1/14 - Gostkowski, Patriots rally past Chargers

San Diego, CA (Sports Network) - Rookie Stephen Gostkowski connected on a 31- yard field goal with just over a minute to play, as New England rallied from an eight-point deficit in the final 4:36 to edge San Diego, 24-21, in an AFC Divisional Playoff tilt at Qualcomm Stadium. Philip Rivers led his team right back down the field in an attempt to force overtime, finding Eric Parker for a 21-yard gain to put the Chargers at the New England 36. Rivers quickly spiked the ball with just a precious few seconds left on the clock to give Nate Kaeding a chance at a 54-yard field goal. Kaeding`s kick fell low and right, however, marking the first time in two seasons that he failed on an attempt at home. Tom Brady was far from flawless but engineered a pair of late scoring drives for New England, which improved to 12-1 in the postseason behind its heralded signal- caller. Brady finished 27-of-51 for 280 yards with two touchdown passes and three interceptions. Jabar Gaffney had 10 receptions for 103 yards with a score, while Reche Caldwell hauled in a score late in the fourth and finished with 80 yards on seven receptions. The Patriots advance to play at Indianapolis in the AFC Championship Game next Sunday. League MVP LaDainian Tomlinson had 187 total yards and a pair of touchdowns for the Chargers, who have still not won a playoff game since 1994. Rivers ended 14-of-32 for 230 yards and an interception in his first postseason contest. (Copyright 2005 by The Sports Network)