Don't let the Injuries fool you...Bolts are Charged!

Many Patriot fans are happy that the Chargers have knocked the Colts out of the AFC Championship game (me included). Be careful what you wish for though...this team KNOCKED OUT THE COLTS! This is not the same Chargers team that the Pats crushed week two 38-14. The Patriots still have the edge in this game though. They aways find a way to win (ask the Cowboys, Colts, Eagles, Ravens, and Giants). BTW, if you are looking for the secret blueprints on how to beat the Patriots, Belichick has it under lock and key. Only the Patriots can beat the Patriots this late in the season (penalties, turnovers, etc)

Matchup analysis: Patriots vs. Chargers (My Take):

Quarterback Edge: Patriots
(It's Brady!)
Running Back Edge: Patriots
(leaning toward Chargers if LT is in the mix)
Wide Receiver Edge: Patriots
(Moss will be more involved in this game)
Tight End Edge: Patriots
(Manumaleuna has hands of stone and Gates is not healthy)
Offensive line Edge: Even
Defensive Line Edge: Chargers
Linebacker Edge: Chargers
Defensive backs Edge: Chargers
Special teams Edge: Even
(leaning toward Chargers)
Coaching Staff Edge: Patriots

Be careful what you wish for Patriot Fans:
"[The Chargers] won more games than anyone -- including us -- since Thanksgiving. They have the most turnovers of any team since the Baltimore team did in 2000 and we all know what that team ended up doing" said WR Donte' Stallworth

The Chargers totaled an NFL-high 48 take-aways during the regular season. The Patriots had a league-low 15 give-aways during the regular season.

The Charger offense is definitely banged up. LT (knee), Gates (foot) and Rivers (knee) are all not at 100% by any stretch...but Volek, Turner and Manumaleuna still took it to the Colts.

Lion, and Tigers and Linebackers oh my! The outside duo of Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips are getting all the press,but the inside duo of Stephen Cooper and Matt Wilhelm are really stepping up. BEWARE!

Don't overlook the Charger secondary either. Cromartie has become an explosive playmaker when the ball is in his hands. Add in Jammer, McCree, and the rookie Weddle and you have a secondary that will give the Patriot recievers a run for the money.

On a good note:
This marks the Patriots' fifth appearance in a conference championship game this decade, more than any other NFL team. The Eagles are next, with four . . . New England is 5-2 under Bill Belichick in playoff games against teams they faced in the regular season. -- Boston Globe