Tomlinson: 'Nothing serious'

Hmmm, sounds like the Belichick injury report style is being cloned.

Dear Coach Turner:

I have studied the tapes of the Chargers game vs. the Indianapolis Colts, more so the plays in which Gates, Rivers and Tomlinson were injured. I have watched, very closely the cause of the injuries and watched, very keenly, their movements on the sideline following the injuries.

It is my sincere, medical opinion, that all three of these players need to be kept out of your game, this Sunday, with the New England Patriots, in order that they have sufficient time to heal before the Super Bowl.

They will need to have full movement of their knees, toes, etc. so that they can climb the stairs to get to their seats to be able to watch the game. Thank you.

Dr. NEM

I tend to disagree... only because the Chargers are giving out way too much information. BB would give something like "Yeah, Rivers has an injury on one of his legs. And it is what it is."

Obviously, you want the best game possible, so you hope that both teams are at full strength. It's what real competition is all about. Some are sorry that the Colts aren't coming, but the Chargers should provide some good competition. After all, they beat the Colts on their home field, so that tells you about the Colts and about the Chargers.

The Patriots are on a mission and it hasn't been all that easy, so why should it change now? I don't like how the writers just assume NE wins before the game is played, but they are just opinions. Like the Patriots, I take the competition seriously and that's why NE does so well. They take nothing for granted.

I've been a fan since 1976 and have been on a pretty good ride since 2001, but man, what a ride this is.

So is admitting that he is a total wimp for not playing in such a crucial game last night for "nothing serious"?

I am from sunny San Diego. It is currently 68 degrees here. Nice and balmy; but I digress...... Please believe me, Patsies fans, when I say to you that our troika of devestation (that is LT, PR, and AG) will play next Sunday. And don't be too surprised when they lay down the law on your Marsha and his Cheatriots.

LT will go down as the biggest wus in NFL history if his knee injury really is "nothing serious" considering he sat on the sideline while his team's season was on the line against the Colts. The same goes for Rivers although I hope he does play given how emotionally unstable he is. He is alot more like Ryan Leaf in that department than anyone in SD would care to admit. He has a big self-destruct button...

Not buying it. Neither returned to the biggest game of the year yesterday and that had to be more than just a precaution. Too bad, I'm one who prefers that opponents be able to field their best team. Turner is very good but LT is obviously a different level. Rivers is an enigma- had him on my fantasy football team and he was borderline "a stiff". Volek? Who the heck is he? 14 degrees, Bolt injuries and the Best Offense Evah will crete a Pats rout. IMO

Hendrikus,

I am from Boston, where we actually have a winter, and kids actually build character. But I digress. Do not be too surprised when your threesome is moping on the bench just like they did when the Pats embarrassed them on national television in week two. And the only one who is cheating is Roids Merriman.

LT, Rivers and Gates are going to play, and the Pats will prepare for everyone on the chargers roster.. nothing newsworthy here.

Ms. Kleiss;

The difference between the Patriots and Chargers is very simple: Tom Brady. You wouldn't see him yelling at fans in the crowd. You don't see him limping off the field either. Brady is from the old school - if he's got a limb hanging off of him, he'll just tape it up and get back out there. That is why this team will take the Charger's best shot, and be standing over them at the end. So, enjoy the sunny weather in San Diego, you'll have plenty of company with LT, PR and AG after the game next Sunday!

troika of vegetation is more like it

Hendrikus, Hope your Chargers enjoy playing in temps around 10 degrees because that what it will be on Sunday.

Das is gooten joke, there, Heidi Kleiss. We beat your team so badly in game 1, it took them 6 weeks to get over it. Wilcommen back to NE.

While it is 68 in San Diego, you do have to deal with single digit IQ's. I just hope you are proud enough to come back and post once you get worked over like an illegal in the Southern Cali farms. With your three stars you will lose by 24, just like in September, without them, you will lose by 44, so it matters not who shows up, the Chargers are but a speed bump on the way to being crowned the best team EVER, and that my friend, you will never be able to take away. Enjoy your "Super" Chargers and send them off with one of those cute little rallies you have out there. Pats fans celebrate championships, not being in the playoffs.

Das is gooten joke, there, Heidi Kleiss. We beat your team so badly in game 1, it took them 6 weeks to get their self-esteem back. Wilcommen back to NE. Grief counselors will be on hand to help your people.

Hendrikus Kleiss:

Before you post such rubbish here, check your spelling: it's "devastation" not "devestation"!
You got plenty of guts calling us Patriots fans "Patsies" and our team "Cheatriots". We'll see who wins on the field: if the Patriots do, would you be man (or woman) enough to come on here and apologize to our team and its fans?
Ha! I think you don't have the decency or courage to do so... Prove me wrong!

I am from sunny South Florida, it is currently 75 degrees here. Nice and toasty!! The only thing the Chargers are going to lay is a big fat egg. What kind of name is Hendrikus Kleiss anyway???? Damn, im sorry about your chargers, but more sorry to hear about your name. GO PATS!!!!

Excellent advice, Dr. NEM. As far as you're concerned, Hendrikus Kleiss, Heil! Your team better get better at cheating this Sunday or your team is going down!

For anyone that has taken a medically oriented class knows that hyperextension of the crus(lower leg) will cause a torn ACL. If the injury wasn't serious LT would've played in the 4th.

For anyone that has taken a medically oriented class knows that hyperextension of the crus(lower leg) will cause a torn ACL. If the injury wasn't serious LT would've played in the 4th.

When players have leg injuries like the Chargers and play in cold weather (especially when they're practicing in warm weather) it tends to cause much more serious injuries. Cold is what you do immediately after an injury then you heat it up to increase circulation. This is seriously bad news for the Chargers. But I hope all 3 can play, it'll take away the Chargers whining about not having their players (they'll do it anyway - they haven't lost a game in 3 years). And I hope Ryan Leaf Rivers is available the entire game - the Patriots defense could sure use the rest.

If PR really does MCL injury he won't be playing. Simple as that unless the Stupid Chargers want to risk an even more serious knee injury. Let the Billy Volek era begin. As for the Fake Lt and his hyper extended knee I hope he plays so our "old and slow" D can shut him down and make him cry. I watch a total b*tch slap fight to break out on the SD sideline between these 2 chicks. Stay Classless San Diego!

Hope you pasty geeks enjoy playing with hot chicks in temps around 75 degrees because that what it wil be like on Sunday in SD. Win or lose we win in the game of life.

We beat you once in the cold, we will do it again!

GO BOLTS!

I digest (er, digress).....three key players SITTING OUT large amounts of time in an important playoff game when it was NOT in the bag yet??? Hmmmm, methinks there's more to this than meets the casual eye.

Besides, I'm not sure if ANYONE in the NFL fears Philip Rivers, even at his best.

LT and Merriman are huge BLABBERMOUTHs (thanks Ralph Kramden)!

Yes, 9-10 degrees at game time....bunch o pansies crying their way back home Sunday night!! Going to be a loooonnnngggg and quiet plane ride.

And PLEASE, would someone simply define Cheating to me? I was under the impression that IF Darth Hoodie filmed the game and used it DURING THAT GAME, that that was cheating. It's called breaking a rule (similar to stuffing a marker in your socks). Even the NFL has admitted that NE NEVER used the film of that game during that game (I believe it was confiscated about 7 minutes into the opening quarter). SO THEY DID NOT CHEAT!!!! dumb*ss

Please inform your relatives up north in San Fran that we all said THANKS for that #7 overall pick next year!!

42-10 AFC final!
AFC Champions!!!
18-0....."NEXT"..?

Go ahead and underestimate the Chargers. I'll let their play on Sunday do the talkin for me. Go Chargersssssssssssssssssssss. By the way, last 8 games Charger defense been playin better than the pats. Givin up less points and Chargers getting more takeaways. Gonna be a fun game. You all seem to forget the Chargers beat the Colts twice this year.

What is San Diego famous for? The weather is always the same, 70 and sunny. The people are the same - disingenuous (they would need a dictionary to learn that word), lazy, apathetic (get out the dictionary again, Klaus) but willing make major sacrifices. Those sacrifices are :
1. Wax their car more than once per week
2. Visit their hairdresser often
3. Wear ski caps to make themselves look like they are cool. (Hey fellas - those hats were made for cold weather only)
4. Complain about illegals while using them to mow their lawn, take care of their kids, clean their houses etc.

I AM PATRIOTS FUN FOR 35 FIVE HEARS NOW THEY HAVE TE BEST MOMENTUM. PLAYING HOME WITH THE FACT TO KNOW VERY WELL THE LINE OF VINCENT LOMBARDI ....GUYS ONTHE FIELD IS JEST ONE WINN.ER...THEY KNOW THAT.. THEY WANT THAT ALL THE WAY MY REGARDS TO YOU AND MY LOVE TO MY TEAM ,..GO..GO.. PATRIOTS...SERGIOPREMOLI

your kids build really pasty, boring character

The best team ever to get publicly called out for cheating. Now that my friend is something that you and all your fans can never take away. It's like Bonds and homers, Clemens and pitching, Lance and his lil bike, etc..etc...etc...

Yes it's 68 degrees, intellegence here is abundant enough to know that if we had the "Best Team Evah" we wouldn't need to disgrace ourselves with cheating. Win with honor my chowder eating friends.......HONOR!

This isn't the Charge you played earlier in the season, just ask Payton!

Ooooooh! We are so afraid of the Patsies. Too bad all you have is baseball,football & all those trees you can hug with your liberal politicians. Maybe the officials will help the Patsies this week too. See you there in the stands.
GO CHARGERS!!!

Is'nt steroids cheating (Merriman)?

Pats will win....19-0 yawn.......who gives a shit

been to Boston, VERY overrated city

been to San Diego.....amazing city

Pats will still win

Same shallow view that most people have of Southern Cali. Hate to break it to you but living here only means that we are smart enough to not live in a place as bitter cold and boring as New England.

To generalize that everyone in San Diego is shallow, dumb and weak is pretty ignorant. Plenty of intellegence here.

Back to the real issue here FOOTBALL............Don't underestimate us! We have plenty of tools to get er done my friends. Everyone has underestimated us all season and look where we are now. It will be a great game and definitely not a blow out. If you doubt me take a look at our defensive stats as of late. I do believe we are better than the Pats in that area for sure. We showed we can get it done with out being at 100% as well.

Thanks Glen,
Why don't you talk about what happened in the playoffs last year. We came there kicked some tush and ruined your playoff push.
Win with honor? Last time I checked cameragate happened in Week 1 - the Pats don't need cameras to run this table. Think the cameras helped this year?
Seriously, taping on the sideline happens EVERY week. Tell these other teams to change up some signals. Why do you think the offensive coordinator covers his plays, why do you think QB's hear plays in their ear.
Grow up, I only hope you make it to your parade on Sunday night welcoming home your Chargers for its effort... maybe you can shine LT's helmet for him...

Hey I am in my living room where it is a balmy 69 degrees, looking out on some lovely snow, but I digress. Look I am not like a lot of these people and claiming we will steam roll your team. We generally have class and respect the sport, two good teams going to go at it next sunday. Each will be riding momentum and skill toward a victory that is there for either team to take if they work hard enough for it. So good luck with your team and GO Pats on my side. Hey I am not even going to hate on you, actually I will thank you because it is comments like yours that fuel the momentum for our team. Keep up the good work!

You all miss the point here. You need to look no further than the coaching matvhup to know the outcome of this game.

As for the SD defense being better than the Pats D over the past 8 games....keep in mind that we just played the equivalent of 8 straight playoff games. I have never seen so much intensity for so long in the regular season.

Pats by infinity.

In the playoffs, there are absolutely no guarantees. I remember some of the so-called football 'experts' refusing to even acknowledge the possibility of anyone but the Colts facing the Patriots in the AFC championship. Apparently, they still haven't learned the NFL credo of '....on any given Sunday...' , I'm a Pats fan and hope they get to and win the Super Bowl.

If that had been Brady going down against the Colts last Sunday instead of Rivers, how many of us would've been comfortable with Matt Cassell stepping in and leading us to victory in that atmosphere?

Do not take these Chargers lightly !! They have a a lot of motivation to take it to the Pats from what happened last year in the playoffs and how they were humiliated earlier this year.

If PR really does MCL injury he won't be playing. Simple as that unless the Stupid Chargers want to risk an even more serious knee injury. Let the Billy Volek era begin. As for the Fake Lt and his hyper extended knee I hope he plays so our "old and slow" D can shut him down and make him cry. I watch a total b*tch slap fight to break out on the SD sideline between these 2 chicks. Stay Classless San Diego!

So tell me Glenn. Do you believe the Patriots will be cheating in anyway this Sunday? If not, then what will your thoughts be when they knock off your Chargers. Still so negative and resentful?

Patriots are set up perfectly for a fall versus the Chargers.

See it's not going to be like it was last year when the Chargers gave NE a dozen extra opportunities for a comeback. This time Cromartie will be taking that Brady interception to the House.

No matter what the result next week New England is going to get the crap knocked out of their pansy asses. Better get the ball out there quickly Tom cause the Crazy Eye killers are coming after you. Don't be coming over the middle Randy cause we got a guy to level you there also. Best stay with streaking up sideline if you can without going out of bounds. Maroney - Baloney! - You're not going get loose like you did against the Jags.

Sure we are a little sentimental about Rodney and Junior but come on, isn't it about time for those guys to ride off into the sunset of their careers.

Just keep this in mind all you New England fans. 17 and 1 is not a bad season.

Who gives a crap about Peyton Manning A/K/A Spongebob Squarehead. You all from SD keep talking about Peyton and the Colts like it's the only worthwhile thing you've done all season, which, of course, it is. Tom Brady is not Peyton (thank God for that) and the Patriots are not the Colts (thank God for that, too). Stop living in the past and focus on the future. The future loss to NE in Gillette Stadium that is. GO PASTY PATS!!!! I'll take a pasty 17-0 football team long before I take a banged up, mediocre team with tan lines. Go grab a surf board and call it a day.

I wish tomorrow was Sunday!!! I think it will be a great game, the Chargers D will suprise the Pats. When they played in week 2 their D coach was still getting the players to learn his system. In week 2 the Chargers starting MLBs were only in their second game as starters and one of the DBs isn't even a starter anymore. So they might suprise Brady and Co. we shall see. Like Mr. P I will not hate. Some people like the snow and the east coast , some like the sunshine and the west coast..to each his own. Go Bolts

I don't know who makes more idiot comments - Dolt players or their fans?
I remember ALOT of talk last year leading up to the playoff game in SD and what happended was the Pats doing what they normally do - WIN!
I also remember a few Dolt players mouthing off before Week 2 this year and - of course - the Pats destroyed any shred of manhood the Dolts brought to Foxboro that day.
So why would any intelligent person believe anything different is going to happen this week - regardless of which Dolt players suit up? The genius will eliminate LT and force Rivers to win the game. Does anyone believe this possible?
And can the Dolts really stop Brady & Co.? Get real!
Patriots 31, Dolts 24 (with a late, garbage time score)

Charger fans can't spell.

Hendrikus Kleiss spells "devastation" as devestation.

Glen spells "Peyton" Manning as Payton.

Come back and visit us when you learn how to spell.

In the meantime, here's how you spell Super Bowl Champions:
N-E-W E-N-G-L-A-N-D P-A-T-R-I-O-T-S

And, here's how you spell Whiners:
S-A-N D-I-E-G-O C-H-A-R-G-E-R-S

I live in California and San Diego is a great city. It's too bad you can't say that about their football team. To put a little twist on the line about New York and the Skankees... "I love San Diego, it's the Chargers I hate".

The players from both these teams are coming from all over the country (or have we conveniently forgotten that Tom Brady is from sunny CA?!). Also, I would not wish a knee injury on anyone, let alone several of the best players on the SD team. I am just grateful we don't have to suffer the elder Manning anymore this season. Hopefully all his commercials will be pulled off the air. I don't want insights into his self-defeating mind, or infantile pep talks. I'd much rather watch the exuberant Rivers, the "amazing" Volek (lucky penalty!), or the brilliant Brady playing a team game with real team spirit. There's no way the Chargers should have won that game yesterday, but they did because they wanted it more than the Dolts. So, I hope to watch a good game and I hope the team that wants it most goes 19-0.

I don't understand why people call the Patriots cheaters. Yes, they were taping defensive signals against the Jets -- but it's *allowed* if it's done from other locations, even in the first row of the stands at mid-field, and everyone does it. So the only thing they did was break a rule on the location of the taping -- they did not *cheat.* They're a phenomenal team, and although it will be a tough game against the Chargers, they will win.

The Patriots are undeniably a terrific team. Still, I do sense more than a little bit of overconfidence. While the Colts can't admit it, the fact is that they were beat by a number of the Chargers' 2nd string players. The score would not have been as close as it was were it not for a couple of abysmal calls by the officials.

The Patriots will probably win but this Chargers team has considerable talent and something that they've lacked in the past; a lot of heart.

I do have to admit that it will be tough sledding without Rivers. While Turner, Sproles et al could likely fill in pretty well for L.T., I think that there is a fairly large drop off from Rivers to Volek.

Mr. Wonderful,

There is only one "Genius" and that was Bill Walsh. BB is a great coach and is very smart and I have a ton of respect for how he coaches but he isn't
"The Genius".

WEATHER FORECAST FOR FOXBORO ON SUNDAY, AS FOLLOWS:

Depending on which forecast you read, here are two of them.

1: HIGH of 19 degrees, low of 4 degrees

2: HIGH of 16 degrees, low of 8 degrees.

Seeing as this game is scheduled to start around 3PM eastern, one can assume that by halftime, the temps are very likely to be in single digits.

For all of those still harping over "Spygate" - get over it! The Pats got caught, they paid their dues, and they moved on. Everyone else needs to as well.
With that said, the Pats will be fully ready to face whatever Charger line-up will take the field. The Chargers' players best be ready on the field, not flapping their mouths. Ditto for their fans...
GO Pats!

17-1 Great Year New England! Have a Nice Winter...

SD fans--enough with the cheating comments already. People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, or something like that. Merriman--CHEATER, steroids. New rule in NFL created about substance abusers attending the Pro Bowl because of HIM. And, lest we all forget Luis Castillo, who tearfully admitted before the NFL Combine the year he was drafted that he took STEROIDS and "I'm so sorry, I was wrong, wah wah wah." All teams have their issues and SD is no different, so shut yer traps.

Jim,
The only reason Brady isnt yelling at fans is because he is to busy worry about where he is gonna take his super model girlfriend for dinner! Hell, if i was him id be doing the same thing! Im glad Rivers is showing his emotions and is getting into it with fans. It shows passion. As for Sunday, its gonna be one heck of a game, hopefully LT, Rivers and Gates are ready to play. As for all you Pats fans complaining about Merriman and steroids, hello, didnt Rodney Harrsion test positive for Steroids, at least Merriman at least looks like he took steroids, he's a beast!! Im predicting at least 2 sacks. Go Bolts!!!!!!

"... please be aware that the New England Patriots already have won their fourth Vince Lombardi trophy in seven years. They clinched it Sunday, while sitting around their TV sets, watching the only team that possibly could have beaten them, the Indianapolis Colts, lose at home to the San Diego Chargers.

---- Jay Mariotti, Chicago Sun-Times

Smartest thing I've heard from Mariotti, in awhile. I see it being a good game but come 4th quarter, the "Bolts" won't be able to hang with the colts.
As for everyone bringing up this whole cheating thing and labeling the Pats as being cheaters, get new material, we've heard it already. Yes they were recording the defensive signals and yes their location of recording was against the rules, but for all those who continue to bring up the topic get over yourself. Get new material and then bring it back here so we can provide you with another verbal whooping. They may have "cheated" but they still rattled off 16 wins since and the first game should be counted as well because the tape had no baring on the outcome of that game. So enough talk about the cheating it happened in week one and has had no effect since excluding the penalties, soo enough already. Go Pats! Glendale is gonna feel real nice come Feb 3.

You Patriot fans are just as bad as the SF Giant fans defense of that piece of trash B.Bonds. Face it you got caught cheating, period. You want to point out that Merriman got caught for roids, he did period. That isn't a wash now, remember, Harrison hasd a suspension this year for Performance Enhancing Drugs, so your arguement really isn't that strong there either, your still leading in the cheating catagory.

OH,wait a minute,isn't this the same team that produced the pervert LANCE ALWORTH.They will all go to their knees like him.Have a good day!!!!!

i hope it's 10 degrees below zero, cause guess what pats can't run the ball...Micheal turner will run it down the patsgeriatric LB crew... it might give one a stroke...ohhh tooo late.. I'm sorry too soon

Patsie fans get used to hearing about the *

It will always be there for eternity. You cheated, you got caught, and you'll go down in history with an *

Boston fans sucks sooo much, even your team tries to disassociate themselves from you by using "New England"

Actually numbnuts Chargers fans, Rodney DIDN'T get busted for steroids (which are criminally illegal), but for HGH which is NOT criminally illegal.

Win something and then you can talk. Until then STFU.

The problem with the 60 something log is no one really reads them. But here it goes. The Cheatriots are the rage for dynasty haters. Thats why we hated the Yankees for years. As far as cheating goes, well, it is overrated and used by every team in the league. It is sort of like the roid scandals..... please refrain from who dun it, to how many dun it! Let us move on! As for San Diego, they are a great team who showed alot of grit, New Englanders like those qualities..... 2001Championship. I admire their effort. As for New England, Manning always gets the kudos and Brady got 2nd place, but, not this year. He will not be denied. Patriots will win in a close one. It will be a fun game to watch.

Ok the stroke comment was a definate low blow, you don't need to bring a person's personal issues into the conversation this strickly football talk. That's a cheap shot and shows what type of person you are. As for not being able to run the ball, you're an absolute idiot..I'll let the past few weeks speak for themselves on that one. Get your facts straight before you make a statement like that. All I got to say is Maroney is running like a man on a mission.

I'm pretty jealous of the San Diego fans. They'll be able to put down the convertible tops in that nice 68 degree air as they drive to Pheonix to see the NE/Packers SB in a couple weeks.

It's surprising to me that no one has mentioned that the Chargers have only beaten two teams with a winning record this season. The Colts and Titans twice. All their other wins have come from .500 or below teams. Doesn't bode well for the bolts!

Yeah you forget to mention that the Chargers beat the defending SuperBowl Champs TWICE!!!! Go Chargers!!!

Hey, go easy. You know darn well nobody in New England, much less a Patriots fan, knows what the word "troika" means. Remember, this is the north east. Talk slowly, the way you would to a very "special" child, and don't use big words. Remember who you're talking to here. Very important.

Hey, commenter #67: You gotta be kidding. You're trying to say that the Northeast is stupid? Hmmm, let's see. Within spitting distance of Gillette Stadium are Harvard, Yale, Brown, and Dartmouth, just to name a few. What's within spitting distance of San Diego? Oh, yeah--MEXICO. You lose.

Officially, the Chargers beat the Colts 23-21 this year, but it took 2 special teams TDs by Sproles, 6 INTs by Manning, and a missed 29 yd FG by Adam Automatic for that to happen.

As for their win this weekend, that was very impressive. It also showed that the Colts were way overhyped. They couldn't stop the 2nd stringers. And finally, it showed that there really isn't a team capable of stopping the Pats this year.....unless the NFL wants to give Favre a Lifetime Achievement Award in February....

Pats 34, Bolts 20.