New England and San Diego Meet In an AFC Heavyweight Fight

Something’s going to have to give. Of course, the Chargers offense aren’t slouches either, as Philip Rivers threw for 330 yards. The Patriots defense gave up a lot of yards to Chad Henne, but also clamped down in the middle of the game and limited the Dolphins while the Patriots pulled away.

These teams have both been perennial playoff contenders over the last five years, and have both disappointed in the playoffs (Chargers 3-4, New England 4-4). Tom Brady and the Patriots, though, have the rings from earlier in the decade so the perception is different. These two have played some notable games in recent years. In the 2006 playoffs, New England won an improbable game when Brady threw his 3rd interception on 4th down, but Troy Brown stripped Marlon McCree and the Patriots recovered, giving them new life. In the 2007 playoffs, the Chargers advanced to the championship game with an injured Philip Rivers, and gave the undefeated Patriots a battle before losing 21-12, after having been blown out by the Patriots in the regular season. Last year, the Chargers lost a close game where they outgained the Pats by almost 200 yards, but had a -4 turnover margin. Bill Belichek also went for a fourth down late with a 3 point lead and the Pats failed, but Kris Brown missed a potential tying field goal.

I don’t know what to expect here, but I know the Chargers have to feel like they are snake bitten against the Patriots with the way some of these games have ended.

Other games:

Cincinnati at Denver

Dallas at San Francisco

Houston at Miami

[photo via Getty]