Lights Out- Pats Win, then mock Merriman

The Bill Belichick led New England Patriots refuse to conform to NFL parity theories. In the rampant free agency era, teams are not supposed to consistently win. Especially with the way the Patriots go about their business. Old veterans become cap casualties and no-name newbies come in and get the job done. With a 24-21 win at San Diego earlier today, the Patriots advance to the AFC Championship game for the 4th time in the last six years. While Tom Brady led the charge, new faces like Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney were difference makers. No catchy nickname has been bestowed upon these recent Pats, but they've certainly earned their place among NFL dynasties. Even in a game where Brady struggled, he managed to make plays when the team needed them. They received the fortuitous bounces even the great teams need, and one play may have sent the Chargers to their early offseason.

Clinging to an 8 point lead late in the fourth quarter, Chargers safety Marlon McCree picked off an errant Brady fourth down attempt. Take a knee, and the Chargers can ride their MVP to grind out the clock. Instead McCree tried to make a play and learned a little more about the Patriots mystique. Jack of all trades Patriots wideout Troy Brown stripped the ball and fellow receiver Reche Caldwell recovered to re-claim possession. The former Charger Caldwell would be on the receiving end of a Tom Brady touchdown a few plays later that brought the Pats back within two. Taking a page out of Boise State's playbook, a direct snap to Kevin Faulk tied the game at 21. If you've watched the Patriots under Tom Brady, you knew what would come next. Given a chance late in the game, Brady led the Patriots in to field goal range. The only difference was that rookie kicker Stephen Gostkowski needed to convert, not Mr. Clutch Adam Vinatieri. Gostkowski connected for the decisive points, but left plenty of time for the Lightning Bolts. The Chargers drove to the Patriots 37, but a Nate Kaeding 54 yard field goal attempt fell short.

Despite some sloppy play, the excitement of the final period made this a memorable game. Unfortunately, the lasting images may have come from the postgame coverage. Cameras caught a frustrated LaDainian Tomlinson trying to get off the field, but apparently in a rift with several Patriots players. We would learn later his reactions stemmed from the Patriots celebrations. Speaking to the press after the game, Tomlinson had the following remarks:

"I would never react in that way. I was very upset," Tomlinson said. "When you go to the middle of our field and start doing the dance Shawne Merriman is known for, that is disrespectful. They showed no class and maybe that comes from the head coach."

Merriman has certainly earned a bulls-eye on his back since his failed drug test. Although it did not receive press at the time, Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel celebrated an earlier play with Merriman's trademark dance. We've seen this time and again with T.O mocking Ray Lewis, Hines Ward imitating Owens, and on several other occasions. The loss clearly just paid its toll on Tomlinson and it's understandable why he was so visibly upset. However, if you're going to call attention to yourself, you have to be prepared for this to happen. It's commendable that he stuck up for his teammate, but took it too far in calling Belichick classless. Tomlinson is undoubtedly one of the most professional men in the NFL, but this lapse in character will stick with him for a while.