NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (14-2) vs SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (9-8)
The #1 seeded Patriots open the playoffs against the San Diego Chargers in a rematch of their week 6 match up.
The Chargers scored on their first four drives to take a surprising 20-7 second quarter lead. As was the case in their first matchup, New England had difficulty stopping San Diego’s passing game led by Philip Rivers, Vincent Jackson, and Darren Sproles. The Patriots answered with two drives late in the second quarter but were forced to settle for field goals on both. The Chargers led 20-13 at halftime.
The Patriots opened the second half with a 15 play, 85 yard drive. Brady found Gaffney for a 13 yard touchdown, tying the game at 20-20. On the Patriots next possession, Brady connected with Moss for a 41 yard touchdown. New England had its first lead of the game 27-20 with 2:39 remaining in the 3rd quarter. Ellis Hobbs intercepted Rivers on the Chargers ensuing possession setting the Patriots up at the San Diego 41. New England drove 9 plays, capped off by a Sammy Morris one yard touchdown run. Patriots now held a two score lead 34-20.
The Chargers answered with a 13 play, 80 yard drive capped off by a Rivers to Sproles 3 yard touchdown pass. The Chargers were back within one score at 34-27 with 7:03 remaining in the game. However, the Patriots answered with a 10 plays, 63 yard drive, capped off by a Lamont Jordan two yard touchdown rush, putting the game out of reach at 41-27.
The Patriots move on to the AFC Championship where they will host the winner of tomorrow’s Titans-Steelers matchup (Steelers won).
Brady completed 26-39 for 328 yards and 3 touchdowns. Moss led the Patriots in receiving with 4 catches for 115 yds. and a touchdown. Welker chipped in with 9 catches, 100 yards (TD). Morris led the Patriots in rushing (16-61, 1 TD).
NEW ENGLAND 41 SAN DIEGO 27
The #1 seeded Patriots open the playoffs against the San Diego Chargers in a rematch of their week 6 match up.
The Chargers scored on their first four drives to take a surprising 20-7 second quarter lead. As was the case in their first matchup, New England had difficulty stopping San Diego’s passing game led by Philip Rivers, Vincent Jackson, and Darren Sproles. The Patriots answered with two drives late in the second quarter but were forced to settle for field goals on both. The Chargers led 20-13 at halftime.
The Patriots opened the second half with a 15 play, 85 yard drive. Brady found Gaffney for a 13 yard touchdown, tying the game at 20-20. On the Patriots next possession, Brady connected with Moss for a 41 yard touchdown. New England had its first lead of the game 27-20 with 2:39 remaining in the 3rd quarter. Ellis Hobbs intercepted Rivers on the Chargers ensuing possession setting the Patriots up at the San Diego 41. New England drove 9 plays, capped off by a Sammy Morris one yard touchdown run. Patriots now held a two score lead 34-20.
The Chargers answered with a 13 play, 80 yard drive capped off by a Rivers to Sproles 3 yard touchdown pass. The Chargers were back within one score at 34-27 with 7:03 remaining in the game. However, the Patriots answered with a 10 plays, 63 yard drive, capped off by a Lamont Jordan two yard touchdown rush, putting the game out of reach at 41-27.
The Patriots move on to the AFC Championship where they will host the winner of tomorrow’s Titans-Steelers matchup (Steelers won).
Brady completed 26-39 for 328 yards and 3 touchdowns. Moss led the Patriots in receiving with 4 catches for 115 yds. and a touchdown. Welker chipped in with 9 catches, 100 yards (TD). Morris led the Patriots in rushing (16-61, 1 TD).
NEW ENGLAND 41 SAN DIEGO 27