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Perfect Patriots Zone In

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By IRA KAUFMAN, The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 21, 2008

Updated: 01/21/2008 12:22 am

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Resourceful, yet far from perfect, the Super Bowl bound Patriots remained unbeaten Sunday by breaking out a new formula in an historic setting.

New England became the first club in league annals to go 18-0 in a season, overcoming three Tom Brady interceptions en route to a 21-12 victory against the gritty Chargers in an AFC title game characterized by blustery conditions, confetti and resolute red-zone defense.

San Diego's eight-game winning streak ended with NFL rushing champion LaDainian Tomlinson reduced to spectator status after tweaking a sprained knee in the opening minutes.

Despite three trips to the red zone, San Diego failed to score a touchdown for the first time in 89 games as the injury-ravaged Chargers finished 13-6.

Nate Kaeding kicked four field goals for a streaking team that had been 12-0 this season when winning the turnover battle.

"It was probably our turn to win a game," said Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel, referring to a veteran defense often overshadowed by the most prolific attack in NFL history.

After the Chargers closed within 14-12 midway through the third period, San Diego had possession for only 4:26 the rest of the way, with New England rolling behind running back Laurence Maroney and a suddenly poised Brady, who completed his final eight passes.

Maroney gained 106 of his 122 yards in the second half and Brady threw for 209 yards and two touchdowns as the league MVP shook off a sluggish start.

"We'll work on the Super Bowl, but for right now, we're going to embrace this time, this moment," said Patriots linebacker Junior Seau, the former Charger who turned 39 on Saturday.

With record-setting wide receiver Randy Moss limited to one reception, Brady turned to veteran back Kevin Faulk, who led all players with eight receptions. One week after setting a league record for accuracy by hitting 26 of 28 attempts against Jacksonville, Brady threw 11 incompletions Sunday.

"Our defense played great, but we didn't do our part," said Chargers tackle Marcus McNeill. "Our red-zone offense wasn't good enough today. You're not going to beat a team that good by kicking field goals."

Seau turned in a key third-quarter stop when he dropped Tomlinson's talented backup, Michael Turner, for a 2-yard loss off left end on third-and-1 from the 4-yard line.

"It's a play we're awfully good at and Junior read it, shot through and made a heck of a play," San Diego coach Norv Turner said.

The Chargers settled for Kaeding's 24-yard kick and when NFL interception leader Antonio Cromartie posted the first red-zone pick against Brady in two years, San Diego appeared poised for a comeback.

"I just lost track of Cromartie," Brady said of the former FSU standout. "That's what they do - they make you pay."

But after San Diego managed only one first down, Brady capped a 67-yard drive by hitting Wes Welker from six yards out with 12:15 remaining for the final margin. Maroney accounted for 38 yards in the eight-play march with four carries and a 9-yard catch as a talented defense began to wear down.

Turner, who may be a free agent in six weeks, carried 17 times for 65 yards and Philip Rivers, playing despite a sprained knee, threw for 211 yards but was picked off twice.

Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates, hindered by a dislocated toe, was no factor with two receptions for 17 yards.

"I'm going to go home with a great feeling about this football team," said Turner, the first-year coach who guided the Chargers from a 1-3 start to the brink of a Super Bowl berth. "We had some unbelievable efforts today."

Brady, victimized by six interceptions against the Chargers in two playoff victories, needed a strong finish just to post a 66.4 passer rating.

Afforded good protection, Brady appeared bothered early by a 17 mph northwest wind that dropped the wind-chill factor to nine degrees at kickoff.

"It's nice to know you can win the close ones," said Brady, now 8-0 at home in the postseason. "I think the defense was just exceptional today. I hope they play that way in a couple of weeks."

Asante Samuel's 10-yard interception return to the Chargers 24 set up Brady's 12-yard scoring pass to Jabar Gaffney for a 14-6 advantage late in the opening half, but Rivers enjoyed plenty of success until those red-zone blues proved decisive.

"When you hug your coach after you've won the AFC championship and the first thing he says is 'great job in the red area,' you know it was important," Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi said. "Holding them to field goals today was what we needed to do to win."

Reporter Ira Kaufman can be reached at (813) 259-7833 or ikaufman@tampatrib.com

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