Patriots' Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison team-up to tacke down Chargers' Michael Turner in first half action in the AFC Championship game on Sunday.
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Battered and beaten -- Game Chargers can't overcome crippling injuries, red-zone woes
By: MIKE SULLIVAN - Staff Writer | ∞
Patriots' Tedy Bruschi and Rodney Harrison team-up to tacke down Chargers' Michael Turner in first half action in the AFC Championship game on Sunday.
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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. ---- It would have been a challenging Sunday afternoon if the Chargers had been at full strength. But playing an unbeaten team became a monumental chore with key players ailing amid frosty conditions.
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Despite an uphill battle, the Chargers put up a good fight, but their red-zone offense was as cold as the weather at Gillette Stadium as they lost 21-12 to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game.
The Patriots advanced to Super Bowl XLII against the New York Giants in Glendale, Ariz., on Feb. 3. The Chargers will be watching from their homes to see if New England can complete its attempt at a perfect season.
The Chargers gave a sound effort, but there's one thing you can surely say about the Patriots: This team knows it's good.
The Patriots won their 18th consecutive game since the start of the 2007 season, tying the NFL record for victories in a season. They are headed to the Super Bowl for the fourth time in seven seasons after beating a Chargers team hindered by injuries to top skill players LaDainian Tomlinson and Antonio Gates.
"They're a great football team," Chargers coach Norv Turner said. "They've won every one of their games. What can you say about that? They're a complete team."
They were certainly more complete than the Chargers, who ventured inside the New England 10-yard line three times and were forced to settle for a field goal each time. And when the Patriots needed to kill the clock, they did so in impression fashion by running off the final nine minutes, 13 seconds of the game by accumulating five first downs to give the Chargers no opportunity to mount a late rally.
"It's very disappointing," receiver Vincent Jackson said. "There's no consolation of playing these guys tough or keeping it close. We had one goal this year, and that was to win the championship. So there's a lot of disappointment right now."
The Chargers had a chance to take the lead early in the second half. They reached the Patriots' 4-yard line and were facing third-and-1 when former Chargers linebacker Junior Seau raced through a gap and tackled Michael Turner for a 2-yard loss. Instead of possibly scoring a go-ahead touchdown, the Chargers settled for Nate Kaeding's 24-yard field goal and still trailed 14-12.
"That was a real good opportunity because we were real close," receiver Chris Chambers said. "We had the opportunity to go ahead at that point. I think that was the difference."
It was the worst of three failed opportunities that will haunt the Chargers in the coming days. They also reached the Patriots' 8 in the first quarter and the 5 in the second quarter and had to settle for Kaeding field goals.
"Our philosophy was, with a great offense like that, if you can hold them to three points, that's a victory," said Patriots strong safety Rodney Harrison, another former Chargers star.
Regarding the first missed opportunity, Chambers said he ran the wrong route before he caught a pass out of the end zone. In the second quarter, Jackson was open in the end zone, but quarterback Philip Rivers instead threw underneath to Chambers, who was tackled at the New England 5.
"They're really talented and they're good in the red zone," Turner said. "We had a chance with Chris early when he got in the end zone and didn't get his feet down. The ball was a little high. We had a chance there.
"We had another chance on third-and-1 when Junior made a heck of a play. I'm sure I'm going to take a look at the tape when we get back and say, 'Hey, we could've done this or could've done that.' But we had a good plan going in, and I think New England did a real good job."
Turner's red-zone options were limited with Tomlinson (knee) not playing at all after the game's opening five minutes and with Gates (dislocated toe) severely hampered. The two players scored 27 of the Chargers' 41 regular-season touchdowns.
Yet Tomlinson didn't think his absence explained the Chargers' failure to score a single touchdown.
"No, I don't because we have proved to be able to score points without me," Tomlinson said. "Today, we just couldn't get it done in the red zone."
Rivers passed for 211 yards on an injured right knee but threw two interceptions. After the first one, the Patriots did what the Chargers couldn't do ---- swiftly score a touchdown.
Asante Samuel's interception gave New England the ball at the Chargers' 24. Two plays later, the Patriots took a 14-6 lead on a 12-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Jabar Gaffney.
Kaeding's fourth field goal, the one after Michael Turner was stuffed by Seau, represented the Chargers' final points and set a franchise postseason record for field goals in a game. Eventually, the Patriots increased their two-point lead to nine on Brady's 6-yard TD to Wes Welker with 12:15 to play.
The Chargers' next possession was their last. They punted from the New England 36 with 9:13 left and never saw the ball again, as the defense struggled to stop Laurence Maroney (37 of his 122 yards came on the drive) and Kevin Faulk (three of his eight receptions and 32 of his 82 yards).
"To not let them get the ball back is pretty impressive to do against a defense that has been playing great all day," Brady said.
Brady's second consecutive three-interception postseason effort against the Chargers ended the same way as last January's game in San Diego ---- with the Patriots celebrating a victory and the Chargers aware that more work lies ahead.
"I think we got a step closer to where we want to go," linebacker Shawne Merriman said. "We didn't finish where we wanted to go, but we definitely have a taste of it and realize what we need to do better in order to win games like this."
Contact staff writer Mike Sullivan at (760) 739-6645 or msullivan@nctimes.com.
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bummedbolt wrote on Jan 21, 2008 5:51 AM:I would like to congratulate the bolts on an incredible effort, but that't not much consolation right now. The big picture is they have the talent to win the super bowl and they played a hell of a game. The reality is they are back in SD right now. I hope LT does well after his surgery, because anything less would call into question his leadership. To sit on the bench with your helmet on all game is akin to hiding behind the jukebox during a barfight, unless he has an injury that requires surgery. See ya next year!
Zonker wrote on Jan 21, 2008 6:42 AM:This team deserves high praise for the gritty way they played Sunday. Norv rose to the challenge and redeemed himself this season. The man can coach. Nuff said. The future looks bright. One complaint: can we please KILL the freakin "prevent" defense?!?
Jaque wrote on Jan 21, 2008 7:15 AM:They had their chances....LT you should be ashamed for not showing your face, not walking around the sideline to cheer your teammates. What true grit did you show? I saw you run out after the game to congratulate the Pats' players so why not on the sideline?
Team ball goes to the DEFENSE on this one. They played thier bootys off! Offense gets a C in my book. Four scoring opportunities to three. Us, 4 fieldgoals. Them, 3 touchdowns. Could have won this one Charger fans!
JK wrote on Jan 21, 2008 8:20 AM:Sign Turner and trade LT.
Steven wrote on Jan 21, 2008 8:54 AM:Do they still do the Chargers Post Game Show at Seau's? If so, it will be a bittersweet celebration for its owner and sadness for the home town which still has not won a national championship in any major U.S. sport. I congratulate the Pats on a supreme effort keeping us out of the end zone. We did what we needed on defense to stop Brady, but as the Patriots have done all season long, they found a way to win anyways.
usanaman wrote on Jan 21, 2008 9:30 AM:CONGRATE'S TO THE CHARGERS FOR A VERY GOOD SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you want to blame somebody for the loss of the game start with norv and the play calling in the red zone. My question is why play gates when he can't run , loneil after 6 week with a broken leg and lt with his mcl sprained , pr played with heart but a couple of those passes would have been better with stronger legs. I say get off there backs, if you have never been hurt and tried to play hurt you have no idea how much it takes out of you. If your knee is hurt and you can push or cut what good are you. I don't want to see lt ruined for the rest of his career. 1 week is not enought time for a knee and he couldn't run with a big brace on it. So good run guys and next year it will be all the way. GO CHARGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
gardnerhey wrote on Jan 21, 2008 9:47 AM:My congratulations on a hard fought game. It's a shame both teams couldn't win. I'm pretty sure your team will be in the mix for a superbowl for years to come
Ron wrote on Jan 21, 2008 10:22 AM:Congrats to the PATS
RICHARD wrote on Jan 21, 2008 10:46 AM:4TH AND TEN BALL ON THE 37 YARD LINE GET THE PICTURE 6 AND A HALF MINS LEFT DOWN TWO SCORES. TO YOU NORV LOVERS LETS PUNT THE BALL GREAT CALL. IF THERES NO TOMARROW TAKE THE CHANCE IF WE MAKE IT THEN THERES A SHOT AT WINNING THE GAME IF WE DONTMAKE IT WE TRIED AND NO BIG DEAL.BUT NORV HAS GOT TO PLAY LIKE WE WILL PLAY NEXT WEEK EVEN THOUGH WE ARE NOT. THE PLAY CALLING WAS BAD OVERALL YOU PEOPLE THAT THINK NORV IS IT, PROBLY WILL BE DISAPPOINTED NEXT YEAR BECAUSE IF YOU THOUGHT MARTY WAS CONSERVITIVE WAIT TILL YOU SEE NORV AND HIS OWN BRAND OF CONSERVITIVE PLAY CALLS.JUST REMEMBER WASHINGTON AND OAKLAND KNEW HOW BAD NORV WAS. AND NO MATTER HOW MUCH DAN FOUTS LIKES NORV IT STILL DOES NOT CHANGE THE FACTS,ON HIS COACHING ABILITY.ZONKER YOU THINK IS ROSE TO THE CALLENGE HOW WRONG CAN YOU BE RUN RUN PASS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE RISING TO THE CALLENGE.JK GET REAL ON LT NUFF SAID ON BOTH OF YOU.
Jose wrote on Jan 21, 2008 11:12 AM:Even with the injuries vs the Pats, the Chargers were never dominated until the final 9+ minutes of the 4th quarter. Kudos as a team for a season hard fought and respect well earned.
As with other Chargers post game short falls much can be found and analized with 'what ifs' and 'how comes' aplenty (I for one being of that ilk to ask why and how come and that's because I want the best for my team!).
I hope all the injuries heal up in time for next season and the appropiate strategies, adjustments and personnel changes are made to ensure the Chargers return to claim what has eluded them for far too long.
Good going this season and all the best to you guys in the off season and next year!
Congrats Chargers! wrote on Jan 21, 2008 12:37 PM:I'm proud of my boys. Chargers showed that despite injuries AND not playing LT, we can still hold our own and hang with the big dogs. It wasn't a "blow-out" like the media predicted that it would be, and we put Randy Moss in his place--he was MIA the entire game! lol
Superbowl next year, maybe?? We will win it one day!!
SAM wrote on Jan 21, 2008 1:18 PM:Everybody seems to be in love with the RAH RAH, YELLING LEADERS...who many turn out to be just like some of you fans...All TALK...YAP YAP YAP...I fully expected a healthy LT to have a big game like he did last year against the PATS when Cameron forgot about him in the 4th quarter. But I also had a suspicion that the team was fudging the injury report, which they did as well when I played at Colorado...when I saw LT's movement on his last pass I knew it wasn't just a hyperextension. Turns out it's a sprained MCL...If you've ever played ball, especially college or pro you know that an MCL on a quarterback and one on a runningback is completely different. LT is a slasher, jump cutter and sprained MCL on him is like a dislocation or seperated shoulder on the throwing arm of a quarterback...it ain't gonna happen. DO NOT QUESTION HIS HEART IF HE COULD'VE MADE A DIFFERENCE HE WOULD'VE, IF YOU DON'T THINK SO THEN I ABSOLUTELY KNOW YOU'VE NEVER PLAYED FOOTBALL OF ANY SIGNIFICANCE AND DON'T KNOW CRAP ABOUT FOOTBALL. DUDE'S CARRIED THE TEAM FOR SIX YEARS...HE COULD'VE LEFT...IF YOU THINK IN THE BIGGEST GAME OF HIS TIME HERE THAT HE DIDN'T HAVE THE HEART TO PLAY YOU ARE QUITE SIMPLY...AN IDIOT
Everybody says LT is the leader of this team...he's the leader with his play he's never been, isn't capable, and probably never wanted to be the rah rah guy. I'm sure it took everything, in fact it took Marty to get him to call a team meeting. LT is like Marvin Harrison and Barry Sanders...dude doesn't like to talk much, is forced to by the press, does that make them bad teammates, selfish, or worse players? NOPE, THAT'S JUST THE WAY THEY ARE...Lo Neal, Rivers, Osgood, Merriman they are the vocal leaders...Him sitting on the bench...how is it different from any other game? When he's out of the game...he's almost always on the bench...have you seen Marvin Harrison, did you ever watch Sanders...We had some guys at Colorado who hardly said a word but they were the best teammates anyone could have. Ask any of the Charger players if they think LT is selfish...I WILL BET YOU TO A MAN THEY'LL LAUGH IN YOUR FACE, SHORT OF PUNCHING YOU IN THE FACE...WHO ARE YOU GOING TO BELIEVE A BUNCH OF SPECULATING IDIOT, OVEREMTIONAL FANS OR THE PLAYERS THEMSELVES? You all get caught with quick cuts to LT sitting on the bench...maybe you missed some other coverage, but he was standing with the team as well...also, if you've played at Colorado or New England...everyone sits on the bench because it's friggin' heated...but all that's neither here nor there...NOT EVERYONE IS A RAH RAH GUY...
ASK THE CHARGERS THEMSELVES WHAT THEY THINK OF LT.
IF YOU QUESTION HIS HEART AND IF HE'S SELFISH YOUR JUST WAY OFF. WHAT I FIND HILARIOUS IS DEION (THE MAN WHO WROTE THE BOOK ON ME AND SELFISH) PONITIFICATING ON LT'S LACK OF HEART AND SELFISHNESS...THAT GUY IS A FRIGGIN' JOKE..SAME IDIOT WHO DEFENDED VICK...GET RID OF THAT MORON ALREADY!
Give it a rest! The game is over! wrote on Jan 21, 2008 1:29 PM:A little banter is ok, when we are playing and still competing. A little needling is ok as well, as long as the game is still going. All in fun and good spirited. Yesterday, the Pats won and the Chargers didn't. Pat's Fans don't need to say anything more! The Charger's Fan don't need to says anything as well! Talk skill, talk errors, and maybe choice of plays, but that's all. Good game was had by all either way! I was of course pleased with the performance, that the Chargers brought to the table. I enjoyed watching the game. As a Pats fan I would have been disapointed if we had lost! Just like the Boltz are now! Makes sence! But taking it any farther than that, is obnoxious! Now is the time for both teams and fans to move to next item on the agenda! Real Football fans should look toward the Super Bowl as a history making possiblity! Maybe an 19-0 season. An event that will be represent not only the Pats, but the difference between conferences! Go AFC!!! I like most football enthusiast appreciate the Boltz effort and thier ability to play with several injuried players and still bring a decent game! That is the heart of competition and raw football! But when the adrenaline wears off, lets shake hands and promise to meet each other on the field again next year as true respected competitors!
The Chargers didn't measure up, this year. This game is skill, maturity and little bit of luck! The Chargers are still building. Just like the days of glory for Cowboys, Raider under Madden, and who can forget the 72 Dolphins! It comes with time, and if all things are equal; the only thing that is adjustable is the personal sacrifice of the individual players at that moment! Just look at the Giants and Packers game, yesterday! Who would have thought Eli would be going to the Super Bowl! Not me! I would have bet on Favre!
Hence the phrase, " Any given Sunday!" So my hats off to Chargers and the Boltz fans! Now it's off to AZ to take on the Giants! I suggest to the Pats, Do not take them lightly and play like they you want to win! For the AFC and the New England Patriots, good luck at your potential history making game! Signed a Patriots Fan who did transplant to San Diego for the sun and quality of life! New England is my birth place, but America is my home! See ya next year Chargers!
Diehard Pat's Fan!
TemeculaBoltsFan wrote on Jan 21, 2008 1:49 PM:As my buddy said, the Chargers brought a knife to a gun battle. You think having a healthy LT at the 10 yard line three times wouldn't have made a difference? I question LT's heart. The book on LT is out...hit him and/or intimidate him and he folds. No question about Rivers and Gates' heart. Left it out there on the field. As Bum Phillips said, "This year we knocked on the door...Next year, we are going to break the SOB down!" Can't root for any team in the Super Bowl. Hope Sheli Manning loses, hope New England gets beat. The only winner is Fox, getting another New York vs. Boston matchup. I guess I will root for Jr. Seau to get his ring.
Six months till next season. I can't wait!
Sam wrote on Jan 21, 2008 2:24 PM:Rivers ACL gone. ...Gates almost done on the first series... LT sprained MCL (at least a 4 week recovery injury)ANY MORE QUESTIONS OR STUPID COMMENTS ABOUT THE HEART LT.
I heard some radio guy saying maybe LT doesn't know how to play hurt...What? I remember the year after they went 12-4 where LT played a good portion of that season with a groin injury...a groin injury on a runningback is very difficult because of the cutting...MAN I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE some of you ridiculous people...And I don't want to hear any of that T.O. coming back on a broken leg or sprained ankle... yes he did but with the broken leg he had at least six weeks to come back and the high ankle sprain he had three. LT tried to comeback on a 4 week injury in 7 days...ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Jaque wrote on Jan 21, 2008 3:13 PM:LT should be ashamed!
PBRanger wrote on Jan 21, 2008 4:48 PM:The Chokers Lament:
Another NFL season has come and went and your chance to appear in a Super Bowl as usual was never ment. Cry me a Rivers, cry me a sea, there's always next year and the year after that. Give a cheer for the N.Y. Giants and Elie Manning who was wise enough to never come here.
DivEuclid wrote on Jan 21, 2008 4:49 PM:The game was close...should have put in the 2nd string quarterback...would rather read about a Charger win rather than a John Wayne heroic playing with- an-injury-story the next day ..at least we have Seau and Harrison as something to look forward in the Superbowl....like all the local S.D high greats which fled to the USC/UCLA programs...just a memory to hang on to until next time.
to PBRanger Idiot wrote on Jan 21, 2008 6:16 PM:Regarding Eli,
When you play in the World Football League, excuse me the NFC...you have a better chance of going to the SuperBowl...Top four teams, Pats, Chargers, Colts, and Jags of the AFC, I can guarantee you are much better than whoever the top NFC team is: Giants, Pack, Cowboys, and Seahawks...it's not even close...give the Giants 20 points and they will not cover.
PBRanger wrote on Jan 22, 2008 8:32 AM:The Chokers' Lament I & 2:
Another NFL season has come and went and your chance to appear in a Super Bowl as usual was never ment. Cry me a Rivers, cry me a sea, there's always next year and the year after that. Give a cheer for the N.Y. Giants and Elie Manning who was wise enough to never come here.
There are winners and losers, that's understood (a team that could not even sell out a playoff game because of a little rain and LT sitting on the bench in NE, did he even move an inch?). Why contine to support the only team in the AFC West that has failed to ever win a Super Bowl game. Wake up and stop playing the fool, go back to high school and get your GED.
patriot wrote on Jan 25, 2008 9:52 AM:everyday i work with crippling injuries but i have to, LT didnt have playoff championship heart, it wasnt his knee, but his lack of toughness. norv, called a weak game, rivers suprized me, but fought with LT on sidelines all year, merryman couldnt dane with matt light, my team is going to the super bowl again after going thru san deigo, but pittsburgh and indy have felt that years ago, my team wasnt always good, we used to be worst than the chargers, fans stay tough, but dont take any crap from quitters like LT
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