Journal photo / Gretchen Ertl
Philip Rivers passes for San Diego.

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Laurence Maroney gets to the outside in the fourth quarter. Maroney's numbers -- 122 yards rushing and 1 touchdown -- were identical to those of last week against Jacksonville (although he had three more carries -- 25 -- than last week's 22.)

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Maroney picks up yardage; the would-be tackler is Clinton Hart.

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Shawne Merriman and Antonio Cromartie combine to tackle fullback Heath Evans.

Journal photo / Bob Breidenbach
Wide receiver Wes Welker celebrates the fourth-quarter touchdown that gave New England some breathing room.

Journal photo / Gretchen Ertl
Tedy Bruschi is going to his fifth Super Bowl as a Patriot.

Journal photo / Gretchen Ertl
Tom Brady and Shawne Merriman after the game.

Journal photo / Mary Murphy
Brady raises the Lamar Hunt Trophy.

Journal photo / Mary Murphy
Tight end Benjamin Watson and fullback Heath Evans join the postgame celebration.

Journal photo / Mary Murphy
Laurence Maroney and LaDainian Tomlinson.