Chargers have nothing to lose

The predominant opinion in the NFL is that the San Diego Chargers backed into the playoffs by winning a lousy AFC West.  Many were surprised that the Bolts won their first playoff game in 13 years, and everyone was outright shocked when they beat the Colts last weekend.  No one believes they will conquer the unbeaten juggernaut that is the 17-0 New England Patriots, but lessons of the past (though not of the recent past) could work in San Diego's favor.

San Diego's last playoff victory (before these two) came on the road in a cold and rainy open-air stadium facing the No. 1 seed in the AFC as double-digit underdogs.  Sound familiar?  Substitute the 2007 New England Patriots for the 1994 Pittsburgh Steelers and you could see another monumental upset courtesy of the Chargers.

Heading into the AFC championship in January 1995, the media and the fans agreed that the Steelers were just too strong a squad and the Chargers would not stand a chance.  Some suggested that if the Chargers missed the team plane to Pittsburgh it would save everyone a lot of time. 

The result?  An underperforming Steelers defense and one ball tipped off the fingers of linebacker Dennis Gibson propelled San Diego to a 17-13 upset over heavily favored Pittsburgh.  The comparison could be drawn between the 2007 Patriots and the 1994 Steelers, with the Chargers the adhesive that may have those two teams stuck to the same page in history.

Entering this game, the Chargers have nothing to lose.  Much like when they played the Steelers in 1995, everyone expects them to fail in a blowout. 

Rushing champ LaDainian Tomlinson has a hyperextended knee.  Brash, loudmouthed QB Philip Rivers is evaluated day-to-day with a sprained MCL.  Four-time Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates is less than 100 percent with a toe injury.  Fullback Lorenzo Neal is trying to come back from a broken leg, while defensive linemen Luis Castillo and Jamal Williams are also questionable as contributors in this game.

With so many question marks, how can anyone believe the Bolts can win?  Well, the Chargers believe they can win and that confidence should concern the Patriots.

If the Chargers travel to Foxboro and completely lay an egg, it will not shake up the sports world.  With all the injuries and with the way the team has underachieved this year, could you blame them for losing to a squad in pursuit of perfection?  If the planets do align and San Diego beats the Patriots on Sunday, it will be because the Chargers had nothing to lose.

Fighting a man on death row is dangerous because he has no fear of death. 

Leading up to the game with all the expert predictions logged, the Chargers might as well run onto the field led by a priest rather than Norv Turner.  This mentality could work to San Diego's advantage.

If the Patriots win, it will be viewed as just another speed bump on their way to a perfect season.  If the Chargers win, they will secure their place in history as the ultimate spoilers.  The only downside of this scenario is that Mercury Morris would get to extend his 15 minutes of fame.