FOXBORO -- The superlatives about the San Diego Chargers were pouring out of the mouths of the New England Patriots last Sunday after they dismantled the New York Jets and advanced to the conference semifinal playoff game.

New England is not the type of team to say anything derogatory about any upcoming opponent. In fact, it's the complete opposite. The Patriots will praise the Chargers for all their accomplishments this season, both as a team and individually.

The word "great" was flying around the New England locker room like game-worn socks as the players described San Diego, and for good reason. The Chargers have won 10 games in a row and haven't lost at home this season. They have the ability to score a ridiculous number of points, and are also coming off a bye week.

"It looks like they can do it all," said New England coach Bill Belichick.

In anticipation of this matchup, Belichick sent his scouting team to San Diego after the Patriots clinched a playoff berth with a victory in Jacksonville in the second-to-last weekend of the season. The coach sent his scouts to look at all possible opponents in order to get a leg up on the competition.

It's certainly no secret how potent the Chargers are. All the Patriots have to do is take a look at the 2005 season, when San Diego completely and utterly annihilated New England at Gillette Stadium, 41-17. This Sunday will be just as challenging for the Patriots.

"We have to play a whole lot better than we played (on Sunday against the Jets)," said Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel. He added that San Diego "beat us up and down the field (last season). It was kind of like an NFL team versus a college team. We just have to go out and play physical."

Under coach Marty Schottenheimer, the Chargers have won 23 games the last two seasons, and for all the praise Belichick and his players have bestowed on San Diego, it should be an interesting weekend.

"We have to turn the page pretty quick," Belichick said after his team's win over the Jets on Sunday. "San Diego has pretty much led from start to finish here. They're the No. 1 seed, the best team in the AFC based on their regular-season performance, and they deserve to be."

Belichick said the Chargers are good in all three phases of the game, something he says of all Patriot opponents, even if they were gearing up to play the Sisters of Mercy.

"I'm sure they're going to be ready," said Belichick. "I have all the respect in the world for Marty [Schottenheimer] as a football coach. We don't have long [to prepare]. They're tough."

This is just how tough the Chargers will be on Sunday in San Diego.

Running back LaDainian Tomlinson is one of the most talented players in the NFL. He recorded 1,815 rushing yards on 348 carries for 28 touchdowns to lead the league. He also led the league with 31 touchdowns, a new NFL record. [By comparison, Kansas City's Larry Johnson finished second, with 19.] Tomlinson also finished first in total points, with 186.

Quarterback Philip Rivers, in only his third season, amassed 3,388 yards passing on 284 completions (460 attempts) with 22 touchdowns for a 92-percent rating. Linebacker Donnie Edwards finished the regular season ranked sixth in tackles with 141, while teammate Shawne Merriman ranked first with 17 sacks.

"Obviously, they're a talented football team," said Patriots defensive lineman Richard Seymour. "They are one of the best in the league, if not the best. We are definitely going to have our hands full. If you look at their offense, they have a Pro Bowl quarterback and probably the best running back in the game. We have our work cut out for us."

The Patriots have the edge on defense, but the Chargers are only a few steps behind in that category.

"Their defense is really good," said Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson. "It's going to be a challenge for us. The last time we played them we didn't fair to well against their defense, so it's going to present a big challenge for our offense."

The good news is that the Patriots played one of their best games of the season on Sunday against the Jets. Quarterback Tom Brady issued his usual post-game praises to just about everyone on offense.

San Diego, however, is a lot more talented than the Jets.

"Hands down the best team in the NFL," said Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork of the Chargers. "It's going to be a tough challenge. In order for us to win that game, we're going to have to bring our 'A' game. If we play 'A-minus' or a 'B' game, we will lose that game. It'll be an exciting game. It will be a dogfight."

jmcdonal@projo.com / (401) 277-7340