Patriots will take fight to their opponent

SAN DIEGO -- Shortly after the Patriots' playoff victory over the Jets last Sunday, linebacker Tedy Bruschi briefly looked ahead to the ultimate goal. It's been a long time, he said, since the team had been in the Super Bowl.

Long time? The veteran linebacker was reminded it was only two seasons ago that the Patriots were playing for the championship.

Bruschi's response: That's a long time around these parts.

The Patriots certainly have raised the bar, and to reach those lofty expectations this year, they've come far from home to face what is arguably their toughest test of the season. San Diego might be a nice vacation spot, but there is no leisure in facing a team that finished with the NFL's best record (14-2), features the NFL's Most Valuable Player in running back LaDainian Tomlinson, and has an attacking defense led by All-Pro outside linebacker Shawne Merriman that has totaled 61 sacks.

"There's no question that they're the best team in the league," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "They've had an outstanding year. It's a big challenge. It's going to be a tough fight."

One way to view the fight is that in one corner stands an exciting newcomer with the ability to throw a variety of powerful punches, while in the other is a proud, older champion with savvy and know-how in big bouts.

The Patriots (13-4) seemed to be relishing their place in the latter corner, with several players -- including quarterback Tom Brady and defensive lineman Richard Seymour -- suggesting the brash, young Chargers haven't paid proper respect to a team that has won three of the last five Super Bowls.

Yet the time for talk is over. This afternoon's game means the time to tape up the gloves has arrived, and as Brady pointed out on his way to practice late in the week, it's actually quite simple: The team that plays better today will register the knockout. Brady is an expert on the topic; he enters with an 11-1 career playoff record.

If last week's playoff game against the Jets was intriguing because of the chess match between teams and coaches that know each other so well, today's game offers sizzle in that both clubs are strong in several key areas.

The Chargers turned the ball over just 15 times this season, the lowest mark in the league. The Patriots forced 35 turnovers, the NFL's fourth-highest total.

The Chargers averaged 30.8 points per game, leading the league. The Patriots set a franchise record for fewest points allowed per game, 14.8, the second-best mark in the NFL.

The Chargers were tops in touchdown percentage in the red zone (42 in 62 possessions). The Patriots' defense, which held the Jets to three field goals in three red zone trips last week, ranked second during the regular season for the lowest touchdown percentage allowed inside the 20 (12 in 35 possessions).

The Chargers scored the most fourth-quarter points during the regular season, 176. The Patriots allowed the fewest -- 51.

The Chargers posted an 8-0 home record this season, tied for the best mark in the league. The Patriots were 7-1 on the road, tied for the NFL's top record away from home.

Ring the bell. It's time to fight.

"I don't think they're intimidated by us and we're not intimidated by them," second-year Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs said. "It should be a good, competitive football game."