Chargers vs. Patriots

New England Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty knocks a pass away from Chargers tight end Antonio Gates during first half action in the NFL AFC Divisional Playoff at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

A frustrated Philip Rivers talks with running back Austin Ekeler after a broken play resulted in a sack late in the second quarter in the NFL AFC Divisional Playoff at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

New England Patriots running back James White heads upfield on a screen pass late in the game against the Chargers in the NFL AFC Divisional Playoff at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Chargers tight end Antonio Gates catches an 8-yard touchdown pass from Philip Rivers late in the fourth quarter over New England Patriots defensive back Patrick Chung.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady delivers a pass before rushing Chargers defenders can reach hime during first half action in the NFL AFC Divisional Playoff at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

New England Patriots running back Sony Michel dives in for a touchdown early in the first quarter against the Chargers in the NFL AFC Divisional Playoff at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

New England Patriots running back Sony Michel leaps over Chargers safety Jahleel Addae on a first quarter run in the NFL AFC Divisional Playoff at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is sacked by New England Patriots defensive lineman Trey Flowers late in the second quarter in the NFL AFC Divisional Playoff at Gillette Stadium.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski sprints past Chargers cornerback Michael Davis for a 25-yard gain in the third quarter in the NFL AFC Divisional Playoff at Gillette Stadium.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Chargers receiver Keenan Allen pulls in a 32-yard pass from Philip Rivers past New England Patriots defensive back Jason McCourty, setting up a first and goal in the fourth quarter in the NFL AFC Divisional Playoff at Gillette Stadium.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Chargers cornerback Michael Davis breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots receiver Chris Hogan during in the NFL AFC Divisional Playoff at Gillette Stadium. The play was nullified by a holding call against the Chargers defense, allowing the Patriots to continue a scoring drive.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

New England Patriots receiver Julian Edelman hauls in a 28-yard pass over Chargers defenders Rayshawn Jenkins and Michael Davis during a first quarter scoring drive in the NFL AFC Divisional Playoff at Gillette Stadium.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

New England Patriots linebacker Albert McClellan dives on a ball fumbled by Chargers punt returner Desmond King Jr. during second quarter action in the NFL AFC Divisional Playoff at Gillette Stadium.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers struggles to escape pressure from New England Patriots defenders during first half action in the NFL AFC Divisional Playoff at Gillette Stadium.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

New England Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty knocks the ball from Chargers receiver Mike Williams during first half action in the NFL AFC Divisional Playoff at Gillette Stadium.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady meet up after New England beat L.A. 41-28 in the NFL AFC Divisional Playoff at Gillette Stadium.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)