***Official AFC Championship Game Thread*** (2 Viewers)

[Tau837]

Bad Clock Management

From the time that play ended, to the review of the ground causing a fumble, to the next snap, it was a full play clock. What a waste there

I don't disagree that they could have managed the clock better, but I think in addition to getting points they were also trying to make sure the Pats wouldn't have time left to get more points of their own. Had they managed the clock very differently, I don't think the odds are high they would have gotten a TD instead. Like I said, could have done a better job, but all in all they got 3 points and didn't leave the Pats any time.

 

[cstu]

Michael Turner looks very slow to me.

Was thinking the same thing. Turner the Burner? everytime I see him he looks like Lendale White. The only long TD run I seen him have was a few years ago to ruin the Colts undefeated season.

He's not fast laterally but has great downhill speed. The Pats are hitting him at the line and not letting him get into open space.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I think going for 2 here makes a lot of sense.

Why would you go for 2 when you can go for 3?

 

[southeastjerome]

Bolts hanging in there. Most impressive

Agreed, just when all signs pointed to a NE blowout, they stand in there, and have to be motivated by where they are at.More Spiroles in the 2nd half would be nice.

Taking FGs instead of TDs with their first 2 scores will come back to haunt them. I think the pats end up covering on this one comfortably. The Pats have had teams hang in there the past month or so and then made the plays to take care of the game. I expect that to happen again.

 

[Bri]

Bad Clock Management

From the time that play ended, to the review of the ground causing a fumble, to the next snap, it was a full play clock. What a waste there

I don't disagree that they could have managed the clock better, but I think in addition to getting points they were also trying to make sure the Pats wouldn't have time left to get more points of their own. Had they managed the clock very differently, I don't think the odds are high they would have gotten a TD instead. Like I said, could have done a better job, but all in all they got 3 points and didn't leave the Pats any time.

At the start of that drive, I think(and one of those we may never know type things) Norv Turner was just hoping to kill time, while Rivers wanted them to try and push it up the field quick. Just a guess of course but...if so, I think those two not being in sync would cause delays

 

[twitch]

All about the 2nd half, playing 60 minutes. great first half.

 

[Escape Goat]

Another TD drive here

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Bolts hanging in there. Most impressive

...but not at all surprising.

Agreed. They have played great football their last 8 games. Having the Jamaal Williams/Luis Castillo/Igor Olshansky trio healthy has a lot to do with that, I think.

Jamal Williams hasn't been healthy.

 

[The Duff Man]

Pats have been awesome at making second half adjustments and turning it on after halftime. Hoping San Diego can keep it close and we have an interesting 4th quarter.

 

[Tau837]

Wow, it really hurts when the Pats kick returner fields the kick at the 17.

 

[The Duff Man]

I think Owens is wearing Moss' jersey.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

The Chargers have been behind at the half in each of their first two playoff games this year. Each of their first three now.

 

[CrossEyed]

I think Owens is wearing Moss' jersey.

He's really disappeared in the postseason so far.

 

[Fiddles]

Here comes the notorious 2nd half adjustmants the pats are well know for. bout to blow the doors off the bolts.

 

[Ditkaless Wonders]

The Chargers have been behind at the half in each of their first two playoff games this year. Each of their first three now.

Indeed. didn't I post after a similar post last week right before they got going?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Wow. Come on Chargers.

 

[The Duff Man]

Good start!

 

[Sundays Rule]

Another Brady pick...wow

 

[CrossEyed]

Another pick.

 

[wilked]

uh oh

 

[Diamond One]

Bolts hanging in there. Most impressive

Agreed, just when all signs pointed to a NE blowout, they stand in there, and have to be motivated by where they are at.More Spiroles in the 2nd half would be nice.

Taking FGs instead of TDs with their first 2 scores will come back to haunt them. I think the pats end up covering on this one comfortably. The Pats have had teams hang in there the past month or so and then made the plays to take care of the game. I expect that to happen again.

Points are points, baby. Take what you can get. Pick -- SD ball. Gonna be an interesting second half...

 

[nerangers]

awful interception!

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Interesting note. Brady has been hit twice in this game.

On the play following each of those hits, he threw an interception.

Hmmmm......

 

[cstu]

Here comes the notorious 2nd half adjustmants the pats are well know for. bout to blow the doors off the bolts.

 

[CrossEyed]

GREAT catch.

 

[Tau837]

Awesome catch by Chambers. Pretty good throw too.

 

[cstu]

Chambers was the trade of the year.

 

[Bogart]

Chambers having a very solid game.

 

[Chaos Commish]

Go Bolts!

 

[CrossEyed]

Jackson is huge. Put your head down and drive, don't try a spin move.

 

[The Duff Man]

GO BOLTS!

 

[Escape Goat]

Another trey?

 

[Chaos Commish]

GO BOLTS!

 

[snogger]

Both the Patriots players and the Fans seem to be Like they are already in the Super bowl due to their record... They almost need SD to score a TD here to wake them up.

 

[redman]

Well, one thing's for sure, San Diego couldn't have scripted a better 2+ quarters for the NE offense than we've been watching. It's up to the Chargers offense to take advantage of this.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

oof

 

[redman]

Nate Kaeding for President.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

That's what you get for getting cute on short yardage.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I'll never understand why teams run outside on 3rd and short like that. Run it up the gut and get that yard!

 

[Sundays Rule]

No redzone TDs= no superbowl. Theyve gotta score.

 

[Bill Lust]

No redzone TDs= no superbowl. Theyve gotta score.

Does anyone else think they should have gone for the TD there?

 

[GrandpaRox]

Both the Patriots players and the Fans seem to be Like they are already in the Super bowl due to their record... They almost need SD to score a TD here to wake them up.

I agree the Patriots look so uninspired on offense.If they don't step it up, I would not be surprised to see an upset here.

 

[Ghost Rider]

No redzone TDs= no superbowl. Theyve gotta score.

Does anyone else think they should have gone for the TD there?

Had they not lost yardage on 3rd down, yes, but once it became 4th and 3, you almost had to kick the FG.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I'll never understand why teams run outside on 3rd and short like that. Run it up the gut and get that yard!

I agree but if someone had bothered to block Junior there the outside corner was wide open.

 

[Tau837]

No redzone TDs= no superbowl. Theyve gotta score.

It's not just redzone. They have been inside the 10 3 times and gotten 3 FGs. Hard to believe they will be able to ultimately win this game without an offensive TD...

 

[CrossEyed]

Maybe just hanging close is best? NE gets lulled into thinking they'll pull it out as always without getting the wakeup call that comes with getting behind.

Or maybe I'm just trying to make myself feel better about SDs inability to get in the end zone.

 

[redman]

No redzone TDs= no superbowl. Theyve gotta score.

Does anyone else think they should have gone for the TD there?

No, not after losing the yardage like that. Closer decision if they don't lose yardage.

 

[Sundays Rule]

No redzone TDs= no superbowl. Theyve gotta score.

Does anyone else think they should have gone for the TD there?

You take what you get against the Pats I suppose.

 

[cstu]

Maybe just hanging close is best? NE gets lulled into thinking they'll pull it out as always without getting the wakeup call that comes with getting behind.Or maybe I'm just trying to make myself feel better about SDs inability to get in the end zone.

Let sleeping dogs lie.

 

[redman]

Maybe just hanging close is best? NE gets lulled into thinking they'll pull it out as always without getting the wakeup call that comes with getting behind.Or maybe I'm just trying to make myself feel better about SDs inability to get in the end zone.

No, I think this is precisely the kind of game SD would have wanted, and it's to their advantage.