Patriots' unheralded backs get job done
By: REEVES WIEDEMAN - For the North County Times | ∞
Patriots' Elis Hobbs III and Ray Ventrone celebrate their win over the Chargers' in the AFC Championship game on Sunday.
DON BOOMER Staff Photographer
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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. ---- With Tom Brady's first-quarter quarterback rating (29.4) almost as cold as the temperature at kickoff (23 degrees) and Bill Belichick forced to revert to trickery to get the ball into the hands of Randy Moss, it was up to two of the undefeated Patriots' more-unheralded offensive weapons to pick up the slack.
Running back Laurence Maroney gained 122 yards on 25 carries, punching in one touchdown in the Patriots' 21-12 AFC Championship Game win Sunday over the Chargers. Perhaps more importantly, he piled up 37 yards and three first-down conversions on a methodical drive that closed out the final 9 minutes, 13 seconds.
It was Maroney's second straight playoff game with 100 yards after netting 122 yards against Jacksonville last week.
"We had a lot of critics talking about our running game and the productivity of our running game early on in the season," said Maroney, barely concealing a smile. "So it felt good to go out there and run the clock out with our running game."
After a slow start to the season, including three games missed due to a groin injury, Maroney came on strong at the end of the year, topping 100 yards in four of the past five games. Much like the season, Maroney finished strong Sunday ---- more than half of his yards (62) came in the final quarter.
"In the fourth quarter he was doing a lot of cutback stuff," said Chargers lineman Igor Olshansky. "Maroney does a good job of setting the line one way and cutting back, kind of getting guys to overpursue."
Maroney's backfield-mate, Kevin Faulk, was New England's other surprise star, catching eight passes for 82 yards. Five of those catches went for first downs, including two on the game's final drive. Faulk had more yards and catches than both of New England's 1,000-yard receivers, Moss and Wes Welker.
Several of Faulk's catches came on short screen passes to the outside, which he said was something the team had seen on film.
"All year long we heard 'We don't have a running game. All we do is pass the ball,' " Faulk said. "I told Laurence to just be patient, and eventually we'd start moving the ball."
Though the passing game had been the Patriots' calling card all season long, Faulk's post-game t-shirt ---- emblazoned with one of the team's favorite mottos ---- showed the supporting cast's ability to pick up the slack when the stars don't shine quite as bright.
"It's just a saying, 'We're all brothers from a different mother,' " Faulk said. "The Patriot family, that's all."
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RandyR wrote on Jan 21, 2008 4:57 AM:Hey Charger Fans...your city won't be giving you a ticket tape parade! Only winners can experience that glory! It was only a matter of time...your team eventually had to play a "real" team. There's always next year! lmao
Markus wrote on Jan 21, 2008 9:12 AM:RandyR.... Elementary School is out today? Oh, Yeah... I bet my dad can beat up your dad!!!!! ...
Congrats, Pats. Please pound Eli for us.
RandyR wrote on Jan 21, 2008 11:06 AM:Yes...most likely your father could beat up my father. You see, he lost his leg, many years ago fighting for our country. Today, yesterday...the schools are empty. One of your San Diego elementary football teams showed up at Gillette stadium and got their butts kicked.
stillbackndbolts wrote on Jan 21, 2008 11:24 AM:As in all close games between elite teams the difference between victory and defeat lies turn overs and in making game field adjustments and implementing them successfully.
In game that could've gone either way (and I for one faving SD) the Pats implemented their adjustment successfully while the Bolts could not. End of story.
Give it a rest! The game is over! wrote on Jan 21, 2008 1:09 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!
Lil Baller wrote on Jan 22, 2008 10:43 AM:BilaCHEAT and the Patriots, what does the NFL divert too these days. I am triing to raise four (4) kids the best I can instilling ethics and manorisms. But for what, the NFL will let someone like VICK kill defenseless animals go to prison and come back to play for millions. BilaCHEAT gets caught cheating and states he misinterpreted the rules. Meaning, he's been cheating all along. He should have been fired and the Patriots should not have been allowed to compete in the Playoffs this year. In college if a paper is written and a phrase isn't properly cited, Plagerism is enforced and you receive a failiing grade. Here the NFL gives the impression that it's ok to cheat. What message does this send to our children... lie, cheat and steal all you can, However, if you can run, catch or throw a ball the NFL will pay you millions! Is this the message we should send to our youth?
patriot wrote on Jan 27, 2008 11:59 AM:ok here is some information for those of you who need it. filming players and coaches is legal, during a game, filming them from the your sidelines during a game is not.does everyone understand this? the league does not care, or take is not helping the new england patriots, does everyone understand? the ref's are not helping the patriots, does everyone understand? we as patriots fans are very lucky that a no name player , Brady plays here, and that a former giant coach, who learned from parcells, how to control players, the owner Kraft, is able to control the cap salary, its a lot of luck, and hard work , just like any other team, the patriots hopefully will be the giants and become the undefeated champs, miami record should be broken, its best for the league. does everyone understand? and questions? guess ill be ordering a lot more fan stuff, again. i live in connecticut
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