San Diego Chargers comeback comes up short
Once again the San Diego Chargers dominated the game on both sides of the ball, but came up short. Despite coming back from 23-6 late in the fourth quarter, they still suffered a 23-20 loss to the New England Patriots.
The San Diego Chargers put themselves into a hole as they found themselves down 20-3 going into the fourth quarter due to several first-half miscues, including turnovers on four straight possessions in the first and second quarters.
It wasn't until the fourth quarter that the Chargers began to mount a comeback with two scoring drives of 60-plus yards.
Chargers tight end Antonio Gates capped off the first with a four-yard catch, and fullback Mike Tolbert finished off the second with a one-yard run.
With time winding down and the Patriots in possession on a fourth and inches near midfield, the Patriots decided to try and seal the win by going for it, but the Chargers stopped running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis cold.
The failed fourth down attempt gave the Chargers one last chance as they worked their way into field goal range. After a false start penalty that moved the ball back five yards, Kris Brown's 50-yard field goal attempt had the distance, but hit the post and
went out wide to give the Patriots the win.
Chargers kicker Kris Brown was devastated about having the chance to tie the game and failing.
"It just stayed down that hashmark. It just hit the upright...It's frustrating because I felt like I hit it pretty good. It just didn't go in."
Many have scrutinized the Patriots decision to go for it on fourth down late in the game instead of punting the ball, but Patriots quarterback, Tom Brady, never questioned the decision.
"If you get the yard, it's going to be tough for them to win...We have a lot of confidence in that play. You have to think you've got to be able to get the yard. We didn't execute very well."
With the win, the Patriots move into a tie for top spot in the AFC East along with the New York Jets at 5-1. They play host to Brett Favre and the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday, 31 October.
The four-time defending AFC West champions, San Diego Chargers, now fall to 2-5 on the season and are tied with the Denver Broncos for last place. They will host the 5-2 Tennessee Titans next Sunday.
Tags: