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January 13, 2008

Not expected rematch for AFC title game

As most of you know by now, the San Diego Chargers -- behind backup quarterback Billy Volek -- upset the Indianapolis Colts, 28-24, in their AFC Divisional round playoff game, the final game at the RCA Dome.

The win sends the Chargers to Foxboro for the second time this season, and means they and the Patriots will meet in the postseason for the second straight year.

Many fans, and privately, likely members of the Patriots, were hoping Indianapolis would be the opponent, so New England could reverse the result from last year's AFCCG, when shaky second-half play led to 38-34 loss.

In Week 2, fresh off the sting of Spygate, San Diego was walloped by an emotional New England squad, 38-14, with one of the signature moments of that game being Adalius Thomas' 65-yard interception return in the first half.

Last January, the Pats went to California for the Divisional Round. The Chargers had earned the bye after their 14-2 regular season, but made critical mistakes. Troy Brown extended New England's season when he stripped Marlon McCree of an interception; Reche Caldwell recovered the ball, and the Patriots scored four plays later, tying the game with a two-point play by Kevin Faulk.

Bill Belichick held a conference call with local media shortly after San Diego's win, and called it a privilege to play for the AFC Championship. He said he'll look at the tape of that September win over the Chargers, but more of he and his staff's focus will be on San Diego's last eight games, all wins.

"We’ve seen them make a lot of big plays in all three areas of the game," Belichick said. "They’re physical. Going out on the road and winning in Indianapolis today I think shows what kind of mental toughness they have. We know we’re going to have to play our best game of the year, so we’re on that, but on the same note we’re excited to play and we’re excited to be in the game."

The players have Monday off; the team will reconvene Tuesday at Gillette Stadium.

Posted by Shalise Manza Young at 5:05 PM | Permalink

Comments

So glad not to hear about anymore of Peyton Manning's records this season. I am enjoying the fact that there will be no "AFC Rematch". I guess Peyton will have to strive to break Tom Brady's records!

Posted by: Elkay at January 13, 2008 8:07 PM

It would have been really nice for the Patriots to have redeemed last year by beating the Colts convincingly in Foxboro. Now they have to be very careful not to underestimate the Chargers, who beat the Colts with backups and turned up the pressure when the game was on the line.

Posted by: Ron Miller at January 14, 2008 12:17 AM

I am so glad Peyton is done for the season. He should stick with the commercials.

Posted by: mary ellen at January 14, 2008 5:40 AM

Now Manning will have extra time to make more commercials and 'sell himself' to more SWEET SIXTEEN parties at $200 K per.....

I loved how LT got 'hurt' on the play when he fumbled; I think they only think he bruised was his ego...didn't want another subpar game...he might be a good RB, but he is SUCH a whiner.

Posted by: Sue at January 14, 2008 12:54 PM

I was concerned about the Jags first 10 minutes of the game after that I could see the look in Brady's eyes and then you could see it in every player that the camera showed of the Pats that they were not going to be denied .
The Pats are on a mission and it is almost complete, Can they be stopped maybe but not when they got that look in their eyes.

Posted by: Ken at January 14, 2008 5:40 PM