Bolt Beat
Fansided

NFL playoffs: Los Angeles Chargers’ postseason history vs. Patriots has been feast or famine

By Travis Wakeman

FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 29: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers is tackled by David Harris #45 and Lawrence Guy #93 of the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter of a game at Gillette Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 29: Philip Rivers #17 of the Los Angeles Chargers is tackled by David Harris #45 and Lawrence Guy #93 of the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter of a game at Gillette Stadium on October 29, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 20: Heath Evans #44 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball against Antonio Cromartie #31 of the San Diego Chargers during the AFC Championship Game on January 20, 2008 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Patriots won 21-12. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 20: Heath Evans #44 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball against Antonio Cromartie #31 of the San Diego Chargers during the AFC Championship Game on January 20, 2008 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Patriots won 21-12. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

2007 AFC Championship Game

Patriots 21, Chargers 12

It’s been 11 years, but this was the last time these two teams faced off in the playoffs.

The Chargers were looking for revenge, but including the playoffs, the Patriots came into this game at 17-0 on the season. They were expected to blow the Bolts out.

The Chargers actually played quite well, keeping it close throughout. But in addition to losing this game, it is remembered by Chargers fans for two reasons.

They remember Tomlinson sitting on the bench when his team needed him the most, wearing his helmet. They also remember the gutsy effort put forth by Rivers, who was playing on a torn ACL.

The Chargers kicked three field goals and trailed just 14-9 at halftime, well within striking distance. Still, they never got close enough to pull off the historic upset.

More from Bolt Beat

Laurence Maroney ran for 122 yards for the Patriots but what is most frustrating about this loss was the fact that the Patriots performed at a very mediocre level and could have been had on this day. The Chargers just couldn’t find the end zone and the 12 points they scored weren’t enough.

The Chargers and their fans have had to sit and stew over that performance, one step from the Super Bowl, for over a decade.

The Patriots lead the all-time series between the teams 24-15-2 and have won the last five meetings in a row.

Home/LA Chargers News