Patriots 24, Chargers 21

Chargers LaDainian Tomlinson brekas away from four Patriot palyers for a huge gain.  (Wally Skalij / LAT)

Patriots Wide receiver Reche Caldwell is congratulated by teammate Matt Light after scoring a touchdown against the Chargers in the fourth quarter.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

Chargers tight end Antonio Gates is tripped up by Patriots defensive back Chad Scott.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

Chargers running back LaDaininan Tomlinson breaks through a tackle by Patriots defensive back Artrell Hawkins.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

Chargers quaterback Phillip Rivers loses the ball after being tackled by Patriots Mike Vrabel.  (Wally Skalij / LAT)

Chargers defenders Derreck Robinson, left, Shawne Merriman and Donnie Edwards sack Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the fourth quarter.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

Patriots wide receiver Jabar Gaffney gets past Chargers strong safety Terrence Kiel.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

Chargers wide receiver Eric Parker snags a Philip Rivers pass against Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs in the first half.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson gets past Patriots linebacker Larry Izzo to score a touchdown.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

Chargers head coach Marty Schottenheimer encourages quarterback Philip Rivers in the second quarter.  (Wally Skalij / LAT)

Patriots Rosevelt Colvin gets hit in the face by Chargers LaDanian Tomlinson after making an interception.  (Wally Skalij / LAT)

Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski kicks a 31-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to seal the playoff victory for New England.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

Patriots place kicker Stephen Gostkowski, center, raises his arm after making the game winning field goal.  (Wally Skalij / LAT)

Chargers tackle Shande Olivea reacts to a missed field goal by Chargers kicker Nate Kaeding in the closing seconds.  (Luis Sinco / LAT)

Chargers LaDainian Tomlinson, center, and Philip Rivers yell at Patriots Ellis Hobbs at the end of the game.  (Wally Skalij / LAT)