The Chargers win?

So here we are ... one week away from the AFC and NFC Championship games to see who gets to play in the Super Bowl and who do I find on the schedule but a little team from San Diego that started the year 1 and 3 and then 5 and 5. They have won eight straight games since then and find themselves one improbable win from the Super Bowl.

The Chargers played poorly two weeks ago in the AFC Wildcard game against Tennessee. They sputtered on offense in the first half, but their defense held Tennessee to just 6 first half points, which kept them in the game and ultimately allowed them to win.

I held little hope for the Chargers yesterday, traveling to Indianapolis to play the defending Champions. But the Chargers have always played well against the Colts and won a close game this year against them in week 10.

The Charger defense stepped up again yesterday, intercepting Peyton Manning twice and forcing a fumble which they recovered. Antonio Cromartie, who lead the league this season with ten interceptions, ran one interception back 89 yards for a touchdown yesterday. The touchdown was called back on a questionable holding penalty for what looked like a clean block. (I watched the video several times from a couple angles and couldn't see it.)

The big news yesterday was the outstanding play of Philip Rivers and the Charger offensive line. The Chargers pounded the Colts and moved the ball easily. Rivers played consistently and confidently. The tough game, however, may have exacted too big a toll on the team. First LaDanian Tomlinson and then Rivers were sidelined due to knee injuries ... the good news is that the Chargers are deep. Michael Turner, who could have left the Chargers at the end of last year to a starting job anywhere in the league, stayed on as a back-up and proved his worth in the second half. Billy Volek came in late in the game at quarterback and moved the Chargers 78 yards and scored the winning touchdown on a 1 yard quarterback sneak. It is still unclear if Rivers or Tomlinson will play next week in New England. The team is also nursing all-star Tightend Antonio Gates who dislocated the big toe on his left foot in the game against Tennessee last week. He played yesterday, but he was obviously in pain and contributed on only a couple plays.

The Chargers are in for a tough, tough battle next week against the undefeated Patriots. I haven't seen the point spread yet, but I'd make them a two touchdown underdog. The key to next week will once again lie with the Charger defense. If they can put consistent pressure on Tom Brady, they might, might be able to stay with them down the stretch ... one can only hope ...