FOXBORO -- Three times, the San Diego Chargers moved the ball inside the Patriots' 10-yard line.

Three times they settled for field goals, failing to score even one touchdown against a determined New England defense.

"It was crucial that we had those 'red zone' stops," said Tedy Bruschi, a 12-year veteran who'll be going to his fifth Super Bowl with the Patriots.

"I mean, when you hug your coach after you've won the AFC championship and the first thing he says was: 'Great job in the red area,' you know it was important

"It's something we've been emphasizing. We had our struggles early in the year, and then we make some progress, and then give ground a little bit, and then make more progress.

"It's great," Bruschi continued, "to see that, in the biggest game of the year, we come up and force them to kick field goals.''

Offense has been what has carried the Patriots throughout their undefeated season, as quarterback Tom Brady threw a league-record 50 touchdown passes -- 23 of them to Randy Moss, which also is an NFL record -- and the Pats set a record for points scored (589.)

But, with Brady throwing a season-high three interceptions yesterday, including one in the end zone, it was the New England defense that was the difference in the game.

"I think our defense always does what we need to do to win," Bruschi said. "Holding them to field goals today was what we needed to do to win."

-JIM DONALDSON