Some sure fire ways you can tell it is unreasonably cold
So after the first drive I put up a little post about getting the breaks being as important as talent in the patriots undefeated season. As I was watching the second half begin and Donte Stallworth tipped that ball and San Diego’s defense got another turnover for Philip Rivers, I began to think about the chances that the Patriots had run out of breaks. What I didn’t account for was the talent part of the equation. On both of the Tom Brady interceptions the defense of the Patriots held and only gave up a field goal on either interception.
The biggest mistake that the Chargers made to start the second half was to start playing conservative D instead of going after Brady the way they did in the first half. All of a sudden they are giving up an underneath pass to Randy Moss that he strings into a first down and meanwhile no one is within 5 feet of Brady. Thankfully San Diego Defensive coordinator Ted Cotrell can’t keep Antonio Cromartie’s athletic ability down. That pick in the endzone was a game changer. It may not have put the Chargers ahead but you don’t want to get down two scores to New England.
Interesting to see what the Patriots fell back on when they seemed to be challenged. The drive they started after getting the ball back on a punt. was pretty much all Lawrence Maroney. Right up until Wes Welker made the touchdown reception underneath from about 10 yards out.
You do have to credit the Chargers for really outperforming ecpectations. I like Rivers more and more each game I see. I am even starting to tolerate the jaw jacking he does on the field. He responded to questions about that topic in the pre-game. He said that he was most pleased that you don't see him swearing or saying anything offensive on camera.(as I am writing this I am thinking he needs to take it down a notch or two seven) The thing I like on the field is that he looks the same on 3rd and 10 and he does on 1st and 10. There is no anxiety, or nervousness.
The real sign the game was over, was at the 7:00 minute mark in the 4th when you started to see the San Diego Chargers defensive players turning to the officilas to complain as each play was ending. Meanwhile the New England offense is taking small chunks, making the smart decisions; staying in bounds, going down early if necessary to do so.
The big key to this game is was the fact that you just can't field goal your way to the superbowl. Not usually, and especially not against the highest scoring offense in the NFL.
Phillip Rivers came jogging out to start the first drive for San Diego, nothing seemed wrong with the knee, but nothing called really tested him either. Chargers went 3-and-out, not really surprising considering the Patriots defense. Not really concerning since San Diego showed last week that they could withstand an early deficit. Now can they do it against the Patriots.
I do not want to take anything from the patriots accomplishments. They definitely have the talent required but you need the little things go your way, things like running into the kicker not roughing kicker on that first punt attempt. Giving the Chargers another opportunity punt but not giving them the first down.
The first drive was a 3-and out for New England as well. Tom Brady had 2 incomplete passes which matches the entire game last week.
Bill Cowher just went out on a limb, is tap dancing on a sapling, he picked the San Diego Chargers to upset the Patriots. I hope he is right just to see that man grinning ear to ear in the post game report.
-13, -12, -11, -10, -9 degrees. That’s it, that’s the peak. Lambeau field just warmed up to minus 9 at game time. Unfortunately for both teams that is game time, in New England. By the time the game time rolls around in Green Bay weather will feel like –21 degrees.
I would love to run out a laundry list of how that feels but I have no idea, I moved from Minnesota a long time ago. I am sitting on my couch wrapped up in a blanket because the temp hit 65 degrees in Orange County.
As far as how that will affect the game. I am not as sold on the weather really helping the Packers. I mean you want to tell me it is kind of cold like say feels like 2 or 3 degrees. I buy that making the other team miserable. But with it down around a –21 degree wind chill; that is miserable for everyone.
Honestly I can’t wait for the games to get rolling it is 5 minutes ‘til game time.
