Sports

TBO > Sports

5 Keys To The AFC Championship Game

The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 20, 2008

Get Brady On The Run

The Jaguars attempted a noble experiment last week, dropping into maximum coverage and keeping everything in front of them. Taking what the defense gave him, Tom Brady carved Jacksonville up by completing 26 of 28 attempts. Look for the Chargers to blitz extensively, hoping to hurry the league MVP into some rare errant throws.

Trust Your Playmakers

Philip Rivers and Billy Volek shouldn't be thinking about flinging the ball downfield today. Given the age of New England defenders like SS Rodney Harrison and LBs Junior Seau and Tedy Bruschi, dump passes to RBs LaDainian Tomlinson, Michael Turner and Darren Sproles can be very effective. All have the speed to go the distance.

Keep Maroney Involved

New England RB Laurence Maroney has topped the 100-yard mark in three of his past four games, and he's coming off a 122-yard effort against Jacksonville's stingy defense. By giving the Chargers more to think about, a diversified attack will help Tom Brady open up that elaborate playbook.

Go To Moss Early

The Chargers defenders are masters of the takeaway, but Tom Brady shouldn't be overly cautious. Randy Moss was limited to one reception last week, and the game's most dangerous receiver needs to play a bigger role, even if it means challenging Pro Bowl CB Antonio Cromartie deep.

Punt Only When Necessary

Mike Scifres is a heck of a punter, but Coach Norv Turner has to adopt a different mind-set today. The Chargers need to maintain possession as much as possible against this record-shattering attack, so fourth-down gambles may be the way to go. It's a risky approach, but nothing else has worked against the Pats.

Share this:

* To:
Your Name:
Your Email Address:
Personal Message [optional]:

TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online