rivers' wishes to practice Thursday. Turner said it likely will be a game-time decision regarding whether Rivers plays or not.
Also missing practice were tight end Antonio Gates (toe) and defensive tackle Jamal Williams (ankle).
Running back LaDainian Tomlinson (knee) returned to practice, while linebacker Shawne Merriman (stomach virus) was a limited participant.
Not on Belichick's iPod
New England coach Bill Belichick is not a fan of the "San Diego Super Chargers" song.
"I hate that song," Belichick said. "The first time I heard that song was when I was with the Giants. We played out there, and they had (Wes) Chandler, they had (Chuck) Muncie, they had (Kellen) Winslow, (John) Jefferson, (Charlie Joiner and Dan Fouts), and it was a track meet.
"They didn't get through playing that song before they had scored again and they started playing it again. It was ---- 'San Diego Super Chargers,' that's still ringing in my head."
Et cetera
There's a chance K Nate Kaeding will handle kickoffs on Sunday. Kaeding has been limited to place-kicking since injuring his plant leg on Dec. 24. ... When the Chargers played the Patriots in September, heavy traffic made it tough for people to get to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., which is located several miles off the main interstate. Insiders say one of the Chargers' team busses arrived later than scheduled. But coach Norv Turner isn't fearful of being stuck in traffic Sunday. "This thing is managed by the league," Turner said. "They're not going to let us get stuck in traffic."
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Bruce Campbell wrote on Jan 18, 2008 7:54 AM:Here's a gameplan: On the Patriots first possession send McCree on a safety blitz...Brady exits game with a concussion and doesn't return. It will take days for him to remember what planet he's on.
football fan wrote on Jan 18, 2008 11:06 AM:Screw it, i'm game. What we really need to do is put pressure up the middle an let Tommy try and scramble to the outsides. That will really take him out of his game. He is a pocket passer, take that away and he is very limited. I Know we'll be blitzing, but those stinking refs better not try to away the victory from us again like they tried to in Indy. CALL SOME O-LINE HOLDING PENALTIES ON THE PATS. JACKSONVILLE WAS HELD ALL GAME. Jacksonville has a really good "D" and they didn't even touch Tommy Boy. hhhhmmmmm something fishy an its not those king crab legs. Do your jobs refs and call it fair.
The Refs need to call a fair game wrote on Jan 18, 2008 2:22 PM:I agree the refs have got to call penalties on the Pats O-line. The NFL claims that the ref crew for this game is top of the line...time will tell.
Jimbo wrote on Jan 18, 2008 5:22 PM:This game is all about the Chargers defense. If they can slow down the Pats, then the Chargers have a good chance. We need the offense to exercise ball control and protect the football.
Boltzdude wrote on Jan 19, 2008 5:48 PM:holding is what the Pats somehow get away with. I agree fellow fans, if the refs see the game correctly, they should be calling for holding quite often. Pats O-line is notorious for it. Why else would Brady have that much time. I like Bruce's comment of sending McCree up the middle. Nice touch. Also, Jimbo, you're correct. Ball control and "heads-up" football will be a key to the victory. Chargers defense is absolutely doing a great job right now and I believe they'll come thru once more.
Chargers 27 - Pats 24
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