The New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers participated in last season's AFC Championship Game, but neither has resembled the team that competed for the conference's ultimate prize nine months ago. The Chargers will attempt to avenge last January's playoff loss to the Patriots this Sunday at Qualcomm Stadium, in what has turned out to be a critical game for the reigning AFC West champs. San Diego has stumbled to a 2-3 record out of the gate, and jeopardized its status as one of the AFC's prime contenders with its slow start. Injuries to star players on both sides of the ball have played a role in the Chargers' sluggish beginning, as a once-mighty defense has clearly suffered without the intimidating presence of linebacker Shawne Merriman, and a nagging turf toe ailment to superstar running back LaDainian Tomlinson has...
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