Patriots Lead at the Half, but the Chargers Are Hanging Tough

The Patriots offense, especially Tom Brady, slept through much of the first half, and yet, they're leading the Chargers 14-9. New England's seven drives ended: punt, punt, pick, touchdown, punt, touchdown, punt. And the second score was courtesy of a Philip Rivers interception that gave the Patriots possession 24 yards from the end zone.

San Diego hasn't exactly rolled over, either. Unlike the Week 2 get-together that was a blowout after about 15 minutes, the Chargers defense has been solid. Particularly, Quentin Jammer, who has been impressive against Randy Moss.

Rivers started strong, but threw two costly interceptions. Still, the fact that he's been able to play despite a bum knee is noteworthy. LaDainian Tomlinson, on the other hand, carried the ball twice and hasn't been seen since. CBS' sideline reporter Steve Tasker said that LdT hasn't experienced an injury setback, but Norv Turner had decided to keep him on the bench in favor of Michael Turner.

Michael Turner has been great, but let's get one thing straight: no matter how bad you might think Norvell is as a head coach (hey, he did win a playoff game), he's not going to keep LdT on the sidelines unless he's very, very hurt.

To have a chance in this thing, the Chargers are going to have to avoid turnovers and stop trading field goals for touchdowns. And for the Pats, it might help if Tom Brady quit playing like he was hanging out with John Daly this weekend.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-20-2008 @ 4:49PM

D said...

Gotta love homefield advantage and Vrabel getting away with tripping Rivers, which led to the interception and eventually NE getting a touchdown.

1-20-2008 @ 4:59PM

Bill Walters said...

Bet yo wish your loss would have come in regular season.

Chargers look damn good out there. Sack and interception with-in the first fie minutes of the half.

1-20-2008 @ 5:22PM

Hey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Did you see Tommy get picked in the end zone????????????

I dozed off and wasn't certain if I was dreaming or reality kicked in

1-20-2008 @ 5:33PM

Carol said...

I am praying the Pats lose even thought the Chargers best us last week I am rooting for them this week.
New England is just sicking and there fans suck.
GO COLTS we will get them next year.

1-20-2008 @ 5:37PM

Tvdrok said...

The patsies do not deserve the accolades that they have received this year. They should have been made to forfeit the games that were in question with the cheating scandal. IN NO WAY ARE THE PATSIES THE GREATEST TEAM OF ALL TIME. Anyone can be great if they cheat. It puts a big blemish on the Superbowl if they do get there. GO BOLTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1-20-2008 @ 5:57PM

Dave said...

TVDROK? Are you sure it's not TVDORK!
If they did have to forfeit the game in question, then they would still be 16-1, and still be in the playoffs. You can put a blemish on anything you like. Try some clearasil Dork!

1-20-2008 @ 6:05PM

Tony said...

HA! Dork............That was good. He is a DORK

1-20-2008 @ 6:08PM

Damn did the pats win?

1-20-2008 @ 6:10PM

Phil said...

I DON'T CARE IF THEY WIN 50 IN A ROW. I HATE F*%#@ CHEATERS, CASE CLOSE.

Sorry Bill............

Yes We did!

1-20-2008 @ 6:15PM

Aaron said...

the nfl should just give the pats the superbowl it is plain to see that they want them to win it

1-20-2008 @ 6:14PM

50 in a row........HMMMMMMMMMM

There's an idea! Thanks Phil!

Case CLOSED!

1-20-2008 @ 6:22PM

al said...

should have would have but couldn't - the Chargers had too many opportunities to win this game but you can not win by just kicking field goals you have to put it into the endzone. you must take advantage of the Pats mistakes. now I know there will be people whinning oh LT was hurt - but the Charger head coach should have pulled the plug on Rivers and put in the backup and took a couple of shots at the endzone. they worked the middle of the field very well and contained Moss but playing Faulk soft with no respect - are you kidding me. I don't care for the arogant Pats (i like my steelers)but had they played the Jags - they would have put the Chargers in a hurt locker. I call the superbowl Packers by a touchdown, Brady intercepted at least twice

1-20-2008 @ 7:34PM

sara asocar said...

there the best and always will be in my heart i meet johnaton in galveston at a restruant that i work at El Nopalito 42nd street really nice family and i know for a fact that they will win the superbowel