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AFC Playoffs from Sunday; Stephen Gostkowski kicks 31-yard field goal to lift the New England Patriots past the San Diego Chargers 24-21
Game Comes Down to Battle of Field Goals with Patriots Coming Out on Top.
The New England Patriots got on the board first with a 50 yard field goal from Stephen Gostkowski in the opening quarter.
The Patriots 3-0 lead held up until LaDainian Tomlinson pounded in a 2-yard touchdown mid-way through the second quarter and the Chargers were up 7-3. The Chargers put another touchdown on the board when Michael Turner ran 6-yards and San Diego grabbed a 14-3 lead with 2:10 left in the half.
Tom Brady responded for the Patriots and the two minutes was just enough for him to lead New England 72-yards for their first touchdown of the game. Brady hit Jabar Gaffney on 6-yard touchdown pass and the score was 14-10 at the end of the second quarter.
Gostkowski then pulled the Patriots to within one when he kicked a 34-yard field goal early in the third quarter.
The Chargers turned the ball over to LaDainian Tomlinson in the fourth quarter and the league’s MVP rewarded his team with a 3-yard touchdown run and San Diego moved ahead 21-13.
The Patriots then had fortune turn their way after Brady was intercepted by Marlon McCree who then fumbled, Rechee Caldwell recovered for the Patriots and New England had a fresh set of downs. Brady then found Caldwell on a 4-yard touchdown pass and the Pats were within two. Kevin Faulk then ran a draw up the middle for the two-point conversion and the game was tied.
After the Chargers couldn’t get anything out of their next drive the Patriots marched down the field to set up Gostkowski’s go-ahead 31-yard field goal.
The Chargers then had one more chance but Nate Kaeding missed a 54-yard field goal attempt at the end of the game.
In his final game of the season LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 123 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
The Patriots will travel to Indianapolis next week to take on Peyton Manning and the Colts inside the RCA Dome for the AFC Championship. The winner will earn birth into Super Bowl XLI.
