WHEN NEW ENGLAND HAS THE BALL

If the Patriots learned anything from their first-round playoff game against the New York Jets, it is that every aspect of their offense will need to be fundamentally sound in order to have success today against the Chargers. . . . Because San Diego led the league in sacks (61) during the regular season, expect New England quarterback Tom Brady to use short routes in the passing game, and to rely heavily on running backs Laurence Maroney and Corey Dillon to stifle the pressure. . . . New England tight ends Daniel Graham, Ben Watson and David Thomas will be called upon to block, and be productive in the short passing game. . . . A huge challenge for Brady and his offensive line will be the Chargers' Shawne Merriman, who led the league with 17 sacks, and fellow linebacker Shaun Philips, who had 11.5 sacks. New England's offensive line will have to have its best game of the season. . . . In the QB battle, Brady has the advantage over San Diego third-year passer Philip Rivers.

ADVANTAGE: New England

WHEN SAN DIEGO HAS THE BALL

Even though Brady has the advantage over Rivers, the Chargers are blessed with the talent of MVP running back LaDainian Tomlinson. He led the league in touchdowns and scoring during the regular season. He's been pretty much unstoppable, but the Patriots' sixth-ranked defense will need to limit Tomlinson's long gains. There's a lot more to the San Diego offense than just Tomlinson, but the key will be to stop him. . . . For those who think Rivers is inexperienced, just remember what Brady has done since he took over for the Pats in 2001.

ADVANTAGE: San Diego

SPECIAL TEAMS

This game could easily be decided by special teams. Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding doesn't miss. He nailed 26 of 29 field-goal attempts during the regular season, and has hit all 58 extra points to extend his mark of 129 consecutive PATs. He accumulated 136 points this season, second-best among kickers. . . . Patriots' rookie kicker Stephen Gostkowski has been very consistent this season. Entering the postseason, he connected on 20 of 26 field-goal attempts, and connected on all three chances against the Jets in the wild-card round last weekend. He may be called upon to make a game-winning kick, something he has yet to do this season.

ADVANTAGE: San Diego

COACHING

On paper this one seems like a shoo-in. New England coach Bill Belichick carries a 12-2 career playoff record into today's game, 11-1 with the Patriots. San Diego coach Marty Schottenheimer finished the regular season with his 200th career victory, but he hasn't been as fortunate during the postseason, going 5-12. . . . Today's game won't be a vintage chess match between two veteran coaches, because both will let the players battle it out. Still, New England plays its best football during the months of December and January.

ADVANTAGE: New England

INTANGIBLES

San Diego was unbeaten at home this season and during its streak the Chargers scored a league-best 249 points. . . . San Diego has dominated the Patriots in the last two meetings, 41-17 and 21-14. . . . New England is 3-4 in playoff games against teams from the AFC West. . . . The Patriots are coming off one of their best performances of the season, a victory over the Jets in the first round of the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Chargers earned a first-round bye and are well rested.

ADVANTAGE: New England

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