Charles P. Pierce in Slate explains why the final chance to stop the Patriots was last night against San Diego. The Chargers nearly pulled it off. Tom Brady had an off day, but woke-up, teamed-up with the incredible Kevin Faulk, and secured a ticket to the team's fourth Super Bowl. As Pierce reminds us:

In the last nine games, the New England defense has surrendered 57 points in the second half. In the two playoff games, it has given up a mere three field goals after halftime. Somebody's coaching during halftime, and somebody's surely listening.