P-A-T-S, PATS, PATS, PATS!!!

While it may not rank in the Top 5 of Patriot playoff wins over the years, the 24-21 victory they just captured over the San Diego Chargers is as satisfying as any of the other non-Super Bowl wins. In a game that the Pats, and Tom Brady, were not their usual spectacular selves, they found a way to grind out a hard fought victory on the road (their first road playoff win since the 2005 AFC Championship Game in Pittsburgh and only the third road win in the Belichick/Brady era). Brady (27-for-51 for 280 yards, 2 TD's and 3 INT's) was shaky at times but when it counted in the fourth quarter he was his old hero self. That last drive for the game winning field goal will be a key feature on the Brady career highlight reel. He did what he alwys seems to do come January -- win the football game (career playoff record: 12-1). As for my five keys, the Pats nailed 3 of the 5. LaDainian Tomlinson (23 carries for 123 yards and 2 TD's as well as 2 receptions for 64 yards) did dominate for the most part and their were three Brady interceptions but the Pats offensive line kept Brady standing (he was sacked only twice), they took advantage of Philip Rivers (14-for-32 for 230 yards, no TD's, 1 INT and 1 fumble lost), and they capitalized on Belichick being the superior coach (how many times will Schottenheimer kick himself for the review on the Brady interception which Troy Brown stripped away leading to the New England recovery leading to the tying touchdown -- think he could have used that timeout at the end?). Now it is on to Indianapolis to meet Peyton Manning and the archrival Colts. The Pats have owned Manning and the Colts for much of his career (especially the playoff wins in 2004 and 2005) but the Colts have taken the last two meetings in the regular season. That matchup is for another day though. Tonight is for Belichick, Brady and the New England Patriots who just went in to San Diego and beat the top seeded Chargers.