Loud a clear intent

SAN DIEGO -- The Chargers worked hard all season to gain home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs and now they want to take advantage. The players are urging fans to turn sold-out Qualcomm Stadium (capacity 70,000) into a noisy and hostile environment for the visiting Patriots.

"I think it's very important and obviously all year long we've been feeding off our crowd," said Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson, "but I think they've done a great job of really being loud when the defense has been on the field. And for the most part they have been pretty quiet while we've been operating on offense and that's the way we want to have it. We want the crowd to be quiet while we're on offense so that we can get our checks and everything we need to talk about out there on the field offensively. And then on defense we don't want Tom [ Brady] and the Patriots to be able to hear each other talking and be able to make checks. So the crowd has to be as loud as possible."

The Chargers, who have not lost at home this season, are looking for any edge they can find. Playing at home is a big boost.

"It was our goal since Day 1," said Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman. "We wanted to win all of our home games so hopefully have these playoff games at home. We've seen what it can do for us. Having that 12th man when the crowd is loud and hard for audibles makes some things happen. As long as the crowd is loud and makes them make a mistake, then it obviously helps us."

The Chargers wrapped up their practice schedule yesterday and coach Marty Schottenheimer pronounced his team set for tomorrow's game. "We're healthy and ready to go," said Schottenheimer. "It's a game against two talented football teams who know how to win." . . . Defensive end Jacques Cesaire (knee) is questionable on the injury report, while reserve defensive end Derreck Robinson (foot) was upgraded to probable . . . San Diego had the best record in the NFL at 14-2 and also had nine players make the Pro Bowl squad. They might have a 10th if Cincinnati tackle Willie Anderson pulls out because of foot injury. If that happens, rookie tackle Marcus McNeill (the first alternate) would get an invitation to Hawaii.