Chargers have nothing to lose

By Dave Lamm  |   Thursday, January 17, 2008  |  Comments( 2 )

San Diego Chargers
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The predominant opinion around the NFL is that the San Diego Chargers backed into the playoffs by way of winning a lousy AFC West. Many were surprised the Bolts won their first playoff game in 13 years. Everyone was outright shocked when they beat the Colts last weekend. No one gives them a shot to beat the unbeaten juggernaut that is the 17-0 New England Patriots. Past history, although it may not be recent past history, could work in San Diego's favor.

San Diego's last playoff victory before these last two came on the road, in a cold and rainy open-air stadium facing the No. 1 seed in the AFC as double-digit underdogs. Sound familiar? Substitute the 2007 New England Patriots for the 1994 Pittsburgh Steelers and you could see another monumental upset courtesy of the Chargers.

Heading into the AFC championship in January 1995, the media and fans agreed that the Steelers were just too strong of a squad for the Chargers to stand a chance. Some suggested that if the Chargers missed the team plane to Pittsburgh, it would save everyone a lot of time. The result? An underperforming Steelers defense and one tipped ball off the fingers of linebacker Dennis Gibson propelled San Diego to a 17-13 upset over heavily favored Pittsburgh. The comparison could be drawn between the 2007 Patriots and the 1994 Steelers with the Chargers the adhesive that may end up sticking those two teams to the same page in history.

Entering the game, the Chargers have nothing to lose. Much like when they played the Steelers in 1995, everyone expects them to lose in a blowout. Rushing champ LaDainian Tomlinson has a hyperextended knee. Brash, loudmouthed QB Philip Rivers is day-to-day with a sprained MCL. Four-time Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates is less than 100 percent with a toe injury. Fullback Lorenzo Neal is trying to come back from a broken leg, while defensive linemen Luis Castillo and Jamal Williams are also questionable for the game. With so many question marks,, how can anyone believe the Bolts can win? The Chargers believe they can win and that confidence should concern the Patriots.

If the Chargers travel to Foxboro and completely lay an egg, it will not shake up the sports world. With all the injuries and the way this team has underachieved this year, could you blame them for losing to a squad in pursuit of perfection? If the planets align and San Diego beats the Patriots on Sunday, it will be because the Chargers had nothing to lose.

Getting into a fight with a man on death row is more dangerous because he has no fear of dying. Leading up to the game and all the expert predictions logged, the Chargers might as well run onto the field led by a priest rather than Norv Turner. This mentality could work to San Diego's advantage.

If the Patriots win, it will be viewed as just another speed bump on their way to a perfect season. If the Chargers win, they will notch their place in history as the ultimate spoilers. The only downside to this scenario is that Mercury Morris gets to extend his 15 minutes of fame.
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