Steve Tasker reports coming out of the locker room that LaDainian Tomlinson is “very doubtful” to return. So, let’s look at San Diego’s fortunes for the second half: They’re without their all-world running back. Their quarterback is battling through what may or may not be a torn MCL. Their Pro Bowl tight end is in and out of the game fighting a big toe injury. Also, they’re up against the 17-0 New England Patriots, who hold a 14-9 lead over them.
Other than that, everything is great for the AFC West Champs.
4:55 ET: Tom Brady’s pass is tipped and batted in the direction of Drayton Florence, who picks it off and returns the ball to about midfield, where the Chargers will take over.
5:03 ET: It’s another field goal! 14-12 New England.
5:12 ET: Halfway through the third quarter, Randy Moss has just picked up his first reception of the day.
5:15 ET: Huge play coming up on 3rd-and-goal for the Patriots. They need about two yards for a score, which would in all likelihood lead to a two-score game.
5:17 ET: Brady is picked off in the end zone! Antonio Cromartie, naturally, grabs it out of the air but then makes a mistake in trying to return it, and is tackled inside the 5. Still, a monumental swing of momentum for the Chargers there.
If they manage to put together another one of their trademark long drives that end in a field goal, they can retake the lead.
5:20 ET: Instead, they go three-and-out. As big as the swing in momentum was for the Chargers on the Cromartie pick, New England’s hold takes a lot of the sting out.
END OF 3RD QUARTER:
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 14, SAN DIEGO CHARGERS 12
